clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Chiefs have a couple position battles shaping up at inside linebacker

We’ve been looking at the Kansas City Chiefs roster locks and bubble players at each position. Up today is the inside linebackers where we’ve seen much discussion due to Derrick Johnson’s return from another Achilles’ injury.

Like some other positions we’ve looked at, the Chiefs have some bodies here with potential. They’re short on proven talent though with DJ and a bunch of young guys. The upside to DJ’s injury is that we’ve seen most of these guys in action. Some, like Ramik Wilson, were a pleasant surprise.

The Chiefs could keep four or five here depending on how DJ is doing. I see Justin March and Terrance Smith battling for a spot.

Roster locks

Derrick Johnson: I hope he comes back close to who he was before. He wants to play two more years and finish out his contract.

Ramik Wilson: He was cut and then thankfully he came back because he was important last year after DJ went down.

Ukeme Eligwe: The Chiefs fifth round pick this year, he will make the team.

Roster bubble

DJ Alexander: He’s a special teams Pro Bowler so I could probably put him under locks. He doesn’t offer much on defense, though.

Justin March: He came out of nowhere a couple years ago and then injuries have limited him. Is this the year we get an extended look at him?

Terrance Smith: Undrafted out of Florida State, Smith is intriguing to me. I want to see more of him but he could be competing for one spot with March.

NEW: Join Arrowhead Pride Premier

If you love Arrowhead Pride, you won’t want to miss Pete Sweeney in your inbox each week as he delivers deep analysis and insights on the Chiefs' path to the Super Bowl.