Surprising Chiefs Player Taking Over Vacant Role

2023 fourth-round pick Chamarri Conner became an important part of the Chiefs' defense during his rookie campaign, showcasing his versatility at both safety and as a cover man.

Kansas City needs him to step up with L'Jarius Sneed now gone, and how the Chiefs replace their former star corner will go a long way in determining the defense's ultimate ceiling.

According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, it looks like Conner is in line to start at nickel. With Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, and Nazeeh Johnson all in the mix too alongside Trent McDuffie, Conner seems to have separated himself early in OTAs.

Chamarri Conner 'Projected Starter' at Nickel

Conner is a talented player who earned the coaching staff's trust, routinely making big plays in the playoffs including a blocked kick in the Super Bowl on special teams.

As Taylor writes, "Based on Wednesday's practice, Conner appears to be the projected starter at nickel. And if/when McDuffie slides into the nickel for a specific matchup, Conner could move to one of the safety spots or serve as a one-on-one matchup against the opponent's tight end."

Chiefs CB coach Dave Merritt said Conner was the first rookie he'd ever coached that played four positions and that versatility gives him a major edge. Steve Spagnuolo loves to disguise coverages and having someone who can line up anywhere in the secondary gives him more options calling plays.

Conner finished the season with 36 tackles and an interception, adding another 16 tackles and the blocked kick in the playoffs. He's a player who could quickly become a favorite among Chiefs Kingdom and I can't wait to see what he can do in his second year with the team.

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