Initial Kansas City Chiefs 53-man roster projections from first week of training camp

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Chiefs Final 53-man Roster: Defensive Line (10)

Defensive Ends on the Team:

George Karlaftis
Charles Omenihu
Mike Danna
Felix Anudike-Uzomah
B.J. Thompson

Defensive Tackles on the Team:

Chris Jones
Derrick Nnadi
Turk Wharton
Keondre Coburn
Free Agent Not Currently On The Roster

Missing the Cut:

Malik Herring
Joshua Kaindoh
Truman Jones
Danny Shelton
Daniel Wise
Phil Hoskins
Matt Dickerson
Chris Williams

I think the Chiefs keep ten total defensive line positions, but I think they're currently hurting for NFL caliber defensive tackles that can play on early downs. Chris Jones is currently holding out, Tershaun Wharton isn't cleared to practice yet, Derrick Nnadi lost playing time to Khalen Saunders last season, and Keondre Coburn is a 6th round rookie. I don't think Danny Shelton is the answer, but he's the most likely candidate if they don't sign anyone.

I'd look for KC to sign a veteran before the season starts. Shelby Harris, Matt Iannidis, Chris Wormley (if healthy), Ndamukong Suh, and Akiem Hicks are all options that are still available and would be upgrades over what they have. KC will have to sign Jones to an extension to clear enough cap to get one of those deals done, so they'll be short handed in the meantime.

KC could also sign a veteran defensive end like Carlos Dunlap, but I see defensive tackle as a bigger need right now. I think KC's current top five defensive ends are pretty clear.

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