Kansas City Chiefs: Setting 2018 rookie expectations
By Kyle Hull
![1 January 2016; Ole Miss Rebels v Oklahoma State Cowboys; Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman Breeland Speaks (9) during a game in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) 1 January 2016; Ole Miss Rebels v Oklahoma State Cowboys; Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman Breeland Speaks (9) during a game in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3fdfde7eb41d4dc2d1c57881b6dd0303dfd37ae2a950748a27b651f6f5f67507.jpg)
Armani Watts, Safety, Texas A&M
One of the weaker positions for the defense of the Kansas City Chiefs is safety. With the injury to Eric Berry last season, the Chiefs looked for Ron Parker to fill the void. As you might have already guessed, that did not work out, even slightly.
So, what about Daniel Sorensen? Is he someone who could help out the aging Berry? What about the 2017 sixth round draft pick in Leon McQuay III? Ummm, how about the free agent singing in Robert Golden, does he have what it takes?
As many of those questions have no confident answer, Veach went ahead and added someone with reasonable potential. The fourth-round steal in the 2018 NFL Draft Armani Watts seems to be the most reasonable answer here.
Studying Watt’s game is exciting. Simply put, Watts is a risk taker. He has a nose for the ball, with top-notch ball-tracking skills. Not only does he cover well, but lucky enough, Watts loves to lay the wood on ball carriers.
More from Kansas City Chiefs
- How to Bet on the Chiefs vs. Cardinals in NFL Preseason Week 2
- The 3 Most Intriguing Games on the Chiefs’ Schedule
- DraftKings + FanDuel Kansas Promos: INSTANT $150 Bonus Plus Two Chances to Win!
- Fan-Favorite Locks Up Chiefs Roster Spot With Stellar Preseason Performance
- DraftKings NFL Kansas Promo: Bet $5 on Chiefs vs. Saints, Win $150 Bonus!
After spending four years at Texas A&M, as a four-year starter, Watts’ transition into the NFL most likely will be easier than most. So, to project his short-term expectations, I have Watts as a reliable contributor on defense, with occasional, if not, frequent starts.
Speaking about long-term expectations, if it all pans out, Watts will be a no-brainer as a starting safety for the Kansas City Chiefs.
I, as well as many others, have high hopes for Watts. Hopes that he is the solution at the safety position aside from Berry. Only time will tell on how Watts will end up, but I am fairly certain Veach hauled in a long-time starter for the franchise, in the fourth round.