The Kansas City Chiefs’ secondary underwent a major overhaul during the offseason, and a recent Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranking of the NFL’s most physical coverage defenders in 2024 reveals why. Four Chiefs cornerbacks—Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Nazeeh Johnson, and Jaylen Watson—earned spots in the top 10, showcasing Kansas City’s aggressive, contact-heavy defensive approach. But while their physicality made waves, it wasn’t always a recipe for success. Let’s dive into how these four stars shaped the Chiefs’ defense and what their performances mean for 2025.
Trent McDuffie: The Shutdown Star Who Shines Without Contact
Ranked No. 4 on PFF’s list, Trent McDuffie solidified his status as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks. PFF noted that McDuffie logged 327 “physical” coverage snaps in 2024 alone, surpassing his combined total of 300 from 2022 and 2023. This physicality helped him limit opponents to a stellar 47.5% completion rate while forcing nine incompletions. However, PFF emphasized that McDuffie’s elite performance doesn’t rely on contact—he grades even higher when avoiding it.
In 2024, McDuffie transitioned to playing more on the boundary, where his physicality disrupted opposing receivers. Yet, his versatility as a shutdown corner, whether in man or zone coverage, and his underrated tackling prowess make him a cornerstone of Kansas City’s defense. With new additions like Kristian Fulton and Nohl Williams, McDuffie may shift back to the slot in 2025, potentially unlocking even more dynamic playmaking.
Joshua Williams: A Physical Giant Who Fell Short
At No. 7, Joshua Williams represents the Chiefs’ push for physicality, but his 2024 season didn’t quite live up to expectations. Standing at 6-foot-3, Williams seemed tailor-made for a physical role, yet his 54.1 PFF coverage grade when making contact with receivers told a different story. PFF highlighted that the Chiefs, alongside teams like the Lions and Jaguars, coached their defenders to make life tough for receivers, but this approach hindered Williams’ effectiveness.
After a promising rookie season in 2022, Williams struggled in six starts filling in for the injured Jaylen Watson. With Fulton and Nohl Williams now in the mix, the towering corner could find himself lower on the depth chart in 2025 unless he refines his technique to match his physical tools.
Nazeeh Johnson: Physicality Without Polish
Nazeeh Johnson, a 2022 seventh-round pick, landed at No. 8 in his first year of defensive action. After missing 2023 with a torn ACL and playing only special teams as a rookie, Johnson embraced a physical style in 2024. However, his 60% completion rate allowed and a 49.9 PFF coverage grade on contact plays exposed his growing pains. At 5-foot-10, Johnson’s smaller frame may not be suited for the physical demands he faced, as PFF noted he allowed 1.63 yards per coverage snap when engaging receivers.
Johnson’s inexperience showed, but his potential remains. As he competes for a spot in a crowded cornerback room, refining his technique could help him carve out a role in 2025.
Jaylen Watson: A Seventh-Round Gem Who Defied the Odds
Despite missing 11 games due to an ankle injury, Jaylen Watson secured the No. 10 spot, a testament to his impact when healthy. PFF praised Watson’s ability to stifle receivers, allowing just a 35.7% completion rate and 0.88 yards per coverage snap when making contact. His 28.6% forced incompletion rate ranked sixth in the NFL, and his 81.4 PFF coverage grade on physical plays placed him among the league’s elite.
Selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Watson has been a steal for Kansas City. His ability to thrive in physical coverage over the past two seasons, with a mere 26.5% completion rate allowed, makes him a critical piece of the Chiefs’ secondary. Entering a contract year in 2025, Watson is poised for a breakout season if he can stay healthy.
What’s Next for Kansas City’s Secondary?
The Chiefs’ emphasis on physicality in 2024 paid dividends for stars like McDuffie and Watson but exposed weaknesses in Williams and Johnson. With new talent joining the roster, Kansas City’s secondary is at a crossroads. Can McDuffie maintain his elite status in the slot? Will Watson build on his breakout potential? And can Williams and Johnson rise to the challenge in a competitive depth chart? One thing is clear: the Chiefs’ aggressive approach made them a force, but refining their technique could make them unstoppable in 2025.