11. Bashaud Breeland, Kansas City Chiefs
When it comes to the Chiefs, all the talk is about their offense, which is understandable — especially after Patrick Mahomes grabbed a new contract with the approximate value of the gross national product of a medium-sized country. But the defending champs have an excellent chance to repeat because of a defense on the rise, and their cornerbacks are a big part of that. Breeland made this list after he allowed just 34 receptions on 73 targets for 546 yards, 204 yards after the catch, three touchdowns, three interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 68.6. Bookend Charvarius Ward nearly made the list as well — he allowed 48 catches on 100 targets for 796 yards, 249 yards after the catch, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 73.6. Add in safety/slot defender Tyrann Mathieu and safety Juan Thornhill, and all of a sudden, a Chiefs secondary that was a weakness before the 2019 season looks pretty formidable
A fourth-round pick of the Washington NFL Team out of Clemson in 2014, Breeland played on a one-year, $2 million deal for the Chiefs in 2019 after spending 2018 in Green Bay, and was re-signed by Kansas City to a one-year, $4.5 million deal in April. His April arrest and possible suspension for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy complicate matters, but when he’s on the field, Breeland has become a top-level cornerback.
Bashaud Breeland had an interception in the Super Bowl, but this non-pick (on review) against the Titans in the AFC Championship game was more impressive. Trails Corey Davis perfectly on the over route and jumps it with excellent timing. pic.twitter.com/IJf96XCpCA
— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 13, 2020