2024 NFL Combine: Which defensive players the Chiefs should be watching
Let's take a look at some enticing players at each defensive position for Chiefs Kingdom to keep an eye on.
By Price Carter
With the 2024 NFL Combine well underway, the Kansas City Chiefs' staff are undoubtedly busy scouring the ins and outs of the Indianapolis Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium trying to gather any and all intel they can about this year's draft class.
With interviews, medical checks, press sessions, athletic drills and more, it's another chapter of the pre-draft process that helps teams sift through the scores of NFL hopefuls.
We've already broken down the offensive positions to see which prospects the Chiefs should be looking at. Now it's time for the defense. To find out more about some of these players, or to see our rankings be sure to bookmark the Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our Chiefs-specific draft board is tailored toward the team's needs and preferences.
Interior Defensive Line
The Chiefs have a massive need at both defensive tackle and nose tackle heading into 2024. The top of the defensive tackle class will likely be Byron Murphy II (Texas), and he's expected to put on a show this week in Indianapolis. Jer'zahn Newton (Illinois) could be a potential target at 32 but will not be testing due to injury.
Leonard Taylor (Miami) could also profile as a potential Chris Jones-type of defensive tackle. His stock has been falling from a potential top-15 pick to a Day 3 selection this year. I think he comes in lighter than he was (Miami asked him to play nose tackle) and puts some value back to his name.
Kris Jenkins (Michigan) has a chance to have a Jordan Davis-esque rise this Combine. He ranked #6 on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List. He's reported to run a time of 7.16 seconds in the 3-cone drill, a 4.33 time in the shuttle, a broad-jump of 9-8, and a vertical jump of 34 inches.
T'Vondre Sweat's (Texas) weigh-in will be interesting. Is he closer to 330 or 360? Since he passed on weighing in at the Senior Bowl there's some speculation about his play weight. Mekhi Wingo (LSU) is another name that could have a nice Combine as well since his explosiveness should translate well in the shuttle and vertical.