Kansas City Chiefs: Way Too Early Look At 2019 Cornerback Depth

The Kansas City Chiefs have a lack of depth at the cornerback position going into 2019. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Justin Coleman should be looked at.

After the 2018 season, Kansas City Chiefs starting cornerbacks Steve Nelson and third corner Orlando Scandrick are free agents and Kendall Fuller is a free agent after the 2019 season. Regardless of what the Chiefs do with Nelson or Scandrick, the Chiefs will need to address depth at the position after this season, likely both in free agency and you would think the draft. Why does Coleman fit what the Chiefs need?

Undrafted coming out of Tennessee in 2015, Justin Coleman spent his first two seasons in New England before a trade sent him to Seattle. In his second year in Seattle, Coleman has started a total of five games with the Seahawks since the start of the 2017 season and has seen extensive playing time both on defense and on special teams.

First off, Coleman is young. Only in his fourth season, Coleman turns 26 next March and is likely headed towards what you would hope would be his best seasons. The Chiefs are making an effort to be young for the most part, and Coleman is a player you hope still has some growth and development.

More from Kansas City Chiefs

Secondly, Coleman likely isn’t overly expensive. Obviously, in free agency, you have to overpay and Coleman can play, so he won’t be super cheap, but the Chiefs likely will have to avoid massive guaranteed contracts this offseason.

After spending like drunken sailors this past offseason on Sammy Watkins and Anthony Hitchens and contract extensions galore coming after the 2019 season, the Chiefs will have to focus on value acquisitions and bargain shopping during the upcoming free agency period.

Very similar in size and to a degree play of Steve Nelson, Coleman certainly won’t be a star, but the quality and experienced depth would be valuable.

Next, Coleman has played well during his opportunities. Starting five games in 2017, Coleman recorded 2 interceptions and 42 tackles along with 1.5 sacks. With experience playing both cornerback and on special teams, the Seahawk corner would at a minimum provide a valuable backup piece and special teams contributor.

Pro Football Focus grades Coleman out thus far with a performance grade of 66.0 (They rank as above average) so he’s been solid but is certainly not spectacular. For comparison, Steven Nelson graded out at 55.4 and Kendall Fuller has graded out at 60.7. While Coleman certainly doesn’t replace the turnover production of Marcus Peters, Coleman is a solid option to play with Fuller and possibly Nelson or whoever is in that top three.

Seattle has to figure out their quarterback this offseason as Russell Wilson is approaching free agency, the defensive stars of years past are all gone (or likely leaving soon) and they still are unable to block for anyone.

Could a player like Coleman find his way to free agency? It’s certainly possible. While Coleman likely isn’t a star, elite type cover corner fans may want, he is likely an up and coming option this offseason.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs