Kansas City Chiefs: DeAndre Baker set for breakthrough season

It’s starting to look like DeAndre Baker is set to have a breakout season for the Kansas City Chiefs.

DeAndre Baker’s career has been anything but easy so far. He was selected late in the 1st round in 2019 by the New York Giants. It seemed like Baker was on the fast track to NFL success, but that faded quickly.

In May of 2020, DeAndre Baker was arrested on allegations of being involved in an armed robbery in Florida and less than a year after he was drafted, the Giants released DeAndre Baker.

All charges against Baker were eventually dropped but, at the age of 22, his NFL career was largely in question. In the past, the Chiefs have been known for giving troubled players a second chance. That, in large part, is due to head coach Andy Reid.

For better or worse, the Kansas City Chiefs gave Baker another chance.

Although, yet again Baker’s season ended in disappointment. In Week 17, he broke his femur in a gruesome non-contact injury.

Kansas City Chiefs: Make sure to keep an eye on DeAndre Baker this season

Now in 2021, Baker looks to compete for the starting cornerback job opposite L’Jarius Sneed. Even early on this offseason, the talented defensive back has stood out for the Kansas City Chiefs. During Chiefs’ training camp, he’s been running with the first-team defense while impressing in the drills.

Showcasing the physicality and athleticism he had before he got injured last year.

However, Baker really shined against the San Francisco 49ers in the Chiefs’ first preseason game. Baker was flying around the field, breaking up passes, and making big-time tackles. The 49ers offense targeted Baker six times and all six passes went incomplete.

It’s very clear that Baker still has the talent and potential that led to him being drafted in the first round.

Heading into the 2021 NFL season, expectations for Baker are high. Many Chiefs fans are hoping for Baker to live up to the spot in which he was drafted.

I’m personally a big believer in Baker. I believe he will be the Chiefs’ No. 2 cornerback this season. He’s got all the tools and potential to succeed in this league. By no means will it be easy, but Baker continues to find ways to persevere.