Leo Chenal Elevates Chiefs’ Defense with Unmatched Versatility

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – During a recent victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, linebacker Leo Chenal showcased his exceptional versatility on the field. In the opening moments of the game, he quickly shed his blocker and tackled Ashton Jeanty, demonstrating his prowess on defense. Throughout the first series, he also lined up three times as an edge rusher, pressuring quarterback Geno Smith and forcing him to step up in the pocket.

Coach Steve Spagnuolo praised Chenal’s contributions, stating, “Leo’s been terrific. I mean, he’s as valuable as anybody getting in there in key situations. We use him for a lot of different things.” Those roles include playing as a nose guard and covering some of the league’s more athletic receivers. Notably, in Week 4, Chenal intercepted a pass from Lamar Jackson, reminding fans of legendary receiver Fred Biletnikoff with his impressive catch.

Spagnuolo highlighted Chenal’s importance to the team, noting, “He plays linebacker, then we put him at end. He’s got in there and played tackle. Eventually, we’ll probably have him out at corner or playing safety or something.” This adaptability has proven crucial, especially as the Chiefs explore unconventional strategies on defense.

Beyond his defensive skills, Chenal has made significant contributions to special teams. Dave Toub, the special teams coordinator, recalled Chenal’s pivotal blocked kick against the Denver Broncos in the previous season, which helped secure a narrow 16-14 win. Toub stated, “Leo’s been a standout all year. I mean, he’s Mr. Consistent on special teams.”

Chenal’s consistency extends beyond special teams; he also plays a vital role in defensive communication. Middle linebacker Nick Bolton emphasized Chenal’s understanding of the game, saying, “Honestly, his best thing he’s probably done the last two years is communication, the IQ of the game, learning things around him.” Bolton noted that Chenal’s ability to alert teammates on the field has enhanced the overall performance of the defense.

As a former star at Grantsburg High School in Wisconsin, where he was known for his scoring ability, Chenal now stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 250 pounds. His transition into the NFL has been marked by a willingness to embrace various roles, including potentially contributing on offense.

Together with teammate Drue Tranquill, Chenal’s versatility allows the Chiefs to implement creative defensive schemes. Spagnuolo remarked, “The versatility of Leo and Drue with the things that they can do have really helped us to kind of put things out there that may be a little bit unconventional at times.”

As the season progresses, Chenal’s multi-faceted skill set continues to be a key asset for the Kansas City Chiefs, making him a player to watch as the team aims for success in the upcoming games.