5 breakout stars to watch for Kansas City Chiefs in 2021

Sep 28, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) celebrates with wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) after scoring a first half touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tim Ward (Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports) /

3) Tim Ward, DE

Along with Danna, Ward stands to benefit from the Chiefs missing out on some of the top pass-rushers on the market, including Melvin Ingram.

Last season, Ward produced just one sack and three pressures, but Pro Football Focus gave the 23-year-old a 63.9 pass-rush grade, which creates plenty of optimism for his potential in 2021 and beyond.

As a defense, the Chiefs produced only 32 sacks last season, which underscores just how necessary it is for a player like Ward — or Dana to step up to create a more disruptive front-seven.

Tanoh Kpassagnon’s departure to the New Orleans Saints via free agency should crack the door open for Ward to crack a larger role within the Chiefs’ rotation, along with Danna and newcomer Jarran Reed.

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