Rating the Kansas City Chiefs roster needs prior to free agency

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 15: Derrick Nnadi #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks with teammate Mike Pennel #64 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle

Players currently under contract:
Derrick Nnadi
Khalen Saunders
Braxton Hoyett
Devaroe Lawrence

Need for a starter: 9
Need for depth: 10

If the Chiefs started the season with Derrick Nnadi and Khalen Saunders as their top two defensive tackles they wouldn’t have the worst starters in the NFL, but it would certainly be a big drop off from last season. In fact, you can make a strong case that the Chiefs two best defensive tackles in the playoffs were Chris Jones and Mike Pennel who are both about to hit free agency. So the Chiefs definitely need to add a couple of players at defensive tackle.

If I was Brett Veach I would try to make the numbers work to bring both Jones and Pennel back. Jones has earned his big payday and would be a valuable part of the core of this team going forward. Pennel was considering retiring before getting picked up by the Chiefs mid-season, so bringing him back may not be overly expensive. Regardless of who they bring in, the Chiefs need to add at least one starting caliber player and at least one other depth signing at defensive tackle.

Now let’s take a look at the defensive end position.

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