Chiefs defensive line: 2016 stat projections

2 of 4

Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Kansas City won 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Another player along the KC D-line that played well last year was Dontari Poe. Although he took a step back in many areas from a statistical standpoint, he still made his presence known on run defense and with just being a force in the defensive trenches for KC.

It’s possible that this could be the ex-Memphis standout’s last season in Kansas City since he is due to be a free agent after this season, but for now, he’s still a Chief. I’m not projecting Poe to have as good of a statistical year as he did in 2014, but I do see him improving some on his numbers from last season.

Now, we get to more of the depth/rotational guys that defensive coordinator Bob Sutton and his defense will roll out there from week to week this season. For this area, I only truly see two guys that fit this bill, and they are second-year man Rakeem Nunez-Roches and rookie Chris Jones.

Nunez-Roches was drafted by team last year in the later rounds out of Southern Mississippi and had four tackles on the year in limited action at defensive end. Jones, the second round pick from Mississippi State, appears to have some good upside but will likely be a reserve in his rookie season as he is still fairly raw and has a solid veteran group starting in front of him.

Next: Stat Projections

Home/Kansas City Chiefs News