On Monday, CBS Sports activities author Jordan Dajani gave readers a rating of the NFL’s high 20 linebackers for the approaching season. And regardless of having missed a big variety of 2023 video games, Dajani determined that the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ MIKE linebacker Nick Bolton deserved to be listed among the many league’s finest.
Nick Bolton • Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Bolton missed 9 video games final season, and I nonetheless suppose he’s underrated. In 2022, Bolton recorded 180 mixed tackles (second amongst all gamers), two sacks and three passes defensed to associate with two interceptions. He may have gained Tremendous Bowl MVP within the win over the Philadelphia Eagles, as he recorded 9 mixed tackles and a fumble restoration he took again for a landing. Now, he’s in a contract 12 months, so count on huge issues in 2024.
Takeaway
After his rookie season, many Kansas Metropolis followers anticipated Bolton would constantly be listed among the many league’s finest linebackers. However it hasn’t at all times performed out that method. Going into 2023, Professional Soccer Focus ranked Bolton eleventh, inserting him in a 3rd tier they described as “actually stable gamers.” After his injury-shortened season, PFF listed him as 14th for 2024. Dajani, nonetheless, positioned Bolton tenth on this identical rating a 12 months in the past — after which moved him up for the approaching season.
For my cash, that is the suitable solution to see Bolton: a participant who made an awesome impression as a rookie, backed it up in his second 12 months and continued to rise (regardless of accidents) in his third. With a full, unhurt season in 2024, I count on Kansas Metropolis will fastidiously contemplate whether or not his rookie contract ought to be prolonged.
