Major players who may be playing their final snaps for Kansas City Chiefs
![NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Mitchell Schwartz #71 of the Kansas City Chiefs at the line of scrimmage waiting to block on a play during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chiefs 35-32. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Mitchell Schwartz #71 of the Kansas City Chiefs at the line of scrimmage waiting to block on a play during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chiefs 35-32. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8b90c2430f9c8b353d6d45851c5dc2291fb161e3759e93e1e3729a8ec2a48b36.jpg)
Tanoh Kpassagnon
Tanoh Kpassagnon is a nice story for players coming from smaller schools and getting a serious shot at the professional level. He spent his college days playing at Villanova, a division one program in basketball but an FCS program in football. The jump from any level to the NFL is a large one, but especially so for anyone outside of division one.
Kpassagnon’s premier athleticism jumped off the tape at Villanova, as he tossed FCS offensive linemen aside on his way to the quarterback, and this was his golden ticket to a second-round draft selection. Some thought he was too much of a developmental prospect for the pick, but his freakish frame and athleticism were too tempting for John Dorsey to pass up.
After playing in college along the defensive line, Kpassagnon played the first two years at outside linebacker in the Chiefs 3-4 scheme. He never settled into the role and had some thinking he might not make the cut with new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo coming to town.
Fortunately for Kpassagnon, Spagnuolo was partial to long defensive lineman. He started slow in 2019, but finished the regular season and playoffs strong enough to garner a starting position along the defensive line in 2020.
There are a number of players along the defensive line who may find themselves on the outside looking in for the 2021 season. It’s possible Kpassagnon returns if he is willing to accept a reasonable deal. If the Chiefs aren’t the only team bidding, I’d expect Kpassagnon to be wearing different colors next season.