Kansas City Chiefs Find Another Diamond-In-the-Rough For Defensive Secondary

The Kansas City Chiefs have a history of developing defensive backs after drafting them in the mid- to late-rounds. L’Jarius Sneed, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson and Chamarri Conner were chosen in the previous four classes (not including first-rounder Trent McDuffie). All of them were drafted in the fourth round or later.

Safety Jaden Hicks, whom the Chiefs also selected in this year’s fourth round, appears to be next in line.

Hicks covers a lot of field, especially when he’s playing his downhill angles. Yet the 6’2″, 211-pound defender is capable of playing all over at either safety spot, in the alley or covering the slot receiver.

“I liked what I saw,” head coach Andy Reid said after Hicks’ first preseason performance. “He’s big, and he’s fast.”

This year’s 133rd overall pick added another tackle for loss and defended pass against the Chicago Bears. Justin Reid and Bryan Cook are experienced starting safeties. Hicks has the potential to play in big nickel packages, while also contributing on special teams.

His play during preseason also portends another potential secondary steal for a Chiefs front office that knows how to evaluate the position as well as anyone.

Second-Year Option Secures WR4 Role for Chicago Bears

The Bears are now loaded at wide receiver and look poised to have an explosive passing attack this fall. The previous statement may sound weird considering the Bears’ long history of futility at the quarterback position, but it’s 100 percent true.

With Caleb Williams settled as the face of the franchise, the Bears did right by him this offseason and added significant skill talent, with the acquisitions of Keenan Allen and this year’s ninth overall pick, Rome Odunze, to join D.J. Moore.

Tyler Scott certainly looked the part Thursday against the Chiefs.

Scott caught four passes for 64 yards. His ability to threaten defenses as a vertical threat served as his calling card throughout the predraft process. Scott didn’t quite add that element a year ago, with 17 catches for 168 yards as a rookie.

The Bears sat their starters during the final preseason contest. But Scott showed off his skill set.

The rookie has a real opportunity to grow with the current crop of talented wide receivers found on Chicago’s roster and benefit from Williams now pulling the trigger.