Willie Gay

Gay's selection in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft was due to his athleticism and raw talent, but a regular role didn't materialize over the first season-plus of his career. The 2022 campaign marked the first time things seemed to click in full for the talented young linebacker. Despite missing four games due to suspension, Gay still collected 88 tackles over his 13 games played, adding 2.5 sacks and an interception. He heads into the final year of his rookie deal entrenched in a starter role and figures to challenge triple digits in the tackles column if he can stay on the field.

Gay handled a rotational role as a rookie and still put up reasonably good numbers -- 39 tackles (29 solo) and a sack -- but missed the postseason due to an ankle sprain and then a torn meniscus that required surgery. He's reportedly back to 100 percent health and is expected to take over a much larger role during his second NFL campaign following the departure of Damien Wilson during the offseason.

While Gay is somewhat unproven, having played just 31 games at Mississippi State, he possesses a size (6-foot-1, 243) and speed (4.46 40-yard time) that piques the interest of scouts and earned him a second-round selection. Gay is thought to be a candidate for the weakside linebacker, but early reports indicate that he has been working as a backup strongside backer, which could limit his fantasy value in the Chiefs' defense.