Chiefs camp preview: Hitchens returns to anchor the linebackers group. Plus, a newcomer
With the Chiefs’ first padded practices of this year’s NFL training camp on the horizon, The Star is previewing each of their position groups.
We previously looked at their quarterbacks, running backs and defensive line.
Here’s a breakdown of the linebackers.
2020 CAMP ROSTER
Anthony Hitchens, Damien Wilson, Ben Niemann, Dorian O’Daniel, Darius Harris, Emmanuel Smith, Willie Gay Jr., Omari Cobb
POSITION PREVIEW
Hitchens, who led the team with 88 tackles in 2019, and Wilson return as starters and provide veteran leadership for the linebacker corps in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s 4-3 base scheme.
With Reggie Ragland signing with the Detroit Lions during free agency, the Chiefs needed to address this position group — and did they ever, with the second-round selection of Gay in the 2020 NFL Draft.
At 6-foot-1, 243 pounds, Gay possesses size, athleticism and speed, which he put on full display by posting a 4.46 time in the 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in late February. Gay’s presence addresses the Chiefs’ need for an every-down linebacker capable of helping out in the passing game. Gay has that sideline-to-sideline speed NFL teams covet.
Need proof of his coverage skills? Look no further than the video the Chiefs posted Tuesday evening on Twitter showcasing Gay’s instincts while covering rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the open field. Granted, the players aren’t in full pads just yet, but Gay’s ability to close quickly and reach around the dynamic back to bat away a pass without interfering was impressive.
While the Chiefs aren’t likely to officially name Gay a starter before full team practices in training camp, he’s virtually a lock to open the season alongside Hitchens and Wilson.
Niemann and O’Daniel return to provide quality depth, and both are core special teams contributors. Niemann appeared in all 16 games as a backup in 2019 and totaled 50 tackles on 409 defensive snaps.
The rest of the group shapes out with Darius Harris, Emmanuel Smith and Omari Cobb, who signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft. Harris spent the 2019 season on the league’s non-football injury (NFI) list, while Smith absorbed knowledge on the Chiefs’ practice squad the past season.
KEY BATTLE
With starters in place at two positions and a sure thing in Gay, the primary competition for coveted roster spots comes behind them on the depth chart.
Hitchens is signed through the 2022 season, while Gay has a four-year contract ahead of him. The Chiefs exercised a club option on Wilson, who officially enters a contract year in 2020 earning a base salary of $3.2 million.
On paper, Wilson is perfectly safe as a starter after totaling 81 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a pass defensed, a forced fumble and four quarterback hits on 714 snaps in 16 starts last season. But the Chiefs could utilize training camp to take a good look at the other linebackers behind Wilson, Hitchens and Gay, with an eye toward the future should Wilson leave during free agency next offseason.
That scenario is an ideal lead to our next section.
PLAYER TO WATCH
O’Daniel is entering his important third season in the league, a period in which teams like to see growth from their players. The Chiefs are no different.
After appearing in 16 games with one start and logging 302 defensive snaps in his 2018 rookie season, O’Daniel totaled just five defensive snaps in 2019. The lack of playing time on defense wasn’t O’Daniel’s fault, though, as he had to learn the nuances of a new defensive system after playing in a 3-4 scheme in 2018.
O’Daniel embraced his time on special teams, where he logged the second-most snaps (292) on the roster in last season. And that time on special teams helped him learn to play instinctively and fast, attributes that should help him compete for more opportunities on this defense in 2020.
A good showing in training camp would only aid O’Daniel’s development ... and the coaching staff’s trust in him as the Chiefs prepare for the regular season.
Previous installments, and remaining schedule, for our two-week Chiefs training camp preview series:
Monday: Quarterbacks: We know who No. 1 is, but what about the backups?
Tuesday: The defensive line: It will be a strength again.
Wednesday, Aug. 5: Sizing up the running backs depth chart
Thursday, Aug. 6: At linebacker, Hitchens anchors the corps
Friday, Aug. 7: Plenty of targets for Patrick Mahomes at WR
Monday, Aug. 10: After Ward, Chiefs have corner questions
Tuesday, Aug. 11: Among the tight ends, it’s Kelce and ...
Wednesday, Aug. 12: Safeties
Thursday, Aug. 13: offensive line
Friday, Aug. 14: special teams
This story was originally published August 6, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
