Leo Chenal had great college career with Wisconsin Badgers but in the NFL, he is slowly getting there.
USATSI 25247897
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) reacts during the second half against Houston Texans in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The 24-year-old linebacker, drafted 103rd overall by Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 already won two titles albeit in limited playing time. He did have his moments in Super Bowl like in 2023 edition when he posted six tackles and a sack to help his team beat the Philadelphia Eagles.
He had six tackles in the next Super Bowl wherein the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers for a back to back title.
The 2024 season was extra different for him on a personal level. The Chiefs may have failed to win the very rare three-peat but Chenal slowly inserted himself into the regular squad that in Week 10 against the Denver Broncos , he saved his team’s win by blocking a potential walk-off field goal.
This got him named to the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
That effort is just one manifestation of Chenal’s hardwork and experts see him earning a more significant role with the Chiefs’ title-contending defensive unit.
PFF named him among the most underrated heading into the 2025 season.
Chenal has thrived in that early-down role, earning the third-best PFF run-defense grade (91.3) at his position since 2023, behind only Bobby Wagner (94.1) and Fred Warner (92.1). He has done this by engineering back-to-back seasons with top-four marks as a run defender, and as he enters a contract year, he should continue to be a key member of the Chiefs’ run-defense unit.”
Kansas City Chiefs
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is hit by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) after a forced fumble by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Another Wisconsin Badgers alum expected to be big
Badgers have plenty to be excited about in the new NFL season. They have a lot to cheer for and know that they will deliver.
Chenal’s former teammate Nick Herbig of the Pittsburgh Steelers is another Badgers alum named among the most underrated in the 2025 season. He was previously tagged as among the most intriguing players in the league.
Herbig’s biggest moment in 2024 was when he forced a fumble on Derrick Henry to stop the Baltimore Raven star’s uninterrupted n 538 touches.
Nick Herbig
Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) and linebacker Nick Herbig (51) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
PFF wrote about Herbig:
Since 2022, Herbig owns a 91.4 PFF pass-rush grade, which ranks seventh among all edge defenders with at least 250 pass-rush snaps. With Watt and Highsmith occasionally missing time due to injury, having a high-end pass rusher like Herbig waiting in the wings is a very underrated and valuable option that not many teams have the luxury of.”
NFL teams have commenced their OTAs this week with the 2025-2026 season opening set on September 4.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!