Every year, the Kansas City Chiefs find ways to reload, not just with big-name stars but with under-the-radar talent that turns into game-changers. With a dominant defense playing a huge role in their back-to-back Super Bowl runs, they know the importance of keeping the front line stacked. Even after bringing back a veteran presence, they’re still searching for that next disruptive force—someone who can bring versatility, explosiveness, and a relentless motor to their defensive unit.
Say hello to Adin Huntington, a 281-pound athletic monster who moves like someone half his size. He’s locked in for a top-30 visit with the Chiefs, and with Tershawn Wharton packing his bags for Carolina, KC’s got a gap to fill. And honestly? Huntington might be the perfect guy to step in—and maybe even level up the position.
His college journey has been straight-up chaotic. The guy bounced between three different schools before settling in at Tulane for his final season. But he went off everywhere he played. In the last two years alone, he’s stacked up 93 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. But the real flex? He can line up anywhere—from the interior to the edge. That makes him a cheat code for a defense that loves versatility.
Tulane DL Adin Huntington has a 30 visit with the Chiefs, per source. He posted a 38-inch vertical jump at Pro Day.
— Josh Edwards (@EdwardsCBS) March 28, 2025
Physically, he’s out of the world. At 6-foot-1 with nearly 33-inch arms, he went crazy at Tulane’s Pro Day—dropping a 38-inch vertical, a 126-inch broad jump, and 30 reps on the bench press like it was light work. His 40-yard dash clocked in somewhere between 4.65 and 4.75 seconds, and his 1.61-second 10-yard split? Insane burst. Basically, dude’s built different.
Adin Huntington is a versatile, high-energy defensive lineman who brings both explosiveness and agility to the field. At 6’1″, he might be built compact. But that just means he can mix it up with blockers using his low center of gravity and quick burst off the snap. Whether he’s lined up as a tackle or crashing the edge, he’s already racked up solid numbers. Think of the numbers I mentioned earlier. This shows he can really disrupt plays on both the run and pass fronts.
When it comes to rushing the passer, Huntington really shines by using his speed to collapse the pocket and put pressure on quarterbacks. He’s got a knack for reading blocks and finding weak spots, which helped him notch up 79 QB pressures recently. Of course, there’s still room to grow—if he can refine his hand technique and learn to shake off bigger linemen, his game could skyrocket.
Now, the big question: Where do the Chiefs see him lining up? With his size and play style, he could easily slide into Wharton’s old role on the interior. But since he’s also got edge experience, Spags might have something even spicier in mind—maybe a hybrid role where he can wreck shop from multiple spots. That kind of versatility? Straight-up coach’s dream.
Bottom line: The Chiefs wouldn’t be bringing him in for a top-30 visit if they weren’t seriously considering him. Whether he’s a 1:1 Wharton replacement or just carves out his own lane, he’s a name to keep on your radar. With his mix of power, speed, and versatility, Adin Huntington might just be KC’s next low-key defensive steal.
Chiefs bring back the OG but still have their eyes on the new kid
The Chiefs just locked in veteran DT Mike Pennel on a one-year deal worth $1.4 million, including $396,000 guaranteed. Basically, a solid $1.42M annual salary to keep him anchoring the line. At 33, Pennel’s still a beast, and last year, he played all 17 games, started seven, and even hit his career-high three sacks. That’s some rock-solid dependability for a veteran with 11+ years of experience.
Ready to finish unfinished business! pic.twitter.com/Y2I4jhVcso
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 24, 2025
Even with Pennel’s return, KC isn’t ready to call it a day on upgrading the defense. As we mentioned previously, they had their eyes on Adin Huntington, the Tulane standout known for his raw athleticism. The Chiefs are eyeing Huntington as a potential spark plug for their D-line, adding some extra firepower and versatility.
But here’s the real tea: while Huntington might be a bright, raw prospect with plenty of upside, Pennel brings that veteran reliability that only years in the league can offer. With 138 games under his belt, Pennel’s like the OG of the trenches—he knows how to shut down big plays when the stakes are high. Huntington’s got mad potential, but he’s still leveling up and learning the NFL hustle.
And don’t even get us started on Pennel’s clutch moments. Remember his dope performance in Super Bowl 58? He wrecked the 49ers’ run game, turning up the heat when it mattered most. That kind of high-pressure experience is pure gold. While Huntington might eventually carve out a niche as a disruptive force, Pennel’s the guy you can count on from day one.
The post Chiefs News: Andy Reid Sees Treshawn Wharton Replacement in 281Lbs Draft Prospect Despite Major $1.4M Signing appeared first on EssentiallySports.
