KC Chiefs rookie review, Week 5: Draft class struggles against Raiders

Willie Gay, Jr.

After being essentially MIA for the first three weeks of the season, second round pick Willie Gay, Jr. finally got his first start at linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Week Four win over the New England Patriots. He wasn’t stellar in the game, but the rookie did show off the incredible athleticism that led general manager Brett Veach to selecting him the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

In Week Five, Gay once against got the start for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, and to say that he was the most productive first year player for K.C. in the contest would be accurate (if not a little sad).

In the game, Gay likely received a few more snaps (33 on defense) than he otherwise would have when veteran Anthony Hitchens was forced to the bench with a hand injury. Gay took advantage, too, making six total tackles on the day, and registering his first career sack when he was able to take down the Raiders’ Carr in the backfield on a blitz.

Of all of the first year players for the Chiefs, Gay. is perhaps the only one who saw his stock rise as a result of his play in the team’s losing effort Sunday. With injuries and regressions abound for the rookie class, everyone else will be looking for a bounce back game with an extra day’s rest before Kansas City travels to Buffalo for a showdown with the Bills next Monday night.