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

8. Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DL

The Chiefs lost two key members of their defensive line rotation this offseason in Dontari Poe and Jaye Howard. While Bennie Logan will fill Poe’s void in the team’s run defense, there is certainly room for other players to step up on the defensive line, especially in passing situations. Rakeem Nunez-Roches is another late round draft pick that has flashed some upside. After not playing much as a rookie, RNR saw defensive snaps in 11 games last season and was even credited with five starts.

Nunez-Roches is a disruptive player off the line with good explosion and penetrating ability for a guy his size (6’2″ 307). With Poe and Howard out of the picture and Allen Bailey being a better run stopper than a pass rusher, I would imagine that RNR may find himself as one of the two down linemen in KC’s sub package on clear passing downs. Nunez-Roches likely won’t draw a ton of double teams with other guys on KC’s defense being bigger names, so if he can step up its not a stretch to think that we could see a break out season from him as an interior pass rusher.

Nunez-Roches has the physical tools needed to succeed. If he can refine his technique and take advantage of the openings on K.C.’s defensive line I like his chances of having a big bump in production in 2017.