Chiefs keep adding to defense with Leo Chenal in 3rd round

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 103 overall.

Kansas City aggressively retooled its defense - which ranked 17th last season - during the first two days of the NFL draft.

Chenal joins cornerback Trent McDuffie (No. 21), pass-rusher George Karlaftis (No. 30), and safety Bryan Cook (No. 62) as new additions to coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's unit.

The former Badgers standout was named the Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year last season after producing 115 total tackles, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Scouting profile: Leo Chenal

Chenal would be your father's favorite linebacker. The Wisconsin product is a tackling machine who packs a punch when he gets his hands on the ball carrier. He's not all brute force, though. Chenal is also incredibly savvy with his play recognition and the paths he takes to the football. While he tested off the charts at the NFL combine, the same natural athleticism doesn't stick out as much on tape. His coverage ability could be an issue in the pros, and his change-of-direction skills don't come easy. However, he makes up for it with his keen eye for the backfield. Clubs would be wise to utilize him in a similar manner as Wisconsin, which let Chenal run wild in the tackle box and as a blitzer for 115 tackles and eight sacks.