Kansas City Chiefs players hurt most by lack of preseason games

Michael Danna

I hope I’m wrong about this one.

The Chiefs used a fifth-round draft pick on Michael Danna out of Michigan. Early in his college career, Danna looked like a major edge rush prospect at Central Michigan, but didn’t stand out quite as much after transferring to play for the Wolverines. He was a surprise pick in the fifth round, but the Chiefs seemed excited about his upside. The problem for Danna (like many of the others on this list) is he’s trying to break into a deep group of veterans in a short amount of time.

I think there are eight defensive front players who are roster locks if they are healthy for the Chiefs: Frank Clark, Alex Okafor, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Taco Charlton, Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, and Khalen Saunders. Last year the Chiefs carried nine guys. That leaves Danna going head to head with former second round pick Breeland Speaks for the final spot unless they carry an extra guy there this season.

The reason I believe Speaks has the advantage is that he knows the defense better and has more flexibility to bounce inside and play on the interior as well. I don’t know if the Chiefs would gamble with putting a fifth round draft pick on the practice squad, but I just don’t like how the numbers look for Danna.

I sound like a broken record, but do you see Danna having enough time in the lead up to the regular season to unseat any of those guys? I know he’s a draft pick, but I really think Danna may be a practice squad guy despite his draft pick status.

Finally, let’s look at a few defensive backs who could be missing out on an opportunity to earn a spot.