Kansas City Chiefs: Top ten players that could break out in 2017

10. Dadi Nicolas, OLB

This is by far my biggest longshot on the list. Dadi Nicolas was just an undersized sixth round draft pick in 2016. Not only was he not in the playing rotation on defense in 2016, but his season was cut short by a patellar tendon injury. It’s possible that Nicolas may not even be cleared to play by training camp as he recovers from the injury. So why in the world would I put an injured, undersized, sixth round pick that has guys like Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, and Dee Ford all ahead of him on the roster on this list?

Well, call me crazy, but I saw something in Nicolas last preseason that makes me think he can be a NFL caliber pass rush specialist. Nicolas is very quick off the line. His size may keep him from ever being an every down player, but you can never have too many productive edge rushers. As Tamba continues to battle father time, it could be that Nicolas is able to get some reps with the first team on clear passing downs once he gets back to full health. Nicolas was able to total three sacks last preseason and then saw action in eleven regular season games mostly on special teams.

I wouldn’t run out and order your Dadi Nicolas jersey just yet, but if he is able to practice by training camp, I won’t be surprised if he is able to earn some playing time and potentially break out this season as a situational pass rusher.