Kansas City Chiefs: New Players May Be Earning Permanent Spots

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Terrance Mitchell (39) celebrates after breaking up a fourth-down pass in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Terrance Mitchell (39) celebrates after breaking up a fourth-down pass in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Kendall Reyes
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Kendall Reyes. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Kendall Reyes – DL

No group has been more heavily hit by injuries for the Kansas City Chiefs this year than the defensive line. However, through the losses of Jaye Howard and Allen Bailey the Chiefs have discovered a wealth of talent in our reserves. That group includes draft picks Chris Jones and Rakeem Nunez-Roaches, but also reclamation project player Kendall Reyes.

More from Kansas City Chiefs

Now I won’t claim that Kendall Reyes has been lighting the world on fire with his play. However, he has done a very admirable job of filling in for the Chiefs in heavy rotation along the defensive front. Since Week 8 of this season, Reyes has seen a good percentage of snaps for the Chiefs. In that time, he has become a reliable depth option for the team.

You may recognize the name Kendall Reyes from outside of his time with the Chiefswithout being able to place where. That’s because he was once a very highly touted draft prospect who ended up being selected by the Chargers in 2012. However, the second round pick was unable to find his footing with San Diego and was let go.

In many ways, the story of Kendall Reyes is reminiscent of that of Chiefs defensive end Jaye Howard. Howard was a fourth round pick of the Seahawks in the same draft Reyes went to the Chargers. Neither player was able to make an impact for their original team, and now both are getting a fresh opportunity in Kansas City. Let’s hope Reyes has similar results as Howard.

Next: Kansas City Chiefs: A Change At WR Might Be Needed

The Kansas City Chiefs excel at finding talent in unexpected areas. That is a major key as to why this team has been able to overcome so many injuries this season. With the depth that GM John Dorsey has built, this Chiefs squad is a legit contender in the postseason despite having had so many key players miss playing time.