The 74th pick of the 2016 NFL draft, Russell was thought to be one of the better defensive backs in the league after a solid career at Notre Dame. KeiVarae's draft stock increased after running a 4.4 forty yard dash time after suffering a broken right tibia in November. During preseason, Russell was simply unable to transition into the Chiefs defensive scheme. It is unusual to see a player drafted so high in the draft part ways with a team one week into his career. Terez Paylor of the Kansas City start spoke to Russell on his recent struggles, "I'm getting better, but I definitely struggled at first. I still had a lot of what I learned in college in my mind...when I'd go out to practice, the terminology I was supposed to say, I wouldn't say it the right way or I'd put it into a different defense. It's been tough, mentally." When the Chiefs drafted Russell, it was presumed he would be the third corner on the roster but with the recent emergence of Steven Nelson and recently acquired Kenneth Acker from the 49ers, there is no room for Russell. Russell was cut by the Chiefs and claimed by the Bengals, who take risk on players like Russell, with his major upside and athleticism. KeiVarae looks to restart his NFL career by meshing into the Bengals defensive scheme and the elite secondary personnel they feature including Kilpatrick, Adam "Pacman" Jones and George Iloka.
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