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3 important practice squad players for Chiefs in season’s second half

By Jacob Milham

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 27: Danny Shelton #71 of the Detroit Lions walks off the field during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on September 27, 2020 in Glendale, Ariz. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 27: Danny Shelton #71 of the Detroit Lions walks off the field during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on September 27, 2020 in Glendale, Ariz. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Danny Shelton #75 of the New York Giants looks on during the national anthem against the Washington Football Team prior to an NFL game at FedExField on September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Danny Shelton #75 of the New York Giants looks on during the national anthem against the Washington Football Team prior to an NFL game at FedExField on September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Defensive tackle Danny Shelton

It did not take long for Chiefs fans to notice defensive tackle Danny Shelton. The former Washington Huskie is a mountain of a man, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 345 pounds.

Shelton is yet another former first-round reclamation project by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. The Cleveland Browns selected Shelton 12th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. Shelton was fresh off a nine-sack season at Washington, earning first-team All-American honors.

Across his career, Shelton has played in 100 games for four different teams. While he has not found a long-term home, Shelton has a clear value and role in Kansas City. His size and power force opposing offensive lines to double-team him, opening gaps for linebackers or giving other linemen more one-on-one opportunities. At least that is how Shelton fits from this point of view.

The Chiefs’ failure to utilize Shelton so far is puzzling. Their rush defense was bad in 2022, and the defensive line is riddled with injuries. After defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton’s injury ended his season prematurely, Shelton was a common-sense replacement. However, Shelton remains on the practice squad.

Shelton should be added to the 53-man roster after more players return from injury and the roster is more stable. He would give defensive tackle Chris Jones more favorable matchups and provide an instant boost to the Chiefs’ run defense. The fit is there; pull the trigger.

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