5. Are the Chiefs comfortable with their defensive end depth?
When the Chiefs returned offensive lineman Martinas Rankin from the PUP list last week, it was surprising to see that the corresponding transaction was the release of reserve defensive end Demone Harris. This left the Chiefs with three active DEs (and four running backs, a fullback, and four tight ends, but that’s another conversation). Soon after Harris’ release, the team did elevate first-year player Tim Ward from the practice squad. Even that leaves the Chiefs very short-handed at end with Frank Clark, Tanoh Kpassagnon and rookie 5th round pick Mike Danna, and Ward, who has never played a down in the NFL.
Clark is the only viable option the Chiefs have as a true edge rusher. One of the leaders of this defense, Clark provides a nice balance as a pass rusher and run defender. Kpassagnon, Danna and Ward simply are not going to offer the Chiefs the element of a speed rusher. The Chiefs are still adept at creating a pass rush without dominant athletes on the edge, but the main concern here is simply the depth of the rotation.
The only x-factor at this point is Alex Okafor, and while the veteran gives the Chiefs respectable play, the fact is that Okafor can’t be counted on the same way that others can. Okafor has now missed games due to injury in four different stretches during 1.5 seasons with the Chiefs. The team did return Demone Harris to the practice squad.
Free agency doesn’t have much to offer in this area. Vic Beasley and Cameron Wake are the biggest names out there, but there’s a reason neither is under contract with a team right now. The Chiefs are going to have to roll with what they’ve got in their Super Bowl run.