Where will KC Chiefs turn after losing out on Melvin Ingram?

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Fans might be frustrated to see the Chiefs stand pat for now at the position, but if they don’t like Clowney and don’t want to trade away any draft assets, then turning inward is the best thing the Chiefs can do.

In a best-case scenario, the Chiefs might end up with a surprising rookie year from George Karlaftis, who will be a non-stop motor on the field and a learner off of it. If he can lock down starter’s reps from the start of the season, that’s a big boost in a single draft pick. Opposite him is Clark, who can be a significant disruptor, but again, how reliable will he prove to be?

Mike Danna looked very good in his second season with the Chiefs and perhaps we’ve not yet seen his ceiling, but it feels safer to believe he’s settled into a rotational role as a well-rounded backup.

Two second-year players could surprise, and here’s where the Chiefs are crossing their fingers. Joshua Kaindoh was the team’s fourth-round selection out of Florida State a year ago. He has the highest upside here, but he came in raw and lost several games to injury, so it’s hard to tell what he might offer until the Chiefs hit training camp. Malik Herring was an undrafted signing who was stashed on injured reserve, but being bullish about his potential is unfounded optimism.

The good news here for the Chiefs is that, as they figure these things out, they do have one of the single best disruptors in the game along the interior. Chris Jones’ presence will go a long way toward covering issues outside, and Steve Spagnuolo will blitz to create pressure where his front four cannot. If edge stays lacking, expect lots of green lights ahead for L’Jarius Sneed and Leo Chenal.