One thing I learned after the pile-on I suffered in the draft forum recently is that, in lieu of the outstanding job Veach has done rebuilding the OL, we've all kind of downplayed the severity of the situation at DE.
Frank Clark is the only clearly starting DE on the roster.
If he gets hurt, which he will because he always does, our starting DEs will probably be Mike Danna and Taco Charlton, with Tim Ward and Joshua Kaindoh rotating in.
That's just not going to get it done, folks.
I'm going to lay out some options that I can foresee, let me know what you think is most likely. [Reply]
Originally Posted by :
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Edge George Karlaftis, Purdue
32 OF 32
George Karlaftis' freshman season at Purdue was something to behold. The edge defender registered a whopping 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. His momentum didn't carry into 2020, though. Karlaftis dealt with a leg injury and then tested positive for COVID-19.
After a lost season, 6'4", 275-pound defender must reestablish himself this fall. If he returns to form, he could be one of the most sought-after edge-rushers in the entire class. At this point, his status is based more on promise than anything.
The Kansas City Chiefs would welcome a top talent at the end of the first round. As good as the Chiefs are, they lack punch in their pass rush. Chris Jones is often dominant working along the interior, but Frank Clark hasn't been great. Very little help exists on the edge beyond Clark, who may not even be with the team in 2022 since Kansas City can save $13.4 million with his release.
I do think we'll see Jones playing some DE this year, but I don't see him playing much DE on third downs. He's almost unblockable at DT when he can pin his ears back on third down. He's perfected his pass rush on the inside, so I wouldn't want to take that weapon away.
We need a pass rush specialist to apply pressure from the outside on third downs. I would be surprised if we don't add someone. [Reply]
Per my earlier point, do other people see potential in Wharton as a strongside defensive end? He's small for a DT, but he's really strong with a high motor. It seems like he's got a lot of traits that would work really well at DE. [Reply]
Originally Posted by -King-:
3.5 sacks in his last 4 playoff games.
Btw, you must hate Chris Jones if playoff stats are your metric.
He's paid for his lack of pass rush production with his stellar performance batting down balls in Super Bowl 54. Houston hasn't ever done jack shit because he's a worthless fag. Do not want. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Superturtle:
He's paid for his lack of pass rush production with his stellar performance batting down balls in Super Bowl 54. Houston hasn't ever done jack shit because he's a worthless fag. Do not want.
Ok, we should sign Houston and he can bat balls down in the superbowl too. Blame Dee Ford for not giving him that opportunity in 2018. [Reply]
Originally Posted by The Franchise:
DE: Clark, Danna, Charlton, Ward, Kaindoh
DT: Jones, Reed, Nnadi, Wharton, Saunders
Get Ingram in here on a one year deal and you’re good for this season.
I agree. Ingram is your situational pass rusher, 2nd and 3rd and long guy. Saves his legs, maximizes his skillset, minimizes his weaknesses. Danna is pretty good against the run. Charlton if healthy isn't trash, and Ward looked pretty good in week 17. The rotation isn't bad if you add one vet with some pass rush skills to go with Jones, Reed, and Clark.
