2018 NFL Mock Draft: KC Chiefs attempt to replace Marcus Peters

ROUND 2: PICK 22 (54TH OVERALL) – JAIRE ALEXANDER, CB (LOUISVILLE)

Well, here we are, Chiefs fans… After having an All-Pro corner for three seasons and then deciding to trade him away, the team is pretty much forced into adding another cornerback early on. They do just that with Jaire Alexander as their first selection in the 2018 NFL Mock Draft.

Alexander possesses many attributes that NFL teams covet in corners. He’s fast, physical, and has tremendous ball awareness. Alexander totaled 77 tackles, 15 defended passes, and seven interceptions during his three years at Louisville. Five of those seven picks came during his sophomore season in 2016.

It’s also worth noting that this is a guy who had a lot of success as a punt returner in college. He returned one return for a touchdown as a sophomore and had over 200 yards in the return game as a freshman in 2015.

Alexander is just a junior, but opted to forego his senior season and enter the draft early despite missing several games last year due to injury. The injuries could be what knocks Alexander back to the second round, as he only appeared in six games.

"Eyes stay on quarterback when he’s able. Aware and instinctive. Spots traffic from zone and squeezes passing lanes. Carries playmaking traits. Quick response time when quarterback begins release. — Some of Jaire Alexander’s strengths, NFL.com’s Draft Tracker"

Yes, the Chiefs have other options at corner with Peters gone, but I’d feel much better about the future of their secondary if they went after a defensive back early on. Jaire Alexander falling to them in round two would be a great scenario.