Will Chiefs Draft Western Kentucky Hilltopper DeAngelo Malone?

The Chiefs defensive front needs some help, DeAngelo Malone could be just the guy to change that.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense finished the season with thirty one total sacks which puts them ranked twenty eight out of thirty two. Although they ranked in the top in pressures, hurries, and knock downs, we still see time after time where getting to the quarterback to finish the job has cost the team on several plays. With the NFL Draft closing in, a simple solution to that problem is to find a guy who gets the job done.

DeAngelo Malone Measurements:

• Height: 6’ 4”
• Weight: 240 lbs.
• Year: Senior

DeAngelo Malone, A Western Kentucky Hilltopper, is a name Chiefs fans should become familiar with. Malone was a two star recruit (Per 247sports) out of Georgia with limited power five offers to play football. Deciding to take his talents to Bowling Green Kentucky, Malones career took off during his sophomore campaign.

Malone has been a stand out player while playing at Western Kentucky. During his time there he has received CUSA Defensive Player of the Year two times (2019 & 2021). Prior to the the past two season, he had been named to multiple watch list including the Chuck Bednarik and Bronko Nagurski. Over the past three seasons, Malone has finished top three in tackles for loss and sacks within the conference and led the CUSA in tackles for loss in his final season.

DeAngelo Malone Career Stats:

DeAngelo Malone is a quick and physical ball chaser on the outside. His acceleration off of the snap gives him just the extra boost to swim past offensive lineman. There is no doubt in his speed and power coming off the edge.

https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1491899333574537216?s=20&t=lwcAgrMSr9HL086ulvN5xA

Malone has put up the numbers during his career at Western Kentucky to prove he has value to any team looking for a pass rusher. Moving into the NFL, Malone could be a year or so catching up to the speed of the game but as his previous history shows, it wont take him long to learn how to become a professional. His size may of a bit of a concern which may put Malone in more of a traditional pass rushing package. Malone has also shown his length in being able to get a hand up or step back into coverage to make plays.

The Chiefs could definitely use DeAngelo Malone on the outside with his hand in the dirt or standing up. With the departure multiple guys among the defensive line such as Melvin Ingram, Jarran Reed, and Alex Okafor, this is an important offseason for Kansas City along the defensive side of the ball. Drafting a productive edge rusher would be a huge step in the right direction.