Four Deep: Do Chiefs Have the Linebacker Depth for Spagnuolo’s Defense?

Curiosity has been growing in Kansas City about Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, ever since his hire. Fan’s understanding of that defense, is largely shaped by traditional perceptions about the 4-3. While the Chiefs will spend a certain number of snaps in such an alignment, most of their time will be spent in the nickel. The snap counts of Spag’s 2016 defense gives you a better idea of what the Chiefs will require going into the season, especially as it applies to the Linebacker position.

2016 N.Y. Giants Linebackers

In 2016, four LBs saw significant snaps, in Spagnuolo’s defense. WILL LB Jonathan Casillas, and MIKE LB Keenan Robinson each saw around 70% of snaps. SAM LB Devon Kennard played 47% of snaps and run stopping MIKE Kelvin Shepherd played 40% of snaps. That’s essentially four players, rather than the traditional three. If you want to learn, in more detail, about how they played, the AP Laboratory Podcast has been doing a series on it, recently, that’s a good listen. Let’s take a look at how Chiefs roster can fill out those spots.

Run Down WILL: Anthony Hitchens

When Nate Taylor, of the Athletic, first announced that Anthony Hitchens was being considered at the WILL, most Chiefs fans were either in disbelief, or outright panic. Now, with a little more context, it makes sense. On downs where the other team may run the ball, the WILL, in Spags system, is a physical player, who has clear tasks, and man coverage isn’t one of them. This player will line up, roughly, behind the 3-tech (Jones or Saunders) inside and attack gaps. Hitchens should thrive in this role, even though it may only represent 40% of snaps. It allows him to do what comes naturally, chase and hit. No passive reading, like in Sutton’s system.

Run Down MIKE: Reggie Ragland

Ragland doesn’t fit the mold of your traditional 4-3 Mike, but he’s a good fit for Kelvin Shepherd’s role. Ragland’s best football came when he first arrived in KC. Sutton didn’t trust him to make a lot of reads right away, so he was given simple assignments that allowed him to play fast and hit physically. That’s what he’ll be asked to do every time he’s on the field, in this defense. Ragland won’t play a ton of snaps (maybe 30%), but he can be a tone setter, when he does. Expect him to catch fans’ attention, in a good way, this year, provided he can stay healthy.

SAM Linebacker Damien Wilson

Wilson will play the SAM. His job will include setting the edge, blitzing and covering TEs. Against spread style offenses, you probably won’t see much of him. Chiefs won’t play a lot of base defense and, when they don’t, the SAM is the first guy off the field. Wilson can play more than one position, though, so he may see more snaps, due to injuries. He has a versatile skill set, that won’t really stand out, in the broadcast feed, but his ability to consistently execute his assignments will help other players, around him look good. Not every position is flashy, but this scheme requires everyone to know their job and stick to it. Wilson can do that.

Coverage WILL Darron Lee

While most of us wanted to see Dorian O’Daniel seize this role, I think Lee has the inside track. He’s a more experienced player and should be excellent in coverage. Lee will likely operate in Jonathan Casillas role. He’s too small for run downs, but his speed and athleticism will be an asset, when Chiefs play just two LBs, which will be most of the time.

Nickel MIKE Anthony Hitchens

Chiefs paid Hitchens to be a leader, on defense and, thus far, it looks like they’re sticking to that plan. Hitchens said, in a recent press conference, that he’s learning all the positions, on defense so he can call the plays, make sure everyone is lined up properly, and correct mistakes. That’s not something you ask a one down defender to do. When Chiefs take Wilson off the field, they’ll also take Ragland off, and shift Hitchens into that spot.

The Question of Depth

Dorian O’Daniel can play the backup WILL position, and might get on the field, with Darron Lee, in specific packages. Ben Niemann can play the SAM spot or Nickel MIKE. Darius Harris will have a chance to compete at SAM and can be a backup as a run down WILL, though he seems likely to be a mystery IR candidate, this year. Behind O’Daniel, it’s tough to know how the roster will shake out, but Chiefs have five LBs they feel great about. That’s a pretty good spot to be in.

Steve Spagnuolo’s LBs rarely play man coverage, and generally have very specific simple assignments. This makes me feel a lot better about the depth the Chiefs have amassed at the position. Hitchens and Ragland each get a chance to replicate their best football, while Darron Lee offers a quality veteran, in coverage. O’Daniel has yet to earn the coaches full trust, but should be able to contribute, in case of injury, and perhaps garner a look at Strong Safety. Chiefs can get a substantial leap in performance, this year, from their linebackers and they pulled it off without spending a ton of money, or turning over the whole depth chart. Get ready to see guys flying to the ball and wrapping up. The days of Chiefs getting gashed in the run game are over. This group is going to surprise some folks. Go Chiefs.

Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne

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