Chiefs 53-Man Roster Prediction Ahead of 2024 Training Camp
By Randy Gurzi
Defensive Line (9): George Karlaftis, Chris Jones, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, Malik Herring, Charles Omenihu, Neil Farrell
The Chiefs were able to shut opposing teams down in 2023 and much of that was due to their defensive line. They finished second in the league in yardage surrendered and second in points scored. They brought the pressure early and often with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis each racking up 10.5 sacks.
They're still the key pass rushers but look for second-year EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah to take a step forward this year. He could make Charles Omenihu expendable but that’s not the case here as the veteran sticks around following a seven-sack campaign thanks to his ability to play both inside and outside.
Mike Danna and Derrick Nnadi also deserve props for their work as interior linemen. They can stand to get slightly better in this area but those two are typically up to the task.
Linebacker (5): Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane, Cam Jones
Nick Bolton is unreal. He played in just eight games in 2023 and had 60 tackles. He then added 40 tackles in four playoff games, once again showing off his value.
He starts alongside Drue Tranquill but the Chiefs will need to see Leo Chenal step up with Willie Gay exiting. Thankfully, Chenal was also explosive in the playoffs and gives them hope that they’ll be just fine.
Kansas City could go six deep but for now, we stick with five. Jack Cochrane and Cam Jones round things out with special teams being the deciding factor.