Kansas City Chiefs: 5 young players to watch

Kansas City Chiefs: 5 Players To Watch

#4 Ukeme Eligwe – LB

There aren’t many bigger questions for the Kansas City Chiefs than how they will replace Derrick Johnson. The Chiefs have used Kevin Pierre-Louis to help ease the burden on Johnson this year, but he’s a pending free agent. The best hope for KC moving forward is that rookie Ukeme Eligwe can handle the job.

Thus far, the Kansas City coaches have had nothing but good things to say about Ukeme Eligwe. He’s been a solid presence on special teams, and has the athleticism the Chiefs want at linebacker. This will be an opportunity to show that he deserves to be getting more snaps on the defense.

Getting Ukeme Eligwe out there will also help Kansas City make a decision on Kevin Pierre-Louis. He’s been getting most of the split snaps with Derrick Johnson. However, with free agency coming up, the Chiefs know they have to make a big choice. If the answer to who eventually replaces Johnson is Eligwe, it will save KC a nice chunk of money this offseason.