Breaking down 2022 Chiefs competition: EDGE rusher
By Grant Tuttle
Today we continue our “Meet the 2022-2023 Chiefs” series with the position that is most in question: The EDGE position. We discuss.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a number of questions at defensive end, even after signing Carlos Dunlap in free agency on Thursday. Who will stand out and take over the top spot across from Frank Clark? Will it be a familiar face or a rookie? Or could it be someone that is not on the roster yet? There is no shortage of questions regarding the EDGE position for the Kansas City Chiefs.
In this article, we’ve got you covered for the who’s who of training camp and the preseason.
#55 Frank Clark
College: Michigan
Years Pro: 8 (29 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: Near Lock
It seemed a foregone conclusion that Frank Clark would be cut at the end of last season to create cap space. To virtually everyone’s surprise, Clark took a pay cut to return to the Chiefs for this season. At 29, Clark will not only be spending the 2022-2023 season playing for renewal in a paycheck for next season but will also be a leader to the younger EDGE players on the team.
#8 Carlos Dunlap
College: Florida
Years Pro: 12 (33 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: Near Lock
The latest addition to the group is also the welcome veteran signing that Chiefs fans have been waiting for since Melvin Ingram decided to play elsewhere. Dunlap fills a significant gap with experience and talent and should play a vital role if he can continue to remain productive even further into his thirties.
#51 Mike Danna
College: Michigan
Years Pro: 3 (24 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: High
Mike Danna is entering his third year with Kansas City. As a part-time contributor in the pass rush, Danna started 6 games for the Chiefs last season in Frank Clark’s absence. Danna recorded three sacks and three tackles for a loss last season. It seems likely that Danna will get the initial look at the top of the depth chart but will have to be a top performer to hold off rookie George Karlaftis. As a rotational guy or a starter, there is little doubt that Danna will be on the roster in some capacity.