KC Chiefs: Who could be a first-time Pro Bowler in 2021?

Willie Gay

Hopes are high for the linebacker position these days.

Anthony Hitchens might be in his last season with the team given the heavy investments made with consecutive second round picks in each of the last two years by general manager Brett Veach. However, Hitchens also looked as good as ever last year and is finally playing up to the market value of his deal. Knowing that he’s playing for another payday should help inspire his effort in ’21.

Behind him (or perhaps alongside) is this year’s second round choice in Nick Bolton, a very heavy hitter and instinctual leader who is likely to take his place as the heart of the defense and key communicator in 2022.

Next to them, however, is Willie Gay, Jr., the team’s second round pick from the ’20 draft and a raw, athletic marvel with the talent to really find a home next to the league’s best linebackers. He has sideline-to-sideline speed, but he’s also a very tough, physical player who tackles well. Last year in limited duty, Gay had 39 tackles, 3 passes deflected, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.

If Gay can benefit from his first full offseason in much the same way as Edward-Helaire, it will be a real joy to see him take that second-season leap forward. If so, it would give the Chiefs a true playmaker in the heart of the field for a family who needs to heal.