Ten takeaways from Kansas City Chiefs training camp
There appears to be tiers to the defensive line rotations
I really like the depth that the Chiefs have along defensive line this season. Spagnuolo is famous for having an attacking defensive front that can present different looks when needed. There are some interesting battles along the defensive front for playing time in this defense, but based on what I saw on Friday and Saturday, there seems to be some tiers forming that are good for some guys getting time and not as good for others.
At defensive end I would rank the tiers as:
- Tier 1: Frank Clark
- Tier 2A: Alex Okafor
- Tier 2B: Tanoh Kpassagnon and Emmanuel Ogbah
- Tier 3: Breeland Speaks
Clark is obviously going to be a focal point of this defense and his snaps are secure. Yes, he’ll get rotated out occasionally to keep him fresh, but he’ll be an every down player for the most part.
Okafor looks like he’ll be the other “starting” defensive end opposite Clark, but unlike Clark, the Chiefs appear to be giving other guys a chance to get on the field in situations (namely Kpassagnon and Ogbah). When I was at camp I think Kpassagnon almost got as many first string reps as Okafor did. I should also note that on Sunday (as I’m writing this), it’s been reported that both Okafor and Ogbah left practice with injuries so that will have to be monitored.
When Spagnuolo’s hire was announced along with a shift to the 4-3 base defense, Speaks was often mentioned as a guy who could really benefit from the change. Thus far, he appears to be behind those other four players including Kpassagnon, who many were ready to write off after last season. If Okafor or Ogbah (or both) miss this week’s first preseason game, then Speaks really needs to take advantage of the opening for playing time or the former second round pick may have a hard time finding a role on this team.
A similar tier grouping appears to be emerging for the defensive tackles as well.
- Tier 1: Chris Jones
- Tier 2: Derrick Nnadi and Xavier Williams
- Tier 3: Khalen Saunders and Justin Hamilton
Jones is obviously the star of this group and, like Clark, will likely be an every down player that only comes off occasionally for rest.
While many people speculated that draft pick Khalen Saunders physical gifts might make him a threat to take Xavier Williams‘ playing time, that wasn’t the case in the practices I saw. Williams was consistently working with the ones and in some of the drills was even the first man up with Jones ahead of Nnadi.
Saunders and Justin Hamilton were consistently with the second string unit. That’s not to say that Saunders couldn’t fight his way up on the depth chart, but if you turn into the first preseason game hoping to see him and Chris Jones lining up next to each other, you will likely be disappointed.
Okay, its time to talk about the cornerbacks.