Chiefs’ Star LB Given Wide Range of Rankings in League Survey

Over the years, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ defense has earned a better reputation. Since Steve Spagnuolo took over as defensive coordinator, his side of the ball has helped fuel the organization’s multiple championship runs.

Having some on-field coaches certainly helps, too. With training camp on the horizon, it’s linebacker Nick Bolton who’s garnering some serious praise from around the league.

In a story for ESPN, Jeremy Fowler released the results of his linebacker survey. NFL executives, coaches and scouts alike established a wide range of opinions on Bolton, who ultimately settled into a top-five spot.

Nick Bolton’s Brain Helps Him Achieve Linebacker Ranking

It’s a No. 4 overall ranking for Bolton among off-ball linebackers. He trails only Zack Baun of the Philadelphia Eagles, Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens and longtime San Francisco 49ers star Fred Warner.

It’s a one-spot jump for Bolton. His highest ranking was second, with his lowest being off the list entirely. That highlights how polarizing the former second-round pick is but at the same time, one thing seems certain with him.

Bolton is always one of the smartest players on the field.

“Coaches say Bolton is elite at making checks or adjustments at the line of scrimmage,” Fowler wrote. “‘He allows [the Chiefs] to get all 11 players in the best call based on all of the information provided by the situation,’ a veteran NFL defensive coach said. ‘Very much a coach on the field.'”

Since entering the league in 2021, Bolton has endeared himself to Spagnuolo and company. After missing extended time due to injury in 2023, he came roaring back in 2024 by playing in 16 regular-season games and notching 106 combined tackles. Bolton also set career-highs with 7 quarterback hits, 6 passes broken up, 3 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.

It’s no surprise that last offseason, Bolton re-upped with the club on a three-year contract extension. With his $15 million annual salary being tied for fifth among all linebackers, his ranking is right on par with that.

Chiefs’ Linebacker Rotation Looks Strong Entering 2025 Season

Coming into training camp, there’s a clear hierarchy of linebackers on the Chiefs’ roster at the top. Bolton is the headliner of the group, playing the MIKE position and oftentimes being an option for dime sets on late downs. Veteran Drue Tranquill isn’t to be overlooked, though. He got off to a slow start last season but resembled his 2023 self down the stretch. A rangy linebacker with better coverage chops than Bolton, Tranquill is a fellow starter.

The Chiefs’ third linebacker has turned into a very pleasant surprise. 2022 third-round pick Leo Chenal played his best football a season ago, logging 445 defensive snaps and making the most of them. Advanced stats love Chenal’s profile; Pro Football Focus slotted him as the No. 11 linebacker in 2024. That was fueled by elite run defense (sixth) and coverage (14th) ranks. He’s also an elite special teams weapon.

Elsewhere, Kansas City has quality depth pieces like Jack Cochrane, Cam Jones and Cole Christiansen. Rookie Jeffrey Bassa is an X-factor whose impact will likely be felt more in future years than in 2025. Most of the rotation is set for the time being.

That’s the advantage of Bolton providing a safe floor as an aggressive player with blue-chip leadership qualities.