The Kansas City Chiefs have added another young talent to their linebacker room this past draft to grow the position. Last season the franchise also added Willie Gay Jr. in the draft, who plans on taking another step forward in his young career alongside the 2021 draft pick Nick Bolton.
The unquestioned leader of the Chiefs’ linebacker room is veteran Anthony Hitchens, but it doesn’t mean everyone else can’t help the incoming rookies. The second season for Gay Jr is essential as he is expected to take a more significant role. The former Mississippi State linebacker shared his thoughts on rookie Bolton and hopes for the upcoming season during Thursday’s press conference.
“We talk every day,” Gay Jr. said. “I’m not a rookie, but this is my second year this is his first year. We’re both still fresh in this thing, so I teach him the game as much as I can because I’m still learning from guys like Hitch (Anthony Hitches) and Ben (Niemann), and Dorian (O’Daniel), and all those older guys. So whatever I learn, I pass it down to him. Whatever I’ve been through, I pass it down to him, and we continue to stay close. I’m learning him, he’s learning me, so it’s a good connection we have.”
As Gay Jr. enters Year 2, he will have to adjust to playing more consistent snaps. He recorded 39 tackles and one sack in his rookie campaign before missing Super Bowl LV due to injury. He commented on the differences between his rookie year, which had an abbreviated offseason due to COVID-19, and the current offseason workouts.
“Well, of course, it was tough for us guys that came in last year,” said Gay Jr. “To only see the playbook for the first time during training camp, it was hard. To get that head start right now in OTAs and minicamp, it’s definitely helping a lot. I’m catching on to the things that I didn’t catch onto last year. I learned the basics, now it’s the small details that make good great. It’s coming along pretty good.”
The Chiefs’ defense is constantly looked at as the team’s weak spot due to the explosive offense. Each season since Steve Spagnuolo took over as defensive coordinator, the defense has shown significant improvement. With a new duo of young and talented linebackers heading into 2021, the expectations for the unit are rising.
