Chiefs training camp: Surveying linebacker competition

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 10: Willie Gay Jr. #50 and Nick Bolton #54 of the Kansas City Chiefs react after sacking Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills during the second half of a game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 10: Willie Gay Jr. #50 and Nick Bolton #54 of the Kansas City Chiefs react after sacking Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills during the second half of a game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Jermaine Carter . (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Jermaine Carter . (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

#53 Jermaine Carter

College: Maryland
Years Pro: 5 (27 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: High

Coming off of the best statistical season of his career, the Chiefs are giving Jermaine Carter a chance to prove himself as a real NFL starter. With 88 tackles a season ago, Carter finished the season with the third most on the Panthers’ defense. While he is not a flashy player, he can certainly fill a role for the Chiefs. Steve Spagnuolo will likely move him all around as a rotational piece because he is capable of playing every linebacking position. The Panthers used him as their starting MIKE linebacker in 2021.

#44 Elijah Lee

College: Kansas State
Years Pro: 6 (26 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: Medium

Former Kansas State star Elijah Lee joins the Chiefs for his sixth season as a pro. After spending time with the 49ers, Browns, and Lions, Lee hopes to hold a roster spot with the Chiefs. With versatility and athleticism, it seems likely that he will earn a special teams role at the very least. Lee has never been a key contributor to a defense but has carved out a role for himself on every defense that he has played for. Look for more of the same from him this season, maybe taking Dorian O’Daniel’s old job.

#54 Leo Chenal

College: Wisconsin
Years Pro: Rookie (21 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: Near Lock

Leo Chenal is quickly becoming a fan favorite despite not yet playing a down in the NFL. Chenal vowed to bring “violence and physicality” to the defense. Chenal is an incredible athlete with a downhill style of play. It will be fascinating to see how the Chiefs use him early in training camp. While it seems likely that he could be an early downs contributor at the SAM position, he could also be a hybrid-type player like Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys. If the Chiefs like what he is capable of at the EDGE spot, they may just give him a rotational spot there. Last year, Chenal recorded eight sacks and 18.5 tackles for a loss in his Junior season with the Wisconsin Badgers.