National Football League

Kansas City Chiefs look to Marcus Peters as top cornerback

Published Aug. 1, 2016 6:28 p.m. ET

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) With the departure of Sean Smith, the Chiefs are looking to second-year cornerback Marcus Peters as he steps into the role of the team's No.1 cornerback.

Peters had a breakout rookie season with eight interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, and accolades included a trip to the Pro Bowl and being honored as The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Just three days into camp, players and coaches believe Peters is just getting started. Veteran safety Ron Parker paid the Washington alumnus perhaps the ultimate compliment.

''Ever since day one when he walked in the door last year, I never looked at him as a rookie.'' Parker said. ''He came in humble, quiet and he always worked from day one. He always made plays and he always carried himself like a veteran player, he never carried himself like a rookie.''

Coach Andy Reid has seen his share of top corners, from Brian Dawkins to Troy Vincent. Reid said he believes Peters can create his own legacy.

''I'm not sure you can name somebody, I wouldn't even go there,'' Reid said. ''I think he's going to do his own thing and put his own mark on it.''

Reid recalled a play that Peters made on the second day of practice.

''He had a play yesterday where we had them dead in the water,'' Reid said. ''He just - he read the coverage, read the throw and just peeled off and went covering deep and made a play on it. Not a lot of guys in this league can do that. They don't have the instinct and skill to do that. He's got great hips, good instincts.''

Receiver Chris Conley was part of the same draft class and the second-year receiver from Georgia talks about how that relationship has translated into how they work together on the field.

''The good thing about working with each other is we've been able to have conversations and I'm able to ask him what did you see in my route right there,'' he said. ''Sometimes he'll ask me what are you thinking on this combination, it's been a really good relationship for each of us to learn from each other.''

Conley said Peters' instincts lead to confidence.

''Marcus is - he's a baller,'' Conley said. ''You know that's one word you can use to describe him. He's always a guys who does everything right.''

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