Chiefs 2022 53-Man Roster Prediction: Defensive Line

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Making an NFL team’s 53-man roster for the start of the season is incredibly challenging. Some spots are filled more for niche roles and experience, rather than just simply draft status or ability. Meanwhile, special teams can make certain position battles more intense, especially for the final depth pieces looking to make it. The Kansas City Chiefs are no different than other teams.

For instance, they find themselves having to make tough decisions in key spots. This team also underwent a massive amount of changes this offseason. As a result, the opportunities are there for the taking at many spots on the 53-man roster. Though, expectations may vary all across the depth chart, at the same time.

We have just under a week to go until team’s have to finalize their 53-man roster. We are going position by position, giving our best predictions of who will make the cut for the Chiefs in 2022. Practice squads will once again be maxed out at 16 players as well. In addition to the 53-man roster, we will also give our best bets at who may make it back to Kansas City as part of the practice squad. So far, we have completed 53-man roster predictions for five positions on the roster. To read those, click on each position: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL

Next up, it is time for the defensive linemen. Let’s kick it off.

Current Defensive Linemen On Chiefs Roster

• Frank Clark
• Chris Jones
• Derrick Nnadi
• George Karlaftis
• Carlos Dunlap
• Tershawn Wharton
• Khalen Saunders
• Mike Danna
• Taylor Stallworth
• Danny Shelton
• Joshua Kaindoh
• Malik Herring
• Azur Kamara
• Matt Dickerson
• Kehinde Oginni Hassan

Old Dogs Learning New Tricks?

The older guard of the Chiefs defensive line is once again led by Clark and Jones. We have seen these two rise up in the most pressure-packed of moments. Elsewhere, Clark and Jones have endured disappointing finishes and slow starts along the way. Kansas City has certainly not received a proper return on either of their investments, giving these two the contracts that they did. It does not mean that these two still can’t be productive in 2022.

In fact, both Clark and Jones look heavily motivated entering a new season. That may sound cliche during the beginning of any season. Yet, this is an entirely new defense than what these two were part of during the Super Bowl LIV win. On top of that, they know that slight improvement or more consistency is necessary from them, in order for this Chiefs defense to take that next step.

Could this duo learn new tricks this season? Maybe not entirely. Though, the Chiefs have to be encouraged to see Clark come in at a lighter weight for this season. Him getting back to winning with quickness would be a tremendous revelation for Kansas City. Jones is also looking to start hot after a somewhat cooler finish. With his mix of power and instincts, he could be a leader by example for this much more physical and much faster Chiefs defensive unit.

Rookie Looking To Make Waves

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Rookie first-round pick George Karlaftis was one of the more fascinating defensive end draft options this past spring. Coming out of Purdue, many aspects stood out. He has the length that NFL teams covet. His burst can catch opposing offensive linemen off guard. However, the relentlessness and motor of Karlaftis may be his greatest trait yet.

That never quit mentality was already on full display during the first two preseason games. With his ability to work through contact and collapse the pocket, Karlaftis was able to notch a sack in each preseason contest so far. It has been a while since the Chiefs had a younger defensive end that they could rely on to produce. Karlaftis even adds some versatility, so do not be surprised to see him occasionally reduce inside. Either way, the rookie is primed to produce from the get-go.

Is Depth Sturdy Enough To Increase Production?

The Chiefs simply did not produce enough as a pass rush last season. Specifically looking at the defensive ends, this group has plenty of potential to significantly increase their output this season. The veteran Dunlap has had at least 7.5 sacks or more in eight of the last nine seasons. Recently, that has been good enough for the second-highest amount of sacks or better on the Chiefs defense during a single season. If he can maintain his health, Dunlap could be a worthwhile bargain for Kansas City in 2022.

Other defensive ends like Danna and Kaindoh are much younger. However, we have seen flashes and glimpses of what they could become. Danna has already had a handful of crucial sacks or stops over the last two years in the regular season. Meanwhile, Kaindoh is coming off an injury-riddled rookie year. He only appeared in three games last season and worked through obvious growing pains. Despite it being just training camp and the preseason, Kaindoh has already shown an improved pass rush plan and technique. He even looks more comfortable and quicker at the snap. These two will need to continue to refine their respective games, if the Chiefs want to stand out more as a pass rush.

Defensive Tackle Room Under Pressure?

Is the Kansas City defensive tackle room under pressure? While this group is one of the more questionable for the Chiefs, in terms of depth, there appears to be recent optimism for the defensive tackles. Perhaps, some internal pressure has helped set some of these guys up for hot starts to 2022.

Names like Saunders and Wharton have battled either injuries or inconsistency. Nonetheless, each player looks to be picking up steam as the regular season nears. Saunders was arguably battling in a possible roster crunch spot. With his performance and hard work in training camp and the preseason, it would be surprising if he did not make the 53-man roster at this point. Wharton is also a tantalizing talent. He can move around the defensive line and produce against both the run and the pass.

On the other hand, you have Nnadi, who re-signed for one year. We know he is largely a stout run defender and not a three-down player. You may also have some similar redundancy to the new signee in Shelton. Given his massive size and instincts, it feels like the Chiefs will keep him around. Finally, Stallworth started out training camp with encouraging results. He has fallen back in the shuffle, though. Because of special teams needs elsewhere and his low ceiling, Stallworth’s chances seem slim. He currently looks to be the odd man out against Shelton.

Prediction

Defensive Ends: Frank Clark, George Karlaftis, Carlos Dunlap, Mike Danna, Joshua Kaindoh

Defensive Tackles: Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, Khalen Saunders, Danny Shelton

On The Practice Squad: Malik Herring and Azur Kamara

Be on the lookout for more of our FPC Chiefs 53-man roster prediction articles and more Kansas City analysis in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.