ST. JOSEPH, Missouri — Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo doesn’t know the answer yet — and in some ways, that’s the fun part.
The only real position battle in Kansas City Chiefs training camp – and no, it’s not the left tackle – is for the job of second cornerback, the player across from All-Pro Trent McDuffie.
At the start of training camp, Joshua Williams, a third-year veteran, seemed to have the lead. Then Nazeeh Johnson, another third-year player, tried to get some effort before suffering a minor setback due to a hamstring strain. Kelvin Joseph, a fourth-year veteran, began first-team practice before suffering a hamstring strain. Entering the competition this week is Jaylen Watson, a third-year player who has returned to the practice courts after recovering from a shoulder injury.
However, the countdown to the Chiefs’ season opener has begun. Saturday’s season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars should be the first opportunity for one of the four Chiefs players – Williams, Johnson, Joseph or Watson – to gain a sizable lead in the lineup.
“The mental aspect (is evaluated) first,” Spagnuolo said after practice Tuesday. “You need that guy who is as productive as (McDuffie). We’re trying to find the guys who know what they’re doing and can make an impact. We’ve got some guys who can work there. We just have to figure out which one comes out.”
If Saturday’s starting lineup is the same as Tuesday’s, Watson, the player who was one of the expected starters during the long team drive period, will get the first opportunity to showcase his skills.
Watson’s best coverage rep came in the one-on-one drill, when he jumped an out route from receiver Nikko Remigio to intercept the pass near the sideline. In the same drill, Watson also made an equally impressive jump pass defense on a long pass intended for receiver Marquise Brown. In 16 games last season, Watson recorded 30 tackles, six pass defenses and two sacks.
On Tuesday, Williams was added as the Chiefs’ third cornerback at nickelback, giving McDuffie the opportunity to move to the nickelback position. In the last two practices, Williams has showcased his quickness and 6-foot-3 length, intercepting several passes.
“I want (the job) and I want to do whatever it takes to get it and continue to be competitive,” Williams said last month. “I want to be consistent. There are a lot of things I do well one game that may not work the next game, maybe I just lack the discipline or the focus. I want to be as good as I can be on every single snap.”
“Playing 60 snaps instead of 20 is more challenging and you have to be more consistent. I’m ready and willing to adapt.”
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GO FORWARD
The competition between the Chiefs’ cornerbacks – the only position battle in camp
