Why the Kansas City Chiefs Need to Address the Defensive Line in the Draft
The Kansas City Chiefs have established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in the NFL over the past several years, with a core of talent led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite their offensive prowess, the team has also found success in large part because of their defense, which has stepped up when it mattered most. However, as the Chiefs continue to chase Super Bowl titles, one position group that remains a significant concern is the defensive line. To remain competitive, the Chiefs must focus on addressing this area in the upcoming NFL draft.
Declining Pass Rush Efficiency
A key component of any NFL defense is the ability to pressure the opposing quarterback, and the Chiefs’ defensive line has faced growing concerns in this regard. While the team has had standout players like Chris Jones, who remains one of the league’s most formidable interior defensive linemen, the pass rush has been inconsistent. Jones often faces double-teams and has had limited help from the outside rushers, which limits the Chiefs’ ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks.
In recent seasons, the Chiefs have struggled with outside pass rush, especially after the departure of key players like Frank Clark. The lack of consistent edge rushers has been an issue for Kansas City’s defense, leading to more time for quarterbacks to make plays and extending drives. This is a crucial problem, as sustained pressure on the quarterback can disrupt offensive rhythm and force turnovers, ultimately altering the course of games. The Chiefs need to add talent on the edges to create a more balanced and effective pass rush.
Run Defense Concerns
In addition to issues with the pass rush, the Chiefs’ defensive line has also been a concern against the run. Kansas City’s defense has shown vulnerability in stopping the run, particularly when facing power-running teams. While the Chiefs’ linebackers and secondary are capable of making plays, the defensive line often gets pushed around at the point of attack, allowing opposing running backs to break through for large gains.
A defensive line that can control the line of scrimmage is essential for any championship-contending team, as it enables the defense to dictate the flow of the game. Kansas City’s struggles in this area have been exposed in games where opposing offenses have been able to establish a strong running game, controlling the clock and limiting the Chiefs’ offensive opportunities. Improving the defensive line’s ability to stop the run will make them a more complete unit and take some of the pressure off the secondary and linebackers.
Depth and Future of the Defensive Line
While Jones is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the defensive line, the Chiefs lack reliable depth behind him. The team has cycled through several players in an attempt to find a consistent edge rusher opposite Jones, but many of these players have not panned out. The departure of players like Clark and the injuries to others have left the Chiefs with a less-than-ideal rotation of defensive linemen.
Looking ahead, Kansas City needs to solidify the future of its defensive line by bringing in young, dynamic talent. The NFL is a league of constant turnover, and relying solely on aging veterans and inconsistent contributors is not a recipe for long-term success. By selecting promising prospects in the draft, the Chiefs can build a foundation for years to come and create competition that raises the overall talent level of the defensive line.
The Draft Class
The 2025 NFL Draft provides an excellent opportunity for the Chiefs to address their defensive line issues. This draft class is deep in both edge rushers and interior defensive linemen, giving Kansas City a chance to select a player who can immediately contribute to their defense. Whether it is a disruptive edge rusher who can complement Jones or a stout run defender to improve the team’s front-seven, there are multiple ways the Chiefs can go about upgrading their defensive line.
With multiple early-round picks, the Chiefs should prioritize bolstering the defensive line. There are several high-upside prospects available who can provide immediate impact. For example, edge rushers from programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State could add both power and speed to Kansas City’s pass rush. Additionally, top interior defensive linemen from programs such as Michigan and Florida State could be key players in solidifying the Chiefs’ run defense.
Conclusion
The Kansas City Chiefs have proven that they are a perennial Super Bowl contender, thanks to their offensive firepower and overall team depth. However, to continue competing at the highest level, they must address the deficiencies in their defensive line. The lack of consistent pass rush and struggles against the run have been noticeable issues, especially in critical postseason matchups. The 2025 NFL Draft represents a key opportunity for the Chiefs to address these concerns, adding both immediate and long-term contributors to their defensive line. By improving this unit, the Chiefs can become an even more well-rounded team and strengthen their pursuit of another championship.
