Chiefs' Draft Strategy at Defensive End Prioritizes Fit Over Sacks

The Chiefs' defensive end room is better than you think, and here's why.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:52pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a Kansas City Chiefs defensive end disrupting the offensive line and pressuring the quarterback, with the action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The Chiefs' defensive end strategy prioritizes disciplined gap control over pure pass-rushing production.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled to find consistent production from their defensive ends in recent years, despite making significant investments in the position through the draft and free agency. However, the team's defensive scheme and the specific roles they need their defensive ends to play mean that sack numbers alone don't tell the full story. As the Chiefs head into the 2026 NFL Draft, they will be looking for defensive ends who fit their 4-3 under defense and can consistently execute their gap-control responsibilities, even if that doesn't always translate to eye-popping sack totals.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' defensive end room is a key area of need heading into the draft, as the team has lost several key players at the position in free agency. While fans are clamoring for the team to address this need by drafting a high-profile pass rusher, the Chiefs' defensive scheme requires a specific type of player who can excel in their gap-control responsibilities, even if that doesn't always show up in the sack column.

The details

The Chiefs run a 4-3 under defensive scheme that relies on disciplined, gap-sound defensive ends who can set the edge and force running backs to bounce outside, while also containing quarterbacks in the pocket to allow the interior defensive linemen to generate pressure. This means that the team values consistency and execution over pure pass-rushing ability, and they have been willing to invest significant resources in defensive ends who may not put up flashy sack numbers but who fit their system.

  • The Chiefs are coming off their worst season in over a decade, and fans are hoping to see the team address their defensive line needs in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • The Chiefs have spent two first-round picks on defensive ends in recent years, with George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, as well as a first-round pick included in a trade to acquire Frank Clark.

The players

George Karlaftis

A first-round pick of the Chiefs in 2022, Karlaftis has been a key part of the team's defensive line rotation despite not putting up huge sack numbers.

Chris Jones

The Chiefs' star defensive tackle, who has been the team's primary game-wrecker on the interior of the defensive line.

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What’s next

The Chiefs will be looking to address their defensive end needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely targeting players who fit their 4-3 under scheme and can consistently execute their gap-control responsibilities, even if that doesn't always translate to eye-popping sack numbers.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' defensive end needs are more nuanced than just finding a high-profile pass rusher, as the team's defensive scheme requires a specific type of player who can excel in their gap-control responsibilities. While fans may be frustrated by the lack of sack production from the team's defensive ends, the Chiefs have shown they are willing to invest in players who fit their system, even if that doesn't always show up in the stat sheet.