The Kansas City Chiefs have always had a tremendous amount of depth during the season, but it's usually on the offensive side of the ball. This year, things are a little bit different.

We know the Chiefs for their ability to plug and play different receivers and other weapons into this elite offense. This year we could see the same thing with the defense.

There is one position group in 2022 that is a lot deeper than anyone will give it credit for.

The linebackers are ready to ball out, and they could be the very reason the Chiefs' defense can be above average, something they haven't been in a while.

Chiefs' initial 53-man carries depth at linebacker

The Chiefs have some of the best depth at linebackers in the NFL, and maybe the best depth at the position they have had in quite some time.

Nick Bolton is an emerging star in this league, and he will be for some time. He is always near the ball, and it seems as if there isn't a player he can't tackle, nor does he miss tackles.

Let's not forget, too, that Bolton is getting the green dot in just his second year in the league.

Willie Gay Jr. is going into his third season, and he may be the next Devin White in terms of on-ball linebackers. Gay Jr. is a freak athlete as well, and there is still a whole lot that he doesn't know yet, and the potential is still untapped.

Elijah Lee will likely be the other starter at the position for the rest of the year unless there are any injuries of course.

The Chiefs run a 4-3 defense, meaning they like to have four defensive linemen up front and three linebackers on the second level. Lee will be that third backer.

He isn't as polarizing as Bolton and Gay Jr., but he does get the job done. Lee is a lunch pail type of guy. You always know what you will get from him and he's consistent.

Leo Chenal, Darius Harris, and Jack Cochrane are the three backups for now.

Chenal, we have heard everyone rave over his athleticism. We have also all heard the viral video of him saying he is ready to hit someone. Hopefully, he will get to this season. He has a lot of potentials, and as far as being on the ball, he is great. However, he does need to work on some coverage issues.

Harris and Cochrane showed us plenty in training camp and the preseason. They both showed that they are more than capable of backing up the starters and can do it against great competition.

This team won't have an issue at the position during the season. In fact, this position will be one that will be very progressive over the next few years. The Chiefs have their core on the defense locked up for quite some time, and the depth and potential are more than there.

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