The ‘Shock and Awe’ Series: Part 3 – Is the DL ‘The Hole in the Wall Gang?’

Thus far, I took a peek at what I think is possibly an outstanding defense with the players in varied position groups who I believe will become 2022 “Shock and Awe.” The focus is on youth, speed, physicality, and presence — There is ample opportunity for various players to become cornerstone defenders or maybe even Franchise anchors on defense. That brings me to the Defensive Line.

Chris Jones- Remember when Jones was drafted? The hyperbole of the draft year was that Jones “took plays off.” I reviewed several game films and pronounced Jones as a “must draft” player. John Dorsey saw the spark that JOnes would become and selected him–Jones hasn’t looked back. Here’s the story from analysts about Jones, who was rated a 2nd or 3rd round pick:

“Where He Wins: The flashes are outstanding, but they are not consistent. Jones has so much ability and typically works around his opponent when winning. Successful snaps from outside the tackle, guard, and center. Tough to stop his momentum when he’s aggressive, and then can slip past anchors with fluid movement.” – Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com

I had decided from my personal review that CJ should become a Chief! He was selected in round 2 by the Chiefs in the 2016 draft and is now entering his 7th Season. It isn’t easy to believe it has been that long ago. I will add one “flavored view” of CJ from Ron Kopp, Jr. in a tweet he posted on July 5th(CJ is in Lofty Company):

The return to the IDL in week nine was where Jones built up steam and kept the pressure cooker on full bore through to the end of the 2021 season. I think he is a superlative player who plays the game with the ferocity and violence we expect from our “Shock and Awe” Corps.

Unfortunately, He is the Only Player I Am Going to List

George Karlaftis- With the shift in player personnel, the Chiefs entered the 2022 draft with significant needs on the defensive side of the ball. Before we arrived at the draft, I had wanted Brett Veach to re-sign Melvin Ingram. That was not to be. Brett Veach made the right move by drafting George Karlaftis in the first round. However, no other additions have been made to this point in time. While I have high expectations of the newcomer for 2022, I cannot yet put him in the category of a “shock and awe” player. I do predict that he will become that player. He might even emerge in 2022. He sought out Bobby Stroupe to work with him and that is a big plus. I am very curious to see how quickly Karlaftis advances as a force on the Front Four. Hit your knees and offer up a prayer to the football gods shining the light on George Karlatis.

If Karlaftis makes the adjustment quickly, and if other players follow through and become contributors: Clark regaining his “Shark-dom, Kaindoh and Herring advancing to effective depth roles or more, then the Front Four will be improved from 2021 and the LB corp will aid their effectiveness. That’s a lot of “ifs” though.

I think he will apply pressure on the pocket from snap to snap. However, getting to a lofty sack total will be difficult for a rookie. Edge Players are said to take four seasons to come into their own. Even if George quickly develops, I think it will be difficult for him to get 7-8 sacks in 2022.

Frank Clark- Clark is the anomaly of the Front Four. He had success in Seattle. Then, in 2019 Clark cleaned up in post-season play. Since then? Clark has not been the “Shark.” That much is clear. Clark struggled with criminal charges in LA, injuries, and an illness over the past two seasons.

He was retained after his contract was renegotiated by Brett Veach this offseason cutting his cap hit from $27M to $13M. However, even with that reduction in monies committed to Clark, his sacks and pressures are more in line with a $6M-man. Additionally, Clark has been working on reduced weight and muscle building this off-season. Is it enough to expect Clark to be the reinvigorated “Shark”? Only time will tell.

Josh Kaindoh, Mike Danna & Malik Herring- In 2021, we had a brief peek at Josh Kaindoh, but he recorded no sacks and no pressures for the brief time we were able to see him on the field. Then he was injured. I had Herring on my list of players to watch but that faded when it turned out he need surgery. What I do think is that Danna continues as a role player while at the same time, the Chiefs need Kainoh or Herring or both, to make significant strides in effectiveness.

Malik Herring went immediately to the IR for 2021, and we saw nothing of him at all. Mike Danna is a 2nd tier player – a role player who will get snaps from a support role. I do not see Danna ascending to a starting role. Kaindoh or Herring may become part of the future for the DE position as a 3-down starter. It is only a hope at this point. I am not going to project it for either man.

Summary Execution or an evolving Prediction?

You Decide. I think Brett Veach will take action soon.

Karlaftis’ skill set projects his success in the NFL. I think he will quickly develop into a force for the Front Four. Still? At this time, I cannot see him attaining ten sacks. I think it’s more likely that he gets somewhere between 4-8. I have some faith that Clark returns to form, but I cannot see Clark with 15 sacks. I can see CJ with 10+.

I do not know what to expect from other roster players like Shilique Calhoun or Austin Edwards. Calhoun has NFL Game snaps with the 49’ers. Edwards has no NFL stats at all and entered the NFL as a UDFA in 2020. He spent the 2021 season on the Chiefs PS.

As for the rest? I believe the coaching staff knows more about what Kaindoh and Herring can bring to bear. I also have to think that Brett Veach is working in the background to get a DE and/or a DT to the roster sometime after July 15th. That is my hope. It is what is needed. Even then, how much effect can such an addition(s) have? I cannot say whether or not it is an accurate prediction.

David Bell – ArrowheadOne