Kansas City Chiefs gradecard: The defense

Outside Linebacker

Key Players On Depth Chart:
Tamba Hali
Justin Houston
Dee Ford
Frank Zombo
Dezman Moses
Dadi Nicholas
Jonathan Massaquoi

Positional Grade: B

This was a really hard one to grade for me. Could Justin Houston come back from his offseason knee surgery quickly and be dominant? Yes, but its not a sure thing. Could Dee Ford step up and have his best season to date after a disappointing start to his career? Yes, but its not a sure thing. Could this group deserve an A+ after the season is over?

I honestly believe it could, but I can’t grade based only on potential. I have to take into account where we are today and today Houston’s status is still up in the air and Dee Ford has yet to validate his draft position.

The problem is that this could also end up being a huge problem position for KC if things go poorly. If Houston can’t come back soon enough or at full strength, Tamba begins to show his age, and Ford underwhelms again suddenly OLB is a weakness for this defense.

The Chiefs do have more depth behind those three with veteran Frank Zombo as a solid (albeit unspectacular) short term fill in, rookie Dadi Nicholas from Virginia Tech, and newcomer Jonathan Massaquoi who made a few starts for the Falcons during his time there.

I feel like we’ll know a LOT more about where this group stands after training camp. How is Houston’s health? How does Ford look? Has Tamba lost a step? If the Chiefs get positive answers there this group can be a strength for this team but for now I think I have to go with a “B” to be safe.

Next up, the inside linebackers.

Next: Grading KC's Inside Linebackers