Marcus Peters Could Become Just 6th Cornerback Ever To Do This

Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the end zone during the second half against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs took a chance when they made Marcus Peters their 1st round draft pick in 2015, given how things ended for him at Washington.

He was labeled as a problem for coaches, being outspoken and antagonizing. That was why he didn’t finish his final season of college. Nevertheless his ability and work ethic were enough to swing the Chiefs over to the idea that it was worth the risk. He rewarded them with eight interceptions as a rookie and Rookie of the Year honors. So far so good.

What could he do for an encore? Well considering the fact he already has four interceptions through the first three games of 2016, the answer would be a lot. Peters is on pace to break his impressive rookie mark before the season is half over. Provided the Chiefs keep winning and make the playoffs, this sets him up to do some only five other corners in NFL history have ever done.

That’s win Defensive Player of the Year.

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Understand how unprecedented that would be. Like the MVP is almost exclusive to quarterbacks, the DPOY is typically reserved for defensive linemen and linebackers. J.J. Watt has three of them in the past four seasons. Luke Kuechly has the other. The last cornerback to win the award was Charles Woodson in 2009. Here is a quick recap of the others who pulled it off.

Understand that three of the names on that list (Blount, Woodson, Sanders) are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hayes was a five-time Pro Bowler and probably should’ve been a long time ago. Charles Woodson is almost certain to get in himself. So if Peters were to accomplish this feat by winning the award, it would speak louder than anything else about his rare ability. Not to mention what the future may hold for him way down the road.