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Chiefs add depth with CB KeiVarae Russell

Kirby Lee / USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have selected KeiVarae Russell out of Notre Dame in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

The 5-foot-11, 196-pound cornerback was a standout performer for the Fighting Irish in 2015, registering 60 tackles and two interceptions, before missing the final two games with a broken leg.

Russell joins a young secondary in Kansas City, with second-year standout Marcus Peters and 25-year-old Phillip Gaines at the starting cornerback positions.

KeiVarae Russell Bio

Position: CB
School: Notre Dame
College Experience: Redshirt Junior
Height: 5-11
Weight: 196 lbs.

Strengths

  • Russell displays great play-recognition skills and reacts accordingly.
  • He possesses good recovery speed and gravitates toward the ball at all times.
  • He recovers well on double moves and isn't susceptible to being beat on play-action fakes.
  • He shows an innate ability to break up passes at the last possible second.

Weaknesses

  • Russell was suspended by Notre Dame for the 2014 season due to academic dishonesty.
  • He suffered a broken leg in 2015 and scouts may inquire to see if there's any irreparable damage.
  • He needs to add bulk to his frame or runs the risk of being overpowered in the open field by professional receivers.

Combine Results

Event Result
40-yd Dash 4.43 sec
Bench Press N/A
Vertical Jump 38.5 inches
Broad Jump 134 inches
3-Cone Drill 6.89 sec
20-yd Shuttle 4.00 sec

*All measurements are unofficial from Notre Dame's Pro Day.

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