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Chiefs' continuity on defense could allow them to achieve a major goal that LB Nick Bolton has set for the unit

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nick Roesch | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 5:05 PM ET

The defense has been the strongest unit for the Kansas City Chiefs over the past couple of years.

While guys like Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, and George Karlaftis get the most recognition, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo recently called linebacker Nick Bolton the "Patrick Mahomes" of the defense.

Bolton spoke to the media after Day 4 of Chiefs training camp practice on Friday, which was closed to the public due to inclement weather. Among the questions he was asked was what his ambitions for the defense as a whole are for the 2025 season.

Nick Bolton believes the Chiefs' defense can be the best in the NFL

"We had a pretty good defense last year in terms of efficiency," Bolton said. "We want to be the top defense in this league. I think we have the personnel, the players, and the coaches to do so. That's about executing week-to-week and giving us an opportunity to win football games, to help our team win, and ultimately we'll get back to the end game. I feel like we can be the No. 1 defense in this league, and that's my motivation as we keep going in training camp."

The Chiefs' defense is already among the best in the league, so it's not impossible that it could be No. 1 in 2025. One big factor will be improving the the pass rush, which was middling in 2024. Rookie defensive linemen Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte could give the defense a jolt of energy in that department.

Kansas City's secondary should also be improved with the addition of cornerback Kristian Fulton. Veteran safety Justin Reid left in free agency, but second-year man Jaden Hicks is ready to step up after having a good rookie season. Besides Hicks, the Chiefs are returning every other starter on defense from last year. That continuity, mixed with an infusion of rookie talent for depth, could be the recipe to becoming the top defense in the NFL.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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