Chiefs training camp preview: Linebackers

Justin Houston

When healthy, Houston is one of the three best outside linebackers in the AFC West. Which also happens to be the three best outside linebackers in the NFL. The Chiefs know that they can’t afford for Houston to be sidelined for long as the next man up is a major drop from his level. Houston can rush the passer with a plethora of moves; he can recognize screens and destroy them; he can cover in the flat; he can stop the run. Houston is optimistic that he will be ready for day one. Even if he is, the Chiefs will ease him back in and at the very best he will come off the bench in week 2.

D.J. Alexander

Alexander is one of the Chiefs best special teams players getting in mostly on punt returns. He recorded a safety when he blocked a punt attempt by the Oakland Raiders out of the endzone this past season. Alexander is one of those linebackers that can be moved from outside to the inside and vice versa depending on the need.

Frank Zombo

Zombo is entering his fourth year as a Chiefs back up outside linebacker. His ability to put pressure on the quarterback and his nose for the ball make him ideal in obvious pass situations where a rush is key. Zombo has also proven to be a quality special teams player on kick-offs and punts. What he lacks is the pass coverage ability to stay on the field for long in a 3-4 system. Zombo is best at coming off the edge unbridled.

Justin March-Lillard

March was a training camp injury in 2015 that showed some promise in the preseason games he played. Going undrafted and turning some heads, he tore his meniscus during a preseason game and spent 2015 recovering. This year he looks to continue his rise to possibly become the primary back up to Derrick Johnson and Josh Mauga. He will be competing with Ramik Wilson for that position during camp and preseason this year.

Next: More reserves