wanted Chaisson back in the 2020 draft.
That would have been a mistake - he seriously underperformed his draft position (and college career). Terrible run defender (although maybe finally improving a bit).
Here's Grok (which is really good on summarizing stuff):
K'Lavon Chaisson is an edge rusher who has shown flashes of potential but has yet to fully establish himself as a dominant force in the NFL. Drafted 20th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft out of LSU, Chaisson entered the league with high expectations due to his athleticism, versatility, and college production. Here's a detailed review of his performance and attributes as an edge rusher based on his college career, NFL tenure, and evolving role:
College Background and Skill Set
At LSU, Chaisson was a standout on the 2019 national championship team, earning first-team All-SEC honors with 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. His college stats (92 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks over three years) don't scream elite production, but his impact went beyond the box score. He was often used strategically by defensive coordinator Dave Aranda in a 3-4 scheme, dropping into coverage or setting the edge to free up teammates, rather than solely chasing sacks. His athletic profile—6'3", 254 lbs, with long arms (32 1/4 inches) and explosive first-step quickness—made him a tantalizing prospect. Analysts praised his bend, speed-to-power conversion, and ability to "turn the corner," traits that suggested a high ceiling as a pass rusher.
However, Chaisson was considered raw. His technique needed refinement, and a torn ACL in 2018 limited his on-field experience, leaving him with just 26 games played (17 starts) at LSU. Despite this, his natural talent and upside led many to rank him as the No. 2 edge rusher in the 2020 draft class behind Chase Young.
NFL Career Overview
Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-2023)
Chaisson's four years with the Jaguars were underwhelming relative to his draft status. Across 57 games (11 starts), he recorded 73 tackles, 5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback hits. His best statistical season came in 2023, with 2 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, and 8 quarterback hits in 17 games as a reserve. However, his pass-rush productivity was inconsistent—evidenced by just 10 pressures on 235 pass-rushing snaps in 2020 (per posts on X)—and he struggled significantly against the run, often graded poorly by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in that area.
Scouts and analysts noted his versatility—he could play in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes—but his lack of polish and inability to consistently win one-on-one matchups limited his impact. His 17% missed tackle rate in college carried over to the pros, and his shorter-than-ideal arm length hindered his ability to disengage from blockers. The Jaguars declined his fifth-year option in 2023, signaling he hadn’t met expectations as a first-round pick.
Carolina Panthers (2024)
Chaisson signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Panthers in March 2024, aiming for a fresh start alongside Jadeveon Clowney. However, he was released before the regular season began in September 2024. Panthers HC Dave Canales noted that while Chaisson found a niche on special teams, he didn’t provide the dynamic edge-rushing presence the team sought, leaving them with younger options like DJ Johnson and Eku Leota.
Las Vegas Raiders (2024-Present)
Joining the Raiders’ practice squad in September 2024 and later earning a spot on the active roster, Chaisson has shown a resurgence. Through March 13, 2025 (with the 2024 season stats still relevant), he’s posted career highs in several categories: 4 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 29 pressures, and an interception across 12 games (2 starts). His 23.5% pass-rush win rate ranks among the league’s best (15th among edge rushers with at least 140 pass-rush snaps, per X posts), and his 80.0 PFF run-defense grade over a late-2024 stretch marked a significant improvement. Highlights include a 1.5-sack, 4-QB-hit performance against the Chiefs, showcasing his speed and power.
Strengths
- Athleticism: Chaisson’s explosiveness off the line and ability to bend around the edge remain his calling cards. His quick first step and agility allow him to pressure quarterbacks even without a fully developed move set.
- Versatility: Comfortable standing up in a 3-4 or putting his hand down in a 4-3, he can also drop into coverage—a skill honed at LSU.
- Upside: Still just 25 years old (born July 25, 1999), Chaisson’s best football could be ahead of him, especially with improved coaching and scheme fit.
- Motor: His effort rarely wanes, and he’s shown growth in ancillary stats like pressures and stops (12 in 2024).
Weaknesses
- Run Defense: Historically a liability, with poor PFF grades early in his career (e.g., worst-graded run defender in 2020). While improved in 2024, it’s still not a strength.
- Technique: Lacks a refined arsenal of pass-rush moves. He relies heavily on raw athleticism rather than counters or hand usage, which better tackles can neutralize.
- Consistency: Flashes of brilliance (e.g., 6 pressures vs. Chiefs) are offset by quiet games, a trend dating back to LSU where his sack totals spiked late in big games.
- Injury History: The 2018 ACL tear raises durability questions, though he’s largely stayed healthy since.
Current Assessment (March 2025)
Chaisson’s 2024 stint with the Raiders suggests he’s finally tapping into his potential. His sack and pressure numbers are modest but trending upward, and his run-defense improvement indicates growth beyond the “raw talent” label he carried early on. He’s not an every-down star like Chase Young or a game-changer like Maxx Crosby (his Raiders teammate), but he’s carving out a role as a situational pass rusher with rotational value. At his best, he’s a high-energy player who can disrupt pockets and chase down plays; at his worst, he’s still developing the consistency and physicality to anchor an edge.
Future Outlook
Chaisson’s trajectory depends on whether he can build on his 2024 momentum. With the Raiders, he’s part of a deep edge group (Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, Tyree Wilson), which limits his snaps but also allows him to thrive in specialized roles. As a free agent in 2025, he could appeal to teams needing a cost-effective, high-upside pass rusher—think a complementary piece rather than a cornerstone. If he refines his technique and sustains his recent production, he could settle into a career akin to Alex Okafor (as suggested on X), a reliable veteran with 5-7 sacks annually in the right system.
In summary, K'Lavon Chaisson is an athletic, versatile edge rusher whose raw tools have always promised more than his production has delivered—until recently. His 2024 revival hints at untapped potential, but he remains a work in progress, best suited as a rotational spark rather than a primary defensive pillar.
