4 defensive breakout candidates for Kansas City Chiefs training camp

Alex Okafor

Alex Okafor was one of the more under-the-radar signings for the Chiefs this past offseason. This is understandable, given the whirlwind of signings on defense that included ascending star defensive end Frank Clark’s $104 million deal. While he doesn’t boast the physical prowess and talent of a Frank Clark, Okafor is a stud in his own right.

In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Okafor has graded either “Above Average” or “Good” in each of his past three seasons with the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals. He’s a reliable tackler who is good against the run and even demonstrates some pass rushing ability. In the five seasons where he’s seen a high number of snaps, he’s averaged 4.5 sacks per season, with his career high of 8 coming in 2014 with Arizona.

What should we expect from Okafor in 2019 and why does he make this list? Okafor makes this list as an accessory to the presumable production Chiefs’ fans are likely to see along the defensive line in 2019.

Of all the high profile hires, Brendan Daly was likely one of the highest, a coach who had spent the last five years as an important cog in the New England Patriots’ defensive coaching staff who now takes over the same position of defensive line that he coached last season. Daly did nothing but create an environment for outsized production, considering the overall talent, for the Patriots’ defensive line. I’d expect nothing less with his move to the Chiefs.

On top of better coaching, Okafor will be playing alongside some of the best talent of his career. Opposing offenses will undoubtedly design their schemes in an attempt to neutralize players like Chris Jones and Frank Clark as opposed to Okafor. Okafor should have plenty of one-on-one opportunities, leaving the door open for increased production.

Finally, as I’ve mentioned in previous articles, Spagnuolo’s defenses usually result in more statistical production from the defensive ends. While it’s likely that Frank Clark will see the majority of this bump, you can expect that Okafor will see some improvement as well. Even though it’s his first year with the team, Okafor will be a major player to watch heading into training camp.

Conclusion:

The Chiefs have changed a great deal on the defensive side of the ball since last year’s training camp. You could argue that every single player who started last year is one to watch, and expect improvement from, given the reasons I listed for each of these players. That would be a valid argument.

You could also argue leaving players off like Tyrann Mathieu, Juan Thornhill, or Charvarius Ward is a major oversight. While fans should expect Mathieu to have a great season, he doesn’t make this list because I wouldn’t consider it a breakout if he did. He already has a great track record in terms of play, and I expect that to continue in training camp and 2019.

In Thornhill’s case, as I’ve written before, I expect him to have a great season. Yet, as with Mathieu, Thornhill’s expectations are already high, so considering him a candidate for a breakout season seems a bit overplayed. As an arguable first-round talent, nobody will be surprised if he has a great training camp and 2019 campaign.

Finally, in Ward’s case, the jury is still out for me. Based on his performance to end the 2018 season, he has every opportunity to be a solid contributor on defense. However, until I see a larger sample size, it’s hard to expect a “breakout” season from him.

The players on this list all either had down years last year or have average expectations going into training camp. That being said, I expect each has a shot at a great year in 2019.