The Chiefs are out of excuses and need answers. Rookies might not be the perfect solution, but they’re the only unknowns left to explore. The kids should play.

Kansas City Chiefs Mandatory Minicamp | Aaron M. Sprecher/GettyImages

The only thing worse than a Chiefs loss on a Sunday is a Chiefs loss on a Friday with extra time to stew on it. Right now, it feels like the Chiefs have a million problems and no solutions. Of course, that’s hyperbole, but the reality is that some real questions need to be answered after the loss to the Chargers, and the Chiefs might not have great in-house answers for all of them.

With a challenging schedule ahead and so many lingering questions, it’s time to see what this year’s draft class can contribute. Usually, the Chiefs slow-play most of their rookie class, especially lately with the roster’s depth and established starters. It can be easy to look at rookies and think, “They haven’t proven anything in the NFL—how can they be a solution to a problem?”

That’s exactly the point, though. The coaching staff won’t know what they have until these young players either fail or succeed. At least then, they can pivot to other solutions if needed. In recent seasons, the Chiefs’ rookie class hasn’t needed to contribute much; this year needs to be different.

Problem: Lack of Pass Rush

This might be the most concerning part of the loss in Brazil. The Chiefs generated almost no pressure against a very mediocre offensive line, one with a starter even missing snaps because of a stomach illness. Kansas City recorded one sack at the line of scrimmage and two sacks on blitzes; otherwise, there was little to no pressure from the defensive line.

One of the few bright spots was Ashton Gillotte, who, per Next Gen Stats, recorded one pressure on four pass-rush snaps and one run stop on five run snaps. Gillotte’s energy jumps off the field, and there’s a clear path for him to earn more snaps quickly and hopefully out-snap Mike Danna.

Omarr Norman-Lott was inactive last week due to an ankle injury but appears on track to play this week against the Eagles. Norman-Lott boasted the best pass-rush win rate of any defensive lineman in the draft. While he has reshaped his body to be stouter against the run, his pass-rush upside remains. Considering he only needs to provide more impact as a pass rusher than Derrick Nnadi and Marlon Tuipulotu, who combined for 27 snaps last week, his potential contributions are significant.

Problem: Lack of Explosive Run Game

The Chiefs’ backfield is well established with Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, so it would be unrealistic to expect rookie Brashard Smith, only in his second season playing running back, to become the lead back. However, he clearly has the most burst of any Chiefs runner and should get a few touches each game. His speed and explosiveness could create a big play on any carry. This isn’t about fantasy value, but three or four touches per game as a change-of-pace back could add much-needed explosiveness to the offense.

Problem: Rashee Rice is suspended and Xavier Worthy is injured

This situation worsened yesterday when Andy Reid reported that rookie Jalen Royals is still not practicing because of knee tendinitis. Once Royals is healthy, however, there’s an obvious path to production for him in the Rashee Rice role.

We know the Chiefs like to design touches for Xavier Worthy, but when he returns, he’ll be playing with a shoulder brace and faces a high risk of re-injury.

Royals’ ability after the catch was one of his best traits coming out of college. Giving him a few designed touches each game—whether on screens or intermediate routes—could help replace some of what’s missing with Rice and reduce wear and tear on Worthy’s shoulder.

Problem: Coverage issues

This might be the most frustrating concern. Chamarri Conner led the team in slot snaps, while Kristian Fulton—the $20 million man—played less than half of the defensive snaps. The plan all along was to use Fulton and Jaylen Watson outside so All-Pro Trent McDuffie could move back into the slot.

Ideally, Fulton will play more this week as he builds up after missing most of training camp. However, if Fulton struggles with performance or health, both real concerns, the Chiefs should consider turning to rookie Nohl Williams rather than forcing McDuffie outside. Can Williams be better in the slot than Conner? Last week, Conner was targeted six times and allowed six receptions for 81 yards and a 118 passer rating.

The Chiefs’ linebackers also looked painfully slow and unathletic against the Chargers. Nick Bolton particularly struggled, allowing five receptions on five targets for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is unlikely to take Bolton off the field because of his ability to adjust the defense, but in pure passing situations, could the Chiefs work rookie Jeffrey Bassa into the rotation? A converted safety who stood out in the preseason, Bassa might offer an upgrade over Drue Tranquill on passing downs. Could Bolton play a more limited coverage role to leverage Bassa’s skill set?

Conclusion

The most obvious rookie impact will come from left tackle Josh Simmons, who should lead all rookies in snaps if healthy. Beyond Simmons, however, the Chiefs need to get their rookies on the field faster.

In 2021, the defense was brutal early in the year because the team kept starting Anthony Hitchens over Nick Bolton, Daniel Sorensen over Juan Thornhill, and even tried turning Chris Jones into a full-time edge rusher. That defense eventually became respectable only after the staff made changes and gave more snaps to young players like Willie Gay, L’Jarius Sneed, Bolton, and Thornhill.

While the 2021 defense ultimately wasn’t good enough, this year’s unit has far more upside than one relying heavily on Anthony Hitchens, Ben Niemann, Dan Sorensen, Rashad Fenton, and Mike Hughes.

Let the kids play and find out whether they have it or not. If they don’t, at least the Chiefs will know—and can move on to other solutions.