The Kansas City Chiefs hit on linebackers with second or third-round picks in recent years, and it may be time for the team to go back to the well if Nick Bolton departs in free agency after the 2024 season.
Luckily for the Chiefs, several capable replacements could be available in the 2025 NFL draft.
Oklahoma Sooners standout Danny Stutsman earned All-American honors in 2023 and 2024, making him one of the most acclaimed linebackers in college football. His 6’4″, 243 lb. frame meets the league’s standards, but he needs to add more mass to his lower body to anchor against blockers better.
Stutsman patiently sits at the second level and mirrors the running back’s movements before meeting them in the hole. He struggles to stack and shed blockers but uses a swim move and explosive lateral hops to evade climbing linemen. Stutsman also dips his shoulders to play under the blocker’s hands and avoid taking on contact.
In 2024, Stutsman improved his discipline and ability to recognize run fit opportunities. He still guesses wrong at times and struggles to navigate muddy boxes, but he made strides to improve his efficiency. Stutsman’s motor burns hot in pursuit. He lacks true sideline-to-sideline range but still prevents running backs from turning the corner on wide runs.
Stutsman keeps his head on a swivel to recognize threats in zone coverage over the middle of the field. He also provides a quality option covering tight ends or running backs on shallow routes. Stutsman lacks the agility, foot speed, and loose hips to play man coverage. He needs to diversify his coverage profile and become more instinctive.
