What could the Kansas City Chiefs active roster look like?
Outside Linebacker
(5) Make: Justin Houston / Dee Ford / Breeland Speaks / Tanoh Kpassagnon / Frank Zombo
(1) Miss: Tyrone Holmes
Justin Houston isn’t going anywhere so there is no discussion to be made here. Dee Ford without a big year will likely be out the door after this season. His $8.7 million fully guaranteed contract is all keeping him here this season. Both Houston and Ford are both locked in at this point
Tanoh Kpassagnon is a freak of nature. In his second season with the Chiefs he is looking very well. Learning the ropes and the game seems to be slowing down for him. (If only sacking the QB was legal in this league). Expect nice production from him as a rotational guy this season.
Breeland Speaks was a shocking pick in the 2nd round this year for almost anyone who watches, follows, or analyses the NFL Draft. He has looked very good this far which is a pleasant surprise. You can never have enough edge rushers or guys who love the game. His personality is just a plus and man does he have a fun one.
Frank Zombo is a nine-sdyear vet who has spent the last five seasons with the Chiefs. He is a special teams player ace who fills in on defense as a rotational piece. There is about a 50/50 chance he doesn’t make roster. However, back to Dave Toub being the assistant head coach I think Zombo is to important to his special teams unit.
Inside Linebacker
(5) Make: Reggie Ragland / Anthony Hitchens / Ben Niemann / Terrance Smith / Dorian O’Daniel
(1) Practice Squad: Ukeme Eligwe
(2) Miss: Otha Peters / Raymond Davison
Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens have a chance to be one of the best inside linebacker duos in the league. If they both can stay healthy and continue to mesh with the rest of defense the middle of the field could be a place opposing offenses do not want to mess with.
Ben Niemann, how were you not drafted? Niemann has been a star for the Chiefs in camp as well as pre-season. Man he has looked special out there. Absolute worst case scenario for Niemann is he lands on practice squad where he most definitely will not last before being snagged by another team. I think he makes the 53-man roster, and not only does he make it he becomes the #3 inside linebacker behind only Ragland and Hitchens. Come on, September 1st.
Dorian O’Daniel is a rookie who we haven’t seen to much of as of yet, a hybrid guy who can play inside linebacker or safety. For the time being, you’re going to see him the most on special teams, but as far as the roster goes, he isn’t going anywhere.
I believe the Chiefs keep five inside linebackers and this was one of the toughest decisions for me to make. Ukeme Eligwe and Terrance Smith for the final inside linebacker kept. Not the last on depth chart just the last decision. They both are more special team guys that defensive help at least at the moment. While Eligwe was a 5th round pick in last years draft, he is also practice squad eligible. I’m giving the edge to Smith. He is a special teams hard-hitting gunner. My final decision came down to one thing only: my gut tells me Smith over Eligwe.
While putting Eligwe on the practice squad is a risk for sure, as he may one not make it through waivers to even make the practice squad, I believe that’s the final outcome of the inside linebacker battle.