AFC West linebacker rankings: Thomas Davis, Vontaze Burfict join division

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 15: Outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Oakland Raiders walks the sidelines during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

Chiefs' Preseason, /

2. The Kansas City Chiefs

Anthony Hitchens, Reggie Ragland, Damien Wilson, Ben Niemann, Darron Lee, Dorian O’Daniel

The Chiefs have a new defensive coordinator in Kansas City. They also have a couple of new guys at linebacker. The team is hoping for a monumental shift in performance this season.

Despite their recent struggles at the position, there are reasons to be optimistic. While they may be improved, they are a long distance away from the first place linebacking group in Los Angeles.

Anthony Hitchens looks to turn things around in year two after a disappointing start with Kansas City. Reggie Ragland has shown flashes of brilliance but nothing in his career has ever truly materialized into greatness. The team is also high on former Cowboy Damien Wilson as the strongside linebacker for 2019-2020.

Additionally, the team spent draft capital to bring in Darron Lee from the New York Jets. Each player at the position for the Chiefs has high potential in Kansas City. The team just needs to find consistency.

Projections:

Anthony Hitchens: 127 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 interception

Reggie Ragland: 79.5 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 0 sacks, 0 interceptions

Damien Wilson: 61 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 0 interceptions

Ben Niemann: 17.5 tackles, 0 tackles for a loss, 0 sacks, 0 interceptions

Darron Lee: 36.5 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 0 sacks, 2 interceptions

Dorian O’Daniel: 21 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 0 interceptions

Home/Kansas City Chiefs News