Kansas City Chiefs: Predicting the Starting Defensive Unit

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey (97) is congratulated by nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) after sacking San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) (not pictured) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive End, Mike DeVito: While the Chiefs’ defense was incredible in 2014, they did have struggles against the run. Allowing 127.3 yards on the ground per game, the fifth highest total in the NFL, the Chiefs struggled to stop opposing rushing attacks with regularity.

Their struggles against the run were not helped out by the fact that DeVito suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the first game of the regular season. DeVito is known as a run stopping specialist, and his return should significantly help the Chiefs against the run.

Nose Tackle, Dontari Poe: With an incredible combination of size, quickness, strength and athleticism, Poe has become one of the premier players at the nose tackle position in the entire NFL. He is a dominant force up front, both in the pass rush and against the run.

According to Pete Sweeney of KCChiefs.com, Poe has taken more snaps than any other Chiefs’ player on the defensive line in all three years of his NFL career. Obviously, they want to keep their most talented player on the field. However, if everyone stays healthy, the Chiefs will have more depth this season, which would allow for more rest for Poe. He is fantastic already, but he could be even better if given proper rest during a game.

Defensive End, Allen Bailey: Bailey is an extremely strong and aggressive defensive lineman, who broke-out with the Chiefs last season. He has a very well-rounded skill-set that earned him a four-year, $25 million contract extension this off season. Simply put, Bailey does everything well, and he got rewarded for it this off season.

If everyone can stay healthy, the combination of DeVito, Poe and Bailey could be deadly for the Chiefs up front, and they also have some nice depth behind them. Defensive line could easily be a major position of strength for the Chiefs.

Primary Backups: Jaye Howard, Mike Catapano, Jerel Worthy and Rakeem Nunez-Roches

Next: Outside Linebackers