Chiefs Encouraged to Upgrade Key Position After Training Camp Issues Arise

The Chiefs now must make hard decisions about the roster to put themselves in the best possible position to win a third straight Super Bowl, though one major defensive position looked like a liability throughout training camp.

While some players are on their way off the roster, it's possible Kansas City uses its surplus of cap space to make an addition in free agency or via last-minute trade. Nate Taylor of The Athletic believes the team should make an upgrade on the defensive line.

With Charles Omenihu still rehabbing from injury and players like Felix Anudike-Uzomah not quite ready, Taylor's argument makes a lot of sense.

Chiefs Urged to Upgrade Defensive Line

In Taylor's 53-man roster projection after camp, he highlighted the Chiefs' problem of not having "enough quality defensive linemen." Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and Mike Danna form a stout trio who helped Kansas City rank second in sacks (23) last season. However, Omenihu's absence until possibly late October creates a depth issue.

"Anudike-Uzomah has shown small improvements throughout camp and (Neil) Farrell should have a bigger role this season," Taylor writes. "Still, the Chiefs could use another defensive end for the start of the season. If general manager Brett Veach wants to make a move before the season opener, the team has $17.1 million in salary-cap space, according to Over the Cap."

It's worth noting that Danna had 5.5 sacks in the first six weeks in 2023, though the concern is more on the interior. Mike Pennel is ahead of Derrick Nnadi but a consistent weakness up the middle hasa allowed strong running games to find success in the past.

Going for a three-peat, the Chiefs should leave no stone left unturned. Yannick Ngakoue, former Missouri Tiger Charles Harris, Hassan Ridgeway, and Shaq Lawson are some names available in free agency.

At this point, the organization may better suited finding a trade candidate, but it's obvious the defensive line depth is an issue that could rear its ugly end during the early portion of the season against some high-powered offenses.

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