Kansas City Chiefs: Who is new Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill?

The Kansas City Chiefs used a second round pick to add versatile Virginia defensive back Juan Thornhill. Where does he excel? Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch answers some questions about Thornhill.

One of the most athletic defensive backs in the entire 2019 NFL Draft is Kansas City Chiefs second round pick Juan Thornhill of Virginia.

After playing both safety and corner while a Cavalier, it will be interesting to see where the Chiefs play the versatile defender. A similar defender to a degree as newly signed Tyrann Mathieu, the Chiefs now possess two safeties with an ability to cover, stop the run, and make a play on the ball.

Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch covers Virginia football answered some questions about the newest Chiefs defender and what fans should expect.

What does Juan Thornhill do well?

Thornhill has tremendous ball skills, as evidenced by his team-high six interceptions, which tied him for second in the nation. He’s also a tremendous natural athlete. A high school basketball player, Thornhill put up great numbers at the NFL combine and impressed scouts during drill work at his pro day.

He spent his junior season playing cornerback, so he has the ability to slide down and cover wide receivers. He can fly up the field to be a physical part of run defense.

Where does Thornhill most need to improve?

Virginia asked Thornhill to take over for a tackling machine in Quin Blanding this past season. He was very good but still slides off some tackles, especially when he’s coming up looking for a big hit or strip. He struggled some in coverage as a junior when he had his back to the ball.

Can Thornhill tackle?

Yes. In fact, he can be a big hitter coming up in the secondary, something he’s not afraid to do. It’s definitely the area he needs to focus and improve on, but to say he’s a poor tackler would be an overstatement. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, he has the size to take down NFL offensive players.

Would Thornhill be described as a play maker?

Absolutely. He was a high school point guard and quarterback and still has the play-making knack. Again, just look at his six interceptions. He was player that veteran teammates noticed back when he was freshman, with some even telling defensive backs coach Nick Howell to take a long look at Thornhill, when Howell was first hired before the 2016 season.

Would you describe Juan Thornhill as a leader?

I think it’s fair to see Thornhill grew into a leadership role with Virginia, the way many players do as they get older. He was a special teamer as a freshman, but became a starter as a sophomore in the defensive backfield. By his junior year, he was one of the more experienced players on the roster. Teammates followed his lead and his work ethic.

How would you best describe his play?

Thornhill has good range and the ability to quickly diagnosis what the offense is doing and, in turn, get to the ball. He’s an instinctive playmaker with the physical tools to back it up.

How would you describe Thornhill as a person?

Juan is a great blend of confident and humble. He came from a small school that played in the smallest classification in Virginia. He won state titles in basketball and football, but people seemed to discount his accomplishments. It didn’t take long for him to win them over at UVA, with his play and his personality.

I wouldn’t describe him as playing with a chip on his shoulder. More like, he played enjoying the fact that he was proving many people wrong with his success.

My Thoughts:

I’m curious what the Chiefs plan is with Juan Thornhill. Perhaps no position group has improved more than the safety position this year to last, however, they still have major questions about who is going to play corner.

With his athleticism, will Thornhill be initially asked to play corner? For reference, Dale Carter was a safety at Tennessee and William Bartee was a safety at Oklahoma. Carter transitioned to corner, Bartee did not.

If the Chiefs plan to use Thornhill at safety, perhaps they plan a more 4-2-5 defensive alignment with two linebackers and using three safeties along with the traditional two corners. Thornhill and Mathieu are both capable of blitzing off the edge, supporting in the rush while athletic enough to cover receivers. Instead of taking a linebacker off the field for a third corner, maybe the Chiefs intend on using the three safeties.

Thornhill is a really good athlete and a versatile defender. In one year, the Kansas City Chiefs defense is significantly faster and younger. Thornhill fits that mold and could be something special if the Chiefs are able to utilize him correctly.