5 Chiefs Who Will Lose Their Roster Spot to a Rookie in the NFL Draft

4./5. Mike Danna, Tershawn Wharton

We spent a lot of time discussing some players on offense who could be replaced by rookies next season. However, there are a couple of guys on the defense, not named Chris Jones or L’Jarius Sneed who could be replaced in 2024.

Those two players I’m speaking of are Mike Danna and Tershawn Wharton. Danna is one of the many free agents for the Chiefs this offseason. 

The 26-year-old defensive end is coming off a great 2023 season, where he started in 16 games and played a career-high 78.5% defensive snaps. The former fifth-round had 50 total tackles, 13 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. He was also ranked third in quarterback hurries (21).

Spotrac projects Danna to get paid this offseason as his calculated market value is a three-year, $50 million deal. That might be too expensive for the Chiefs’ wallet as they have other pressing needs.

As for Wharton, he’s also a free agent, and Kansas City might believe they can find a young defensive tackle in the draft to replace him. The 25-year-old defensive lineman didn’t make a huge impact on the Chiefs’ defense.

The former Missouri Science and Tech standout played 36.4% of defensive snaps this season while recording 21 total tackles, five quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, and two sacks.

Wharton likely won’t draw much attention on the open market like Danna. But Kansas City has proven they can find and develop defensive talent.

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