Two SEC linebackers turbocharge the Chiefs' defense

The Chiefs defense' saw a big turnaround last season, going from one of the worst units to one of the best in the middle of the season. That renaissance helped the team go from 3-4 to playing in the AFC Championship. 

If that momentum continues into 2021, it might be because of the men in the middle, linebackers Willie Gay and Nick Bolton.

Gay, a third-year pro out of Mississippi State, recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions last season. Meanwhile, Bolton, a second-year pro out of Missouri, registered 112 combined tackles in his rookie season. General manager Brett Veach might have hit on both second-round picks.

In the past, the Chiefs relied on free agents to fill the spots at linebacker. Kansas City signed Anthony Hitchens, who helped it win Super Bowl LIV in the 2019 season. Throughout the years, the Chiefs  added players to pair next to Hitchens. Included in that mix were Damien Wilson, Darron Lee and Reggie Ragland.

That was not the case this offseason.

With the team looking to get younger while still searching for a second Super Bowl for Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Co., Kansas City was ready to roll with Bolton and Gay.

Earlier this week, Bolton was asked in a news conference about his leadership role this season.

"It's actually pretty cool. Last year (Hitchens) did it," he said. "Just open communication, just learning. Again, it's new for me too, I'm still learning, still evolving, trying to figure out the best way to be the Mike 'backer."

Bolton's demeanor shows why coaches were ready to hand over these responsibilities to the second-year player. 

Gay takes a different approach. He is the hype man.