The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy re-tooling their defense this offseason. It is no secret that they decided to go in a much more youthful direction with the departure of linebacker Derrick Johnson and defensive end Tamba Hali.
However, general manager Brett Veach feels their younger players are more than up to the task. Among them is linebacker Reggie Ragland, who Veach feels has serious star potential, via the team's website:
“I think we're all excited about him and we think he can be a star,” Veach said. “We were very fortunate to be able to execute that trade.”
Veach is optimistic that he and linebacker Anthony Hitchens will make quite the promising tandem.
“We think him and Anthony Hitchens will be a dynamic duo,” Veach said, “and as I said earlier, will kind of change the mindset and bring a temperament with them.”
There is plenty of reason for Veach to be excited about both players moving forward. The Buffalo Bills had initially selected Ragland with the 41st overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. They had even traded three picks in order to move up and get him. Unfortunately, his career got off to a rough start after his rookie years was cut short by a torn ACL.
He was soon traded to the Chiefs as soon as the new Bills' regime took over. Fortunately, it has proved to be for the better. Ragland showed some promise in his backup role to Ramik Wilson after finishing with 44 tackles in 12 games. Despite his modest production, it is clear he did enough to earn the trust of the Chiefs' front office.
Meanwhile, Hitchens is reaping the benefits of a solid tenure with the Dallas Cowboys after signing a five-year, $45 million deal with Kansas City this offseason. He is a proven starter who should bring plenty of stability to their new defense. Hitchens recorded 84 tackles and a forced fumble in 12 games last season.
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