Jets defensive line depth might hold positional answers for Chiefs

It's interesting how some teams end up with a glut of talent at a certain position while struggling with others. Whether it's the ability to scouts to know what the coaches need or a staff's ability to coach up a particular position (or both), some teams just enjoy a nice pipeline at a position or two each season.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, each year seems to bring about an abundance of bright young talent at defensive back yet somehow the team searches and searches for help in the heart of the defensive line only to fall short. They lose a Charvarius Ward or Kendall Fuller and come out okay on defense. Meanwhile, defensive linemen like Josh Kaindoh, BJ Thompson, Keondre Coburn, and even Felix Anudike-Uzomah fall short of even low expectations at times.

This year, the Chiefs are, once again, thin along the defensive line and it makes sense for them to keep an eye out for other teams to see who might wiggle free. The Chiefs were reportedly interested in free agent Emmanuel Ogbah earlier this summer and the continued rehab of Charles Omenihu make it a position worth eyeing.

As roster cuts are coming due, down to 53 from 90, it shouldn't surprise anyone if the Chiefs front office is keeping tabs on more crowded situations around the National Football League. In particular, Robert Saleh's New York Jets have more talent than they can keep both outside and inside, which means the Chiefs might be wise to go shopping before the season begins.

We recently sat down with our friend Justin Fried, site expert for The Jet Press, to hear more about four d-linemen who have made a mark but might be out of luck.

Takk McKinley

"Probably the best DL this summer for the Jets, which is saying a lot. Out of football last year. Signed him after a tryout at minicamp, and he proceeded to dominate in camp and the preseason. I expect him to make the team. He's definitely earned it."

It might sound weird to hear McKinley's name again, but sometimes a late bloomer is just that. No one knows how this experiment will work out but to turn heads in this crowded bunch is an achievement in itself. Can McKinley return to the NFL this year after a season away? Falcons fans will tell you no, but maybe the Jets lucked into something here.

Leonard Taylor

Justin says: "Former 5-star recruit who was a super high-profile UDFA. Was a stunner that he went undrafted. Some expected him to be a Day 1 or Day 2 pick as recently as last winter. Fell in the draft due to work ethic concerns and his production never matched the hype at Miami. But he flashed all that upside this summer and concluded with a dominant performance against the Giants. It’s hard to pass on his upside, but they already have 4 DT locks. If they keep him, they probably carry 11 DL."

It'd be fun to see what Joe Cullen could do with a boom-or-bust prospect like Taylor. For those unbelievers, the fact that he flashed in an NFL camp shows he's more than just coasting at the collegiate level. The Chiefs have taken worse flyers here.

Braiden McGregor

Justin says: "Another UDFA who was awesome this summer. Started for Michigan and was expected to be a Day 3 pick. Great physical and athletic upside who really flashed as a pass rusher this summer. Had 2-3 sacks in the preseason finale. I think he has a slight edge over Taylor, but the Jets would love to find a way to keep both. Going to be tough, though."

If the Chiefs are sunk on BJ Thompson's long-term value and/or believe Truman Jones isn't ready for the big time, they might want to see what McGregor brings as a former Michigan prospect with the requisite length on the edge at 6'5". For now, he needs to build on his frame but even some situational pass rush reps this first season would be a welcome addition.

Eric Watts

Justin says: "Jets gave him more money than any other UDFA this summer and had very high hopes for him. Seemed likely to make the 53 just a month ago, but he didn’t flash as much as the others. He was still good, but others were just incredible. Another high-upside tweener type who can play on the edge and inside. Was also expected to be a Day 3 pick by most outlets, so definitely a surprise he went undrafted. I don’t think he makes the team at this stage. Jets are probably praying he clears waivers, but I don’t know about that. He probably gets claimed."

Eric Watts had 24 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in his UConn career. Worth a flyer alongside the likes of Fabien Washington? Why not throw more pasta at the wall?