NAME: Jeremy Chinn
POSITION: Safety
SCHOOL: Southern Illinois
HEIGHT: 6’3”
WEIGHT: 220 pounds
In today’s Chiefs draft prospect profile, we look into a player who is more than just a safety. He has the potential to play as a hybrid linebacker/defensive back in the box or in the slot. While playing at a smaller school, this prospect showed that he can be the heart of a defense. This would provide a perfect mix in Kansas City, as we will take about down the road. Now, let’s get things started with our breakdown of Jeremy Chinn.
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Coverage Skills
In man coverage, Chinn does well to read and react and then fly up to the play in front of him. His timing is usually well planned. This does not just show at the catch point with his hands. In fact, Chinn puts more pressure on opposing receivers by flying through them as a defender who strikes. He will also take out opponents by cutting them down with his shoulder going through their legs.
On the flip side, Chinn rarely gets beat over the top in zone coverage. His instincts are an added bonus. Finally, the versatility he provides will get him more snaps on defense early on. Chinn can play single high, in the box, as the nickel or as a deep third defender.
Ball Skills
The timing is displayed over and over again here. Furthermore, I think his awareness is what truly proves Chinn as a player with plus ball skills. He is always able to pick up where the ball is going. For example, play action fakes have to be near perfect to catch Chinn off guard. He is extremely active and physical at the catch point, making life tough on opposing pass catchers. Moreover, Chinn has a good handful of reps where it looks like a quarterback is going to complete a pass in front of him. But, he somehow continues to get his hand in there at the last second to break up the play.
Tackling
Overall, Chinn is fairly consistent with his form or laying the boom. Plenty of scars and bruises have been left on opponents because of his tackles and hits. These stronger results do not just come from getting his hat to the football. To boot, Chinn works to keep his eyes up and sees where he is driving to. If there are any missed tackles, it usually comes from moves in the open field by the skill players. Because of his patience before flying downhill, players with incredible speed can have their way and reach to the second or third level.
Range/Speed
It is difficult to go on without mentioning how fluid Chinn is on the field. When needing to flip his hips to stay on top of routes, he does it swiftly and with ample anticipation. His speed is not just uber-quick. Chinn knows when to step on the gas and when to gradually rev his engines. It is the control and ability to flow smoothly in space, however, that defines what kind of player he is. The bottom line is, let Chinn do what he does best. And that is to go hunting all over the field for opposing receivers and the football.
Chiefs Fit
If you look simply at Jeremy Chinn’s position that he is listed at, you may wonder why the Chiefs would want a safety. Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill combined to form a dynamic duo last season. Daniel Sorensen even showed improvement in a new scheme. Nonetheless, Kansas City can stay ahead of the curve that other teams are trying to reach. Defenses are looking to add more defenders with speed and who can play multiple positions, in order to slow down offenses like the Chiefs. Chinn can line up in the box to help play coverage at the second level. Or, he can sit back at safety with Thornhill, while letting Mathieu move around near the line of scrimmage and in the slot.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo enjoys using the three safety look. In KC’s dime package they look to add more speed on the field. Also, combining Chinn with the defensive backs who are already in place, can lead to more confusion for opposing offenses.
Be on the lookout for more Chiefs offseason coverage. Included, will be more draft prospect profiles, during the home stretch to the NFL’s selections. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
