KC Chiefs with real chance to decide their fates vs Packers

IDL Taylor Stallworth/Danny Shelton

The Kansas City Chiefs have underrated depth when it comes to the interior of the defensive line and someone has to be the odd man out. Unfortunately, that player may be Taylor Stallworth or newly signed big man Danny Shelton. It isn’t the strongest group in the league but I do think that they should feel comfortable with their overall group. Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi are the projected starters and I have a hard time believing that either Tershawn Wharton or Khalen Saunders will be cut. Kansas City will likely not carry six guys on the interior of the defensive line into the regular season so that puts one of Stallworth or Shelton in an awkward position.

It’s tough to say how the Chiefs view Stallworth and Shelton when compared to each other but the former played 42 snaps on defense against Washington while the latter only saw the field for 7. Stallworth gives the Chiefs more juice when rushing the passer but Shelton is undoubtedly the better run stuffer so how the Chiefs want to sculpt their defensive line may help determine who gets the final roster spot.

The game on Thursday will be huge for the two defensive linemen as it should be Shelton’s first and only real preseason game of 2022 and it will be critical for his chances of making the team. If Stallworth can have a strong game himself, then his chances of sticking around will be drastically improved. The only thing that is certain is that it’s unlikely that Taylor Stallworth and Danny Shelton will both be on the team when Week 1 rolls around.