Chiefs finding more than one way to use rookie DB Chamarri Conner
When it comes to finding defensive talent, specifically defensive backs, late in the draft, the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the best. One could even say they are the best, especially after what they did last season and potentially this season.Last year, they took three cornerbacks on day three of the draft, and all […]
When it comes to finding defensive talent, specifically defensive backs, late in the draft, the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the best. One could even say they are the best, especially after what they did last season and potentially this season.
Last year, they took three cornerbacks on day three of the draft, and all were very valuable pieces. Nazeeh Johnson, their very last pick, was a special teams ace, while Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson made huge plays all season en route to a Super Bowl win.
In this last draft, the Chiefs took a similar approach by drafting Chamarri Conner in the fourth round and Nic Jones in the seventh round. The Chiefs are looking to have some success with their defensive back rookies and are already using one of them in a variety of ways.
Chiefs love what they see in Chamarri Conner, especially the versatility
While L'Jarius Sneed has been out with his knee injury and Nic Jones with a finger injury, it has opened more opportunities for other defensive backs. Now, Conner has been playing different roles other than the safety position.
"We're kind of force-feeding him a lot of things," defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo told reporters. "You've probably noticed he's in a lot of spots there; he's kind of earned it and deserved it the way he's played in training camp. I think the veterans have some confidence in him.
"We'll see how he progresses (we're) trying to get some other guys healthy, and back then, we'll see where all the moving parts go. For now – listen, he's played safety, played some nickel, played some dime, and that's good to see from a young guy."
We heard about the versatility when Conner was drafted, but now we have seen it. In just the preseason, Conner has played 21 snaps at free safety, 34 snaps in the slot, and just one at corner on the outside, per Pro Football Focus.
That's not even the half of it. When Spagnuolo called Conner on draft night, he told him, "We're going to blitz you. You're going to do everything." Conner has blitzed as a pass rusher nine times in two preseason games.
Conner is already like a Swiss army knife, and we are just waiting to see how else the Chiefs will use him. Now, let's see what they do in preseason Week 3.
Chiefs: Taking Virginia Tech DB Chamarri Connor makes too much sense
The Kansas City Chiefs are just getting ready for something that could happen in the near future.
Featured Image Via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
