Kansas City Chiefs: Youth Movement with defense

Kansas City Chiefs: Linebacker Youth Breakdown

Once again from right to left, I will break down the linebacker position. Not only will I break down left from right, I will break down the inside linebackers, and make my way to the outside edge rushers.

Left Inside Linebacker

Starting at the left inside linebacker is the newest linebacker acquisition in Anthony Hitchens. Veach targeted Hitchens all last season and was able to finally haul him in via free agency. According to Pro Football Focus, Hitchens did not miss one tackle last season for the Dallas Cowboys.

The 25-year old inside linebacker has a bright future, as well as, big shoes to fill, given the departure of the fan favorite, in Derrick Johnson. Look for Hitchens to be in a red, and gold uniform for many years to come, if all things work the way they should for Hitchens.

Behind Hitchens lies Terrance Smith. Smith is a 2016 undrafted free agent out of Florida State. Smith spent most of his time last season on special teams, which is where he should play the most again if he makes the 53-man roster.

Right Inside Linebacker

If you are one who has been keeping an eye on the moves that Veach has made for the Chiefs, you know that possibly his best move so far is trading for Reggie Ragland. Ragland was perhaps the most exciting piece to the Chiefs defense last season. The duo of Ragland, and Hitchens might be the youngest, but still, the scariest duo at inside linebacker in the NFL.

Behind Ragland lies the 2017 fifth-round draft pick in Ukeme Eligwe. Eligwe is a hard-hitting, downhill ball hawk with plenty of upsides. Eligwe was a former 4-star recruit in high school, which means the potential is there, but time will tell if Eligwe develops into a starting caliber linebacker on defense.

Left Outside Linebacker

Justin Houston obviously is the number one guy on the left side of the football. Houston has been one of the best edge rushers in the NFL, so far in his career. Despite having small production last season, Houston still has the potential to get back in his normal form this season.

After Houston is the second round genetic monster in Tanoh Kpassagnon, and a name often forgotten in Dadi Nicolas. Kpassagnon has the potential to become an unstoppable player on the gridiron, with his remarkable frame, and build. Something to keep an eye on this season is Kpassagnon’s development, and transition into the NFL.

If Nicolas can stay healthy, he may find time playing on special teams or spending a majority of the time on the practice squad. But the Chiefs will always have his service if need be.

Right Outside Linebacker

The Right outside Linebacker is a “must-need” come draft day. Former first-round pick in Dee Ford starts off as the number one guy, with Frank Zombo coming in close second. If Ford can become healthy, and return to his normal self, then maybe the need for another edge rusher will dwindle.

However, with the constant injury to Ford, the team simply cannot rely on Zombo as they did last season. Expect Veach to acquire another young talent at this position to give the team more breathing room on defense.

There are many intriguing prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft that should become solid players in the NFL. I fully expect Veach to make a move to upgrade this position in dire need to add another talent.

Depth Chart Breakdown – Linebackers

• Anthony Hitchens, 25-years old
• Reggie Ragland, 24-years old
• Ukeme Eligwe, 23-years old
• Dee Ford, 27-years old
• Frank Zombo, 31-years old
• Justin Houston, 29-years old
• Tanoh Kpassagnon, 23-years old
• Dadi Nicolas, 25-years old
  • Average Linebacker Age: 26-years old