3 defensive crushes for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Mohamed Kamara, Defensive End, Colorado State

Draft Projection: Round 3-5

The addition of Kamara to this list might surprise you. The Chiefs have two Round 1 picks invested in the defensive end position over the past two drafts. Last month, they re-signed Mike Danna to a deal that should keep him in Kansas City until 2026. Edge would appear a luxury pick, but with Charles Omenihu rehabbing from a torn ACL, and 2023 draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah still vying for more playing time, I wouldn't mind another Day 2 or Day 3 pick to round out the group. You can never have too many viable pass-rushing options.

Admittedly, Kamara doesn't have the prototypical size defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo covets. He's undersized and lacks the arm length you generally want for an edge player, but given his athleticism and game tape, he still seems like a fit for Kansas City. The former Colorado State Ram has an explosive first step and a persistent motor. He'll need coaching to leverage his assortment of pass-rush moves more consistently and help with timing his hands at the next level. There are also concerns about whether or not he can be a reliable edge-setter, but his pass-rushing prowess is impossible to overlook.

Kamara was all over the field in the matchup with Colorado. In that game, he posted four solo stops and two sacks on Buffs' QB Shedeur Sanders. Unfortunately, he was eventually ejected in overtime for targeting but had been a handful throughout the contest. He may not have the stature that we're used to seeing from Chiefs edge players, but this kid can flat-out play this game. He has a competitiveness and tenacity that shows up all over game film.

Two Games to Watch:
Colorado State vs. Nevada
Colorado State vs. Colorado