Kansas City Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed is expected to take a bigger role in 2021 and one outlet believes he could be the most underrated player on the team.
Sneed burst onto the scene in the first few weeks of the 2020 NFL season, starting in place of suspended CB Bashaud Breeland. By the end of Week 2, the rookie Sneed led the NFL in interceptions. A clavicle injury in Week 3 forced him to miss significant time throughout the middle of the season. When he returned to action, Sneed was asked to learn an entirely different position on the fly, playing nickel corner. He met that challenge with flying colors, but his future in Kansas City will likely be on the outside.
Pro Football Focus analyst Sam Monson recently named the most underrated players for all 32 NFL teams heading into the 2021 NFL season. Sneed was his choice for Kansas City. Here’s a look at what he had to say:
“A fourth-round pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, Sneed was a real find for the Chiefs and a big reason why they were able to make it back to the Super Bowl. In a season in which rookie cornerbacks were regularly torched, Sneed allowed a passer rating of just 66.6 when targeted, including the playoffs.”
Sneed has the makings of a true No. 1 lockdown cornerback, allowing such a low passer rating as a rookie. In a 2020 NFL draft re-draft, Sneed was selected in the Top 10. As a fourth-round pick, he’s largely considered to be one of the biggest steals from the 2020 NFL draft. Imagine what people will think if he continues to improve in 2021.
The key for Sneed moving forward will be staying healthy, especially during the 2021 NFL season. He’s a bit reckless at times, throwing his body around and diving to make plays on the football. It’ll also serve him best if he can stick at one spot and master one position instead of having to move around. The team’s decision to trade for cornerback Mike Hughes should allow for the team to leave Sneed on the perimeter opposite Charvarius Ward.
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