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NFL free agency 2019: Top 50 available players

By Conor Myles

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 23: Steven Nelson #20 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 23: Steven Nelson #20 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

45. Steven Nelson, CB

Nelson had an up-and-down season in 2018 for the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite giving up the second-most receiving yards in the league (825), the fourth year cornerback allowed a 76.8 passer rating and a 53.1 catch rate. He finished 2018 starting the entire 16 game season with four interceptions and 15 passes defended.

The Chiefs made Nelson their third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The cornerback has faced a ton of adversity by being targeted as much as he is by opposing quarterbacks. Pro Football Focus ranked the Oregon State product 21st at cornerback in the NFL in 2018, even after being targeted almost eight times more than any defensive back in the league.

The Chiefs recently relieved former defensive coordinator, Bob Sutton, of his duties, and hired Steve Spagnuolo as his replacement. That change could impact Nelson’s status in Kansas City, but in an average cornerback market, teams could have interest in the slot corner.

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