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4 Underrated Chiefs Heading Into 2024 NFL Season

By Joe Summers

Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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4. Leo Chenal - LB

Leo Chenal is expected to fill Willie Gay Jr.'s role after the latter signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency. He took a big step forward in his sophomore season, finishing with 65 tackles and three sacks despite playing only 41% of the defensive snaps.

The 2022 third-round pick out of Wisconsin saved his best performance for last, dominating the Super Bowl when he was on the field. Chenal had six tackles, a forced fumble and a critical blocked kick that allowed the Chiefs to tie the game with a field goal before ultimately winning in overtime.

Expectations are high for Chenal and he produced when given the opportunity, notably notching 10 tackles and a sack in the loss to Denver in October.

Alongside Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill, Chenal helps give Kansas City one of the NFL's best, most vertaile linebacker rooms. He fights through blocks with exceptional power and speed, perfectly complementing Bolton's brash style and Tranquill's coverage ability.

Gay Jr. is one of only three defensive starters the Chiefs have to replace (L'Jarius Sneed and Mike Edwards). Chenal has the pedigree and ability to perhaps even be an improvement over Gay Jr., theoretically helping Kansas City reach new heights defensively.

By the end of the year, I expect to see quite a few Chenal jerseys around town.

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