If the Chiefs will have a successful season this year the position of running back has to be changed. While Tyson Gay may be the best option, the Chiefs need to think about Darius Harris and Elijah Lee. They are both talented and have the ability to play in the cover and running positions. For the purpose of replacing Gay, it is likely that the Chiefs will need to use a patchwork system.
Darius Harris
Darius Harris will be entering his third season as the Chiefs player. After the 2019 draft, Harris did not get drafted, but has shown his versatility. Harris can be found at all three positions of a linebacker and was highly-rated at the college level. Brett Veach was very proud of Harris his versatility, and stated that Harris can be used in any 4-3 plan.
One key question is how the Chiefs will replace Willie Gay Jr. Although the Chiefs want to offer young players a chance to test his skills however, they need to be mindful not to over-commit. While it’s not an straightforward task, Kansas City can still be on the field with the defense and offense that is and without Gay.
Elijah Lee
Although Elijah Lee seems to be the obvious option, Chiefs could also consider other options. Darius Harris, who has similar athleticism and intelligence as Gay could be a viable alternative. Both have the ability to run as well as taking on. The Chiefs are likely to use some sort of patchwork strategy to take over Gay, and it might be the ideal fit for the team.
The Chiefs will be relying upon Bolton, Chenal, Harris, Lee, and rookie Jack Cochrane to handle the defensive line. Gay led the Chiefs with 11 tackles and two interceptions, but Gay will be out for four games due to a personal conduct policy violation. Gay was detained in the month of the month of January. Lee was not picked, however he was reinstated. McDuffie but was activated to replace Jaylen Watson. Jaylen had two special team tackles. He also scored the game’s winning touchdown, which was a 99-yard interception return.
Anthony Hitchens
Hitchens has played the last two seasons in Kansas City, averaging 82 combined tackles and five defenses against loss. Hitchens’ production has slowed over the past two seasons which resulted in lesser impactful games. Hitchens is likely to be replaced by an experienced player next month or perhaps a late round draft selection. The Chiefs can also sign Nick Niemann and Dorian O’Daniel.
The Chiefs’ defensive line has significantly increased from the depth of what they had prior to the season when they were without Gay. In the absence of Gay, the Kansas City defensive line last season was inconsistent, unmatched as well as lacking a vital player. After adding three key players in the offseason, the Chiefs are now ready to take on Gay’s absence.
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