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Kansas City Chiefs: CB Quinten Rollins a Prime Second-Round Target

By Dan Schmelzer

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While they struggled against the run, the Kansas City Chiefs had an outstanding pass defense in 2014. In fact, they trailed only the Seattle Seahawks by allowing a miniscule 203.3 pass yards per game last season.

Outside rushers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali led a fierce pass rush for the Chiefs last season, and breakout cornerback Sean Smith led an underrated secondary which allowed the Chiefs to have so much success against the pass.

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It may seem odd, but despite their obvious success against opposing passing games in 2014, cornerback is one of the team’s biggest needs entering the 2015 NFL Draft.

After replacing Marcus Cooper with Phillip Gaines in the starting lineup, the Chiefs got nice production out of the cornerback position. A combination of Smith and Gaines proved to be a very good cornerback duo for the team. That being said, it is fair to wonder whether their elite-level pass rush (46 sacks last season, fifth highest total in the NFL) helped hide some holes in the secondary.

Now, Smith is entering the season facing a possible suspension. He recently received two-years of probation for a DUI arrest from last June. Smith has yet to receive punishment from the NFL, but it is expected for him to be hit with at least a two-game suspension for the start of the 2015 season.

Sep 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA;Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (21) cant make the interception off the Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) (not pictured) pass at Sun Life Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Dolphins 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Without Smith; Gaines and Jamell Fleming would probably step in as the two starting cornerbacks. Cooper would likely see some time as well, but after getting benched last season, it is tough to see the coaching staff having much faith in him.

Having another talented cornerback option on the roster would be highly beneficial for the Chiefs in the early going, as they should expect to be without Smith. On top of that, both Smith and Fleming are set to become free agents after the 2015 seasons. While pass defense was a strength in 2014, it could quickly become an issue if the Chiefs ignore the cornerback position in this draft.

The way I see it, cornerback (along with offensive line and wide receiver) is one of three major positions of need on the Chiefs’ roster. While they do not necessarily have to take one in the first round, finding a talented player at the position is a must for the team early in the 2015 draft.

Obviously, finding correct value must be taken in to account as well. Quinten Rollins is a cornerback prospect who could be available for the Chiefs in the second round, and would bring tremendous value to their pick.

At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Rollins has ideal size and length for the cornerback position. He also has very good speed, quickness and pure athleticism to go along with incredible toughness. Talent-wise, Rollins has everything that you look for in a cornerback prospect.

Rollins entered college as a premier recruit in both football and basketball. He committed to Miami of Ohio to play basketball, thinking he put his gridiron days behind him.

He was a four-year starting point guard for the Redhawks’ basketball team, where he was a captain of the team for two years. Rollins was a tenacious defender on the basketball court, but with little chance of a professional basketball career, Rollins decided to give football another go during his senior season.

Rollins was given an opportunity to try-out for the team in spring practice. While he hadn’t played football since high school, and was clearly behind everybody, Rollins made the team. He showed a ton of promise as he worked his way up the depth chart, and earned himself a starting spot at cornerback to start the season.

He not only hadn’t played since high school, Rollins was primarily an offensive player when he did play. He had zero experience at the cornerback position when he took the field for the Redhawks last fall.

Despite his inexperience, Rollins’ raw tools and athleticism allowed him to be great on the field. He finished the season with 72 tackles, 16 passes defended and a conference-leading seven interceptions. Rollins showed a natural ability to be a dynamic cover corner, and was even named MAC Defensive Player of the Year, an incredible honor for a guy who had never played defense in his life.

While Rollins has all of the raw skills, and performed at a very high level last season, there are obviously some concerns with his game.

For one, his technique could really use some work. Rollins is a very raw player who does not always look natural while backpedaling and making other moves that a defensive back must make.

His route recognition skills are also lacking. There were times when opposing receivers could fool Rollins in coverage. His physical skills made up for this in college, but that cannot be expected to be the case in the NFL.

Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) is tackled by Miami (Oh) Redhawks defensive back Quinten Rollins (2) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Rollins definitely needs to clean up his game when he reaches the NFL level. However, with only one year of college football experience, that is to be expected. If he can improve technically and learn NFL route concepts, Rollins will have no problem making the adjustment to the pros.

He has all of the physical tools to be a star defender, and while he is a very raw prospect; with such limited defensive football experience, it is very fair to expect him to get much better at the next level.

The Chiefs have a need at the cornerback position. If Smith is suspended, Rollins has the raw ability to at least help the Chiefs get by in that time. His toughness, speed and athleticism also makes him a potentially dynamic special team player.

More than anything, Rollins has the upside to be a lock down defender. If Smith leaves next off season via free agency, the Chiefs would be much better off having a potential star at the position in waiting. Rollins is one of the few in this draft class who has that kind of potential.

Next: Is WR Breshad Perriman a Fit for Chiefs?

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