John Dorsey: The Chiefs’ Man With A Plan

Aug 28, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers

Then: Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Jovan Belcher, Brandon Siler, Edgar Jones, Andy Studebaker, Cam Sheffield, Cory Greenwood

Now: Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Ramik Wilson, Dee Ford, Josh Mauga, Frank Zombo, Josh Martin, DJ Alexander

Just as I mentioned that the wide receivers and tight ends were very similar on the offensive side of the ball the defensive line and linebackers are similar on the defensive side of the ball. You can make a case for the Chiefs currently having the best starting linebackers in the NFL, so you clearly can’t knock Dorsey for what he’s done with the linebackers during his time in KC.

However, the reason they are the best is because of the trio of Houston, Hali, and Johnson, all of whom were Chiefs when Dorsey arrived. To Dorsey’s credit, he did lock up Houston long term, but he hasn’t really added any guys that are proven difference makers thus far.

Dorsey did spend a first round pick on Dee Ford, but at this point he looks like a roll player as a pass rush specialist and time will tell if he turns into a complete every down player. While I can’t knock Dorsey for the state of the linebackers, I don’t know if the collected group of Wilson, Ford, Mauga, Zombo, Martin, and Alexander are clearly better than the group of Belcher, Siler, Jones, Studebaker, Sheffield, and Greenwood. If Wilson and Ford develop into above average starting caliber players then the current group will come out on top, but until that day comes I think we have to call this another draw.

Next up, the defensive backs……

Next: Defensive Backs