Chiefs giving second chance to yet another underperforming DT with latest move

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the best defensive tackles in NFL history at their disposal in Chris Jones, but it's fair to criticize GM Brett Veach for the way he has gone about trying to acquire depth and quality behind big No. 95 on the interior.

Between the departure of Tershawn Wharton in free agency, the stunning decision to let go of veteran space eater Mike Pennel, and the mad dash to reacquire Derrick Nnadi after he looked rancid for the New York Jets in the preseason, the defensive tackle room remains a huge area of need for this team.

Kansas City's latest addition is not going to help much in that area. The Chiefs agreed to sign Zacch Pickens, a former third-round pick of the Chicago Bears, to their practice squad. Based on his performance in the pros so far, it might be a while before Kansas City turns him into a solid contributor.

Chiefs sign former Bears DT Zacch Pickens to practice squad

Pickens was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, just one round after Ryan Poles took another defensive tackle in Gervon Dexter. While Dexter has evolved into a solid playmaker, Pickens recorded just 39 tackles and 1.5 sacks in parts of 26 games with the Bears.

Pickens, who was ripped by PFF for his lack of explosion, can stuff the run well at times, but the reason the South Carolina product fell as far as he did in the draft was a lack of pass rush upside. His pay with Chicago, to this point, suggests the doubters were correct in asserting he would never take a step forward in this area.

The Chiefs' current plan at defensive tackle seems to be either leaning on Nnadi again (which is extremely ill-advised after his horrific 2024 season) or trusting second-round rookie Omarr Norman-Lott to handle a plurality of snaps. Pickens may see playing time via a lack of depth, even if he hasn't improved his pass rush skills.

Still, the Chiefs have taken less-heralded draft picks than this one and turned them into productive players. Think of Pickens as a heat check from Steve Spagnuolo and this coaching staff.