Tanoh Kpassagnon will be a force to be reckoned with in 2018

 Seeing minimal playing time in his rookie season, tallying 2 sacks, along with 13 tackles, the former second round pick out of Villanova is due for success. 

Tanoh Kpassagnon’s biggest issue is his mechanics.  The physicality is there, with his massive 6’7″, 280 lb. frame.  He clocked a 4.8 40-yard dash, which for a man of his stature, is quite impressive.  I am a fan of him, and not just because his name is fun to say.

After watching all of his college highlights, I can safely say that I am excited about what he can do at ROLB. In the 2017 season, Kpassagnon saw very little action. He is definitely a work-in-progress, but I’m convinced that the 2018 season will be the year he shines.

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The Chiefs have been all about getting younger, especially after announcing they were going to let LB Derrick Johnson test the free agency.  They really don’t have much talent at ROLB, with an aging Tamba Hali who is nearing the end of his career. Dee Ford was injured most of the 2017 season, and can’t seem to shake the injury bug. Frank Zombo has been average at best.

My bold prediction: Tanoh Kpassagnon tallies 11 sacks in the 2018 season.  Is it possible?  Well, of course it is, but is it likely?  Well…

Kpassagnon is definitely ready for the NFL, at least on a physical level. The ideal situation would be Hali taking Kpassagnon under his wing. Kpassagnon’s mechanics and techniques need work, that’s no secret. I’m an optimist. I’m optimistic about Tanoh being a huge factor for the Chiefs this upcoming season, much like Justin Houston in 2014. Kpassagnon can get to the quarterback, but he just needs a little bit more “it factor,” to be cliché.

At the 2018 NFL Combine, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, had this to say about the linebacker:

Former Chiefs GM John Dorsey is known for his draft expertise; he saw something in Tanoh Kpassagnon that possibly many others did not.  If the Chiefs can give him what he needs to develop, in regards to coaching and mentoring, he will play a big role in the Chiefs’ future success.

With defensive coordinator Bob Sutton tending to drop OLBs into coverage, Kpassagnon will need to adjust to that play style. He has some trouble when dropping into coverage, although he can stand out in team practice. If OLB coach Mike Smith can teach him a thing or two, along with the veteran linebackers the Chiefs have,  I have no doubt in my mind that the beast of a man will shine.