Kansas City Chiefs: Rookie expectations for Khalen Saunders

By Leigh Oleszczak | May 15, 2019

Defensive lineman Khalen Saunders of Western Illinois (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Khalen Saunders with the 84th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. What can the Western Illinois product provide the Chiefs in his rookie year?

Western Illinois might not be a hotbed for NFL talent, but the Kansas City Chiefs ignored that notion and grabbed Khalen Saunders with their third round selection. Saunders is most famous for being able to do backflips at his size (he weighs 324 pounds – holy hell that’s impressive being able to do a backflip when being that big), but it sounds like he’ll be able to pack a punch on defense.

The Chiefs are really trying to rebuild their defense this year, as indicated by trading for Frank Clark prior to the draft and giving up their first rounder in order to do so. Chris Jones is a star (we’re all aware) and Saunders very well could end up being a backup to Jones as a rookie and potentially moving into a starting role as the season progresses or at the very least by year two.

As of now, the starting defensive line would likely look something like (just my opinion):

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LDE – Alex Okafor
NT – Chris Jones
DT – Derrick Nnadi
RDE – Frank Clark

Okafor and Clark were brought in this offseason to beef up the defensive line while Jones and Nnadi will continue to do their jobs in 2019. Nnadi showed promise near the end of his rookie year and deserves to start in year two.

While you certainly want to see third rounders start as rookies, Saunders probably isn’t a starter come opening kickoff for 2019. He should, however, receive plenty of playing time because of his size and his wrecking ball ability. There’s no rush to force him into a starting role, unless of course an injury occurs or he outperforms his expectations.

Saunders accounted for 25 and a half tackles for loss and 14 sacks over two years at Western Illinois, so he can get after the ball carrier and make plays. That’s what the Chiefs were lacking in 2018 (well, at least when it came to stopping the run) and Saunders should hopefully make a difference.

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The Kansas City Chiefs have to get better on defense if they want a legitimate chance at a Super Bowl. Drafting Khalen Saunders is another step toward making that dream become a reality.

What do you think Saunders’ role will be as a rookie?

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