The Kansas City Chiefs selected Louisiana Tech DB L’Jarius Sneed with their fourth-round selection. Kansas City has found success taking late draft picks in the secondary and coaching them up to be contributors on the defense, so he could be next to follow that narrative.
Here are three things that you should know about the Chiefs newest defensive back:
He brings speed to the Chiefs secondary
It’s clear the Chiefs are making speed a priority for the defense in this draft since they got speedy linebacker, Willie Gay Jr., on day two. Sneed ran a 4.37 40-yard dash, fourth among all prospects in the NFL combine. He has the potential to keep up with some of the fastest guys in the league which is a priority as the rest of the AFC West has focused on speed offensively this offseason. His speed could also be used for special teams as Dave Toub often likes to try speedsters out as kick returners and gunners.
Two-position experience
Sneed brings flexibility into the Chiefs secondary having reps at both corner and safety for Louisiana Tech. He did have more success as a cornerback before transitioning to safety his senior season, but he still has the experience if Steve Spagnuolo wanted to play him there. Sneed’s role could be comparable to Kendall Fuller playing corner and safety for Kansas City along with the speed to cover quicker and shiftier receivers from the slot.
He was a playmaker in college
Teams can never have enough playmakers, especially in the secondary. Sneed was able to get eight interceptions in four years with the Bulldogs. He returned three of those interceptions for touchdowns, while also getting 19 pass deflections to cap off a productive collegiate career. If he can get on the field in Kansas City, it will be due to his big-play ability.
