Kansas City Chiefs: Rookie of the Year candidates

Nov 22, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Charleston Southern Buccaneers quarterback Austin Brown (4) is sacked by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Ramik Wilson (51) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Mitch Morse

It is near on impossible for an offensive linemen to win any sort of award. Will Shields was very supportive of his other perhaps under appreciated offensive linemen in his Hall of Fame Induction speech. So why put Mitch Morse in such a list? Well, I may be in the minority here, but I love Mitch Morse. His play in the three preseason games so far has been nothing short of excellent, in a line that has consistently changed around him.

Putting a rookie next to Laurent Duvernay-Tardif against a strong Seattle defensive front is brutal, but Morse handled it well. While LDT looked well out of his depth, particularly against the bull rush, Morse was strong and reliable in the passing game, and was nimble and powerful in creating running lanes.

“Morse is tailor made to be a Pro Bowl center in this league. Extremely smart, good balance, good hand use, good finish. They really got a good one in Kansas City and they weren’t the only team that had their eyes on him.” – Louis Riddick, ESPN Analyst

The Chiefs’ line looked it’s strongest against the Tennessee Titans on Friday, and Morse was integral to the first half successes of the offense as a whole. His protection allowed Smith to step up into the pocket when under pressure, and his detection of blitz packages, something that is often an issue for rookie offensive linemen, was a particular highlight of his play. However, for all his good play, it will be difficult for Morse to win the Chiefs’ Rookie of the Year award simply because of his position. He will, though, be the guy I’m rooting for.

Ramik Wilson

Wilson has been the standout rookie of Kansas City’s preseason so far. When drafted, many, myself included, were disappointed with the fourth-round selection. Wilson is built more in the mold of Derrick Johnson, a rangier, faster linebacker, rather than someone who is going to take on blockers and stuff running backs. However, he has set to prove many wrong.

Wilson leads the team with 13 total tackles, 12 of those solo. That is outstanding output from a rookie linebacker. He also has 1 pick from the 1st preseason game against the Cardinals and has generally had a nose for the ball, with great play making ability. For Wilson to win the Chiefs’ Rookie of the Year Award, he must beat out Josh Mauga to play alongside DJ.

If he is able to impress Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Bob Sutton enough to start ahead of Mauga, then he certainly has the ability to put up some impressive tackling numbers. He may well be Peters’ greatest challenger.

Next: Chris Conley