Kansas City Chiefs: Reviewing the Rookies

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ramik Wilson (53) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) on a rush in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson was the second cornerback selected by the Chiefs in the 2015 draft. The Chiefs’ secondary has had issues last year and this year yet again, but unfortunately Nelson has been unable to make an impact. With Sean Smith suspended for the first three matches, Nelson was unfortunately inactive so did not enter the fray. When Philip Gaines went down for the season in Week 2, the slot corner position is there for the taking. Jamell Fleming and Marcus Cooper are dreadful and Nelson looks to have moved ahead of them on the depth chart.

Nelson has struggled to take the pitch, but in recent weeks is beginning to play more snaps, playing in 36.8 percent of defensive snaps against the Steelers. Nelson’s injury has clearly dented his impact on the rookie year, but look to see him cover slot receivers more and more as the season progresses.

Ramik Wilson

Wilson was the pick I was most looking forward to seeing this season. After his preseason performances, Wilson looked set to compete with Josh Mauga to play alongside Derrick Johnson at inside linebacker. Josh Mauga was asked to replace the injured DJ last season, and while he applied himself admirably, he missed too many tackles as the Chiefs collectively surrendered far too many yards in the run game.

Wilson and Mauga have rotated alongside DJ depending upon the injury status of each player, and quite frankly, Wilson has comfortably outplayed Mauga. The foruth-round rookie has totaled 20 tackles in comparison to Mauga’s 18, but has been out-snapped 191 to 129. Wilson has looked like a proper player, and it will be exciting to see him develop at inside linebacker for the Chiefs over the coming years. Hopefully Andy Reid and Bob Sutton can see sense and start Wilson regularly over Mauga.

Next: Alexander and O'Shaughnessy