KC Chiefs: Three biggest positions in need of draft investment
By Matt Conner
Defensive end
The Chiefs might be able to cobble together a defensive front that will get them through the 2022 season, and it might even be able to generate a decent enough pass rush to accomplish all of the goals they’d set before them. However, without a significant draft investment in this spring’s first-year player draft, this position is going to fall off of a cliff in short order.
Right now, the Chiefs have Frank Clark, Mike Danna, and Joshua Kaindoh as holdovers on the roster. The only addition at all this offseason is Jonathan Woodard who had a nice season in the CFL rushing the passer but who has only been an NFL journeyman before now. If you’re a big believer in Austin Edwards or Malik Herring, you might feel a bit more optimistic about the state of things, but overall that’s a pretty bleak picture.
Beyond even this, if the Chiefs have their way and convince Melvin Ingram to return, you’re still adding a player now well into his thirties hoping to squeeze out one more season. In 2023, the results there are still the same. Clark is likely gone, too, which means there’s nothing long-term but rotational help—and that’s being hopeful about what Kaindoh can provide.
At this point, the need is so great outside for the Chiefs along the defensive line that it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see the team invest more than one early pick at the spot. Just last year, the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts both went pass rusher with their first two overall picks, so it’s far-fetched to see the Chiefs do the same, especially if they like the value on their draft boards. Remember, this is a deep edge class, which means the Chiefs could land a cornerstone early and come back for more in the middle rounds, too.