Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ben Niemann was ranked as the best special teams player in the entire NFL last season, per Pro Football Focus.
There was perhaps no more favored rookie free agent for the Kansas City Chiefs last season than linebacker Ben Niemann. Despite going undrafted for seven full rounds in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Chiefs were happy to land him, and fans and analysts alike both predicted that he had a very real shot at making the active roster.
It turns out that Niemann was even better than the hype. While it is a major accomplishment for any undrafted player to make the active roster or even the practice squad, Niemann went above and beyond and even made his presence felt on game days. Niemann played in 71 total snaps on defense for the Chiefs, but it was on the Chiefs’ special teams units that he really excelled.
#Chiefs LB Ben Niemann (@bniemann95) was the highest graded special teamer (kickoff coverage, punt coverage, kickoff blocking, punt blocking, field goal blocking) in the NFL without a missed tackle at 86.2.
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) May 17, 2019
Niemann played 307 such snaps and atleast 30 in all 5.#ChiefsKingdom https://t.co/Px1lrTKxCd
Niemann came out of the University of Iowa as a very sure tackler and an intelligent leader who doesn’t make mistakes. While other players are certainly flashier at ways that dazzle the scouts, especially in timed drills, the reality is that some players just get the job done on the field. Niemann is one of those guys that, when the pads are on, he’s a real player.
Niemann even ended up starting one game for the Chiefs, so it will be interesting to see how he comes out in the wash of new faces and a new scheme with Steve Spagnuolo. Niemann’s work ethic and tackling ability will continue to be an asset for special teams coach Dave Toub and even if he remains just that, he’s an excellent find for the Chiefs.