Overlooked angles of the KC Chiefs recent roster moves

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 01: Derrick Gore #40 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at Arrowhead Stadium on November 01, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 01: Derrick Gore #40 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at Arrowhead Stadium on November 01, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 21: Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs, Jarran Reed #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs and Melvin Ingram III #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs wait for the next second quarter play against the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 21: Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs, Jarran Reed #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs and Melvin Ingram III #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs wait for the next second quarter play against the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Defensive line depth comes in handy

Of all the spots on the field for the Chiefs to lose a player to injury, the loss of Saunders for a few weeks should be an injury the Chiefs can weather along the defensive interior.

Ever since the Chiefs moved Chris Jones back inside more often than not, he’s turned back into the disruptive force that made him a household name in the first place. His presence inside along makes the entire unit better, but it also helps that the Chiefs have a few other positive contributors who can fill in there.

Jarran Reed has come alive after a slow start to a new team—remember that he’s only ever played for the Seattle Seahawks—and he’s been a very positive force next to Frank Clark and Jones in recent weeks. Turk Wharton is in his second season and remains a reliable developmental player who can play inside and out. Derrick Nnadi is in his contract year and showing a bit more disruption than previously showcased.

Between those four, the Chiefs are still pretty set up front in the trenches even as they’ll be glad to have Saunders back in the fold when healthy.