Chiefs: 3 2023 roster holes that could cost Patrick Mahomes a Super Bowl repeat
1. Lack of a dominant edge rusher
Chris Jones is a dominant pass rusher but he frequently lines up on the inside during early downs. That leaves the Chiefs short of an elite edge rusher who can blow past opposing tackles. Frank Clark wasn’t that sort of player for Kansas City in 2022, but his departure puts a lot of pressure on second-year player George Karlaftis to improve his production.
The former Purdue standout notched seven sacks as a rookie, but his total was inflated by the sheer number of snaps he got to play on obvious passing downs. He also struggled mightily to hold up against the run when he was asked to do that from his defensive end spot. He’s got to take a big jump forward in 2023 to replace Clark in the starting lineup.
Free agent acquisition Charles Omenihu figures to get the starting nod at the other defensive end spot. He’s an intriguing talent but struggled to really lock down a starting spot during his tenure with the 49ers. Expecting him to suddenly blossom into a star isn’t a realistic forecast by the team’s front office.
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Defensive end is another spot where the Chiefs could look to add an established veteran prior to Week 1. The team’s current options lack the desired upside required for a potential Super Bowl contender.