Kansas City faces linebacker depth questions as notable vets hit free agency, with Cam Jones, Cole Christiansen, Leo Chenal, and Jack Cochrane in play. Nick Bolton was extended and Jeffrey Bassa was added, but KC still needs more talent by 2026. Wisconsin’s Christian Alliegro rose from backup to starter, showing ideal length and downhill speed that could land him in late top-100 consideration, though coverage instincts are still developing.

Seattle’s preseason showcase suggested a fortified run game for 2025, as the Seahawks rolled 268 rushing yards on a rainy Week 2 night, with 120 yards coming across two drives and 77 before contact. The starting five of Josh Jones, Grey Zabel, Jalen Sundell, Anthony Bradford and Abraham Lucas paved the way even without Charles Cross and Olu Oluwatimi, while yielding only one pressure in that stretch.

Five Seattle players logged 30+ rushing yards, signaling a deep and productive ground attack, paired with a clean 17-of-21 passing for 209 yards and two Jake Bobo scores. Bradford stood out, delivering six positive grades on 13 run blocks and remaining unscathed in 6 pass-blocking snaps, putting him on pace for elite overall grading pending final review.

The Chiefs rested several starters but still fielded a seasoned defense, and rookie Josh Simmons kept clean in pass protection. PFF’s postgame review and the early data snapshot point to Seattle’s offensive line and run scheme carrying momentum into the regular season, with Bobo expanding the aerial threat and Bradford anchoring the interior protection.

Jeffrey Bassa, a fifth‑round pick for Kansas City, starred in Week 1 of the 2025 preseason, leading the Chiefs with six tackles (three solo) and adding a QB hit. The performance spotlighted a deep KC linebacker corps and raised questions about how many of the veterans—Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal—will be kept on the roster. Bassa’s fluid closing speed and instinct suggest he could carve out a rotational role in Steve Spagnuolo’s front seven, especially if he continues to show up on early downs and in run fits.

Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles boast the top-ranked linebacker unit, highlighted by standout Zack Baun, who earned a league-high 90.2 PFF grade last season. Newly drafted Jihaad Campbell is expected to bolster their already formidable group alongside Nakobe Dean and young talents like Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr.

In the second spot, the Detroit Lions are represented by Jack Campbell, who is cementing his status as an emerging star after a strong 2024 season. The New England Patriots' linebacker corps is deepened by new acquisitions like Robert Spillane, while the Kansas City Chiefs rely on Nick Bolton and Leo Chenal to lead their defense.

Bucky Irving has quickly become a standout in the NFL, concluding his rookie year with an impressive 90.8 overall PFF grade, ranking him fourth among running backs. His versatility is evident as he achieved both a rushing and receiving grade above 90.0, a feat unmatched by any other player in his position. His contributions included 49 receptions and a notable 20 broken tackles after the catch, showcasing his playmaking ability.

Leo Chenal has established himself as a force on defense, earning a solid 85.9 overall PFF grade over the last three seasons. This places Chenal fifth among linebackers with significant snap counts. His 91.3 run-defense grade stands out, trailing only legends Bobby Wagner and Fred Warner.

Among other rising stars, Kenneth Walker III remains an underrated talent, consistently ranking in the top 20 for PFF grades despite battling behind a struggling offensive line. Zay Flowers has also shown promise, improving his performance significantly in his second year.