Kansas City Chiefs: 53-man Roster Predictions 2.0

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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 06: Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Reggie Ragland (59) in the fourth quarter of the AFC Wild Card game between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs on January 6, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. The Titans came back from a 21-3 deficit at halftime to win 22-21. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Inside Linebackers

Keep: Reggie Ragland, Anthony Hitchens, Dorian O’Daniel, Ukeme Eligwe, Ben Niemann

Cut: Raymond Davidson, Terrance Smith, Otha Peters

The inside linebacker position is one that I’m very confident about. With the starting players being Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens, it’s the best duo on the inside that Kansas City has had in a long time, if ever.

Both Ragland and Hitchens can be interchangeable forcing offenses to guess what their assignments are. Given that they can both plug running lanes, get into the backfield to make a play, and play a little bit of coverage, quarterbacks will have a hard time figuring out the inside linebacker position.

Dorian O’Daniel looked good in his first game action against the Falcons and it seems that inside linebacker position is the best fit for the rookie. While the play is in front of him, O’Daniel is quick to diagnose plays and has the elite closing speed to make a play. As he develops, we will see fewer safeties coming down inside the box and more of O’Daniel.

Ben Niemann has had an outstanding first two preseason games. The UDFA out of Iowa has shown great recognition and ability to get after ball carriers. While he might be a bit undersized, so was Derrick Johnson. He has the ability to react to a running play before the offensive linemen can get to him. Considering he’s been playing special teams as well, that makes Terrance Smith the likely odd man out.

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