The Kansas City Chiefs will open their training camp in late July with some personnel challenges looming on the defensive side. However, head coach Andy Reid has strategically added some missing pieces to his defense to become a dominant force. With that said, the Kansas City Chiefs are still facing defensive challenges to be a top contender in the AFC conference.
At the midpoint of last season, the Chiefs were 5-0. They looked poised to make a run for the Super Bowl. So they have the talent already to be successful. In order to be the team that hoists the Lombardi Trophy next winter, the Chiefs must avoid all distractions and adversity.
Offensively, a new era has begun in Kansas City with new starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is a young talented passer who will add the much-needed athleticism and big-play potential to the offense.
His debut complimenting KC’s weapons Travis Kelce, Kareem Hunt and Tyreek Hill have Kansas City fans feeling good about their chances. All in all, the Chiefs offense looks locked and loaded for action when the season opens. This is barring any unforeseen events such as injuries.
Filling In The Blanks On Defense
Reid moved quickly to replace two former all-pro Chiefs on defense. Inside linebacker Derrick Johnson and cornerback Marcus Peters found themselves with new teams via free agency and a trade.
The Chiefs’ offseason strategy was to fill the voids left by both players. New Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and Reid chose to add youth to the defense instead of free agent market.
The Chiefs’ second-round pick Breeland Speaks will line up as a defensive end in the Chiefs 3-4 package. Speaks has amazing first-step explosiveness off the line that will help streamline the transition to the pros.
Their third-round linebacker Dorian O’Daniel plays physical and aggressive. O’Daniel’s instinct to smoke out the ball carrier to make plays is exceptional. O’Daniel will be a good fit making plays next to veteran linebacker.
Derrick Nnadi is a bullish third-round nose tackle from Florida State. Nnadi has the power and quickness to get off blocks and even command double teams. Look for the Chiefs to stop the run more effectively.
Safety Armani Watts is a safe fourth-round pick that will help the Chiefs defense reap huge rewards. Watts paired with all-pro Eric Berry will add the much-needed physicality to the Chiefs secondary.
To sum it up, the Kansas City Chiefs overall success will rely heavily on their defensive draft picks assimilating into their system. All are good picks expected to give the Chiefs the best chance to win.