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Chiefs drafting one of their biggest needs early in the 2025 NFL Draft doesn't completely mark it off the list

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated May 11, 2025 1:44 AM ET

It's safe to say that the Kansas City Chiefs did a pretty good job of addressing their big needs through the 2025 NFL Draft, and of course, that all starts with left tackle Josh Simmons, who really has the potential to be the anchor there for the next ten-plus years.

The Chiefs used their first three picks in the draft to addrress the trenches, where they oicked two defensive linemen following the pick of Simmons. And, the two picks were pretty good all things considered. Some don't like the pick of Omarr Norman-Lott, but because of the run that was happening with DTs flying off the board, the pick was good.

Norman-Lott is a great pass rusher, but didn't play as many snaps as you would have maybe liked him to play. But that's not his fault, but instead the team he played for in Tennessee, which rotated defensive linemen in what seemed like every other play. This also didn't help Norman-Lott's case when it comes to how he is viewed as a run defender.

But Norman-Lott is good and should have a role on this defense in year one, and could even play some big-time snaps. But some NFL analysts still seem to think that the Chiefs' biggest remaining need after the draft is an interior defensive lineman.

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KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE

The Chiefs lost Tershawn Wharton in free agency, and now their interior defensive line looks thin. Aside from the elite Chris Jones, they have Mike Pennel, but he is almost 35 years old and recorded a 59.4 PFF overall grade with a 63.4 PFF run-defense grade in 2024. It’s then Jerry Tillery and rookie Omarr Norman-Lott, neither of whom is known for their run defense. Defending the run in the middle could be an issue to monitor for the Chiefs in 2025 if they don't add more help. - PFF's Trevor Sikkema

Sikkema makes a good point, and I'm sure we will end up seeing this in 2025. But, I'm not sure there is a big enough need there where the Chiefs feel like they absolutely have to go sign someone. And, even if they did feel that way, there isn't really anyone else available in the free agency market that could change anything drastically.

This will have to be an issue that the Chiefs resolve within the players they currently have on their team. I think they will really be banking on Norman-Lott to play that Tershawn Wharton-like role, along with Jerry Tillery bringing some impactful snaps.

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

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