Recent Chiefs Draft Pick Just Stole Veteran's Job Ahead of Week 5

How the Chiefs' cornerback room would look following the departure of L'Jarius Sneed was one of the biggest storylines entering the team.

The dust has begun to settle and in a surprising turn of events, third-year veteran Joshua Williams has seemingly been benched. He didn't play a single defensive snap in Weeks 3 and 4 after playing just six in Week 2. After looking like a potential starter during the summer, Williams has fallen out of favor.

Jaylen Watson has emerged as the clear No. 2 option, with Chamarri Conner and Nazeeh Johnson handling roles as well.

Chiefs CB Joshua Williams Seemingly Fell Out of Favor

Williams' reduced role becomes more surprising when you consider his importance in the 2023 Super Bowl run. He played 43% of snaps in the title game and 54% in the Divisional Round win over the Bills, yet now can't get on the field.

While the 2022 fourth-round pick's talent is obvious, he's been hunted in coverage at times. Williams surrendered a 104.9 passer rating when targeted in his rookie campaign and this year, that number is up to 115.3.

Kansas City has one of the NFL's most dominant defenses, so it's hard to question Steve Spagnuolo's tactics. Williams is still playing 81% of special team snaps, giving him an impactful role regardless of his demotion.

Instead of Williams, it's been Conner and Johnson, who were selected in the fourth and seventh rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, that've stepped up. Brett Veach has done a masterful job identifying late-round talent in the secondary. These two are just the latest examples.

We'll see if Williams can regain a role, yet it seems he's been relegated to bench duties for now.

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