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The Kansas City Chiefs need to prioritize adding depth along the interior of the defensive line this offseason to support Chris Jones. Derrick Nnadi and Jerry Tillery becoming free agents creates more opportunities for pass rushing specialist Omarr Norman-Lott, but Kansas City lacks enough quality players to form a strong interior rotation.
Texas A&M Aggies defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim projects as a fourth or fifth round selection in the 2026 NFL draft. Onyedim spent four seasons playing defensive end in a three-man front for Iowa State before embracing a new role as a 3-tech defensive tackle with the Aggies. He possesses the versatility to kick outside as a base end but should take most of his snaps in the B-gap at the NFL level.
Onyedim’s arm length surpasses the league’s requirements for a defensive tackle and gives him an advantage against guards. He uses a quick first step either to exchange gaps at the snap or rapidly push vertically. His pass rush plan includes club-swims, long-arms and spins. Onyedim also gets skinny to fire through gaps and displays enough bend to shorten some corner angles.
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Onyedim’s pass rush arsenal still needs to diversify. He lacks a deep bag of rush moves and doesn’t display a developed set of counters to deploy once his initial rush loses momentum. Listed at 6'3", 295 lbs., Onyedim lacks the mass to generate consistent pressure with his bull rush. He must learn more hand counters and combos to build off his initial power rush.
Onyedim’s long arms and upper body strength make him an asset in run defense. He pries up the guard’s pad level to make it easier to shed blocks and close gaps. Onyedim quickly redirects off blocks to pursue the football and muddy run lanes. He creates a strong obstacle at the point of attack.
Fortunately, Onyedim is also agile enough to post some quick wins in the run game and penetrate the backfield. His quick initial step allows him to out-leverage blockers and win around their shoulders. Onyedim’s size makes him vulnerable against double teams, and he struggles to overcome angle blocks.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL draft scouting report: Texas A&M Aggies DT Tyler Onyedim
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