Kansas City Chiefs gradecard: The defense

Inside Linebacker

Key Players On Depth Chart:
Derrick Johnson
Josh Mauga
Justin March
Ramik Wilson
D.J. Alexander
Frank Zombo

Positional Grade: B-

While I like some of the young upside at inside linebacker if Chiefs fans are honest with themselves this group is still Derrick Johnson and a bunch of no names. I feel inclined to point out that Jonhson is getting up there in age, but thus far it has yet to slow him down on the field. He remains one of the best all around inside linebackers in the NFL. After that is where the questions begin.

To be fair, Josh Mauga played much better in 2015 than he did the previous year, but if KC wants an elite defense they need to find someone better to start next to DJ. That is where I think Justin March could come into play this season.

March came out of no where last season as an undrafted free agent and actually looked like he could win the starting spot for week one before he was lost for the year to an injury. If he looks as good as he did last year in camp he could be the guy KC is looking for and this grade could be on the rise.

The other two names to watch here are 2015 draft picks Ramik Wilson and D.J. Alexander. Wilson looked pretty good in limited action last year and if March isn’t back to 100% it could be Wilson that challenges to take Mauga’s starting job.

D.J. Alexander looks like a special teams guy at this point but he does have the athleticism needed for the position should he get a chance to see the field. I also listed Frank Zombo again here because he has filled in on the inside when needed as well. Overall, the “B-” is validated by some decent upside but a lot of questions at the position about guys not named Derrick Johnson.

Next up, the cornerbacks.

Next: Grading KC's Cornerbacks