Kansas City Chiefs: The Ups and Downs of 53-Man Cuts

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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 31: Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ukeme Eligwe (45) in the first half of an NFL preseason game between the Tennessee Titans and the Kansas City Chiefs on August 31, 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Chiefs release Ukeme Eligwe to make room for Ben Niemann

I was not as surprised by this move as most of Chiefs Kingdom. I have been one to say that if the team kept Terrance Smith over Ben Niemann that I would be livid. However, I don’t see the big problem with the team keeping Smith over Ukeme Eligwe.

The starting inside linebackers have been Eligwe and Smith all preseason with Anthony Hitchens and Reggie Ragland missing time due to injuries. Both have looked remarkably bad on defense. The part where Smith must have the upper hand is on special teams and his speed.

Most analysts had Eligwe as the sure third inside linebacker. I never really bought into that thought. I think that Eligwe has looked just as bad as Terrance Smith during the preseason. He tends to over pursue in the run game consistently and struggle in pass coverage.

I think this move came down to being the better special teams player. Regardless, keeping UDFA rookie Ben Niemann is something I’m excited about. He’s shown a lot of potential this preseason. Between a pick six, forced fumbles, and fourth and short stuffs, I will take his potential over the other two all day long.

Niemann shows the quick reads and closing speed that reminds many fans of Derrick Johnson. He even wears the number 56. While he’s a bit undersized, remember that DJ was as well, he takes smart routes to the ball carrier, and his recognition doesn’t usually allow offensive linemen to reach him as he’s already going after the running back.

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