Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton has been a polarizing figure among Chiefs fans since being drafted in 2021.
He is a high-energy, high-motor player who can lay the wood to ball carriers. He is also very intelligent and is instrumental in helping to get his teammates lined up correctly and calling plays.
However, one of the biggest criticisms of Bolton is that he isn't good in pass coverage. Some people think he shouldn't be an every-down linebacker and that he should strictly be used against the run.
Bolton was an absolute force against the run during the Chiefs 22-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons last week, racking up eight tackles - three of which went for loss - and one being the game-clinching tackle on fourth down. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo talked praised Bolton's performance while speaking to the media on Thursday and discussed how much he means to the Chiefs' defense.
"Yeah, it was great to see Nick make that last tackle," Spagnuolo said. "I mean, well, you all know, he gutted it out. His back was bothering, and he went back in. And, thank God we got guys that can go in when Nick's not in there and still function the same way. I think that's huge. I mean, we all learned that last year, right when Drew (Tranquil) had to take over. But, when you lose that guy in the middle, it's like losing the quarterback, right? And even if it's for three plays, if you don't have somebody that can go in there, that everybody feels comfortable with, it gets tough. But, then Nick just coming back and doing what he did. I think we all know this about Nick, he's got, just got such great football instincts. He feels things and, you know, he studies the game so he knows ahead of time when teams are going to do certain things. But, I thought he played great.
Does Bolton have his issues in coverage? Sure. However, you can say that about a lot of NFL linebackers. Some linebackers are better equipped to cover running backs rather than tight ends, tight ends rather than receivers, and so on. The bottom line is, all the positive things that Bolton brings to the table make it worth having to deal with some coverage issues from time to time.
Another team leader, defensive tackle Chris Jones, echoed that sentiment to reporters when asked what Bolton means to the Chiefs' defense.
"He's a dog," Jones said. "We try not to bring him off the field. Try to make sure he plays on every play. He's our play caller. I think he's the pillar of this defense."
That's high praise from Jones, who obviously knows what it takes to play at an elite level. The Chiefs have to quickly decide if Bolton fits into their long term plans as he's set to hit free agency at the conclusion of this season. Fans may continue to debate Bolton's worth to Kansas City's defense, but it's clear what his coaches and teammates think of him.
