How to address the D-Line Quickly
Derek Dietz @OriginalMrDietz Chiefs Focus @Chiefsfocus
Hello Chiefs Fans! I have whipped up a roster grid, and by my math I have forty-three locks to make this team. 20 offensive players, 21 defensive players, and 3 specialists. The most glaring deficiency. and it is not even close, is DT & DE.
Here is my best guess at roster locks on the D-Line for opening night at Arizona:
| Edge1 | Edge2 | DT1 | DT2 |
| Frank Clark | Karlaftis (r ) | CJ 95 | D. Nnadi |
| M. Danna | Malik Herring | Cortez Broughton | T. Stallworth |
| A. Edwards ( r ) | J. Kaindoh | K. Hassan | T. Wharton |
| K. Saunders |
Orange is a lock to make the team. As you can see, this is not the deepest position group at 1 Arrowhead Drive. We can argue about Wharton, Saunders, & Kaindoh- but I suppose that is my point- there is debate.
Here are my best value plays based on who is available, and who we can afford.
Akiem Hicks, Free Agent DL, age 32 
Yes, he may be a little older, but he is healthy, available and would provide immediate depth. My guess is he could be signed for a 2-year 12M deal (total).
Ndamukong Suh, Free Agent DT , age 35 
Again, a proven veteran that would provide reliable depth. Age could be an issue, but there is some juice left in his game. He could provide 20-25 snaps a game, and paired with Chris Jones, this could make quite a duo. A 1-year deal for $6M should get him to Kansas City for another run at a title. Since being the second overall pick back in 2010, Suh has missed only two games in twelve seasons. This is one of the highest rates of all time for this position. Needless to say, he would be reliable depth.
Alex Okafor, Free Agent DE, age 31 
While shopping in the post draft bargain bin, we sometimes see names we know. Well, here is a familiar name. Not the most productive player, but a proven NFL veteran that could be better than what is on the roster now. He could be signed for a veteran minimum deal or a little above that, say $1.5M.
Justin Houston, Free Agent DE, age 33 
Another familiar name. Does he have any gas left in the tank? I personally do not think he is worth the risk, but he is available and a proven veteran. If Justin could produce fifteen snaps a game and chase the QB, he would be worth it in my opinion. He is also a candidate for a 1-year deal at the minimum salary.
Robert Quinn, Chicago Bears DE, age 32. 
This would require a trade. Brett Veach would have to call his old friend Ryan Poles and offer a third round pick for Robert Quinn. He is under contract for three more seasons at about $17.5M per year, which would obviously need re-worked. This could also be a play for next year when it is highly likely Frank Clark and Chris Jones are no longer on the team.
