NFL Network host says ‘heat’ is on Chiefs’ rookie linebacker to make instant impact
So, you might think Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is the rookie who most needs to succeed in his first year.
But for Jeff Chadiha, the co-host of “Gameday First” on the NFL Network, the rookie who needs to do well right away is Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. Chadiha made that case in a column for NFL.com with the headline, “Five rookies who most need to succeed in Year 1: Heat on Chiefs LB.”
Here’s how Chadiha quantified the list: “(T)here’s a group of newcomers with the legitimate potential — and opportunity — to alter the NFL landscape if they grow up fast. It’s a collection of players who wound up on playoff-caliber teams that selected them to address key flaws this offseason. The rookies that deliver for those franchises will end up being huge factors in determining postseason opportunities. They’ll have to develop in a hurry while starting their careers under a microscope for their teams to live up to expectations in 2020.”
Gay, who was chosen with the 63rd overall pick in the second round, will be the one used to gauge how well the Chiefs did in this year’s draft, Chadiha wrote.
While noting Gay’s troubles on and off the field, Chadiha said the new Chiefs linebacker can help the defense.
“The first thing to know is that the former Mississippi State product can flat-out fly,” Chadiha wrote. “He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine (second-best time among linebackers) and he plays just as fast when he’s on the field. It’s no secret that Kansas City’s major weakness on defense was at linebacker, where it lacked athleticism and dynamic playmaking ability. Gay can offset those troubles because he’s known for his range, blitzing and coverage potential.”
You can read more here about what Chadiha wrote about Gay and the other four players on his list.
