Chiefs LB Nick Bolton details how he is working to become a complete linebacker in 2022
Nick Bolton had a very solid rookie year in 2021. But as with all rookies, there are plenty of improvements to be made over the course of the offseason. Bolton recently sat down with reporters and was asked which part of his game he was focusing on improving during the 2022 offseason and he didn't […]
Nick Bolton had a very solid rookie year in 2021. But as with all rookies, there are plenty of improvements to be made over the course of the offseason.
Bolton recently sat down with reporters and was asked which part of his game he was focusing on improving during the 2022 offseason and he didn't hesitate with his answer.
"The biggest thing for me is zone coverage," Bolton said. "That's one of things I wanted to improve on this offseason. It's probably the part of my game I was lacking the most. So, I'm just trying to get better with that aspect of it and also just becoming more crisp in the scheme."
Per Pro Football Focus, Bolton played 158 zone coverage snaps in 2021. He finished with a below-average grade of 50.3, but he was the highest graded linebacker among 'backers with at least 280 pass coverage snaps on the Chiefs. Ben Niemann and Anthony Hitchens combined for over 300 zone coverage snaps and both players are no longer with the team. So, Bolton will likely become the main linebacker when the Chiefs defense is in zone coverage or in its subpackages.
Bolton also discussed what it takes to improve his zone coverage game.
"It's mostly trying to work on coming in and out of breaks in terms of on the field work," Bolton said. "Film study-wise, it's trying to figure out route concepts. Where people are going to throw the ball and what can make you quicker and faster at recognizing the play concept and where people are trying to throw the ball versus being in a certain defense.
"It's kind of nit-picking those type of things and maybe find something I didn't see during the season that I probably picked up the second time watching."
Accurately hitting drops -or marks- is key for defenders when it comes to zone coverage. And working on the breaks will be key for when the defense is in zone match and regular man match coverage. Bolton's game should improve the more he works on those skills.
Bolton was known for being a downhill thumper when the Chiefs selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but he's got just enough speed and athleticism -as well as the instincts and football IQ- to be effective in zone.
He just has to keep working at it. And the best part about Bolton's desire to improve is that he's recognizing weaknesses and working to better himself. That type of self-awareness and humility will only lead to good things in the future.
You can check out Bolton's entire interview, here.
Featured image via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
