KC Chiefs: Three x-factors on defense headed into 2020

Defensive X-Factors for KC Chiefs – Number 1: L’Jarius Sneed

The majority of Chiefs fans were likely expecting the Chiefs to draft a cornerback much earlier than the fourth round. With the greatest team need seemingly in the secondary, it was a bit odd that they passed over some pretty decent players at the position.

Fortunately, Steve Spagnuolo seems to be able to put a not-so-deep cornerback group together well enough to win a championship. That might be why they elected not to use early picks at the position.

When the fourth round came, though, they did pick a cornerback in LA Tech’s L’Jarius Sneed.

Sneed was a good pick at that point for three reasons – speed, versatility, and big-play ability. With a 4.37 second forty yard dash time, Sneed has the speed to keep up with about any receiver in the league. That will be important as the Chiefs will soon be seeing two speedy rookie receivers in the AFC West in the Raiders’ Henry Ruggs and the Broncos’ KJ Hamler.

With those teams looking to add offensive speed to keep up with the Chiefs’ offensive arsenal, the Chiefs will have to in turn have speedy defenders ready for that. Thankfully, Sneed fits that bill.

Since he also played both cornerback and safety in college, that makes him a valuable asset to Spagnuolo’s system. Moving him around a bit in the defense will likely help Sneed continue being the ballhawk that he is.

With eight interceptions and three pick-sixes over four seasons, Sneed definitely knows how to make plays that can change the game. It wouldn’t be too surprising to see him on the field sooner than later.

With a thinner group at the position and Bashaud Breeland likely missing some games, the door is wide open for the rookie to get on the field. And this might just provide the perfect opportunity for Sneed to become an x-factor in 2020.