Chiefs Strategic Off-season Moves Fill Defensive Holes

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Steven Findley | Last updated 7/2/22

A major theme for the Kansas City Chiefs is how much their defense can give them. PFF has recently been releasing their pre-season rankings for the 2022 season. Two categories that have been released are secondary rankings and defensive line rankings. The Chief’s secondary is ranked at 14, and the defensive line ranked in the bottom-half at 25.

An offense that looked beatable for the first time since the Chiefs AFC reign began relying more on its defense. While fans let the offensive side sort things out, the defensive side of the ball received far less leniency.

A defense that looks to clear up its name began taking the steps to do so this off-season. Implementing the defense-heavy draft approach that the Chief’s organization took was the beginning.

Kansas City Chiefs Key Defensive 2022 NFL Draft Picks

In the 2022 NFL Draft the Chiefs picked former Washington CB Trent McDuffie who is expected to be a day-one starter for the defense. Directly addressing some concerns on the defense was high priority after a season that ended without a Super Bowl appearance.

Other major defensive draft picks for this team included DE George Karlaftis. Karlaftis helps fill a need for an edge rusher on this defense.

The Chiefs also drafted safety Bryon Cooks, who will be a ballhawk in the secondary. Losing pro-bowler Tyrann Mathieu in the secondary is a major shift in talent for that facet of the defense.

These picks as well as some offseason pickups such as safety Justin Reid will look to remedy the defensive debacle that was the AFC Championship game. Getting more pressure on the quarterback from their defensive line as well as better secondary play seem like simple solutions in writing.

The AFC West is loaded this year, and the Chief’s defense will be tested on a week-by-week basis.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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