2020 Predictions: Defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon

Our staff writers look ahead three years to predict what we will be saying about this year’s draft class in 2020. Next up: Tanoh Kpassagnon.

As we continue our 2020 Predictions series (don’t miss Patrick Mahomes here), it’s time to look at a mystery man the Kansas City Chiefs took in the second round: Villanova defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon. From his spelling bee name to his small school to his freakish frame, it’s an understatement to say that no one saw this pick coming. In short, if you thought John Dorsey trading up for Mahomes was a risk, it’s like you can almost hear him saying. “Hold my beer.”

The reality is that Kpassagnon was high on many scouts’ lists for the wow factor he brings to the table. When you have such a high ceiling, it’s hard to ignore and Kpass is not the first such boom-or-bust project the Chiefs have taken on in recent years, even along the defensive front. He is, however, the one with the lowest floor (as well as likely the highest ceiling).

We recently polled our staff writers to see what they think about Tanoh’s future, asking them to share what they believe we will be saying about the defensive end in the year 2020.

The Predictions:

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At the time of the draft, everyone paid much more attention to the picks of Patrick Mahomes and Kareen Hunt in the first and third round, respectively, but the Chiefs’ choice of Tanoh Kpassagnon was as big a hit as any in that draft. Together with Chris Jones, Kpass gives the Chiefs one of the NFL’s best penetrating tandems along the defensive front. It’s a testament to John Dorsey’s vision that the Villanova product has turned out as well as he has. [Matt Conner]

Who knew the addition of Tanoh Kpassagnon would have made such a big impact on the defensive line for the Kansas City Chiefs? Kpassagnon was selected to his first Pro Bowl this year and rightfully so. As a anchor to the defensive line, his ability to take on multiple offensive linemen was the key to allowing both linebackers Dee Ford and Justin Houston to run free at the quarterback. The hindsight of the organization to take on a raw talent like Tanoh and turn him into one of the premiere defensive linemen in the league shows just how good the Chiefs are at prospecting talent. [Nick Floyd]

When I first heard Kpassagnon get picked, I looked at my wife and said, “There is John Dorsey’s ‘who the hell is this guy?’ pick this year.” Dorsey has done well drafting some no-name guys and turning them into productive members of the tea,m and this was no different with Kpass, who paired with Chris Jones creates good interior pass rush which is a premium in the NFL. [Kody Latham]

This guy is a beast. I believe out of the gate he’s going to look like he is in mid-career form. In 2020 he will have at least two Pro Bowl bids under his belt. [Chris Taylor]

It’s almost a bit of an understatement to say Tanoh Kpassagnon was raw coming out of Villanova in 2017. Most people didn’t even realize Villanova had a football team when he was drafted. But at 6-7, 289 lbs. with 35 5/8″ arms, TK is a physical specimen who was tutored by Andy Reid’s own son Britt Reid. It was quite the diamond in rough find as TK, Chris Jones, and Justin Houston became one of the NFL’s best penetrating trios. It’s likely this pick wouldn’t have been made if it wasn’t for Reid’s experience with local Philly talent. [David Thomas]

The three-time Pro Bowl defensive end is the latest continuation in the evolution of the NFL defensive lineman. Tanoh has shown an uncanny versatility for the Chiefs defensive unit. Kpassagnon lines up primarily as a 5 tech, a spot traditionally occupied by run stuffing specialists, Tanoh has shown that there is nothing traditional about his game generating pressure and sniffing double digit sacks in the last 2 years. On nickel packages, Tanoh kicks inside to a 3 tech and creates an interior pass rushing nightmare with fellow teammate Chris Jones. Tanoh Kpassagnon has found his name in company with some of the best defensive line talent in the league. [Thomas Welte]

When the Chiefs selected Tanoh Kpassagnon in the second round of the draft, everyone had the same reaction: “Who?” Three years later we know who, but the bigger question is now why? Tanoh is a physical freak who has spurts of dominance, but has not developed into the three down monster the Chiefs had hoped for. His technique hasn’t developed to the NFL level and at this point he is nothing more than a pass rushing specialist. With his physical abilities and large upside, it wasn’t a bad idea by the Chiefs to select Tanoh, however this was a swing and a miss by John Dorsey. [Britt Zank]