KC Chiefs: Reviewing the 2020 rookie class

Mike Danna – Defensive End

Despite an injury which sidelined the fifth round pick for four games early in the season, Danna seemed to play pretty well through much of his first 10 games in the NFL. Danna wasn’t excellent as a pass rusher (or run stopper), but he was solid all-around for a team that lacked a consistent rush presence for most (or all) of the year. He racked up a respectable stat line including 2.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, and 5 quarterback hits through Week 14 (10 games).

Unfortunately, Danna essentially fell off the map from Week 15 on and contributed essentially zero the rest of the way. He registered zero sacks, TFL or QB hits in the last six games, and saw the field for less than 30% of snaps in the playoffs (after averaging well over 40% in his first 10 games).

The Chiefs are likely heading towards a large investment in a complimentary edge rusher to the other starter, Frank Clark. Given the lack of depth going forward, as their only other edge rusher currently under contract for 2021, Danna will be an incredibly important role player next season. Kansas City will not be able to invest significant money into more depth players at the position, and the former Michigan Wolverine’s development will be imperative for the defense.