For a novice in the NFL, making a splash is one thing; however, evolving into a consistent contributor and a vital player in your second year is a true testament to talent and determination. The Kansas City Chiefs have several promising talents ready to make that leap in 2024, showcasing their potential to become key assets for the team.

Safety Chamarri Conner, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, entered a competitive defensive backfield that initially limited his playing time. Yet, he quickly emerged as a crucial player for the Chiefs during their championship run, especially after starter Bryan Cook sustained an injury in Week 13, allowing Conner to step up significantly.

What stands out about Conner’s contributions is his remarkable versatility. Last season, defensive backs coach Dave Merritt highlighted this adaptability during an interview shortly after Cook’s injury, emphasizing how Conner’s ability to play multiple roles was invaluable to the team’s success.

“He is a young man who has been playing multiple roles for us,” Merrit stated of Conner. “I’m talking safety, free and strong. Nickel, Dime, he is probably the only rookie that I have ever had that has played four different positions.”

With such a robust foundation established, Conner has the potential to become an even more significant playmaker in 2024, even with the return of Cook. His versatility allows him to adapt to the unpredictable schemes crafted by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, but he shines brightest when given the chance to attack with aggression.

Reflecting on his rookie year, here are some strategic ways Conner should be utilized in the Chiefs’ defense this upcoming season:

Maximizing Impact by Attacking Plays to the Sideline

Prior to Cook’s injury, Conner had already begun carving out a niche in the Chiefs’ starting defense. In Nickel formations, where five defensive backs are on the field, Kansas City typically shifted cornerback Trent McDuffie inside. However, in specific situations, Conner would take on the slot position, allowing McDuffie to maintain his position on the outside, showcasing the strategic flexibility he brings to the defense.

This tactical adjustment often occurred during early downs or in scenarios where the run game was a threat. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 202 pounds, Conner may not have the prototypical size for his position, but his speed and agility allow him to cover ground like a larger, more powerful safety, making him a valuable asset in these situations.

This is why Conner proved to be a significant asset for the team on quick-hitting plays directed towards the sidelines. Whether it was a rapid pass or a stretch run, he consistently posed a challenge for blockers attempting to contain him on the perimeter. On these plays, wide receivers and tight ends often tried to obstruct his path, but Conner’s physicality enabled him to dominate at the point of contact, disrupting the offensive flow.

His physical style of play is complemented by an aggressive mindset. For instance, during the first play of the Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, Conner fought through a block and stripped the ball from wide receiver Stefon Diggs. This impressive display of tenacity from a rookie in a high-stakes postseason game exemplified his potential to make game-changing plays when it matters most.

Sealing Run Gaps with Aggressive Play in the Box

While Conner was formidable on the edge of the defense, his physicality also translated into impactful plays when he started from a deeper position. His ability to read the play and react quickly made him a force against both the run and the pass, allowing him to contribute effectively in various defensive schemes.

The rookie played with the urgency of a heat-seeking missile, aggressively pursuing catches or runs in front of him. His style of play, while exciting, occasionally led to overzealousness; between the regular season and playoffs, he recorded a missed tackle rate of 17.3%. Only safety Mike Edwards, who departed in free agency this offseason, had a higher rate among the team’s defensive backs, highlighting an area for growth in his tackling technique.

However, this aggressive approach can be refined as Conner gains more experience in the NFL. These moments on the field demonstrate that he possesses the tackling technique and physical strength to square up against ball carriers and stop them in their tracks, regardless of whether he is facing a quarterback like Josh Allen or a running back like Ezekiel Elliott.

Dominating Downhill in Pass Defense

The essence of Conner’s impact as a rookie stemmed from his downhill playstyle, allowing him to make impactful defensive plays as they unfolded in front of him. He appeared less comfortable when tasked with backpedaling and maintaining coverage over vertical routes, which is a critical skill for a safety in the NFL.

If it hadn’t been for pressure applied by defensive tackle Chris Jones late in the playoff game against Buffalo, Conner could have been responsible for a critical touchdown as the Bills advanced into scoring territory. While in coverage against a slot receiver, Conner turned too early, allowing the route to surpass his positioning. A well-placed pass would have certainly exposed that misstep.

This is why Conner is most effectively utilized when he’s allowed to come downhill from depth, similar to a traditional strong safety. In a regular-season matchup against Buffalo, the Chiefs positioned him in the Robber role, where he read quarterback Josh Allen’s movements and aimed to make a play on a pass over the middle as a support defender. After initially tracking a crossing route, Conner skillfully adjusted his path, following Allen’s eyes and ultimately securing an interception.

Strategic Outlook for Conner’s Role in 2024

The Chiefs’ defense relies heavily on the capabilities of its defensive backfield. The depth and versatility of the safety position are crucial, whether for situational substitutions or employing Dime packages that feature six defensive backs on the field, enhancing their defensive schemes.

Conner possesses a unique skill set as an aggressive defender that the Chiefs can leverage effectively. With cornerback L’Jarius Sneed no longer part of the team, McDuffie is expected to take on more responsibilities on the perimeter, which will likely increase Conner’s share of slot snaps in Nickel alignments, providing him ample opportunity to shine.

In addition to enhancing his performance as a deep safety, Conner may see an uptick in his blitz usage moving forward; he did not record any quarterback hits or sacks last season, indicating untapped potential in this area. His playing style clearly suggests he possesses the capability to excel in such roles.

This season, Conner’s role may evolve to resemble the initial responsibilities of Sneed before he developed into a shutdown cornerback. He is poised to become a physical, attacking slot defender that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo can deploy in various dynamic ways.