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Allen Bailey has high hopes for Chiefs d-line potential

By Matt Conner

Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jalin Marshall (89) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey (97) and outside linebacker Frank Zombo (51) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jalin Marshall (89) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey (97) and outside linebacker Frank Zombo (51) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Allen Bailey says the Kansas City Chiefs have a bright future along the defensive with Chris Jones and Tanoh Kpassagnon.

Over the last two drafts, Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey has invested two straight second round picks along the defensive front in Chris Jones (2016) and Tanoh Kpassagnon (2017). Both came with some question marks, although certainly Jones was more NFL-ready than Kpassagnon, but veteran Allen Bailey said the Chiefs are in good shape as both men learn to realize their potential.

Bailey himself is coming off of a season-ending injury and hoping to return to form to finish out the last two years of his contract with the Chiefs. He played in only five games last season and instead of playing next to Dontari Poe and Jaye Howard, he’ll be lining up next to Jones and Kpassagnon, among others. Given what he sees, however, Bailey should get some solid pass rushing opportunities or chances to shed a single blocker given the talent around him.

Jones was one of the NFL’s top defensive linemen in the season’s second half and it’s clear that he can be an elite talent in the league. Bailey agreed with that synopsis when asked by reporters about the new players around. him, saying the “sky is the limit” for Jones.

Bailey also praised Kpassagnon, but says he’s got a lot more to learn in the process. That’s natural nog only considering his rookie status but the fact that he’s relatively new to playing football compared to others. He’s also making the jump from FCS as a Villanova product.

"“He’s a big fella,” Bailey said. “Coming from college to now, there’s always a learning curve for everybody. So, he’s getting used to his body. I don’t think he understands the potential of his body because he’s so big and long. I think with time and learning things from the players around him and coaches, he’ll pick it up pretty quick.”"

Bailey had only 7 tackles in 5 games last year with zero sacks after having 9.5 sacks the previous two seasons combined.

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