As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for this month’s NFL draft, several players who attended their local pro day on Monday are making waves, with some likely to be selected. Among them is Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish, who has impressed scouts and is projected to be a potential Day 2 pick.
In Dane Brugler’s 2025 draft guide, Parrish is ranked as the 67th-best prospect. Here’s a breakdown of what makes him stand out and how he could fit with the Chiefs.
Background: From High School to the NFL Draft
Parrish, a product of Olathe North High School, was a three-star recruit when he committed to Kansas State in 2022. Over the last two seasons with the Wildcats, he started 24 games, recording 102 tackles, five interceptions, and five tackles for loss. His strong performance earned him an invite to the Senior Bowl and a standout showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he posted a blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash and a 37.5-inch vertical jump.
Despite his impressive speed and athleticism, Parrish stands just under 5 feet 10 inches, which raises questions about his ability to handle larger receivers at the next level.
Film Evaluation: A Strong but Size-Limited Prospect
Parrish’s film shows his natural skills, but also the challenges that come with his size. In college, much of the action on defense flowed across the field from where he was stationed. When he did face a challenge, he displayed excellent speed and instincts, especially in run support, where his fearlessness against bigger players, such as Arizona’s Cam Skattebo, stood out.
While his speed allows him to make plays, especially when blitzing from the slot, he occasionally struggled with taller, more physical receivers. In one particular play against Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Parrish couldn’t prevent the receiver from high-pointing the ball, raising concerns about his ability to cover taller targets in the NFL.
That said, Parrish’s tackling remains a strong point, and his ability to compete against bigger players shows a lot of promise.
Potential Fit with the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have recently bolstered their cornerback depth by signing Kristian Fulton to help with boundary coverage. This signing allows standout cornerback Trent McDuffie to remain in the slot, where he excels. While McDuffie is capable on the outside, he too showed some limitations against taller receivers after Jaylen Watson was injured last season.
With Fulton and McDuffie already on the roster, the Chiefs’ cornerback group is solid, but they have shown in past drafts a willingness to select players for best value, even if that player doesn’t fill an immediate need. Parrish, while undersized, offers an intriguing potential in the slot.
Given the Chiefs’ cornerback depth and Parrish’s skills, his fit could be more of a long-term play. Over the last two seasons, both Watson and Fulton missed significant time due to injury, leaving the Chiefs needing cornerback depth. If Parrish is available later in the third or fourth round, the Chiefs could decide that his coverage skills and speed outweigh their immediate roster needs.
The Bottom Line
Parrish is likely to hear his name called by the end of Day 2 in the draft. His speed, coverage fundamentals, and tackling make him a valuable prospect, even if his size might limit him against bigger receivers. For the Chiefs, drafting him could be a smart move if they view his potential as a long-term contributor, especially in the slot.
If Parrish is still available in the later rounds, the Chiefs may decide to pull the trigger, strengthening their depth while taking advantage of a talented player with a lot to offer.
