The Kansas City Chiefs have seen multiple defensive pieces depart in the early stages of the offseason. Leo Chenal has now left for the Washington Commanders on a reported three-year deal. The linebacker joins a few defensive backs who are now former Chiefs.
This was always pretty likely this offseason. Kansas City has rebuilt its defense in a vital season before. The Chiefs are in the same boat this offseason.
Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill currently remain as the top dogs at linebacker. Other depth pieces stay in place as fine depth. But with Chenal leaving on the open market, could Kansas City replace him with another linebacker move? It feels more likely that if that occurs, the Chiefs do so in the 2026 NFL Draft.
There is excitement surrounding this year's linebacker draft class. Choices at the position generally lack the depth that this year's pool offers. With that in mind, here are four draft prospects the Chiefs could select to replace Chenal and his versatile game.
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez was highlighted by our Price Carter in his 100 Prospects in 100 Days series. Rodriguez has been a fan favorite among the draft community all season long. But for Kansas City specifically, he could replace the instincts and read-and-react ability that Chenal offered.
Not many linebackers enter the NFL with the ball production Rodriguez possesses as a turnover machine. He routinely punched the ball free from opposing skill players. Rodriguez stayed in the right place at the right time for interceptions and pass breakups at a steady rate.
While size and play strength questions remain, Rodriguez helped himself with his athletic testing results at the Scouting Combine. He could offer some similarities to what K.C. had with Chenal. Considering his relentless pursuit of the ball, energy, and high IQ, Steve Spagnuolo would love to add a linebacker like Rodriguez.
Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Chenal could reduce down to the line of scrimmage and in a three-point stance or four-point stance if necessary. Jake Golday may not be doing that at the NFL level. However, the endless options for his usage are intriguing.
Cincinnati even used Golday as a wide, overhang defender at times. But overall, he can play both off-ball and near the line of scrimmage on the edge. Also like Chenal, Golday offers the mix of strength and size that is absent for others in this list.
You may not get much out of Golday in coverage. In the end, he is going to give you explosiveness and length for the linebacker spot. Golday potentially replicates the blitzing ability and capacity to stick his nose in dirty areas like Chenal did for Spagnuolo's unit.
Kyle Louis, Pitt
Unlike Chenal or Golday, Kyle Louis is more of a size outlier coming out of the Pitt Panthers' defense. There is upside with his usage, though. Louis possesses incredible range and athleticism. On the other hand, you have a player who can cover, chase down ball carriers, and offers potential as a second-level blitzer.
Louis would not play in the same spots as Chenal did inside the Kansas City defense. But with his ability to wear many hats, Spagnuolo could see the Pitt product as a movable chess piece—something the Chiefs could benefit from having next to a skill set like Bolton's. That leads to unique one-on-one match-ups with opposing skill players, an area in which Louis shone at the Senior Bowl.
Taurean York, Texas A&M
Taurean York is also not the biggest linebacker prospect in this year's class. Yet, he projects to more of a natural linebacker role. Louis is truly a space-eater. York is lauded for his play recognition and finishing skills. Those traits are attributed to his communication and preparation.
Texas A&M defenders leaned on York to get aligned and adjusted properly pre-snap. You can see him call out certain plays from the opposing offense as well. Aggies' head coach Mike Elko said York was "as good as I've ever seen in terms of film study," as mentioned on an episode of the NFL Stock Exchange podcast.
York profiles best as a downhill player who can shed blocks and defend the run. If Kansas City were to add him to the mix, he could be an eventual Bolton replacement down the line.