Kansas City Chiefs' latest top-30 visit could be the next Frank Clark for Steve Spagnuolo's defense

What is a top-30 visit?

The NFL allows 30 pre-draft visits with upcoming NFL draft prospects. Teams use the visits in a variety of different ways, but mostly as ways to gather more information about a specific prospect. If a player has a medical history, teams typically will bring those players in to do further background research. The same thing goes for off-field issues or character concerns. Sometimes teams simply want to get a better idea of how a prospect would fit with the team culture.

The Chiefs tend to be varied in their usage of top-30 visits. It doesn't always indicate interest or that a particular player will be selected in the draft. Often they'll bring in players who are expected to be priority free agents to impress upon them that this team is the right fit. At the same time, just last season they hosted a pair of their draft picks (Rashee Rice & BJ Thompson) on top-30 visits. 

How does Western Michigan DE Marshawn Kneeland fit with the Chiefs?

Even with back-to-back seasons selecting an edge rusher in the first round, the Chiefs need to flesh out their rotation in 2024. Kneeland checks a lot of boxes as a strong-side defensive end in Steve Spagnuolo's system, but he won't cost a team a first-round draft pick.

The 22-year-old had an impressive season for the Broncos in 2023, notching a career-high 57 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and two safeties. He even scored a rushing touchdown on a direct snap against St. Francis early on in the season. 

Plays like that certainly get the creative juices flowing for Chiefs HC Andy Reid, but Kneeland's play on defense is more impressive. He's the type of pass-rusher to have a backup plan if his first rush is unsuccessful, showing good motor and awareness of the situation around him.

Kneeland also showed out at the Senior Bowl. He recorded the fastest MPH by a defensive lineman in Mobile, boasting the length (34-inch arms) and power to overwhelm offensive tackles. 

Marshawn Kneeland is the spitting image of Frank Clark from an athletic standpoint

Kneeland was among the most athletic edge rushers at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. His testing numbers resemble former Chiefs edge rusher Frank Clark's testing numbers. They're so close that it makes you wonder if Kneeland isn't someone they're targeting to play a similar role in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. 

Here's how the two stack up against each other:

Other top 30 visits so far:

• Oregon State WR Anthony Gould