Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams (33) carries the ball as Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Josh Mauga (90) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
3. Inside Linebacker (Josh Mauga, Ramik Wilson)
Another position that must see better production than last season is inside linebacker. Last season injuries to Derrick Johnson and Joe Mays left Josh Mauga and James-Michael Johnson as the starters for most of the season and the results were not very good. The return of DJ means that the position will already be in better shape even if he isn’t quite what he was before his injury.
Many (like myself) figured the Chiefs would go out of their way to make sure that neither Mauga or JMJ would be a starter again this season. So it was a big surprise when the Chiefs gave Mauga starter caliber money when they re-signed him this offseason. Mauga is a valuable back up and special teams contributor but his play as a starting linebacker last season wasn’t good enough. According to Pro Football Focus Mauga led all inside linebackers in missed tackles last season. If Mauga does in fact start next to DJ in the base defense he definitely needs to up his play. If he doesn’t he will likely lose the job to one of a couple of inside linebackers that they invested draft picks in this offseason.
While I really like D.J. Alexander’s speed and upside, I don’t see him as a good candidate to start as a rookie. When you watch his college tape you see a few things that would prevent this. First he gets fooled too easily by misdirection plays. Second, he came off the field frequently on passing downs. Finally, his frame looks a little frail right now for a starting NFL inside linebacker. So that leaves the Chiefs with….
Ramik Wilson, a fourth round pick out of Georgia has plenty of starting experience in the best (and most physical) conference in college football. He is probably the best bet on the roster to unseat Josh Mauga as a starter next to DJ. While his college game tape doesn’t blow me away, his experience as a three down linebacker and his more powerful frame give him an edge over Alexander. Reports out of OTAs were that Wilson looked good so it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs give him any first string reps early in training camp.
My hope is that Wilson earns the job because I just have a hard time believing that Mauga will be much better than he was last season. At least a rookie like Wilson would give fans hope of some upside and the potential for improvement at the position.
Next up, someone needs to step up and claim the starting wide receiver spot opposite Jeremy Maclin.