Tershawn (Turk) Wharton is one of the Kansas City Chiefs' best development stories in recent history. Back in 2020, Wharton declared for the draft out of division two Missouri S&T and earned a roster spot out of camp despite his lack of size and college reputation.
Turk made a name for himself in Kansas City as one of the hardest workers on the roster and as a relentless pass rusher who wins with speed early on. He was one of the most productive pass rushers on the team with 8.5 sacks last season (including playoffs) and has been rewarded with a $54 million contract from the Carolina Panthers
Finding a replacement for Wharton to play alongside Chris Jones on the interior of the defensive line is now a top offseason priority.
Kenneth Grant Should be the Chiefs' First Choice
Since day one, Kenneth Grant has been near the top of my draft board and is someone I have had a top-10 grade on all season. Grant has been underrated his whole career, mostly because he plays next to top prospect Mason Graham.
Right now, Grant is expected to go around No. 20, and in mock drafts has gone as high as No. 7 to the Jets. It's very possible Grant falls and if the Chiefs can get him, either at 31 or through a trade-up, he should be their top option.
Grant is a massive guy who comes in at 6'3", 340 pounds and moves like he is sub-300. Athletically, Grant is one of the most gifted players in the entire class with his blend of size, speed and power. He is a great run stuffer who knows how to use his power on the interior to eat up blocks, clog run lanes and make plays on ball carriers.
But Grant is much more than just a nose tackle and has shown upside as a pass rusher throughout his three-year career at Michigan. If the Chiefs feel comfortable trading up, or if Grant is available at 31, he has to be the pick.
Who Are the Other First-Round Options?
There are some other defensive linemen worth considering in Round 1, and with the Chiefs having addressed offensive line in free agency, adding defensive tackle becomes the top priority. Mason Graham is the top option in the group, but he will be well gone before the Chiefs pick or can even trade up. But after Graham, there are four guys who could be available at the end of the first round.
The next best choice is Derrick Harmon, who has been incredible for Oregon this season as a true three-tech defensive tackle. He would be a great fit next to Chris Jones who can do it all on the interior. Then, as mentioned above, is Kenneth Grant.
If the Chiefs miss all three, Walter Nolen becomes an interesting choice. He was once the number two prospect in the nation out of high school and has proven to be an incredible athlete in his time at Ole Miss. Nolen was listed at 325 pounds out of high school but slimmed down to 305 and still displayed incredible power on the interior. Nolen is maybe the quickest defensive lineman in the draft with an elite first step and is an incredible pass rusher
The last two defensive tackles worth considering in Round 1 are Tyleik Williams and Derrick Harmon. Think of Williams as similar to Grant, as he is another massive and athletic defensive tackle who is a great run stuffer and has the athletic ability to rush the passer as well. Derrick Harmon also has the versatility to do it all on the interior. Harmon exploded onto the scene this year after he transferred from Michigan State to Oregon and displayed an elite skillset in 2024, stopping the run and rushing the passer.
Having already lost Wharton while Mike Pennel and Derrick Nnadi are also unrestricted free agents, the Chiefs have a very clear need at defensive tackle this offseason. Fortunately for them, this year's draft class is incredibly strong at the position, and the Chiefs will likely have a chance to get their hands on one of the top names in the class.