Chiefs

Breaking down Kansas City Chiefs’ defense ahead of OTAs, especially this position

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) was sacked by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark (55) during fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) was sacked by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark (55) during fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. tljungblad@kcstar.com

The Chiefs begin OTAs this week, kicking off a final, month-long offseason program before a break. Veterans and rookies will be in camp, and although players won’t be in pads, the Chiefs should begin to see their starters and position rotations take shape.

Perhaps the position group with the most uncertainty is defensive end. The Chiefs addressed it in the draft by selecting George Karlaftis. But they lost Melvin Ingram, who signed a free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins. Another player who might have fit the bill, Jadeveon Clowney, is returning to the Cleveland Browns.

Are the Chiefs set with the position rounded out by Mike Danna and Joshua Kaindoh?

Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell break down the defense heading into OTAs and tell us who they’ll be keeping an eye on as the weeks unfold.

Story links:

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This story was originally published May 23, 2022 at 12:59 PM with the headline "Breaking down Kansas City Chiefs’ defense ahead of OTAs, especially this position."

Blair Kerkhoff
The Kansas City Star
Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
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