KC Chiefs prospect watch: Kingsley Enagbare could solve pass rush woes

The K.C. Chiefs are coming off one of their worst defensive performances since 2018, and that’s not a good thing. So maybe I’m just being harsh when it comes to the Chiefs defense, but I’d argue that if it weren’t for a muffed punt by the Browns, the Chiefs could be 0-2 right now.

After being considered a top tier team in the NFL, the Chiefs’ defense could end up being the the organization’s Achilles heel. So now the problem is trying to figure out what do they need? After watching the game against the Ravens, I’d say they could use just about any skilled player available, but it makes sense to focus on a pass rusher.

With this week being as bad as it was, I figured it would be a good week to add another defensive name to my weekly prospect watch.

Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina

Last week was a appalling sight to behold, and I wish I wouldn’t have witnessed the atrocious spectacle they called a defense last week. However, It proves to the Chiefs how badly they need defense and could cause them to add more depth, especially stardom, on the defense moving forward.

What can they do to help the team in the draft? Well it’s obvious they need to add some run stopping, however, I think with this pick the Chiefs will be able to kill two birds with one stone.

Background

Kingsley Enagbare is currently an edge rusher for South Carolina, but his resume coming out of high school shows that the talent has always been there. Enagbare was a former four-star recruit who resided in Atlanta, GA where he attended Hapeville Charter. He listed as the 10th best edge rusher, 29th ranked player in the state of Georgia, and 269th nationally.

Enagbare got offers from South Carolina, Auburn, Georgia, Notre Dame, North Carolina, and Maryland. He then went on to making a name for himself at South Carolina and is currently projected to be a first-round pick.

Strengths

Enagbare is a very exciting prospect in this year’s draft class who could end up being a mid first-round pick. He has an incredible motor that he can translate into power to move the tackles, and at times, he has showed the ability to even get through double/triple teams to get to the quarterback. He also showed his high motor and competitiveness with his finish on the play.

There were times on the field Enagbare looked like Myles Garrett out there on the field. Even if a play was busted and the running back or quarterback got the ball past him, you can bet that he was going to finish that play. On film he would show his motor by literally chasing the running back 20 yards upfield to make the tackle.

With a high motor he also showed the ability to disengage blocks and make plays on the outside zone runs. That in particular is why I chose this player. There are multiple pass rushers and linebackers available, but after the Ravens game, it became clear that they need to disrupt the run prior to the running back getting three yards, and Enagbare has every trait necessary to do that.

Enagbare also shows impressive football IQ and understanding of where the ball is going to be. He seems to take the appropriate angles when attacking and making plays; In translation, he doesn’t miss tackles. He is a very talented pass rusher, but it’s the upside that makes him such an exciting player to me.

Weaknesses

Enagbare is a very talented prospect with his intangibles but the problem with is game is the fact he’s a high risk/high reward player. He did shows problems with his ability to disengage from the block if a tackle got the first step on him, in which he is often times rendered useless. However, if he can get the first step on the tackle, there is absolutely no one stopping him without a holding penalty being called.

How He Fits

The Chiefs have a huge need at the edge rusher position and that needs to be addressed. I was in favor of taking a pass rusher this past draft with a pick, and they did so with Joshua Kaindoh. However, his value at this point isn’t high given that he’s viewed as a project at this point. That’s not going to cut it. The Chiefs need to add someone who can contribute on day one and Enagbare has everything I look for in an edge rusher as a scout. He could be a huge part to a Chiefs defense that is lacking defensive pressure.