KC Chiefs biggest roster concerns entering the summer

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 2: Skyy Moore #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 2, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 2: Skyy Moore #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 2, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 29: Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after sacking Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 29: Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after sacking Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Defensive tackle depth

The defensive tackle group presents the opposite challenge compared to the defensive ends. While they boast top-end talent in Chris Jones, they lack depth. Tershawn Wharton, who is returning from a torn ACL, has primarily served as a depth pass rusher throughout his career. Derrick Nnadi contributes little to the pass rush and had a disappointing season in 2022. Keondre Coburn is a rookie, and Danny Shelton’s prime years seem to be in the past, with both players primarily being run-stuffers.

Having Chris Jones on the roster ensures that the depth chart is never in a terrible state, but that doesn’t automatically elevate the players behind him. Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna will shift inside on passing downs, providing some help. However, the Chiefs need to strengthen their interior defensive line.

If Chris Jones were to miss a few games or even the entire season, the interior of the Chiefs’ defensive line would instantly become one of the weaker groups in the NFL, presenting a significant problem for Kansas City. Beyond #95, there is a lack of impact in the pass rush, and the run defense is subpar on good days.

If there’s one position on the entire roster where it’s highly likely that the Chiefs add another player between now and Week 1, it would be at the defensive tackle spot. Apart from Chris Jones, the team is left with uncertainties and question marks.

Next. Game-by-game predictions for the Chiefs schedule. dark