Chiefs Depth Chart Analysis | Defense
With starting roles available on the Chiefs’ defense in 2021, who are the candidates to fill those spots?
Interior Defensive Line
Handling the middle of the Chiefs’ defense, Chris Jones appeared in 15 games (14 starts), recording 36 tackles (23 solo), 7.5 sacks, and a team-high 28 QB hits, including a safety. Taking on double-teams seemingly in every game, Jones is one of the league’s premier interior defensive linemen.
After his release from the Seattle Seahawks, Jarran Reed landed with the Chiefs, signing a one-year deal. Reed recorded 38 tackles (20 solo), 6.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection, and a forced fumble in 2020. The 28-year-old has 19 sacks over the past three seasons despite playing through several injuries, including an undisclosed issue for which he underwent surgery back in January.
Derrick Nnadi ended the season a tackle shy of tying his career-high from the year prior. The third-year pro recorded 47 tackles across 15 games.
EDGE
Frank Clark started the season off hot with 3 sacks in his first four games. He ended the season with 6 sacks to go along with 29 tackles, 15 QB hits, and 8 tackles for loss. It was the worst season for Clark since his 2015 rookie season with the Seahawks.
After Clark, the Chiefs need some help on their depth chart at defensive end. With Dee Ford and Justin Houston off the roster, this is likely the weakest part of the roster.
One option could be Taco Charlton, who re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year contract with the team in the offseason. Charlton played a rotational role before suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week 8, recording 8 tackles and 2 sacks.
Michael Danna saw his rookie season shortened after spending time on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Still, he played well when on the field, recording 25 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 6 QB hits on 31% of the defensive snaps.
Joshua Kaindoh was selected in the fourth round of the draft, while Malik Herring was added as an undrafted free agent. Kaindoh could take advantage of the void as a starter opposite Clark. With a strong training camp, Kaindoh could earn significant playing time in 2021.
Linebacker
Although he missed the final two games due to NFL protocols, Anthony Hitchens was second on the Chiefs’ depth chart in tackles last season. Starting in all 14 games when available, Hitchens compiled 78 tackles (44 solo), 4 QB hits, and 1 pass defensed. The Chiefs need to improve their defense — particularly in the rushing game — after they finished 21st in the league in rushing yards allowed per game.
Kansas City selected Willie Gay Jr. last season, as his build and play style were a great fit for their scheme. Making eight starts in 16 appearances, Gay showed flashes of potential in 2020, recording 39 tackles (29 solo), 3 passes defensed, and a sack. Unfortunately, his season ended when he tore his meniscus in practice leading up to the Super Bowl. With a four-month timeline for recovery, Gay should be good to go for the start of the season.
Ben Niemann was set to be the third starter for the Chiefs at linebacker prior to the draft. Niemann appeared in 15 games and played on a career-high 43% of the defensive snaps. With those opportunities, he recorded 44 tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack.
Nevertheless, the Chiefs added Nick Bolton in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Bolton has the potential to take the third starting role. Further down the depth chart, Riley Cole made a splash at the Senior Bowl and could push for a special-teams role in camp.
Cornerback
L’Jarius Sneed was a welcome addition to the Chiefs’ depth chart last season. Despite missing five weeks in the middle of the season due to a collarbone injury and sitting out Week 17, Sneed recorded 3 interceptions to go along with a pair of sacks and 41 tackles (31 solo). His performance came as a bit of a surprise as he transitioned from safety to play corner. Sneed started the season on the outside, before finishing up in the slot. He could play either role in 2021.
Charvarius Ward received a second-round tender from the Chiefs. That means he’ll be paid $3.3 million in non-guaranteed money for the 2021 NFL season. Ward has started 31 games over the past three seasons. During that span, he’s recorded 155 tackles, 2 interceptions, 19 passes defensed, a sack, and 3 QB hits.
The Chiefs added Mike Hughes in the offseason. Hughes has played both on the outside and in a slot corner role during his time with the Chiefs. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs use Hughes and Sneed in three corner sets.
Rashad Fenton played in a reserve role for the Chiefs in his second year. He tallied 35 tackles, an interception, and 7 passes defensed in 16 games. They also added DiCaprio Bootle as a UDFA, while bringing back Deandre Baker. Both of those are high-upside options at the bottom end of the Chiefs cornerback depth chart.
Safety
Tyrann Mathieu continues to be one of the top safeties in the NFL. He has been spectacular since joining the Chiefs in 2019, compiling a combined 10 interceptions and 132 tackles (111 solo). Mathieu recorded 62 tackles (48 solo) and a career-high 6 interceptions (along with 9 passes defensed) in 2020.
Juan Thornhill looks as if he could be a star in the NFL as he heads into his third season. He started 16 games as a rookie, totaling 58 tackles and 3 interceptions, including a touchdown return.
Unfortunately, Thornhill tore his ACL in the final game of the 2019 regular season. He started the first six games of 2020, but the lingering effects of his knee injury limited his snap count. He ended the season with 41 tackles, 3 passes defensed, and an interception.
Back to full strength in 2021, Thornhill and Mathieu could be the top duo in the NFL.
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