KC Chiefs: Grading 2015 NFL Draft Class

KC Chiefs: Grading The 2015 NFL Draft Class

Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) intercepts a pass against Houston Texans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) during the in the second quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) – Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Round Three: Steven Nelson

Grade: C-

I couldn’t justify giving Nelson an ‘F’ just yet. To earn an ‘F’ he has to have a chance to blow coverage. To do that he has to actually see the field.

Nelson also has the unfortunate disadvantage of being graded in the same class as fellow corner back Marcus Peters. Everyone who passed on Peters is probably kicking themselves at this point.

Everyone who passed on Peters is probably kicking themselves at this point.

Had the Chiefs taken Nelson instead of Peters he would have been an absolute ‘F’.

The Chiefs may have been planning for the future in picking Nelson. With Sean Smith set to leave via free agency, the young defensive back may soon by thrust into a starting role.

His draft profile, which can be found here, seems to indicate that he may be better in a nickle back type role or even be a candidate to convert to safety. He doesn’t seem to have the tools to defend the deep pass, but his physicality will play well on short passes and plays that are in front of him.

It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs use Nelson in 2016. If they retain Sean Smith, it may be a sign that he’s not ready.

Next: The Next DJ's?

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