5 breakout stars to watch for Kansas City Chiefs in 2020

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Damien Williams #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs won the game 31-20. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – OCTOBER 14: Derrick Nnadi #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

4. DT Derrick Nnadi

It took a revamped unit a little while to get its act together. But when it was all said and done, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive unit finally found itself under its new scheme and coordinator in November. And it was this side of the football that proved to be a major factor in the team’s season-ending nine-game winning streak, which included the club’s 31-20 triumph in Super Bowl LIV.

There’s no way to downplay the impact that defensive lineman Chris Jones has on the Kansas City defense. And it and it was never more evident than in Super Bowl LIV, when late the game he swatted down a few pass attempts by San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The organization gave him the franchise tag this offseason but he still has not signed his tender nor agreed to a long-term deal. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi comes off a solid showing in 2019. He’s played in all 32 games and give postseason contests since joining the club as a third-round draft choice in 2018. The former Florida State standout was a 16-game starter this past season and finished the year with 48 tackles. He’s not a pass-rushing threat but gives Steve Spagnuolo’s unit a steady option against the run. And he’s still learning.

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