Chiefs Roster Predictions Version 3.0
By Ben Nielsen
Aug 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) signs autographs during warm ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
LINEBACKERS
Inside: Derrick Johnson, Joe Mays, James-Michael Johnson, Nico Johnson
Outside: Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Dee Ford, Josh Martin
Cut: Frank Zombo, Josh Mauga, Alonzo Highsmith
I’m no longer sure how Frank Zombo fits on the Chiefs roster without some kind of an injury happening. Josh Martin has proved to bring more skills in the passing game to the table in addition to holding his own quite well against the run. In fact Martin’s +1 PFF grade against the run is just a shade under Zombo’s +1.1.
Dee Ford and James-Michael Johnson are one-two in total snaps taken by any Chiefs player on the roster. JMJ has shown some positive things in pass coverage but has a lot of work to do in defending the run. Still, the combination of Joe Mays and JMJ should play decently on a situational basis when the Chiefs come out in the 3-4.
Nico Johnson makes the team as a special teamer. PFF suggests he has shown some improvements in his ability to defend the pass in coverage but Sunday was very rough for him when it came to stopping the run. I think he gets one more year to prove something to the Chiefs.