Chiefs Training Camp Preview: Defensive Line

Nick Williams

Williams was the primary backup for Poe during the 2015 season and saw quite a bit of playing time. He registered nine tackles and managed to get some snaps in nearly every game. He is a solid 30 pounds lighter than Poe which makes him easier to move but the Chiefs defense didn’t suffer much when he played. Williams provides depth at a position that is rarely needed when Poe is healthy but his contributions will keep him in uniform for the regular season.

Alameda Ta’Amu

We are officially in roster bubble territory here and Ta’Amu knows that well. He has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers in his three year career and he has only had one season of impact during that time. In 2014 he played in 14 games and totaled seven tackles for the Cardinals with no sacks and no forced fumbles. He comes to the Chiefs hoping to nab a spot behind Poe but with Nick Williams already in that spot he will really have to battle.

Jimmy Staten

Staten is another cast-off from Seattle but with virtually no resumé. He was drafted by Seattle out of Middle Tennessee in the fifth round but hasn’t lived up to his college stats. Staten is slightly undersized for nose tackle but could play a second defensive tackle should the Chiefs use a four linemen formation. He could fight for position in camp but it is likely he will be cut.

Niko Davis

Davis is an older, undrafted defensive end out of Liberty College. At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds his lankiness could be something of use for the Chiefs. Defensive ends with long arms are ideal to knock down quick passes to the outside and keep offensive linemen from getting into their pads. He was unable to make the Pittsburgh roster in 2015 however and I don’t see him making the Chiefs.