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Kansas City Chiefs 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 1, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
Getting things ready
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Kansas City Chiefs and preview how it might perform this season. Kansas City Chiefs 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown The Chiefs did a solid job stopping running backs, allowing 4.0 yards per carry to the position and ranking seventh in explosive run plays allowed to backs. Chris Jones remained a high-end pass rusher in 2025, logging 7 sacks and a 13.6% pressure rate, but he did not make as big an impact in the running game. Khyiris Tonga was a big offseason addition from the Patriots, and Peter Woods was added to the defensive line rotation in the first round. A second-round pick last year, Omarr Norman-Lott suffered a torn ACL in October that could limit his start to this season. Kansas City ranked 10th in pressure rate in 2025 but finished 22nd with just 35 sacks. George Karlaftis had a productive season, ranking 15th among qualified pass rushers with a 15.2% pressure rate. A third-round pick last year, Ashton Gillotte held up well against the run, but he finished with 1.5 sacks on a 9.6% pressure rate. The Chiefs likely need second-round rookie R Mason Thomas to make an impact as a rookie. Linebacker continues to be a solid spot on the Chiefs roster, though the departure of Leo Chenal is a concern when looking at the depth. At the top, Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill make up one of the better starting duos in the league. Bolton finished in the top 10 among qualified linebackers in run stuffs, run stuff rate, and tackle rate on running plays last season. Tranquill was not far behind with 15 run stuffs of his own. The Chiefs allowed 6.9 yards per pass attempt (14th) last season and finished 12th in EPA allowed per pass attempt. The corner group will look a lot different in 2026 with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson joining the Rams, the first via trade and the second via free agency. A third-round pick last year, Nohl Williams should get every chance to grab a starting job after playing 457 snaps as a rookie, and the team drafted Mansoor Delane with the No. 6 overall pick. Bryan Cook was another big departure for this secondary in free agency, and the Chiefs brought in Alohi Gilman to help fill the gap at safety. Gilman is returning to the AFC West after a midseason trade sent him to the Ravens last year – he played his first five seasons with the Chargers. Chamarri Conner has spent a lot of time covering the slot and near the line of scrimmage the last two seasons. He could get competition for that strong safety role from Jaden Hicks, who found the field for 445 snaps in his second season. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview , is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article. Get Warren's Book Order Book Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and…