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KC Chiefs: Reviewing the 2020 rookie class

By Kelly Thompson

Dec 13, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) breaks up a pass to Miami Dolphins running back Malcolm Perry (10) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) breaks up a pass to Miami Dolphins running back Malcolm Perry (10) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Willie Gay, Jr. – Linebacker

The former standout linebacker hardly produced at the level the team was hoping for when they used their second round pick on him a year ago. He failed to become a consistent starter, failed to even play more than 50% of the team’s defensive snaps more than twice, and perhaps most of most concern, failed to find a true role on the defense—often looking lost and confused when on the field.

As the season wore on, however, Gay began to contribute meaningful snaps and perform better on special teams as the game slowed for him. It seemed to be trending towards the rookie starting next to Anthony Hitchens in the playoffs for the defending Super Bowl champions.

Unfortunately, just as he seemed to be hitting his stride towards season’s end, a high ankle sprain sidelined him towards the end of the season. He missed the bulk of the postseason, and as he was gearing up to return for Super Bowl LV, Gay tore his meniscus which knocked him out of the championship game and forced him to have surgery to repair it.

Kansas City is certainly planning on building their linebacking corps around Gay moving forward, and with his late season play coupled with a full offseason (presumptively), he should find his form in 2021.

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