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Defensive line options for the Chiefs after losing Chris Jones

By Kelly Thompson

Defensive end Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with defensive end Chris Jones #95 (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
Defensive end Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with defensive end Chris Jones #95 (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 22: Josh McCown #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles is hit by Willie Henry #69 of the Baltimore Ravens after throwing a pass in the first half during a preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 22: Josh McCown #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles is hit by Willie Henry #69 of the Baltimore Ravens after throwing a pass in the first half during a preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Willie Henry, DT

Another roster crunch casualty that caught those looking by surprise was the Baltimore Ravens decision to cut veteran defensive tackle Willie Henry after two years and three training camps with the team.

Henry, a former 4th round pick, has been plagued by injuries in his short NFL career and only appeared in three contests last year. However, he has a respectable 4.5 sacks in 17 career appearances. At 6’3, 295 lbs., he has the size to play inside without giving up too much speed and agility. This allows him to work in the three technique where Chiefs standout Chris Jones typically plays.

Henry, who played college football for Michigan after growing up in Cleveland, was drafted in the 4th round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Ravens. He’s only 25, which means there is still plenty of upside there.

The Ravens entered the season with too much depth along their defensive line and opted to cut the oft-injured Henry in favor of more reliable options.

Fortunately Henry would not be asked to play every down in Kansas City. He’d also likely be cut the moment the team starts to get healthy. As such, his size and pressure abilities make him an ideal stop-gap measure for Spagnuolo’s defensive front.

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