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Ranking standout linebackers from the NFL Combine for the KC Chiefs

By Lyle Graversen

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 29: Linebacker Zack Baun of Wisconsin runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 29: Linebacker Zack Baun of Wisconsin runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 10: Willie Gay Jr. #6 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs pressures Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 10: Willie Gay Jr. #6 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs pressures Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Mid-Round Options

Willie Gay Jr. – Mississippi State – 6’1″ – 243 lbs

There isn’t a linebacker out there that helped his draft stock more than Willie Gay Jr. He was second only to Isaiah Simmons with a 4.46 forty time. That’s crazy impressive for a guy that weighs 243 pounds. He was also tied for 5th in the bench press with 21 reps, 2nd in the vertical jump at 39.5 inches, 1st in the long jump at 136 inches, and finished in the top ten in both the three cone drill (7.08) and shuttle (4.30). The guy is basically 243 pounds of muscle.

If the combine was everything then Gay Jr. would be a first round draft pick, but we all know that isn’t the case. He definitely helped his draft stock, but his tape has enough issues to keep him in the middle rounds. His biggest issue on the field is his angles and letting himself get pulled out of position. He has the speed to cover and the power to stuff the run but does he have the instincts to do either well? If a coach thinks they can develop those instincts and fix those issues he definitely has star caliber athletic talent. The other problem with Gay Jr. is that he was suspended for undisclosed reasons this season. If teams are worried about his off the field issues it could push him down even further.

Malik Harrison – Ohio State – 6’3″ – 247 lbs

A linebacker I really like a lot is Malik Harrison of Ohio State. Harrison had a great combine all around. His 4.66 forty time may not be quite as fast as some of the other guys on this list, but it’s great for a 247 pound physical inside linebacker. Harrison also had a great 36 inch vertical and really surprised a lot of people by having the best three cone time of all the linebacker prospects (6.83). For teams worried that he might not have the speed and agility to go with his run stopping power those number probably turned some heads.

Harrison’s tape isn’t perfect, but I think he could definitely help the Chiefs in the run game. What I like most is how he’s always looking to move forward against the run. Too often, KC linebackers would stand back on their heels and allow a running back to pick up an extra 5 yards because they were too hesitant.

I miss the days of Derrick Johnson blowing up running backs at the line of scrimmage and that is what Harrison brings to the table. His coverage skills are just average, but the combine did show he has the speed and athleticism to run with tight ends in the NFL if needed. The down side is he can sometimes get caught being too aggressive with play action fakes or misdirection, but with some coaching I think he could be a great addition to the Chiefs.

Finally, let’s look at one early round prospect that had a good showing at the combine.

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