Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp 2017 Preview: Inside Linebackers
By Ben Almquist
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Preview
Ramik Wilson – Inside Linebacker
Who will be the man to one day replace Derrick Johnson at inside linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs? My money is on current backup Ramik Wilson. Over the past couple of seasons, Wilson has stepped in and started to cover for injuries. In 11 games in 2016, Wilson put up 76 tackles. Over the course of a 16 game season, that projects to 110 tackles. Not bad.
Of course, tackles don’t always mean that much (remember when Mike Brown and Demorrio Williams had over 100 in 2009?). However, Wilson also demonstrated the ability to make plays on defense. That is a key factor in his ability to become the everyday starter of the future. Coming into his third season, that’s where things will matter the most.
Related Story: Kansas City Chiefs: Ramik Wilson Has A Future At ILB
Now here is where the bad news comes in. I cannot guarantee that the Chiefs feel the same way about Ramik Wilson that I do. That comes from them actually cutting him before the season started in 2016. KC later brought Wilson back, but the fact he didn’t make the team outright is still concerning.
#Chiefs were intrigued by improvements Ramik Wilson showed in last few weeks of 2016 season. Didn’t draft LB until Round 5 (Ukeme Eligwe)
— Andy Benoit (@Andy_Benoit) May 3, 2017
However, I do think that Kansas City learned its lesson there. When Derrick Johnson went down with injury, Ramik Wilson stepped in nicely and helped keep the team afloat on defense. If he continues to improve, the Chiefs may have a solid starter on their hands for the future.
Prediction
Ramik Wilson should be the backup to Derrick Johnson to start the season. However, keep an eye on this one. If Johnson gets hurt, or if age finally catches up to him, don’t be surprised to see Wilson start getting more reps in. Very similar to how the Chiefs have done with Dee Ford and Tamba Hali.