Chiefs: The Second Position Group of Need – Defensive Tackle

David Bell

Previously, I had written about one position group of need: CB. I listed 3 likely groups for Agent Signing, the DT role is my next consideration. Why? Charles Omenihu suffered a late-season injury and probably won’t be back at least until Week 8 (I think it will be Week 10 and even that would be an aggressive restart for him). His capability to move inside is important.

Perhaps the best, patient view about the Chiefs DL is expressed by Daniel Harms and Ryan Tracy of RGR Football (0:35).

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Omenihu vs. the Ravens – note the ball popping out of Jackson’s hands on this play

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What Omenihu brings to the Chief’s defensive front is versatility because he can migrate inside and that compliments what Chris Jones can do — rotate outside. This gives DL Coach Joe Cullen, a lot of flexibility from which to mount a pass rush. That versatility and experience is going to be a missing component until Charles can return to the active roster. But note, it was in the playoffs vs. the Ravens that Omenihu suffered the knee injury — late in the season vs. the Ravens. As I noted, I doubt he can get back to active status by week 8 or 10, at best!

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Charles Omenihu in Action – Fox4KC photo credit

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I have been a huge supporter of Charles Omenihu since he arrived. When he gets back to active status, watch him make other teams pay attention… plus, I truly love his versatility.

When the Chiefs released Matt Dickerson, I thought that meant that the coaching staff must have a plan that would use another player for what Dickerson brought to the table, which would mean they were eyeing a UDFA most likely or signing a meaningful free agent. It turned out not to be the case. Roster maneuvering has been going on since Dickerson has been re-signed.

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Matt Dickerson – Chiefs.com -photo credit

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It would be hard to make up 200 defensive snaps with a UDFA. I think re-signing Dickerson is a wise move. But, Dickerson would be the #4 DT behind Nnadi, Wharton, and Ferrell… most likely; while you might consider Mike Pennel, and Isiah Buggs as depth on the other side backing up Chris Jones.

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Chris Jones Can Really Move! – Steiner Image Credit

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Chris Jones

Chris Jones is one of the premier players in the NFL as an interior player. We are fortunate to have him aboard for several more years! He will be an NFL Hall-of-Famer one day. I did not think the Chiefs were going to get a deal done to retain him but Brett Veach worked another miracle and Jones is a “Chief” and that is exactly how it worked out — Jones wanted to remain a Chief.

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Mike Pennel

I do like Big Mike in this mix, but Pennel is 33: he is a run-stopping DT though, not a pass rusher (he only has 2.0 sacks in his 10 year career). I don’t see him as a starter, week after week, due to the age factor. While I see Derrick Nnadi as a capable player, I just cannot conclude that he is a starter-quality player either (5.0 sacks in a 6 year career) — high expectations or not.

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Mike Pennel in game vs Raiders – Adapted from Chiefs.com Photo credit

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The real dilemma is the DT role. The Chiefs have a lot of role players. I am not sure what must happen to get a significant presence for the role other than signing a big-name Free Agent. As observed above, there are enough bodies to man the position. The real question is… is there a meaningful starter among them? I don’t think so and that is why I was surprised when GM Brett Veach didn’t select a DT in the draft.

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What Will Happen?

I’d like to see GM Brett Veach sign a significant F/A player for the role opposite CJ. I am not a big believer in Derrick Nnadi in that role though Nnadi had an uptick year in 2023. It’s quite likely that the Chiefs are happy enough with Nnadi altogether and my general impression is wrong.

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Derrick Nnadi in action vs. the Eagles – ShopMOSports.com -Credit

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Will the list of depth players suffice? I don’t see it as an optimum group, but it is an extensive list of players; it may have to suffice. Here are a couple of Free Agent DT’s still available:

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I don’t see other possibilities among the F/A’s. Most of the quality DTs are already signed.

Fabien Lovett, Sr. – FSU UDFA DT was signed by the Chiefs – – This player may make waves in camp! I’d like to see him succeed beyond expectations. One of our Regular ArrowheadOne Contributors had this to say about Lovett:

freshmeat62:

“Originally I was disappointed that the Chiefs hadn’t been able to draft a DT, but the UDFA signing of Lovett eases that a lot. I liked Lovett a lot before the draft. Especially those 35+” arms and almost 11″ hands. He has the strength to beat 1 on 1, and handle double teams. I think if he can learn to shed the 1 on 1 he can also be a force in rushing the QB. This is an UDFA that I think will be a force… especially next to CJ.”

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I am inclined to the same view. Wait and see is all we can do.

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Fabien Lovett FSU Game Photo – 247sports.com – credit

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The Big Question!

Can these players in the mix from the starter framework get the job done? I’d have to say yes. Is the Depth strong enough to support the effort? Again, my answer is yes. So… is there a “needs” problem with the Chiefs DT position? Yes, and No. It’s all a wait-and-see situation.

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David Bell — ArrowheadOne

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