Mike Danna, DL
For all the talk about wanting an additional edge rusher at the NFL trade deadline, the truth is that the best bet for the Chiefs to have an improved pass rush as a unit in the second half of the season is to lean on internal improvements.
Carlos Dunlap is a veteran, yes, but he’s still adjusting to the what Steve Spagnuolo is asking him to do along with a new franchise, new teammates, and new assistant coaches. George Karlaftis is a first-round prospet who is growing each week with more reps and greater experience. Malik Herring and Khalen Saunders are both young big men who are improving with the playing time that eluded them earlier in their careers.
Then we run into Mike Danna, who has been a solid import as a former fifth round pick out of Michigan turned into rotational contributor in his third season. Danna has been effective from the jump, but he’s also improved each and every year in the NFL. Last season he had 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles as a role player and he’s proven to be well-rounded and teachable for the Chiefs.
This year, however, a calf injury has kept Danna from making a leap to the next level in a year where a boost from him would be a major development. The idea that K.C.’s pass rush could use one more disruptor could be met with Danna’s next developmental shift, but as long as he’s dealing with a nagging injury, fans aren’t going to see that leap made. Here’s hoping the bye week makes things much easier going forward for Danna