Kansas City Chiefs: The seven biggest roster battles to watch in training camp

Outside Linebacker

The Contenders:
Dee Ford, Breeland Speaks, Tanoh Kpassagnon and Frank Zombo

Justin Houston (when healthy) has proven to be one of the best all around outside linebackers in the NFL. However, the Chiefs have been unable to get consistent production across from him these past few seasons. Far too often they had to play a past his prime Tamba Hali or a better on special teams Frank Zombo. Neither of which were able to be a factor for the Chiefs. That has to change in 2018 if the Chiefs want the kind of pass rush that is going to make their defense relevant.

My hope is that Frank Zombo is proven to be completely expendable early in camp. If Dee Ford is healthy and Breeland Speaks and Tanoh Kpassagnon both look capable of contributing then Zombo should never see the field (unless on special teams).

Dee Ford went through a five game stretch in 2016 where he put up 8.5 sacks and looked like he was finally going to live up to his first round draft pick status. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent play have limited him to just three sacks since then. This is the final year of his Chiefs deal so its basically now or never for Ford in K.C. Nipping at his heels are K.C.’s last two second round picks Breeland Speaks and Tanoh Kpassagnon. Both are much larger and stronger than Ford but are on the raw side. One of the key things to watch in training camp will be how much time these two younger players get with the first string and if they look capable of making an impact this season.

Honestly, I don’t care who steps up as long as the Chiefs get some pressure opposite Houston and Frank Zombo doesn’t have to start a single game on defense. Regardless, the competition at outside linebacker should be fun to watch.

Next up, who is going to play tight end besides Travis Kelce?