The players
Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Frank Zombo, Dee Ford, Dezman Moses, Josh Martin, Alonzo Highsmith
If there is any position on the Kansas City Chiefs roster that feels very, very solid, it's the outside linebackers. Kansas City sees the return of both Hali and Houston as the starters with the addition of Ford, a first-round pick oozing potential.
Zombo is also back in the mix as a depth player. While he is not the most athletically gifted player, Zombo is heady and has shown the ability to fill in decently while playing well on special teams.
What's changed
There is not much notable change in this group. As previously stated, general manager John Dorsey addressed the depth by picking up Ford with the 23rd overall pick in the NFL Draft. Ford is not expected to be a starter right away but certainly could be used in sub-packages. All three on the field at the same time? You betcha.
With Houston reporting to camp, much of the drama is gone. However, Houston is a free agent after this season and the Chiefs need to get a deal done with him. If you are serious about winning the Super Bowl, you don't let one of the best players in football walk during his prime years.
The big question
How effective can Ford be as a rookie? We know he is not going to be a starter barring injury, but can he create all kinds of havoc coming in on second and third-down passing situations?
Best case scenario
Hali and Houston continue to produce at All-Pro levels, while Ford comes in on passing downs and looks like the second coming of Derrick Thomas. Houston is out to prove that he has earned his massive new deal and racks up 15+ sacks.
Worst case scenario
Hali finally begins to show his age and Houston's contract situation is carried to the field.
@ArrowheadPride Caption this. pic.twitter.com/SvTlI64gw5
— The Pit Boss (@ib6ft9) July 28, 2014
Random Facts
- Hali is a budding rap star, well, kind of.
- Ford plays the piano in his spare time
- Zombo won the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers back in 2010
- Alonzo Highsmight's dad was the No. 3 pick in the 1987 draft