Chiefs Draft Fits: 4-3 Linebacker
by Ransom Hawthorne | February 7, 2019
As the Kansas City Chiefs transition to a 4-3 defense, perhaps the biggest turnover, will come at LB. With three positions to fill, instead of two, and Reggie Ragland not really a fit for any of them, K.C. will need to secure both starters, and depth, to fit their new scheme. This draft isn’t exactly loaded at that position, but a few guys stand out as quality fits.
The “WILL” (Weakside LB) – Devin Bush, Michigan 5’11” 222 lbs: Bush plays with his hair on fire. Fast, and hard-hitting, makes plays all over the field. Will make plays up to, and sometimes, slightly after, the whistle. Aggressive mentality all the way. Playing with a a chip on his shoulder, the way he does, may occasionally lead to penalties, or over-shooting, but positives out-weight the negatives. Size limits him to the WILL spot. Not big enough to take on and shed blocks. O’Daniel is a similar player, so Chiefs may not feel the need to target this position, high in the draft, but, if they do, Bush is absolutely the guy for the job, and could add some much needed attitude, to this defense. Probably a 1st or 2nd round pick.
The “Mike” (Middle LB) – Te’Von Coney, Notre Dame 6’ 240 lbs: Big guy with a nice downhill burst. Experienced at the Mike spot, in his time at Notre Dame. Excellent tackler. Wraps up, and has the strength to take down RBs with indirect hits. Works his way around blocks pretty well, though if he gets stuck on a block, not much chance of him getting off it. Ascending player, though about league average, as an athlete. Won’t ever be a pro-bowl guy, at his position, but he’ll be consistently solid, and won’t miss many tackles. Anthony Hitchens plays the Mike, and is unlikely to leave any time soon. That makes Coney more of a luxury pick, unless Chiefs have already thrown in the towel, on Hitchens. Could go between the 2nd and the 5th, depending on athletic testing.
The “SAM” (Strongside LB) – Jordan Brailford, Oklahoma State 6’2” 241 lbs: Great burst off the snap. Long and strong and can generate push with his bull rush. Lacks the bend to play LEO. OSU played him on the edge plenty, but also had him taking reps at the Mike position. Hasn’t had to cover a lot, so he’s still a work in progress, but he’s enough of an athlete to cover TEs. Biggest value, early, will be in setting the edge, vs the run, and blitzing. If he can develop good coverage skills, he can become a more regular player. Should be a welcome addition to Toub’s units. Late round type of guy, but Chiefs don’t really have a player you want to put at SAM, right now, so there’s room for a draft pick to step in there.
With the installation of the 4-3, the Chiefs will need to bring in some depth at LB, but it’s worth remembering that sub packages are used a lot, in today’s NFL. K.C. needs someone to play the SAM, but the Mike and WILL positions will be much more critical. While the Chiefs have potential options to start there, adding depth, and competition, will be critical to improve the defense for the long run. A few run stops could be all that’s holding this team back from a Super Bowl run. GM Brett Veach needs to get the personnel to make that happen this year and I hope he does. Go Chiefs!
Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne
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