EXCLUSIVE
Chiefs have a tailor-made L’Jarius Sneed replacement in the NFL Draft who could be an ‘ideal pick’ for Andy Reid’s team, says expert
L'Jarius Sneed is no longer a Chief.
The lingering trade saga was finalized as the former Kansas City cornerback joined the Tennessee Titans on a reported four-year, $76 million contract, which includes a reported $55 million guaranteed.
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The 27-year-old Sneed was a huge part of two Super Bowl championship teams and cemented himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league last season.
He was a menace to numerous top wide receivers and allowed zero touchdowns and a league-low four yards per target while in zone coverage in 2023.
Filling the void left by Sneed will be no easy feat for the reigning champion Chiefs ahead of their run at a historic three-peat next season.
However, according to ESPN Draft analyst Matt Miller, Andy Reid's team, who have a first round pick (No. 32) in the upcoming NFL Draft, could have a tailor-made replacement waiting in the wings.
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"I think because of the L'Jarius Sneed trade, you have to think corner [will] be in play," Miller exclusively told marvelbet369.com when asked what positions the Chiefs could be looking to fill in this year's draft.
"Iowa’s Cooper DeJean seems like the ideal pick to replace L'Jarius Sneed because of his versatility.
"He can play inside, he can play outside, he’s got really good speed, he’s got great ball skills.
"If I were just to say what’s my favorite pick at 32, I would say it’s Cooper DeJean."
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DeJean is a 6ft 1in, 205 lbs defensive back who has drawn praise for his versatility during his time with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
The 21-year-old can play at safety, nickel and cornerback, while his size and speed have also made him a threat on special teams, especially as a punt returner.
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DeJean was one of the most dominant defensive players in the Big Ten during the 2023 season and finished with 30 tackles, seven assists, ten stops, three pass breakups, and two interceptions.
He was named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Awards - awarded to the best defensive players in the country - but his season was cut short in November after fracturing the fibula in his left leg during practice.
Despite the season-ending set-back, DeJean is still widely projected to be a first-round draft pick.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr ranks him as the 17th-best overall prospect and third-best cornerback in the draft class while Pro Football Focus state he has 'All-Pro potential' and rank him as the eighth-best overall prospect and top cornerback in the class.
Whether he's still on the board by the time the Chiefs roll around with the No. 32 pick remains to be seen.
DeJean would certainly have big shoes to fill in Kansas City after the Chiefs sent previous starting CB Sneed to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a swap of 2024 seventh-round picks (Titans get pick 252, Chiefs get pick 221).
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Sneed was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round (138th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft and spent four seasons with the franchise.
During that span, the former Louisiana Tech star started 67 games (including playoffs), and registered 40 pass defenses, 11 interceptions, 8.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss and 15 QB hits.
In 2023, Sneed posted 78 combined tackles, 14 pass defenses and two interceptions.
Sneed's versatility was a huge bonus for the Chiefs and he was instrumental in their last two Super Bowl runs.
He came up clutch late in the AFC Championship game last season when he knocked the ball out of Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers' arms as he was about to cross the goal line.
It turned out to be a crucial play as Kansas City recovered the ball and went on to win.
This offseason, Sneed was in search of a long-term deal as one of the best paid cornerbacks in the league.
However, after Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones signed a hugely lucrative contract extension it became clear that Sneed would likely have to go elsewhere.
Kansas City placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Sneed before eventually giving him permission to seek a trade.
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The Titans ultimately pounced and Sneed now joins an exciting Tennessee team under new head coach Brian Callahan.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, will look to Trent McDuffie to step up in Sneed's absence while potentially adding a talent like DeJean in this month's draft.
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