Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp 2017 Preview: Pass Rushers

Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Preview

Dee Ford – Outside Linebacker

I have seen a lot of people excited about Dee Ford for the Kansas City Chiefs 2017 season. I wish I could get on board with that excitement. While Ford put up a nice stretch of games in 2016, it is very hard to argue that he has shown he can be a top tier pass rusher in the NFL. However, that is really what the Chiefs need him to become.

Dee Ford came into the NFL with a highly lauded “first step” that was supposed to make him too quick for linemen to handle. He certainly does have a good initial burst, and when he gets himself on target, he’s a missile towards the quarterback.

However, Dee Ford has not shown that he can consistently beat his blockers and get into the backfield. Nor has he shown that he can be a consistent disruptive force, or that he can demand extra attention from the offensive blocking scheme. In fact, outside of a five-game stretch in 2016, he hasn’t shown much of anything at all.

With the 5th year option of his rookie contract already invoked, the Chiefs control Dee Ford through the 2018 season. However, the team will have the option to cut him at any point before the start of next season and not have to pay that fifth year. That means Ford is absolutely going to have to prove his worth this season.

Prediction

Dee Ford will make the Kansas City Chiefs 2017 roster, barring any unforeseen circumstances. However, he should be on a short leash this year as the Chiefs need to decide what role he will play in the future of the organization. Watch Ford’s playing time this year to get an idea of what the KC brass is thinking.