The Kansas City Chiefs have not addressed a clear need in the middle of their defense. With the draft over, what can be done to fill the hole?
Most people expected that, after Derrick Johnson went down with an Achilles injury late last season, the Kansas City Chiefs would draft his replacement. It wasn’t a matter of him being unable to play next season, but rather that he would be able to groom a rookie. That didn’t happen.
There was also the thought that free agency might yield a linebacker for the Chiefs that Johnson could take under his wing. So far, that has not happened either.
Judging from last season, the Chiefs do not have two solid starters on the current roster. Each of the other inside linebackers have flashed ability, but their consistency has fallen well short of the expectation.
Ramik Wilson and D.J. Alexander filled the roles vacated by Johnson and Justin March-Lillard due to injury. The Chiefs could not stop the run and it doomed them in the playoffs against the Steelers. They couldn’t stop the run with Johnson in the lineup either which suggests the whole group outside of Johnson needs upgrading.
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So where do the Chiefs go to get a temporary replacement for Johnson and a starter for when he returns? Free agency is the only option at this point, and there are still a few options.
Gerald Hodges visited Kansas City right at the start of free agency, but left without a contract. A young backer with a solid season in San Francisco would be a very welcome addition. Another potential starter is Akeem Dent, who was a backup in Houston during the 2016 season. His toughness and hard hitting would help to improve the poor run defense of the Chiefs.
Both players are young and in need of veteran leadership, which the Chiefs can provide. Johnson has expressed interest in coaching after his career and it would be a good test run for him. Since the Chiefs let Josh Mauga walk this offseason fans expected them to look for a stout run defender.
Hodges may be more of a Johnson type, but Dent definitely fits the need the Chiefs have. He has limited experience on the field. However, the Chiefs were comfortable enough with March-Lillard to start him last season despite his lack of experience.
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Unfortunately, Hodges may just price his way out of Kansas City. But the Chiefs need to address the position in some form. Dent loves to go out and punish ball carriers and at worst he can push the incumbent players to work harder to keep their jobs. Johnson may not come back ready to play early in the season. Alexander, March, and Wilson are not enough to make another run at the AFC West title.