KC Chiefs: Bashaud Breeland could be more important than Chris Jones

While exploring offseason choices the KC Chiefs face, could Bashaud Breeland be more important to bring back than Chris Jones? Let’s take a look at why it could be possible.

With an offseason where very little news is getting out, let’s take a look at a scenario that a few weeks ago we didn’t view as all that likely and that’s the return of cornerback Bashaud Breeland. At the end of March, Breeland remains on the market, and the Kansas City Chiefs need to be asking themselves a question and at least having a discussion about a very specific idea.

At this point, should the Chiefs prioritize Bashaud Breeland over Chris Jones? Probably not, but let’s explore a few ideas why it may be something to talk about.

One of the strategies the Chiefs have employed first under John Dorsey and now with Brett Veach is to enter the week of the NFL Draft basically able to take the field with the team they have at current.

Obviously things can, will, and have a want to change, but by entering the draft without glaring decencies, it can go a long way in eliminating position reaches. It doesn’t eliminate them, but if you don’t have to draft a specific position out of necessity, it makes it much easier to select best player, increasing the likelihood that pick has success.

Let’s start with this simple disclaimer: Chris Jones is a better player than Bashaud Breeland. That’s evident in the Chiefs having franchised Jones and no one has signing Breeland yet. I’m not arguing that point. The point of the discussion is the depth of the two position groups and the ability of the defensive unit to be productive.

Currently, the Chiefs cornerback positional depth doesn’t really exist. There is Charvarius Ward and Rashad Fenton while Alex Brown has little experience and Antonio Hamilton has been added for depth and special teams and then there is….. That’s the point. There really isn’t anything there.

If the draft were held today, based on the Chiefs current roster setup, they would be forced to select a cornerback early – maybe even multiple cornerbacks – and ignoring better players due to a massive roster hole.

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For the concerns and issues at the most important position on defense, something must be done.

The defensive line however does have some depth:

• Mike Pennel has been retained.
• Starters would be youngsters Derrick Nnadi and Khalen Saunders.
• Tanoh Kpassagnon and Breeland Speaks are versatile depth lineman able to help at multiple spots.

Another body is wanted to be added, but the Chiefs could enter the season with these five interior linemen, as there is versatility and experience in that group.

Cornerback, in general, is the most important position on the defense and my best piece of evidence is the 2018 and 2019 Kansas City Chiefs. Two years ago, the Chiefs were great getting after the quarterback, but couldn’t get stops and had a bad defense that ultimately led to their demise.

Last season with better corners, but a worse overall pass rush, the KC Chiefs defense helped the team win the Super Bowl. Pass rushing is great at making splash plays, but pass coverage can more consistently impact the game.

If the Chiefs are able to retain Breeland – despite lacking in star power – the cornerback room suddenly appears much better. Breeland and Ward are capable players with good size and an ability to tackle. Fenton had moments last season and there is hope he can develop into more.

While the Chiefs certainly would still look to add to the group, they wouldn’t HAVE TO. If one of the big names or a name they really like is on the board, they can get him. A team can never have too many cover corners.

Losing Jones would hurt obviously, but with Alex Okafor at defensive end and Breeland Speaks at depth inside, the Chiefs have the bodies to absorb the loss of Jones. Throw in an offense that is still going to be strong and capable of scoring points at will and the Chiefs defense will need to have an ability to cover the receiver this season and the upcoming next seasons.

It would be a bummer to lose Chris Jones, but Bashaud Breeland coming back means that cornerback isn’t a position the Chiefs necessarily have to address in the draft.