The 9 most overlooked Kansas City Chiefs players

Allen Bailey, defensive lineman

Allen Bailey is the graduating senior here, a man in the last year of his second contract with the Chiefs and the most experienced member of the Chiefs defensive front. Yet if you listen to any conversation about the Chiefs defense or even their d-line, Bailey is almost never mentioned except in a list of players on the roster.

Bailey has been a fixture at defensive end for the Chiefs for the last four years, save for the fact that he missed several games due to injury in 2016. Still only 29, Bailey likely still has a few years left of productive work at the NFL level and the Chiefs should be thankful to have someone with 86 games of experience alongside younger players like Breeland Speaks, Derrick Nnadi, Chris Jones and the like. Having an elder player in the room can help translate what coaches like Britt Reid are trying to instill.

But let’s not relegate Bailey’s value to on-field coach at this point, like some shell of a player. Bailey had 38 total tackles and 2 sacks in 13 games started for the Chiefs last year and is another year removed from the shoulder injury that shelved him. If he can show he’s still got plenty in the tank in 2018, he can even earn another nice payday—either from the Chiefs or on the free agent market next spring. I wouldn’t bet against Bailey making a significant impact along the defensive line as he showcases his incredible combination of athleticism, length and strength while also providing a veteran presence at a young position.