Notre Dame DB KeiVarae Russell was the Kansas City Chiefs third round pick.
What do we know about him?
It sounds like Russell could be a cornerback ... or he could be a safety! I know, this type of analysis is why you come to Arrowhead Pride. Whatever we call him, the Chiefs hope he can play, whether it's at corner or another spot.
The Chiefs have their top four members of the secondary in Eric Berry, Ron Parker, Marcus Peters and likely Phillip Gaines. Everyone else is competing. Can Russell beat out Steven Nelson? Will Jamell Fleming play in his move to safety? Those are a couple of big questions to answer along with the other players the Chiefs have on the roster and the players they will add (maybe around roster cut downs in August).
The Chiefs have two pretty good defensive back coaches in the Hall of Famer Emmitt Thomas and Al Harris. They did well with Marcus Peters so they'll be tasked with Russell next.
Here's what they're saying about him...
The #Chiefs got a steal in KeiVarae Russell. He'll start Day 1 at outside CB in my opinion.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 30, 2016
Keivarae Russell having a hard time talking right now, emotions pouring out of him on conference call with local media.
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) April 30, 2016
More pick grades:
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 30, 2016
KeiVarae Russell to Chiefs: C
Shilique Calhoun to Raiders: A https://t.co/6kegdJIumi
KeiVarae Russell yielded 38 catches on 62 targets in 2015. Opposing QBs had an NFL rating of 89.7 when targeting him.
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 30, 2016
I had the Chiefs taking KeiVarae Russell in the 2nd round in my mock today. I like him, he might be a safety, but Im a fan
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) April 30, 2016
Love what KeiVarae Russell can be. One of the most instinctive CBs in this class. Smooth mover, physical at LOS and a hitter.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 20, 2016