If there was one position group that was completely transformed in 2019, it was the Kansas City Chiefs’ edge rushers.
The team switched from a 3-4 defensive scheme to a 4-3 defense. Now instead of getting their edge rush from outside linebackers in a two-point stance, they were getting their edge pressure from defensive linemen in a three-point stance.
From a personnel standpoint, the Chiefs return their two starters from 2019 in Frank Clark and Alex Okafor. Tanoh Kpassagnon and Demone Harris also received rotational repetitions for Kansas City. Breeland Speaks is set to return from injury and could also secure a rotational role. The Chiefs also have two developmental players, Tim Ward and Anthony Lanier.
While there are a lot of bodies, upgrades aren’t out of the question for Kansas City. Here are some of the edge rushers the Chiefs could consider in each round of the 2020 NFL draft:
Round 1: Penn State DE Yetur Gross-Matos
If the Chiefs decide to go pass-rusher in the first round, Gross-Matos is the best option for Kansas City. There is some doubt that he’ll be available at pick No. 32 because many view him as the top edge behind Ohio State’s Chase Young.
At 6-5 and 265 pounds, Gross-Matos has great size. He also has length, with 35-inch arms, to play rush defensive end in the Chiefs’ system. During his career, he’s shown the ability to get after the quarterback and wreak havoc in the backfield, demonstrated by 18.5 career sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss.
At the combine, Gross-Matos only participated in the bench press (15), broad jump (120 inches) and vertical jump (34 inches). He’s clearly explosive, the bench press number would be more concerning if he didn’t display good strength on tape.