The Kansas City Chiefs are making moves to solidify their defense, and their latest decision to re-sign Charles Omenihu on a one-year deal shows they’re focused on keeping their defensive end depth strong. However, with George Karlaftis entering the fourth year of his rookie contract, general manager Brett Veach still has work to do. The Chiefs need young, cost-effective edge rushers to ensure long-term stability. That’s where the 2025 NFL Draft comes into play—it presents a prime opportunity for Kansas City to snag some promising talent and build for the future.
One intriguing prospect who could be on their radar is Penn State’s defensive end, Amin Vanover. Standing at an unofficial 6’4” and weighing 262 pounds, Vanover brings an impressive blend of length, strength, and explosiveness. His first step off the line is electric, giving him an immediate advantage against offensive tackles. Once engaged, his powerful upper body allows him to control blockers by locking out and displacing them with ease. If the Chiefs are looking for a developmental player with potential, Vanover might just be a name to watch.
What Makes Vanover Stand Out?
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Explosive First Step: Vanover’s ability to burst off the line creates instant pressure on offensive linemen, making him a tough matchup in pass-rush situations.
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Powerful Hands & Upper Body Strength: He fires his hands into blockers’ frames with authority, extending his arms to gain leverage and control.
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Diverse Pass Rush Arsenal: His toolkit includes long-arm moves, rips, spins, swims, and two-handed swipes, allowing him to attack in multiple ways.
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Speed-to-Power Conversion: Vanover maximizes his long strides and upper body strength to convert speed into raw force, making him dangerous in bull rush situations.
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Ability to Attack the B-Gap: Whether it’s with pure speed or brute force, he knows how to create disruption in key areas of the offensive line.
Areas for Improvement
While Vanover has plenty of tools to work with, he’s not a perfect prospect. One of his biggest challenges is his pad level—after the snap, it tends to rise too quickly, making it easier for offensive linemen to gain leverage against him. Additionally, his hips are somewhat stiff, limiting his ability to bend and turn the corner effectively. In a league where elite edge rushers thrive on flexibility and quick redirection, this could be a hurdle for him at the next level.
Another area where Vanover needs to grow is his overall pass-rush plan. While his length and power are major assets, he sometimes leans too heavily on them, making his moves a bit predictable. To be a consistent threat in the NFL, he’ll need to refine his technique, improve his counter moves, and develop more variety in his approach.
The Road Ahead for Vanover
Despite these concerns, Vanover has intriguing upside. His college career at Penn State was full of flashes, but he never quite had the opportunity to shine as a full-time starter. Injuries plagued his 2023 season, limiting his ability to showcase his true potential. However, coming off his most productive campaign yet, he’s a player who could develop into a solid rotational piece if given the right coaching and time to refine his skills.
Vanover had hoped to return to Penn State in 2025 and applied for a medical waiver, but the NCAA denied his request. Now, all signs point to him entering the NFL Draft, where he’s projected as a late-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent. For a team like the Chiefs, that could be a golden opportunity.
Why the Chiefs Should Consider Him
Kansas City is in a unique position where they don’t necessarily need an immediate starter at defensive end but could use depth and future development. Vanover fits that mold perfectly—he’s a player with raw talent, a strong work ethic, and the potential to grow into a contributor over time. With the right coaching staff, he could refine his weaknesses and turn into a valuable asset in a rotational role or even develop into a starting-caliber player down the line.
In today’s NFL, teams are always looking for those late-round steals who can outperform their draft position, and Vanover could be exactly that. His frame, power, and pass-rush ability give him a solid foundation, and if the Chiefs are willing to invest in his development, they might just uncover a hidden gem.
Final Thoughts
The Chiefs’ decision to re-sign Omenihu was smart, but the work isn’t done yet. Finding young, affordable talent at the edge position should remain a priority, and the 2025 NFL Draft offers plenty of options. Amin Vanover may not be a day-one starter, but his upside, physical tools, and relentless style of play make him an intriguing developmental prospect. Whether he’s a late-round selection or an undrafted free agent signing, he’s the type of player Kansas City should take a close look at as they continue to build a dominant defense for years to come.
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