Physicality and versatility: Meet new Chief Bryan Cook
Examining what the safety out of Cincinnati brings to Kansas City's defense
If things go as planned by Brett Veach, the 2022 draft will be remembered in Kansas City as a time when the defense received a desperately needed infusion of athleticism and physicality.
Those are two things that were lacking on the defensive side of the ball last year for the Chiefs. While they were a roughly average defense over the course of the season (with flashes of much worse and much better), the lack of speed at the second level in multiple players who received plenty of snaps was noticeable, as was a lack of physicality in a few places.
Enter (among multiple other players) Bryan Cook, the Chiefs’ new safety out of Cincinnati.
The Chiefs selected Cook with their second pick of the 2nd round, grabbing the 6’1/2”, 206 pounder as the 5th safety taken in the draft. In doing so, they sent a clear message that they weren’t just looking to plug in the “desperate need” positions (with Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis already drafted in the first round to fill in cornerback and defensive end), but to re-make a defense that lacked punch in 2021.
Utilizing a 2nd round pick on Cook creates the appearance that the Chiefs hope he can see the field quickly. With new addition Justin Reid (whose film review can be found here) and free safety Juan Thornhill already on the roster, Cook looks to be replacing Dan Sorensen’s snaps from last year, a sizeable role given how often Steve Spagnuolo employs three-safety looks.
So what does Cook bring to the table? Can he help solve the Chiefs’ issue with athleticism on the back end? Or perhaps physicality? The answer, after reviewing multiple games of his, is perhaps both. Let’s talk about what Cook’s film shows in terms of how he wins, where he can improve, and how he could fit into the 2022 plan.
For prior reviews on the 2022, you can find them by clicking on their names here: 1st round CB Trent McDuffie, 1st round DE George Karlaftis, 2nd round WR Skyy Moore.