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Previewing Kansas City Chiefs OTAs: 18 DBs Set to Take the Field

Here’s what you need to know about the Chiefs’ defensive backs competing during OTAs

Since 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs have played 64 regular season games, and over that time, the defense has allowed an opposing team to throw for more than 250 yards in the pass-happy NFL on just 20 occasions, which is fourth-fewest in the league during that stretch.

The NFL average is 28 games.

Overall, the Chiefs have allowed just 232 yards passing per game over that time, which ranks fifth-best in the NFL.

051617-Peters.jpg

But perhaps the most telling stat that exemplifies what this Chiefs defense is about is the frequency in which they're able to take the ball away from their opponent. Since 2013, the Chiefs have forced 112 turnovers, which is third-best in the league over that time.

The secondary, which is led by All-Pros Eric Berry and Marcus Peters, plus the veteran presence and versatility of Ron Parker, who often doesn't get the credit he deserves, has consistently proven to be one of the best in the league under defensive coordinator Bob Sutton.

Sutton joined head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs before the 2013 season.

To take these numbers a step further, the folks over at Pro Football Focus recently put out another statistic that backs up the idea of the Chiefs' secondary being considered one of the NFL's elite groups.

They have the Chiefs' defense ranked No. 2 (2015) and No. 3 (2016) in opponent quarterback rating over the past two years.

There's reason to believe the success will continue considering every defensive back who played a snap for the Chiefs last year is returning this year.

051617-Snaps.jpg

The Chiefs also signed safety Marqueston Huff and cornerback De'Vante Bausby this offseason, and both found the field last year for other teams. They join a handful of guys competing for valuable roster spots as we inch closer to training camp, which begins late-July.

One of the big storylines for OTAs and training camp will be the cornerback position opposite of Marcus Peters.

Third-year player Steven Nelson spent a lot of time out there last year, but when teams went to three-wide sets late in the season, it was Terrance Mitchell who stepped up and played well.

Mitchell originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2014.

Before he got his shot last year, Mitchell had spent time on the practice squads of the Chiefs, Bears, and Cowboys, and had already been released seven times in his career, including twice by the Chiefs.

The Chiefs also have experience out there in fourth-year player Phillip Gaines, who has battled injuries throughout his career.  

Last year, the Chiefs ultimately kept nine defensive backs on the 53-man roster at the conclusion of the preseason (including a roster exemption for Eric Berry).

Here's a look at the 18 defensive backs who will take part in OTAs for the Chiefs this year:

051717-DBsRoster.jpg

Here's the Chiefs' schedule of OTA practices: 

Tuesday, May 23   11:10 a.m.

Wednesday, May 24  11:10 a.m.

Thursday, May 25     11:10 a.m. * Coach Reid speaking to media

* *

Tuesday, May 30 11:10 a.m.

Wednesday, May 31   11:10 a.m.

Thursday, June 1   11:10 a.m. * Coach Reid speaking to media

* *

Tuesday, June 6       11:10 a.m.

Wednesday, June 7 11:10 a.m.

Thursday, June 8   11:10 a.m.

Friday, June 9 11:10 a.m. * Coach Reid speaking to media

---

*Mandatory Minicamp: *

Tuesday, June 13   1:20 p.m.

Wednesday, June 14  11:15 a.m.

Thursday, June 15     11:15 a.m. * Coach Reid speaking to media

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