Work ethic of third-year Chiefs defensive player is setting up huge expectations for 2024

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently in the grind of training camp.

Coach Andy Reid notoriously runs one of the toughest camps in the NFL. Current and former players have attributed his team's success to it. No detail is too small for Reid and his staff, and his players leave camp well-conditioned for the season.

A player having a strong work ethic sets themselves up for success during a Reid training camp, which has been the case for third-year linebacker Leo Chenal. After the departure of Wille Gay this past offseason, Chenal will now slide into a starting role.

During his first two seasons Chenal has been a reliable depth piece and occasional starter, as well as a core special teams player. As he looks to make an even bigger impact in 2024, his teammates have taken notice of his drive and desire to be successful. Defensive end Mike Danna told reporters after practice on Wednesday that Chenal is a "beast" who "works his tail off."

A few days ago, Chenal said that he'll have a bit of a hybrid role this season and that he's been working on some defensive line moves. He cited Danna as an inspiration in terms of his abilities and work ethic.

Chenal is a high motor player with excellent athleticism, bringing energy to the defense by playing with relentless pursuit. The ability to move him around off the ball or with his hand on the ground along the defensive line will give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo tremendous flexibility.

Last season Chenal increased his tackle total from 35 to 65 from his rookie season, and his sack total from one to three. He also had eight tackles for loss and 11 quarterback pressures. Now as a starter, Chenal should be able to set new career-highs in all of those categories and establish himself as one of the key pieces of Kansas City's front seven.

Related: Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Preview: Linebackers bring experience and athletic upside to the defense