Derrick Nnadi signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Thus far, Nnadi spent the entirety of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs (2018-2021).
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Derrick Nnadi Signs with Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs quietly took defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi from Florida St. in round three (75th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. Although Nnadi has not seen a pro-bowl or all-pro recognitions, he was a crucial player to the Chiefs Super Bowl victory, and their defensive efforts in last season’s push towards the AFC Champsionship.
Derrick Nnadi’s first season with the Chiefs saw the defensive tackle register 35 tackles on 38 percent of defensive snaps played. He started 11 games and played in all 16. His sturdiness and development over the off-season saw an increased roll in 2019, finishing the season playing 54 percent of snaps and 48 tackles.
While Nnadi may never register the statistical line to impress casual purveyers of the game, he impressed the Chiefs coaching staff. He plays an often-forgotten schematic role as a true nose-tackle in the Chiefs 3-4 scheme. A large portion of their plan to attack the run starts with Nnadi.
However, this also raises concerns. While Nnadi registered another 47 and 38 tackles in 2020 and 2021, respectively, the Chiefs run defense became a proverbial joke in NFL circles. The Chiefs allowed 1,999 yards on the ground and 15 touchdowns. That number may have been higher had they not refocused play in the middle of the season and turned into an average, if not above-average, unit.
Nnadi utilises impressive size and strength to command the centre of the defensive line and consume the offensive line’s time. This allows players around him to excel and can amplify other players around him. Derrick Nnadi plays a special role on the defense, and will likely have a long NFL career filling that role.
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