3. Chamarri Conner - DB
The rookie fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech has taken on a larger role after Bryan Cook's season-ending ankle injury, and he's looked fantastic in key moments down the stretch.
Brock Purdy led the NFL in air yards this year, meaning he likes to throw it deep after the defense sells out to stop the run. Kyle Shanahan's vertical passing game will test guys like Conner, and he's got an opportunity to step up as a rookie just like Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson did last year.
Lol Spagz wasn't kidding about his Chamarri Conner usage... Going to have fun with this chess piece!
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) August 14, 2023
3rd & 11
3rd & 2
3rd & 17
Blitz. Blitz. Blitz. pic.twitter.com/lDKyMhzAFF
Conner's agility and size allow Steve Spagnuolo to deploy him in a variety of ways, showcased best in his stellar performance in the AFC Divisional Round.
Against the Bills, Conner wracked up 10 tackles and a forced fumble, grading as one of the Chiefs' best defenders in the win. If he can resemble anything close to that taking on another excellent offense, Kansas City will succeed in slowing San Francisco down.
We saw him have eight tackles in Week 18 when playing a heavier dose of snaps. He's playing with confidence and physicality, two qualities that will endear him forever to the Chiefs fanbase if he helps close out another Super Bowl victory.
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