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KC Chiefs: The six most important training camp battles of 2021

By Lyle Graversen

19 Jul 1993: General view of the Kansas City Chiefs training camp.
19 Jul 1993: General view of the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 19: Willie Gay Jr. #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs blocks Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills on a kickoff during the second half at Bills Stadium on October 19, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. Kansas City beats Buffalo 26-17. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

4. The Linebackers

Names to Watch: Anthony Hitchens, Willie Gay Jr., Nick Bolton, Ben Niemann

The Chiefs have invested quite a bit at the linebacker position during Brett Veach’s time as GM, but haven’t quite seen the results we would like yet. Anthony Hitchens was one of Veach’s first big free agent contracts and then he spent a couple of second round draft picks on Willie Gay and Nick Bolton.

We know going into camp that Hitchens, Gay, Bolton, and Ben Niemann are the top four guys in the group. What we don’t know is how K.C. will use them. The hope for every fan is that Gay and Bolton can step up and make Niemann a backup and special teams player. Niemann has taken some heat from fans, but for an undrafted player, he’s been pretty good. He’s just a guy you want for depth and special teams as opposed to being on the field regularly on important downs.

Hitchens had his best season in Kansas City last year, and fans should expect him to be the primary play caller on defense again this season. The question is whether Gay or Bolton can start to take some of those snaps, especially in the sub package, away from him.

You would think that the Chiefs would want Hitchens, Gay, and Bolton as their three linebackers in the base defense. The real camp battle is who can earn the two sub package “starting” spots. Niemann has been on the field in those situations far too much in the past couple of years. Can Gay claim the spot next to Hitchens? Can Bolton show enough that maybe we get some snaps with Gay and Bolton in the sub package?

If Gay and Bolton come step up and not only earn prominent roles, but play well in those roles, it could be the biggest upgrade on this defense this season. The Chiefs haven’t had even above average linebacker play since Derrick Johnson left town and changing that would be huge for the defense as a whole.

My prediction: I think Hitchens role is safe for this season. I think the Chiefs will likely give Gay the spot next to him in the sub package to start the season. Bolton will likely get a shot to be the third linebacker in the base defense and can then try to earn more snaps from there. Fingers crossed that Niemann takes his rightful place as a reserve and special teams contributor.

Next up, the biggest battle of the secondary.

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