Week nine of my 2022 NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight is here. This week is another AFC defensive player. While this player has great stats and is on a fantastic team, they can sometimes be overlooked. This week’s 2022 NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight is about Nick Bolton, a linebacker on the Kansas City Chiefs.
2022 NFL Underestimated Player: College
Nick Bolton played football at Missouri for three years before entering the 2021 NFL Draft. Bolton played all three years, including his freshman year when the team played in a bowl game. Missouri is an SEC school, which means Bolton had to play against some tough opponents.
In his three years, Bolton had a total of 220 combined tackles, 139 of which were solo, according to Sports Reference. Bolton also had 17.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. As for turnovers, Bolton had one fumble recovery and two interceptions. One of the two interceptions was a pick-six as well, which was in his sophomore season. With the way Bolton played, it makes sense why he was able to be drafted after just three years.
2022 NFL Underestimated Player: Career
Bolton was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 58th overall pick. Since being drafted, he has played very well for the team, making him a 2022 NFL underestimated player.
In his two years in the league, Bolton has had a total of 243 combined tackles, 154 of which were solo, according to Pro Football Reference. Bolton has also caught two interceptions for 15 yards and had one fumble recovery, where he was able to return it for a touchdown. He has only had two sacks, but those statistics to grow as the season progresses. While Chiefs fans definitely talk about him, he has been a 2022 NFL Underestimated player, being on a team where everyone talks about the offense.
2022 NFL Underestimated Player: 2022 Season
This season, Bolton has demonstrated why he should not be a 2022 NFL Underestimated player. He has grown into a player that should be discussed more. Linebackers are a crucial part of the team, having to be all over the field for the defense. Bolton has done a strong job this season and has boosted the Kansas City defense, which has stepped up since losing key players in the offseason.
This year, Bolton has had a total of 131 combined tackles, 84 of which are solo, and two pass deflections according to ESPN. This season Bolton has had a total of two sacks, which is a career-high. In 2021 he had none, and he can only get better from here. This season, Bolton has also forced one fumble and had two interceptions for 15 yards.
This week, the Kansas City Chiefs will travel to face the Houston Texans. Be sure to watch this week’s 2022 NFL Underestimated Player Spotlight in the matchup.
For More NFL and NCAA Content:
Be sure to check out last week’s, Underestimated Player Spotlight to see who I chose. Also, check out this article on the 49ers’ win vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and how far the 49ers can go with Brock Purdy. Also, check out my most recent article on which players to watch for the 49ers against the Seattle Seahawks.
Be sure to check out last week’s installment of the Top 5 Rutgers Football games of the 2022 season, and what the offseason priorities for the Penn State Nittany Lions will be.