L’Jarius Sneed Continues to Shine for the Kansas City Chiefs

In 2019 the Kansas City Chiefs were coming off of a 31-20 Super Bowl victory against the San Francisco 49ers. Of course, heading into the offseason was an extraordinary feeling for Chiefs Kingdom.  The NFL draft seemed to arrive quickly and the preparation for 2020 began. Kansas City would be selecting 32nd to which they selected Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a running back from LSU. One of the most impactful selections was taken in the 4th round with pick No. 138.  A 6-0 ft., 189lb corner from Louisiana Tech named L’Jarius Sneed was selected.

Rookie Sneed Creates Attention in 2020

L’Jarius Sneed performed at a level that caught not only the attention of Kansas City fans but also the players in the NFL. Sneed would play in nine games, starting in six of those games. Unfortunately, he would break his collar bone and be placed on IR in October. If not for the injury his stats could have been even more impressive. He would be designated to return from IR on November 1st, 2020.

He was targeted 52 times with 31 being completed for a 59.6% completion rate. Sneed would surrender 250 yards only allowing one touchdown. He intercepted the football three times and deflected the football seven times. As a defensive back, he would combine for 41 tackles, two sacks, and two tackles-for-loss. For many fans, this was the steal of the draft.

Sneed Playing like a No. 1 Corner in 2021?

L’Jarius Sneed had high expectations heading into 2021. He has played in nine games and started all nine. Sneed has been targeted 43 times and the opposing wideouts have caught 29 for a completion percentage of 67.4%. He has allowed 345 yards for an average of 11.9 yards per completion and has allowed 3 touchdowns. Anyone reading this will say these stats are worse than last year. Yes, they are but in the same breath, Sneed is covering most opposing teams’ No.1 wide receiver.

So far in 2021, the Chiefs have played six teams in the playoff hunt. In the most recent game against the Green Bay Packers, L’Jarius Sneed was guarding one of the most elite receivers in the NFL in Davante Adams.  According to Pro Football Focus KC Chiefs, Sneed posted an 87.9 coverage grade (3rd among CBs in Week 9).  He has an 82.8 PFF Grade (5th) and a 28.2 passer rating allowed (4th). He continues to improve every game and every repetition.

According to head coach Andy Reid, “Sneed had probably his best game as a young player coming in here as a Chief,” he had a big pass breakup down toward the end zone, a big interception going in there.”

L’Jarius Sneed has the remainder of 2021 to not only grow within the defense but continue to evolve. He is continuously showing fans why he is an NFL corner. Chiefs fans are happy he is in Kansas City.