Tag: Jaylen Watson

Chiefs scouting report: East Carolina Pirates CB Shavon Revel Jr.

East Carolina University Pirates CB Shavon Revel Jr. is a player that the Kansas City #Chiefs could target in the 2025 NFL draft.

In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams. The two third-year players possess unique height and arm length for their position. These distinctive traits helped them find roles in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense early in their careers.

The 2025 NFL draft features a cornerback with an even better arm length, height, and speed combination than Watson or Williams.

The East Carolina Pirates list Shavon Revel Jr. at 6 foot 3 inches tall and 193 pounds. The senior’s arm-length pops immediately. He uses his long frame to jam and re-route wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. Despite his high-cut build, Revel’s hips allow him to mirror and match the receiver’s release and stay attached throughout plays.

Revel is an aggressive corner who uses his quick feet and massive wingspan to stick to receivers and close throwing lanes. He reads the quarterback’s eyes to accelerate and jump routes. Revel’s burst helps him close ground from zone or off-man coverages quickly and make an impact at the catch point.

Revel uses his long arms to stack and shed blocks in the run game. He is a powerful tackler who fires downhill to challenge wide receiver screens and outside runs.

Revel suffered a torn ACL in practice during the week leading up to East Carolina’s game against Liberty. The injury might drop him into Kansas City’s range on draft night, but other teams that need cornerbacks are sure to plan on pursuing Revel.

Revel concludes his 2024 season with two interceptions, including a pick-six, in three games.

Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson showed off sticky coverage vs Ravens

#Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson showed off his exceptional coverage ability in Kansas City’s Week 1 win over the Baltimore #Ravens.

Jaylen Watson has been a standout for the Kansas City Chiefs at the cornerback position since being drafted in 2022, and he put together a stellar showing against the Baltimore Ravens last week.

After being placed on the physically injured list over the summer and missing this preseason, Watson returned to the field last Thursday and helped keep reigning MVP Lamar Jackson in check.

Though the overall performance of Kansas City’s defense was a group effort, the sticky coverage that Watson played against Baltimore’s receivers was a huge advantage for Steve Spagnuolo.

The Chiefs’ official Twitter account posted footage of one pass defended by Watson against Baltimore, which he capably swatted away just in time to end one of the Ravens’ drives in the third quarter.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1833178065951719567

Kansas City’s quest to complete an ever-elusive three-peat will continue on Sunday when the Chiefs face off against the Cincinnati Bengals, who lost to the New England Patriots in Week 1.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on the uncertainty surrounding the second cornerback position

Kansas City #Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on the uncertainty surrounding the second cornerback position | @EdEastonJr

The cornerback position is critical for any team in the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs already feature an All-Pro in Trent McDuffie but followed by question marks on the depth chart.

After Monday’s practice, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with reporters about the lack of a standout for the second starting cornerback spot.

“It’s an unanswered question right now, to be honest with you,” said Spagnuolo. “With the injuries that we dealt with and the guys in and out, it was hard to say, ‘This is the guy that won the job,’ so, there will probably be a bunch of them (cornerbacks) playing. We mix and match a lot anyway, so there will be a lot of that going on.”

Defensive backs expected to be in the second cornerback spot include Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, Nazeeh Johnson, and Chamarri Conner. Spagnuolo indicated the importance of solidifying the slot cornerback spot in Thursday’s matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.

“I mean, the expectation is (that) they’re going to come in here and try to run it –which we get it. Hopefully, we can get them in situations where they’ve got to throw, and we can be good against that because this team – listen, they get noted as a running team – they can do everything,” said Spagnuolo. “They have really good wideouts; their quarterback can extend the down, we all know that. He’s (Ravens QB Lamar Jackson) accurate. I mean, we’ve got a great deal of respect for them. “

The Chiefs have officially moved on from L’Jarius Sneed. The first regular-season game will help determine whether they made the right decision not to retain the talented cornerback.

Andy Reid on Jaylen Watson’s performance vs. Bears: ‘He needed the work’

Andy Reid told reporters that veteran DB Jaylen Watson “needed the work” in the #Chiefs’ preseason loss to the #Bears on Thursday night.

Jaylen Watson finally made an appearance for the Kansas City Chiefs in their final preseason outing against the Chicago Bears after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Watson was picked by Kansas City in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft and is a two-time champion with the Chiefs, but his role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense is shrouded in mystery heading into the regular season.

Andy Reid commented on Watson’s performance after Kansas City’s loss to Chicago, telling reporters that he was pleased to see the young defensive back on the field.

“He (Jaylen Watson) needed the work, yeah, he needed the work,” Reid explained. “He flopped around on the one but he did a nice job on the other – he’s a good football player, he just needs to work through all of this. We kept him in there and gave him some snaps to do that with.”

Expect to see Watson fight for playing time this season as he looks to gain a starting spot on the Chiefs’ depth chart.

Chiefs Dave Merritt shares insight into the second starting cornerback competition

Kansas City #Chiefs Dave Merritt shares insight into the second starting cornerback competition | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into their second preseason game this Saturday with plenty of eyes on their secondary.

Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt has worked with all the defensive backs throughout offseason workouts and training camp. He spoke with reporters after Wednesday’s practice about his aligned vision with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in the search for a second starting cornerback.

“Same thing, you want a guy to step up,” said Merritt. “I mean, 35-Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams have played a lot of football for us. Nazeeh Johnson, of course, is coming back from a knee injury, but you want someone to step up and be able to claim that position and not have a guy rotating and always looking over his shoulder, and so, but we’re looking for the same thing, i echo what Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) said.”

Merritt believes every defensive back in the secondary will be utilized anyway, but having a foundation set of two starters in personnel is essential.

“We have a great thing going here because, you know, the Fab Five, all those guys have played a lot,” said Merritt. “So with 35 and 2, Josh and Jaylen, either guy that goes in there and starts for us, you have to understand, we normally play six DBs on the field, sometimes five, because the NFL puts out three wide receivers, and so these both guys are starters anyway,” said Merritt. “So we (are) really just talking about base personnel when it’s just two wide receivers in the game.”

The following two preseason games will be critical in the coaches’ assessment of the secondary. Merritt’s mentions of Watson and Williams at cornerback indicate where he might be leaning decision-wise.

Third-year Chiefs DB’s thoughts on cornerback two: ‘It’s always been healthy competition’

Kansas City #Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson’s thoughts on cornerback two: ‘It’s always been healthy competition’ | @EdEastonJr

The return of Jaylen Watson to practice from injury adds another talented player to the Kansas City Chiefs secondary ahead of their second preseason game.

After returning from his torn labrum injury, Watson spoke with the media about his mindset in competing for the second cornerback spot.

“It’s a new year; with LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) leaving, there’s a spot open for everyone, so everyone has goals for themselves,” said Watson. “Just try to make a name for yourself and let the world know who you are.”

Watson is entering his third season and has contributed to the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl titles with his play. In Super Bowl LVIII, Watson recorded two tackles and recovered a muffed punt, leading to the Chiefs’ first touchdown.

“It’s been fun. Everyone thinks this is something new; yeah, cornerback two, but we’ve been doing this for three years.” Said Watson. “It’s always been healthy competition. We always root for each other’s success. Whoever’s going to take the spot is going to be (worthy) of it.”

Watson is still recovering from his injury but remains focused on winning the second cornerback spot. Getting on the field consistently could help him in his pursuit.

Washington State memes Chiefs’ selection of DB Jaden Hicks

Washington State memed the Kansas City #Chiefs’ selection of defensive back Jaden Hicks in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.

The seriousness of the NFL Draft in all 32 war rooms is evident from the many cameras peeking into boards crowded with names strategizing for the future. The Kansas City Chiefs front office brass led by general manager Brett Veach is serious about all of their selections, including defensive back Jaden Hicks.

Kansas City selected Hicks 133rd overall in the fourth round, and the Washington State standout joins a prime defense that already features another Cougar. Hicks joins Jaylen Watson in the Chiefs defense after being selected in the 2022 draft creating a Washington State-themed secondary that couldn’t go unnoticed by the school’s social media team.

On their WSUCougarFB X account dedicated to the Washington State football team, they posted a photo from a scene of the classic television comedy ‘The Office’ featuring Watson and Hicks photoshopped front and center.

Watson has become a consistent option in Steve Spagnuolo’s game plan and a significant contributor to two Super Bowl titles. Veach is hoping for the same impact and production from his fellow Cougars alum, Hicks, in 2024.

Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson reveals that he played with a torn labrum in 2023

Kansas City #Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson revealed that he played last season with a torn labrum in a post on Twitter.

The toll of a hard-fought run to a Super Bowl title has many players on the Kansas City Chiefs using the offseason to recuperate from nagging injuries. Players are prideful in not missing time and letting the team down, so it’s not unusual for them to reveal the pain they dealt with during a long year.

Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson can now be added to the list of players who will be using the offseason to recover following his announcement of successful surgery to repair his torn labrum.

Watson posted the update on his X account, letting the world know he’d been dealing with the injury since Week 2 and opted not to end his season early with surgery.

Watson gritted his way through 16 games in the regular season, finishing with 33 tackles and two sacks. He also contributed to the Chiefs’ four post-season games with two tackles in Super Bowl LVIII.

He joins veteran offensive lineman Nick Allegretti, who admitted to playing through a severe injury to help secure Kansas City’s second consecutive Lombardi trophy.

The former Washington State standout is a member of the Chiefs 2022 draft class, which helped revamp the defensive unit. The young secondary earned praise and respect around the league for its versatility over the past two championship seasons.

Ravens reflect on AFC Championship loss to Chiefs during Locker room cleanout day

After having exit meetings on Monday, the Baltimore Ravens met the media and offered their reactions to the AFC title game loss to the Chiefs

The Ravens are again staring disappointment in the face after a 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game at M&T Bank Stadium.

Jackson and the Ravens offense imploded with three turnovers, and the team is 0-8 in team history when committing three or more turnovers in the postseason.

Jackson finished 20 of 37 for 272 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as Baltimore tied a season-low with 10 points.

The consensus favorite for NFL MVP, Jackson will have to wait another year to escape the notion that he’s unable to win games in the most crucial moments.

With a critical offseason and major decisions ahead, the Ravens cleaned out their lockers and had exit interviews with the coaching staff.  Afterward, they met with the media, and here are the instant reactions.

Takeaways and observations from Ravens 17-10 loss to Chiefs in AFC Championship game

We’re looking at the takeaways from the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game

The Ravens are again staring disappointment in the face after a 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game at M&T Bank Stadium.

The consensus favorite for NFL MVP, Jackson will have to wait another year to escape the notion that he’s unable to win games in the most crucial moments.

Jackson and the Ravens offense imploded with three turnovers, and the team is 0-8 in team history when committing three or more turnovers in the postseason.

Jackson finished 20 of 37 for 272 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as Baltimore tied a season-low with 10 points.

With a critical offseason and major decisions ahead, we’re looking at takeaways and observations from the shocking loss.