Jun 18, 2026, 8:47 PM CUT

Chiefs Rookies Could Spark Major Change To Steve Spagnuolo's Defense

Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Steve Spagnuolo has been the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs for over half a decade, but this year, he'll operate without Trent McDuffie, Leo Chenal, Charles Omenihu, and Jaylen Watson. Still, one NFL writer feels that the new rookie class could change things up.

Over the years, Spagnuolo has almost exclusively used a 4-3 defense. But this year, the new rookie options at edge and defensive tackle positions could open the door for a 3-4 lineup.

"If the Chiefs are going to sprinkle in more 3-4 looks from time to time, (Peter) Woods offers flash as someone who could shade out beyond 3-technique," Arrowhead Addict's Braden Holecek wrote on June 18.

Peter Woods was the Chiefs' second 1st-round pick this year at overall No. 29. The defensive tackle was brought in from Clemson.

October 11, 2025, Chestnutt Hill, Ma, USA: Clemson defensive tackle PETER WOODS 11 reacts after a turn over on down during the NCAA, College League, USA football game against Boston College at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Chestnutt Hill USA - ZUMAa232 20251011_zsp_a232_014 Copyright: xJamesxThomasx

"His mix of power and lateral quickness pairs well with the pass rush repertoire of Chris Jones," the report further stated. "Jones, of course, has flexed out to defensive end on occasion."

In addition to Peter Woods, the Chiefs added Mason Thomas (pick 40) and Khyiris Tonga to bolster the defensive tackle rotation. The experienced player has never featured in fewer than 10 games since his rookie season.

"On the flip side, newcomer Khyiris Tonga can handle traditional nose tackle snaps if Kansas City opts to get creative with those three defensive tackles at once," the report concluded.

Report Explains How New 3-4 Setup Could Help Veteran Linebackers

According to Braden Holecek, veteran linebacker duo Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill could have newfound freedom in this proposed setup.

"Beyond flexing down, Bolton and Tranquill could be aided tremendously by sprinkling in 3-4 looks," Holecek further wrote. "The less they are asked to turn and run, the more it benefits the Chiefs."

For the last three seasons, the Chiefs have leaned heavily on the linebacker pairing. The duo once again delivered in 2025, with Bolton piling up 154 tackles while Tranquill added another 103 of his own.

Still, there is a growing sense that 2026 could mark the final run for the veteran pairing in Kansas City. In truth, Tranquill's future with the franchise was already uncertain last offseason before the linebacker agreed to a pay cut to remain with the Chiefs for his age-31 campaign.

It will now be interesting to see if 2026 sees 3-4 being used under Spagnuolo more often.

Written by

Aadesh Dhote

Edited by

Rudra Dubey