The Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive line has been a strength under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, but they’re seeking improvement following a down season in 2020.
Pro Bowlers Chris Jones and Frank Clark have been the catalysts during this time, tallying team-leading totals in sacks. The team is hoping that the addition of rookie DE Joshua Kaindoh will help jump-start the pass rush in Kansas City during the new league year.
The fourth-round pick out of Florida State brings plenty of size and athleticism to this year’s line, a vital feature for playing in Spagnuolo’s preferences. As the rookie has adjusted to that new system in Kansas City, he’s had a chance to work with veterans like Jones and Clark. Jones recently opened up about his new teammate during Wednesday’s press conference. He explained how Kaindoh reminds him a bit of one of his former teammates with the Chiefs.
“Josh Kaindoh reminds me a lot of Tanoh Kpassagnon,” said Jones. “He’s very long, very, very good athletic ability, he’s versatile. I think that’s a guy that in the future we’ll be able to move around along this line once he gets his fundamentals down. He’s a very good listener. He’s a student of the game.”
Kpassagnon — the player that Kaindoh reminds Jones of — was drafted in 2017. He was taken with the team’s second-round draft pick. In Kpassagnon’s four seasons with the Chiefs, he recorded a modest 75 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, five pass deflections, seven sacks and 18 QB hits. He left in free agency this past season to join the New Orleans Saints.
It makes sense that Kansas City would look for a similar skill set in the draft. Kaindoh’s size (6-6 and 258 pounds) is certainly similar to Kpassagnon’s, but Kaindoh looks to be the better athlete. The Chiefs hope to get more on-field production out of Kaindoh during his time in Kansas City. His versatility could prove critical in regards to his playing time in the rotation during the upcoming season.
