Up and Coming Chiefs' Players Expected to Make an Impact

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, they have several players from previous draft classes who are set to make an impact.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner (27) walks on the field before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a critical NFL Draft, as they have more than a few needs that must be addressed. While the Chiefs look forward to the upcoming draft, they have players they recently drafted ready to make a name for themselves.

Brandon Austin from Pro Football Network recently analyzed which players entering their second and third seasons will impact their teams the most. Austin believes
Chamarri Conner will be the Chiefs' best draft pick from the 2023 draft class.

"Chamarri Conner has shown tremendous improvement since he first arrived in Kansas City. He appeared in all 17 regular-season games as a rookie, recording 36 tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup. Conner turned things up a notch in 2024, finishing with 77 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, and four pass breakups," Austin said.

"Since entering the NFL, Conner has been strong against the run. He recorded a defensive stop on 12% of his run defense snaps last season (including playoffs), the highest rate among all defensive backs with at least 100 run defense snaps. He does have strides to make in pass coverage, as he allowed a 78.9% completion rate. Still, Conner has gotten better every season, and his development has been key to the success of the Chiefs’ defense."

Austin predicted safety Jaden Hicks to have the most significant impact of the Chiefs' 2024 draft haul. The departure of veteran safety Justin Reid will give Hicks more chances to shine.

"Safety Justin Reid had been a staple of the Chiefs’ defense since he joined the team in 2022, but he’s gone after signing with the Saints in free agency. Jaden Hicks may be up to the task of taking over the strong safety spot. The former Washington State standout exceeded expectations in Year 1," Austin said.

"Hicks appeared in 20 games last season, including the playoffs. He recorded 42 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups. He was targeted 14 times in the regular season, allowing a passer rating of 79.5. Hicks consistently got better as the season progressed, and playing behind and learning from Reid certainly helped. Now it’ll be Hicks’ show, and he’s already earned the trust of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo."

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