These NFL rookies will outperform their draft position in 2020
LB. Willie Gay Jr.. 7. Scouting Report. Kansas City Chiefs. player. 124. Pick Analysis
Character concerns caused Gay to slip in the draft, but the Chiefs felt comfortable enough with his off-the-field issues to spend a second-rounder on his services. He’s got the quick-twitch athleticism required to make a real difference for Kansas City’s defense.
Gay should begin the year as Anthony Hitchen’s backup, but it’s going to be really difficult for the team’s coaching staff to keep him off the field entirely. His speed jumps off the screen when you watch him on film. Combine that with his willingness to deliver big blows on ball carriers and it’s easy to see why the Chiefs fell in love with him.
The key for Gay will be to find a niche that he excels in right away. He doesn’t have a ton of pass-rushing experience so he’ll likely need to find another way to make his mark. Instead, look for the former Mississippi State star to earn playing time with his ability to patrol the second level on obvious passing downs.
Gay has a chance to make big plays for this defense if he can earn that type of responsibility. He’s got the range to make plays in coverage and the size to hammer running backs who try to gash the Chiefs up the middle. Add it all up and he’ll give Kansas City’s defense some edge they sorely lacked in 2019.