There is little doubt as to what’s missing from the Kansas City Chiefs to make another Super Bowl run. The pass rush eludes the opportunity to take the next step once again. It’s no secret. Sacking a defenseless Joe Burrow made it even more obvious. Moreover, this is a thorn for Chiefs Kingdom. Rushing the passer is an art form. The Chiefs cannot seem to find their Da Vinci just yet.
While the free-agent market will heat up next week, the NFL Draft gives bargains for rookie players to come in and make an impact immediately without emptying the piggy bank. And the Chiefs look to add some bangers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Kansas City Chiefs Target the Defensive Line in the 2022 NFL Draft
First Round Speedsters
There is no other position deeper than the EDGE position than in the 2022 NFL Draft. Surely, plenty of starters is available in the first three rounds to shoot for to improve a pass rush. The Chiefs desire speed in the NFL Draft for a player like defensive end Jermaine Johnson from Florida State.
He’s a transfer from Georgia after the 2020 season, and he’s made the most of it. Plenty of length at 6-foot-5 and weighing 254 pounds. Johnson is moving up the draft boards quickly. If the Chiefs have an opportunity, trade up to get this one player — it’s in their best interest. He is primed to play any role. At Georgia, he played outside linebacker dropping in coverage. At Florida State, he’s lined up on either side of the line.
The speed is there, running a 4.58 at the NFL Combine for the 40-yard dash. Among other things, Johnson showed his determination starting at a junior college to become one of the best players in his position. Easy money here.
If the Chiefs can’t get Johnson, George Karlaftis fits in nicely too. Karlaftis comes from the Big 10 at Purdue. He got more stature at 275 pounds standing at 6-foot-5. Superiority leverage to knock defenders backward.
Obviously, with the extra weight carries an additional bull rush mentality. Consistent on the run. Senses the development of a play. Could use improvement on lateral movement. Some of his tape also shows being pushed outside. Still an excellent addition.
Second Round Interior Big Men
The pressure the Chiefs desire from the 2022 NFL Draft will likely come from the EDGE position in the early rounds. Still, the interior guys can push the line back freeing up the defensive ends.
This first player is by far my favorite big man coming out in the 2022 NFL Draft. First, there was no doubt who raised their stock immensely by putting on a dominant show. UCONN’s defensive lineman Travis Jones was simply nasty. There are plenty of clips out there, but the few minutes here are pure beauty as far as defensive lineman go.
Jones comes from an unpopular destination for NFL dominance from the state of Connecticut. However, the hulk of a man makes his presence known. Doesn’t matter where he came from. Jones’ hands bring the clean hits and often. He uses angles to disrupt offensive linemen. He can push the pocket backward while shutting down the run. Jones can move quickly enough to make plays. Most of the weaknesses are more technique-related. This is something a good coaching staff can teach. More than anything, he’s a demanding leader playing for a very bad team. Jones is a steal in the second round.
The last of my “First Four” targets is defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey from Oklahoma. Winfrey is an explosive nightmare looking to wreck the dreams of offensive linemen. He loves to shoot off into the backfield. He’s a guy laterally delightful to run down runners at the line of scrimmage. Pass rushing is his expertise. Constantly idling high motor with no letting off the gas. Plenty of tape catching runners from behind. Still has plenty of room to grow. Also, there is a chance he may slip to the third round is more of a niche pass rusher. That being said, don’t sleep on Winfrey.
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