Chiefs’ Ramik Wilson looks to make most of second chance

Ramik Wilson, the Chiefs’ fourth-round selection in 2015, never took his young career for granted but was thrown for a loop when he was waived before the season.

“It was a big wake up call,” Wilson said. “I had to keep my spirits up.”

Wilson wasn’t away long — two days — before he was added to the practice squad. Still, for a player who appeared in 11 games and started two at linebacker last season, this new reality required a different approach with an emphasis on energy.

“I went back to the basics,” Wilson said. “I started running more, lifting more, watching more film. When I got my next opportunity I was going to be ready.”

That opportunity came last weekend in the Chiefs’ 27-21 victory over the Saints. Justin March-Lillard started the season’s first five games, but he suffered a fractured bone in his hand during the victory at Oakland the previous week.

As the Chiefs prepped for the Saints, coach Andy Reid spoke of the depth at inside linebacker. Wilson had experience in the Chiefs system, but the team had acquired veterans Sam Barrington from the Packers and Sio Moore, who was leading the Colts in tackles before being released.

Derrick Johnson suggested earlier in the week that Barrington might get the call. But experience in the system won the day. Wilson got the start in the base defense and played 28 snaps. He made the most of them with eight tackles, including five solos.

Wilson’s best play came early in the third quarter when he finished off a tackle of running back Mark Ingram for a two yard loss. Wilson and safety Eric Berry were credited with the tackle.

According to profootballfocus.com, which analyzes every play for individual grades, Wilson earned the defense’s second-highest mark, even though he was in on 38 percent of the plays. Playing time for Chiefs inside linebackers is often reduced when the team uses sub packages on passing downs.

“He was the most experienced guy for us, having played in games the year before,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton said. “I thought he did a really good job for his first game this season. He was very active.

“Good job with communication. No major busts, which sometimes happen when you haven’t played in a while. He has a ways to go, but for a first time out, a pretty good showing.”

Wilson and the Chiefs were facing no ordinary attack. The Saints entered the game with the NFL’s second-most productive offense. The Colts, this week’s opponent, are ninth and are the league’s fourth highest-scoring team at 27.7 points.

Indianapolis is coming off a 34-26 victory at Tennessee, a game in which it piled up 422 total yards.

Wilson hopes his starting role continues, but as he was reminded earlier in the year, there are no guarantees.

But there are second chances.

“They don’t always come along in the league,” Wilson said. “I was blessed to have this second chance and I have to make the most of it. I’ve made sure I’m physically and mentally ready.”

Teammates helped him there. Linebackers Justin Houston, Tamba Hali and Johnson kept Wilson encouraged.

“They said I’d get a chance and to keep working,” Wilson said. “It’s a long season and anything can happen.”

This story was originally published October 27, 2016 at 4:33 PM with the headline "Chiefs’ Ramik Wilson looks to make most of second chance."