Last Thursday, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach met with members of the media in anticipation of the 2023 NFL Draft kicking off this week. Not only did Veach address his need for O-line and D-line help, but he also mentioned that he liked the cornerback group. These comments echo what he said last season before he drafted Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Joshua Williams.
Wide receivers seem to be entering the league with more speed and talent than ever before, which makes rostering reliable cornerbacks a must. Players that are capable of erasing an opponent from the offense with shutdown coverage down the field help allow the rest of the defense to thrive, as well.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach noted that the cornerback class jumps out, as does the tight end class. He believes there is Day 2 or Day 3 linebacker value.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) April 20, 2023
Whether the Chiefs are looking for the next ballhawk to compete with Watson or Williams or a rotational option, here’s a look at three corners that Kansas City needs to target when on the clock.
Jakorian Bennett, Maryland
Jakorian Bennett is a bit of an overlooked name in this draft class because of Deonte Banks, but that makes him a viable target for the Chiefs at the end of the third or fourth round. The Maryland product showed off at the NFL Combine in March, logging a 4.30 40-yard dash and 40.5-inch vertical. His results were impressive and backed up his college statistics. In three years with the Terrapins, Bennett allowed only 49.3 percent of completed passes for 900 receiving yards and four touchdowns while facing some of the best pass-catchers the ACC had to offer. He also logged five interceptions, so assuming he can figure out his penalty issues (seven drawn in 2022), Bennett could push for playing time with a strong showing in training camp this summer.
Jakorian Bennett from @TerpsFootball with the pick!
: @seniorbowl on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/7amS1mJ8Au
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 4, 2023
Eli Ricks, Alabama
The Chiefs should do whatever it takes to have Eli Ricks making plays in front of the Sea of Red. That could mean trading up a few spots or simply making sure he falls to No. 95 or 122 overall. The Alabama and LSU standout showcased his dynamic coverage skills by racking up 10 pass breakups and five interceptions across 23 career games played. He has a knack for jumping routes in his area and possesses enough speed to keep up with any receiver that lines up opposite him. One thing to keep in mind here is that Ricks might have issues due to his durability but he seems ready to start right away, which is an important factor for a Chiefs team looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2023.
Thought Alabama CB Eli Ricks played really well in his first start of the season last week vs. Mississippi State. Four pass breakups (on 10 targets).
One of his better reps of the night. pic.twitter.com/lGTsa0lQ9a
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 25, 2022
Myles Brooks, Louisiana Tech
While Ricks has the makings of a Day 1 starter, Myles Brooks out of Louisiana Tech is much more of a project. The 22-year-old regularly uses his length to disrupt pass attempts and posted nine pass breakups to go along with three interceptions last season. However, some experts and scouts think his lack of NFL-caliber technical skills could leave him undrafted. The good news is that the Chiefs have experience bringing the best out of their players and Brooks’ raw potential alone makes him well worth the risk here. His ability to step up in rush defense or cover a receiver deep down the field would make him a perfect fit in Kansas City alongside fellow Louisiana Tech alum in L’Jarius Sneed.
PICK SIX @myles_brooks10
@LATechFB | #CUSAFB pic.twitter.com/Z8UHA2ccFp
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) October 9, 2022
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