Further bolstering a position of strength, the Kansas City Chiefs have selected cornerback Jalil Brown from the University of Colorado as their fourth round choice and fifth overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. While the Chiefs already invested heavily in defensive backs just last year, the reality is that today’s NFL is a pass-happy league that requires depth at both corner and safety.
Last year, the Chiefs selected Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis as safeties along with blitzing cornerback/return man Javier Arenas. All three played important roles this season in the Chiefs surprise division winning season, so adding to the core might seem counter-intuitive. Yet incumbent Brandon Carr isn’t guaranteed to return as a free agent, so the Chiefs must plan accordingly.
Even more important, Brown is known as a good tackler, a key quality when playing special teams. Last year, he had 46 tackles and three interceptions and Scouts, Inc. praise his hands and his tough tackling nature. He’s also received awards for community service and for his efforts in the weight room, showcasing an overall winning personality that didn’t hurt his cause.
In the end, fans should expect Brown to immediately contribute to coverage teams while also seeing the field in passing situations where he should not embarrass himself. In terms of impact on the roster, this might spell the end of the line for Donald Washington.