Versatile Chiefs defender developing into jack-of-all-trades weapon for Kansas City
When you think of a versatile weapon for an NFL team, you probably first think of a running back or wide receiver. However, sometimes that guy is on defense, and that's the case with third-year Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal. During the Chiefs' Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Chenal was all over […]
When you think of a versatile weapon for an NFL team, you probably first think of a running back or wide receiver. However, sometimes that guy is on defense, and that's the case with third-year Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal.
During the Chiefs' Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Chenal was all over the place, recording seven total tackles and two passes defended. He also was often the spy on quarterback Lamar Jackson, affecting several of his passes and corralling him for minimal rushing gains.
Kansas City felt comfortable letting Willie Gay Jr. leave in free agency during the offseason because of the confidence it had in Chenal. Not only is Chenal great at strong-side linebacker, he can play on the weak side and in the middle if needed. His blend of speed and sound tackling makes him valuable against both the run and pass, making him a three-down player.
Chenal isn't limited to just defense. He has been a core piece of the Chiefs' special teams unit since he was a rookie. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub raved about Chenal's athleticism and multifaced abilities to reporters on Thursday.
"Leo, out of all our players on special teams, besides Justin Reid, he has our best get off, you know, off the ball, like moving the ball," Toub said. "And then somebody taking on me, he is, It's incredible get off. That's what I read something the other day. Somebody wrote that he might be a good defensive end. He might just because of his get-off. He's so quick, you know, not everybody can do what he does, you know. And he's so powerful, too, and he's, he's got, you know, leverage with his with the way he's built, you know, he just can do a lot of things, and everywhere we put him. I mean, he just continues to excel."
Toub mentioning Chenal possibly playing at defensive end occasionally is very interesting. The Chiefs need some quality depth at that position, and Chenal could provide that at times.
Coming off the edge with his quick first step would make him a threat as a pass rusher. How the Chiefs use him will depend on how they match up with their opponent and if he's needed in a specific area due to an injury, which is an awesome luxury for Kansas City's coaching staff to have.
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