KC Chiefs: The six toughest roster cutdown decisions

What Is K.C.’s Top Priority For Linebacker Depth?

You can count on K.C.’s top four linebackers being Anthony Hitchens, Willie Gay, Nick Bolton, and Ben Niemann. That’s as clear cut as it gets, but after that things get much more interesting. You can make a different argument for Dorian O’Daniel, Omari Cobb, and Darius Harris to make the 53 man roster. The question here is will they keep one or two of these guys on the final roster?

All three of these guys can play special teams, but Dorian O’Daniel has been a standout and one of Dave Toub’s guys the past couple of seasons. He’s probably the least likely to contribute on defense, but is his special teams status enough to keep him around over one or both of the other two?

Harris and Cobb both add some quality depth to the linebacker group, but in different ways. Harris is a guy that can play on the inside and has some experience making calls for the second string unit. However, does Bolton make him expendable? If something were to happen to Hitchens this season I wouldn’t be surprised if they moved Bolton into his spot. Cobb on the other hand offers a little more pass rush upside from the linebacker position. I’m a big fan of keeping him, but we’ll have to see if the Chiefs feel the same way.

My guess here would be O’Daniel and Cobb make it, but Harris shouldn’t be counted out either. I’m guessing Toub may have as much to do with this decision as any on the roster, so these three guys better hope they impressed him if they want to have a shot.

Finally, the final couple of defensive back spots could be interesting.