Meet new Chief Leo Chenal; An enforcer who happens to be an elite athlete

Examining a unique player who combines a throwback (and absurdly physical) style of play with an unusual amount of athleticism.

Football players are supposed to be sortable into categories. You know, “quick” slot receivers vs “fast” boundary deep threats. Smashmouth mauler or zone blocking finesse offensive linemen. Blocking or receiving tight ends.

Among those distinctions are downhill, physical-but-slow vs fast-but-undersized coverage linebackers. You fit into a category as a player. You’re either a guy who can play a frightening enforcer at the line of scrimmage or you have sideline to sideline speed. While there are exceptions to these rules, we’re used to players fitting into a role. A LB is a guy best suited for Mike, or Will, or Sam, and a lot of that has to do with size/physicality coming with athletic limitations (and vice versa).

Then there’s new Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal, who… well, he’s tough to categorize. And also impossible to ignore.

With the 103rd pick in the draft, the Chiefs chose the 6’2”, 250-pound linebacker out of Wisconsin. On the surface, it felt like a bit of an odd pick considering the Chiefs have already invested 2nd round picks in Willie Gay Jr. and Nick Bolton at the linebacker position over the last several years. That said, any time a defense can pick up a musclebound enforcer who produced well in college and flashes on film, it’s generally not a terrible idea. Veach’s comments on Chenal also make it seem like they have a specific role in mind for him.

So, what does he bring to the table? Just like we have with other picks so far this year, we have to go to the film to find out. And in Chenal’s case, it’s hard to not get excited about the possibilities given his unusual skillset combination. Let’s talk about the enforcer who also happens to be a high-level athlete. Much like safety Bryan Cook, he may be able to help in several areas the Chiefs have struggled on defense recently.

For prior reviews on the 2022, you can find them by clicking on their names here: 1st round CB Trent McDuffie, 1st round DE George Karlaftis, 2nd round WR Skyy Moore, and 2nd round safety Bryan Cook.