Bryan Cook: Chiefs 2023 Defensive Breakout Candidate

During the 2022 offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs essentially rebuilt most of their defense. That was especially true about the secondary. The trio of cornerbacks Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams each found different levels of success as rookies last year. However, safety Bryan Cook should not be forgotten about. He quietly found comfort and experienced bright flashes late in the season.

The Chiefs lost Juan Thornhill at safety in free agency. Following his departure to the Cleveland Browns, there is a fresh opportunity next to Justin Reid. Kansas City added battle-tested Mike Edwards in free agency themselves. Yet, there are a few different reasons as to why Bryan Cook could be a defensive breakout for the Chiefs in 2023.

What are those exact reasons? Plus, why are recent trends from the Kansas City Chiefs defense possibly encouraging for the outlook of Bryan Cook this year? Let’s kick it off.

CHECK OUT OUR CHIEFS 2023 OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT CANDIDATE ARTICLE OF SKYY MOORE HERE: Skyy Moore: Chiefs 2023 Offensive Breakout Candidate

Chiefs Becoming More Versatile, Which Suits Cook Well

In just the last few years, the Chiefs roster has grown to be much more versatile. This is true for singular players and their skill sets. Additionally, Kansas City has been able to stay on top and evolve by putting multiple tasks on some of their top players’ plates.

Where the roster construction has truly seemed to grow in versatility is on defense. If you look at some of the free agent signings made by Kansas City this offseason, there are a multitude of roles that they could have filled by just adding a few veteran pieces. The Chiefs will be adding a long pass rusher in Charles Omenihu, who can offer inside and outside versatility as a unique attacker of the quarterback. On the second level, the addition of Drue Tranquill allows the Chiefs to use that linebacker in a variety of ways in space, especially in coverage. Finally, the aforementioned Edwards at safety can offer ball skills from any area of the field.

The versatility and the difference of defensive looks is something that suits Bryan Cook and his skill set well. For instance, his range at his size is critical to his success. That was the case going all the way back to his college days at Cincinnati. Then late last year as a rookie, Cook was able to shine from altered alignments and tighter landmarks in coverage when the game was on the line.

Strong Signs Shown On Late-Season Film

Similar to Skyy Moore, whom we listed as a Chiefs offensive breakout candidate for 2023, Bryan Cook really found his groove late in his rookie season. There are breakthroughs in many different areas from his late-season film. Cook was able to shine from a read and react perspective. Cook was able to catch some opponents off guard with his impressive hitting power. More importantly, the defensive back was able to always finish at or near the football when teams attacked his area of the field. This further showed just how stout his nose for the football can be.

If you had to point to one game that stood out the most for Bryan Cook, it was likely the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cook and all of the younger defensive backs were in great communication with each other for switching off of routes. That group was able to force hurried throws, due to their adjustments in coverage. Bryan Cook came into the league boasting tremendous reactionary quickness and ball tracking ability as a defensive back. No play showed that off more than his pass defensed that led to a tipped interception for Williams against Cincinnati.

Cook Can Produce In Plethora Of Areas

Some safeties are able to produce heavily in one specific area. Names like Justin Simmons and Kevin Byard are known for being highly productive with ball production and interceptions. Other names like Jordan Poyer and Jevon Holland are known for being able to provide tight coverage from any spot on the field. But for Bryan Cook, he is a safety that can possibly provide production for Kansas City in any area imaginable.

The ball production will likely continue to grow as his career grows. But for entering just his second season, Cook is already steady in being able to locate and find the football quickly. His read and react ability is swift when working towards the football and finishing. This can be felt against both the pass and the run. There is immense confidence in his hitting power and tackling technique. As a result, Bryan Cook can be counted on to help in run support and make tough stops in space or in dirty areas. By being able to do almost anything that is asked of him, Cook could have a fast track to being a defensive breakout candidate for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023.