Chiefs training camp preview: Linebackers

Ramik Wilson

Currently, Wilson is the back up to both Johnson and Mauga in the middle of the Chiefs defense. During his rookie season in 2015, Wilson recorded 20 tackles but was rarely used on defense as a pass defender or blitzer. The Chiefs need Wilson to step up and really show leadership as he is currently in line to replace Johnson when he retires in the near future.

Terrance Smith

Smith is an undrafted free agent out of Florida State set to play inside linebacker. His athletic ability and length are good for cover situations but his small frame is not ideal for run stopping. The Chiefs and defensive coordinator Bob Sutton like to blitz their linebackers and Smith may get easily walled off with his slight build. The Chiefs could tuck Smith away somewhere with roster magic but he will not likely dress a game this season.

Andy Mulumba

Mulumba played three years for the Green Bay Packers before being picked up by the Chiefs this off-season. During that time he appeared in 22 games for the Packers recording 35 tackles and one sack. He is a solid inside linebacker at 260 lbs and could be used by the Chiefs on short yardage situations like on the goal line. Mulumba is likely to make the Chiefs roster as a second or third stringer with limited use in games.

Dadi Nicolas

While still listed as a defensive end on NFL.com, Nicolas is very undersized to fit the position in a 3-4 scheme. His best shot at making the Chiefs is to use his speed and athleticism to rush the passer as an outside linebacker. That part won’t be too difficult as that was his specialty at Virginia Tech. The difficult part comes in him having to learn the ins and outs of pass coverage as he was consistently in a three point stance in college. Nicolas has a lot of upside and could be that outside linebacker the Chiefs need but he has a long ways to go.

Dezman Moses

Moses has been kept around the Chiefs roster for the past two years despite seeing limited plays on the field. The most playing time he has been able to accumulate has been when Justin Houston is injured. Moses is another edge rusher who is always on the cusp of making an impact but something always ends up holding him back. With Houston out for possibly the first few weeks, Moses will be called upon to rotate with Ford and Zombo, it will likely be his last chance to stake a claim to a roster spot.

Tyrell Adams

Adams is yet another player cut from Seattle that the Chiefs picked up off waivers. He participated in a few preseason games but did not make it out of camp on the roster. Not much is expected of Adams since he is fighting a very uphill battle but he could very well surprise some people and make the Chiefs roster. He will have to battle the other middle linebackers but it is the one position the Chiefs don’t have two definitive back ups so there’s always a chance.