Dee Ford: From bust to booming

It was fun while it lasted. Admit it, like the rest of us, you’ve taken a turn poking fun at Kansas City Chiefs 2014 first-round pick Dee Ford.

He’s in his third season, and up until now, he’s mostly deserved the criticism that’s come his way. Though, like many other things in the NFL, the times are a-changin’. Ford isn’t quite the target of the Kingdom’s two cents’ worth like he was in his rookie season. He took a significant step forward last season when he filled in — albeit inconsistently — when Justin Houston went out a knee injury.

In 2015, Ford flashed in a Week 14 game with the San Diego Chargers. His sack trifecta and pass defense on the final play of regulation was the key to Kansas City securing its seventh straight victory. When the Chiefs learned they’d start the regular season without Houston, it became paramount upon Ford to grow up quickly and start playing to his draft position.

Fortunately for Kansas City, that day has come at a perfect time. Age has finally caught up to Chiefs stalwart Tamba Hali and Houston’s been on ice since the season began.

Last year, Ford posted four sacks in 14 games played. In half as many games this season, he has a career-high seven sacks. The former Auburn Tiger is presently the third-most productive pass rusher in the league. That’s quite the turn of events for the former No. 1 pick. Through his first two seasons, Ford was only successful at drawing the ire of Chiefs fans and earning himself the “bust” label.