2021 stats: 112 tackles, 11 tackles for loss in 16 games
The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2021 season with a perceived need at linebacker. While veteran Anthony Hitchens was a productive member of the unit, his lack of athleticism stood out in sub-packages the year before. 2020 second round pick Willie Gay had yet to prove himself, and rookie Nick Bolton surely wouldn’t be the immediate answer for a Super Bowl-hopeful.
However, as the weeks passed and Bolton settled into his role, he blossomed. By the middle of the year, Bolton had a three-game stretch with 35 total tackles and five tackles for loss.