2. JAMIE COLLINS
Similar to the defensive line, the Chiefs have a lot of competition at linebacker. Currently, of the players under contract who will likely see the field, they have Anthony Hitchens, Reggie Ragland, Dorian O’Daniel, Damien Wilson, Jeremiah Attaochu, and Ben Niemann. Most believe the starting three in their base defense will be a mix of Hitchens, Ragland, O’Daniel, and Wilson.
The major issue at this level is that, aside from Hitchens, none of these players has shown effectiveness in the 4-3 at the professional level. You may argue that the scheme and responsibilities aren’t so different that they can’t adjust quickly, and you might be right. But, why not play it safe and bring in another quality player?
Jamie Collins is just that. He has the right build to play the Sam linebacker, a position the Chiefs have yet to lock up. The main candidate to play this role for the team next year is Damien Williams. But, according to Pro Football Focus, Collins far outperformed Williams in overall defense, run defense and coverage. He had 104 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 passes defended, and 1 forced fumbles in 16 starts for the Browns last season.
Given Williams’ contract was minor and incentive laden, and no one has signed Collins, why not take a flier on him? The Chiefs could see if Collins is willing to sign a team-favorable deal for 2019, and the team could conceivably move on in 2020 if the fit wasn’t right.