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Kansas City Chiefs: Five most surprising players in 2018 season

By Amber Dieringer

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) prepares to rush in the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game game between the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs on January 12, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) prepares to rush in the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game game between the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs on January 12, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 13: Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) makes a diving interception in front of Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) during the NFL AFC West game on December 13, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Now that there’s been a week to process the Kansas City Chiefs crushing AFC Championship loss, it’s time to look back at the 2018 season and look ahead to the 2019 season.

The Kansas City Chiefs had many pleasantly surprising players this season that could certainly be a strong asset to the roster next season. Who were the most surprising players to the Chiefs in their run to the AFC Championship Game? Let’s take a look.

MOST SURPRISING CHIEFS IN 2018 – NUMBER 5: STEVEN NELSON

Steven Nelson quietly had a great breakout season as he recorded 549 snaps in coverage (as noted by Pro Football Focus) —leading any other defender in the NFL by far. Over the course of the season he put up four interceptions and 15 pass deflections.

Pro Football Focus also noted that he “allowed a completion percentage of just 50% (fifth-best among cornerbacks with 25 or more targets against) and a passer rating of just 66.4 (seventh-lowest).”  They also noted that on deep balls, he allows a completion percentage of just 31.5%, which is good to lead all cornerbacks in the NFL.

Nelson’s first three seasons in the NFL were underwhelming, due to injuries and being stuck in the shadow of All-Pro CB Marcus Peters until this season.

Arrowhead Addict also took notice of this recent surge in Nelson’s play, writing on how he seems to have settled into his role at the boundary position:

"“Playing in a boundary role helps Nelson’s style of play using that boundary as another defender considering he tends to play more aggressively.”"

Steven Nelson was the fifth most surprising member of the Chiefs this season.

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