The Kansas City Chiefs are getting close. After a year in which three of their premier players: Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry, and Tony Moeaki; all went down with season-ending knee injuries, this Chiefs team could be very close to making a deep run into the playoffs.
The question for GM Scott Pioli and new Head Coach Romeo Crennel is what player can they find in this year's draft that can be another difference maker on Sundays, and help this team take that next step?
At the end of last season, I would've told you that the Chiefs needed to do everything in their power to trade up to draft USC left tackle Matt Kalil. However, thanks to the Houston Texans, the Chiefs resolved their tackle issue with the signing of free agent Eric Winston.
Then the obvious point of need, with Charles coming off his blown ACL, would be to find another runner who could out-produce the three yards and a cloud of dust the team got out of Thomas Jones and Jackie Battle last season. Pioli addressed that with the off-season signing of Peyton Hillis, who not only is a hard-nosed runner but an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
Beyond those two positions last season, there truly wasn't a glaring need prior to free agency where you could expect a major impact from someone coming out in the draft. However, there are two positions where the Chiefs could grab a substantial upgrade and tip the scales in their direction for making a playoff run in 2012.
Nose Tackle
Last season, one of Pioli's key acquisitions was veteran Kelly Gregg. Gregg was brought in to fill a huge need at nose tackle and to also provide a veteran influence to mentor sixth-round pick and project Jerrell Poe out of Mississippi.
Gregg, clearly on the backside of his career, produced just 39 tackles and a sack, while Poe was only on the active roster once all season. Now, with just Poe on the roster as the team's only true nose tackle, it's almost certain that the Chiefs will go after one of the top NT prospects in the draft.
Inside Linebacker
The Chiefs linebacking corps developed into one of the best in the AFC by seasons's end. Inside, Derrick Johnson flew all over the field making plays, while outside backers Tamba Hali and rookie Justin Houston tormented opposing quarterbacks and registered a combined 17.5 sacks.
Where the Chiefs could use an upgrade however, remains on the inside opposite Johnson. The team recently re-signed veteran Javon Belcher, but his lack of versatility rushing the passer or in pass coverage means that the Chiefs could likely upgrade in rounds one or two.
Here are the Chiefs options in the first two rounds for impact players at these two positions, and players who are likely starters who could help the Chiefs get back into the playoffs in 2012:
First Round
Nose Tackle - Dontari Poe, Memphis (http://youtu.be/HOLfF2JXNAw)
After turning heads at the NFL Combine, with a sub-5.0 40-time at 346 pounds and putting up 44 reps in the bench press, Poe is quickly rising up NFL draft boards. Scouts have been quick to compare him to the guy who pushed Gregg out of Baltimore, the Ravens star NT Haloti Ngata. For the Chiefs, who have a desperate need for a disruptive influence on their defensive line, Poe would definitely fit the bill.
Inside Linebacker - Luke Kuechy, Boston College (http://youtu.be/lbpNkBiLDeU)
Kuechy is elite as they come at the inside linebacker position. Not only are his instincts as good as anyone in the game, he is an absolute tackling machine (191 tackles in 2011). Drafting Kuechy would give Crennel the flexability to employ more blitz packages to take advantage of Johnson's athleticism, without the fear that Kuechy would miss a play behind him. That's something he can't do with Belcher in the lineup.
Second Round
Nose Tackle - Devon Still, Penn State (http://youtu.be/i7-il4z0QRc)
For old-school Chiefs fans, Still's bloodlines (his cousin is former Chiefs DE Art Still) will be enticing. The former Nittany Lion has fallen from a middle of the first-round certainty to a player solid player who should still be on the board when they Chiefs second pick comes around. His production in one of college football's best conferences could allow the Chiefs to bypass the upstart Poe in round one, and opt for Still later.
Inside Linebacker - Lavonte David, Nebraska (http://youtu.be/qshTW_jt1T8)
Like Kuechy, David has been a tackling machine in his two seasons with the Cornhuskers. He is an extremely reliable wrap-up tackler with speed, coverage skills, and an unrelenting motor that would make him an excellent sideline-to-sideline option for the Chiefs.
The question for GM Scott Pioli and new Head Coach Romeo Crennel is what player can they find in this year's draft that can be another difference maker on Sundays, and help this team take that next step?
At the end of last season, I would've told you that the Chiefs needed to do everything in their power to trade up to draft USC left tackle Matt Kalil. However, thanks to the Houston Texans, the Chiefs resolved their tackle issue with the signing of free agent Eric Winston.
Then the obvious point of need, with Charles coming off his blown ACL, would be to find another runner who could out-produce the three yards and a cloud of dust the team got out of Thomas Jones and Jackie Battle last season. Pioli addressed that with the off-season signing of Peyton Hillis, who not only is a hard-nosed runner but an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
Beyond those two positions last season, there truly wasn't a glaring need prior to free agency where you could expect a major impact from someone coming out in the draft. However, there are two positions where the Chiefs could grab a substantial upgrade and tip the scales in their direction for making a playoff run in 2012.
Nose Tackle
Last season, one of Pioli's key acquisitions was veteran Kelly Gregg. Gregg was brought in to fill a huge need at nose tackle and to also provide a veteran influence to mentor sixth-round pick and project Jerrell Poe out of Mississippi.
Gregg, clearly on the backside of his career, produced just 39 tackles and a sack, while Poe was only on the active roster once all season. Now, with just Poe on the roster as the team's only true nose tackle, it's almost certain that the Chiefs will go after one of the top NT prospects in the draft.
Inside Linebacker
The Chiefs linebacking corps developed into one of the best in the AFC by seasons's end. Inside, Derrick Johnson flew all over the field making plays, while outside backers Tamba Hali and rookie Justin Houston tormented opposing quarterbacks and registered a combined 17.5 sacks.
Where the Chiefs could use an upgrade however, remains on the inside opposite Johnson. The team recently re-signed veteran Javon Belcher, but his lack of versatility rushing the passer or in pass coverage means that the Chiefs could likely upgrade in rounds one or two.
Here are the Chiefs options in the first two rounds for impact players at these two positions, and players who are likely starters who could help the Chiefs get back into the playoffs in 2012:
First Round
Nose Tackle - Dontari Poe, Memphis (http://youtu.be/HOLfF2JXNAw)
After turning heads at the NFL Combine, with a sub-5.0 40-time at 346 pounds and putting up 44 reps in the bench press, Poe is quickly rising up NFL draft boards. Scouts have been quick to compare him to the guy who pushed Gregg out of Baltimore, the Ravens star NT Haloti Ngata. For the Chiefs, who have a desperate need for a disruptive influence on their defensive line, Poe would definitely fit the bill.
Inside Linebacker - Luke Kuechy, Boston College (http://youtu.be/lbpNkBiLDeU)
Kuechy is elite as they come at the inside linebacker position. Not only are his instincts as good as anyone in the game, he is an absolute tackling machine (191 tackles in 2011). Drafting Kuechy would give Crennel the flexability to employ more blitz packages to take advantage of Johnson's athleticism, without the fear that Kuechy would miss a play behind him. That's something he can't do with Belcher in the lineup.
Second Round
Nose Tackle - Devon Still, Penn State (http://youtu.be/i7-il4z0QRc)
For old-school Chiefs fans, Still's bloodlines (his cousin is former Chiefs DE Art Still) will be enticing. The former Nittany Lion has fallen from a middle of the first-round certainty to a player solid player who should still be on the board when they Chiefs second pick comes around. His production in one of college football's best conferences could allow the Chiefs to bypass the upstart Poe in round one, and opt for Still later.
Inside Linebacker - Lavonte David, Nebraska (http://youtu.be/qshTW_jt1T8)
Like Kuechy, David has been a tackling machine in his two seasons with the Cornhuskers. He is an extremely reliable wrap-up tackler with speed, coverage skills, and an unrelenting motor that would make him an excellent sideline-to-sideline option for the Chiefs.
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When teams have played the Kansas City Chiefs the past two seasons, they've known that they needed to stop or contain two players to beat the Chiefs...Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. The Ravens did it to perfection in last year's 30-7 drubbing of the Chiefs in the playoffs, and teams around the league took notice.
This past off-season, in an effort to provide head coach Todd Haley with some downfield weapons on offense to keep defenses from keying on Charles and Bowe, general manager Scott Pioli signed free agent wide receiver Steve Breaston and used the Chiefs first round pick on wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin from Pitt.
Even with the addition of Breaston and Baldwin, the impact of the players' strike, a shortened training camp, and a Baldwin run-in with teammate Thomas Jones made incorporating both players into the offense a slow process early on for the Chiefs. As a result, the Chiefs offense faced eight-man fronts in their first three games to stop the Chiefs' running game and short passing game. Then with the loss of Charles to a season-ending ACL injury against Detroit, the Chiefs offense was left no choice but to evolve quickly or find themselves losing their entire season.
While running back Jackie Battle has done admirably in Charles' absense, averaging 4.9 ypc over the Chiefs four-game winning streak, it's been a change in how the Chiefs are operating their pass offense that has led to Battle's and the team's success.
In the team's first three games, all losses, the pass offense was focused on short passes and as a result 41% of quarterback Matt Cassel's completions were to tight end Leonard Pope or running back Dexter McCluster, and Bowe and Breaston were targeted just 31% of the time. That recipe led to just 143 yards per game passing for Cassel, 113 rushing yards per game, and a Chiefs season that was quickly spiraling out of control.
Then in a week four victory over the Vikings, Haley discovered that shifting the focus of his passing game away from short passes to the backs and tight ends to downfield throws to his wide receivers was a winning formula that made his entire offense better.
Over the course of the team's four game win streak, Cassel has thrown for 235 ypg and the running game without Charles has actually improved, with Battle and McCluster helping the team average 133 ypg. Over the same four game stretch, Cassel has completed 52% of his throws to Bowe and Breaston, compared to just 16% for McCluster and Pope.
Over the past two games since Baldwin has been added into the equation, the Chiefs focus on getting the ball downfield has increased even more, with 71% of Cassel's completions going to the Three B's of Bowe, Breaston, and Baldwin.
Looking ahead at who is left on the Chiefs schedule, there's no reason to think that Haley's focus will shift away from getting the ball to Kansas City's Three B's anytime soon. While the Steelers and Jets rank first and seventh, respectively, in the league against the pass, the Dolphins, Bears, Packers, and Patriots all rank at or near the bottom, while the Broncos and Raiders rank only slightly better.
That should make for some exciting offense for Chiefs fans, a continuation of their current win streak, and perhaps a victory or two over some teams most fans and experts wouldn't have given the Chiefs a shot at beating after starting the season at 0-3.
This past off-season, in an effort to provide head coach Todd Haley with some downfield weapons on offense to keep defenses from keying on Charles and Bowe, general manager Scott Pioli signed free agent wide receiver Steve Breaston and used the Chiefs first round pick on wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin from Pitt.
Even with the addition of Breaston and Baldwin, the impact of the players' strike, a shortened training camp, and a Baldwin run-in with teammate Thomas Jones made incorporating both players into the offense a slow process early on for the Chiefs. As a result, the Chiefs offense faced eight-man fronts in their first three games to stop the Chiefs' running game and short passing game. Then with the loss of Charles to a season-ending ACL injury against Detroit, the Chiefs offense was left no choice but to evolve quickly or find themselves losing their entire season.
While running back Jackie Battle has done admirably in Charles' absense, averaging 4.9 ypc over the Chiefs four-game winning streak, it's been a change in how the Chiefs are operating their pass offense that has led to Battle's and the team's success.
In the team's first three games, all losses, the pass offense was focused on short passes and as a result 41% of quarterback Matt Cassel's completions were to tight end Leonard Pope or running back Dexter McCluster, and Bowe and Breaston were targeted just 31% of the time. That recipe led to just 143 yards per game passing for Cassel, 113 rushing yards per game, and a Chiefs season that was quickly spiraling out of control.
Then in a week four victory over the Vikings, Haley discovered that shifting the focus of his passing game away from short passes to the backs and tight ends to downfield throws to his wide receivers was a winning formula that made his entire offense better.
Over the course of the team's four game win streak, Cassel has thrown for 235 ypg and the running game without Charles has actually improved, with Battle and McCluster helping the team average 133 ypg. Over the same four game stretch, Cassel has completed 52% of his throws to Bowe and Breaston, compared to just 16% for McCluster and Pope.
Over the past two games since Baldwin has been added into the equation, the Chiefs focus on getting the ball downfield has increased even more, with 71% of Cassel's completions going to the Three B's of Bowe, Breaston, and Baldwin.
Looking ahead at who is left on the Chiefs schedule, there's no reason to think that Haley's focus will shift away from getting the ball to Kansas City's Three B's anytime soon. While the Steelers and Jets rank first and seventh, respectively, in the league against the pass, the Dolphins, Bears, Packers, and Patriots all rank at or near the bottom, while the Broncos and Raiders rank only slightly better.
That should make for some exciting offense for Chiefs fans, a continuation of their current win streak, and perhaps a victory or two over some teams most fans and experts wouldn't have given the Chiefs a shot at beating after starting the season at 0-3.
Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers needs to play well against the Lions Calvin Johnson if KC is going to have a chance at winning on Sunday.
Week one’s debacle of a loss to the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium, their second-worst home loss in franchise history, coupled with a season-ending knee injury to All-Pro second-year safety Eric Berry already has many a Chiefs fan leaping headfirst off what was starting to become a crowded bandwagon.
For this young team, there hasn’t been much that’s gone right since the blowout playoff loss at home to the Ravens that ended their 2010 season. A missed off-season, abbreviated training camp, winless pre-season, and an opening week loss later; and this Chiefs team still has the ability to right the ship and get their 2011 season untrack.
For all this to happen however, the Chiefs must avoid beginning their season 0-2, which means marching into Detroit’s Ford Field on Sunday with something they didn’t have all pre-season or in their first game against Buffalo…a game plan that takes advantage of what the up-and-coming Lions don’t do well, and lessens the impacts of the losses of Berry and tight end Tony Moeaki.
Here are the five things the Chiefs must do Sunday to quiet the roar of the Lions and walk out of Detroit with a victory:
1. Open Up the Passing Game
The Lions defense plays a style of defense that Chiefs fans should be familiar with since their defensive coordinator is one-time Chiefs coach Gunther Cunningham. They will likely load up the box against the Chiefs to contain running back Jamaal Charles and dare quarterback Matt Cassel to beat them throwing the ball.
That is precisely what the Chiefs need to do.
Rather than lining up a two tight-end set and trying to run the ball right into the teeth of the Lions defense, they need to spread out their offense and take advantage of the young and undersized Lions secondary. With not a single player over six foot, the Lions should be outmatched on the outside by receivers Dwayne Bowe and Jerheme Urban, and Steve Breaston needs to be a much bigger focus of the passing game over the middle.
2. Speed up the tempo on offense
If there’s one thing that coach Todd Haley stressed during the pre-season, it was conditioning. He wanted his team to have more gas left in the tank after 60 minutes than the opposition, and there’s no better team to test that against than this Lions team.
On offense, that means running a lot of no-huddle and putting Cassel in the shotgun on almost every play to help neutralize one of the best front-fours in the league at applying pressure to the quarterback. The Lions may also prove susceptible to screens to backs Charles and Dexter McCluster whose speed will present problems for Detroit’s linebackers on the perimeter. Mix in the occasional mid-deep throws to Bowe, Urban, and Breaston, and the Chiefs offense can win a track meet against the Lions defense.
3. Eliminate WR Calvin Johnson from the Lions offense
Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers loves a big challenge and there aren’t many bigger than Lions receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson is the key to what the Lions do successfully on offense. If the Chiefs lock Flowers up on Johnson and throw in a regular double-team from a nickelback or safety, quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense becomes much less effective.
Additionally, the Chiefs can then focus on stopping Stafford’s next best option, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, something right up the alley of linebacker Derrick Johnson. After those two players, the Lions passing game becomes much more pedestrian and gives the Chiefs a much better chance of getting some three-and-outs.
4. Win the turnover and field position battles
Against the Bills, the Chiefs were absolutely horrendous when it came to field position. Through a combination of poor special teams and turnovers, the Bills consistently were provided a short field while the Chiefs were left having to trek the distance of the field on virtually every possession.
Against the Lions, not only must the Chiefs not turn the ball over, but they have to force Stafford into some mistakes that result in a short field for the Chiefs offense. If they can’t create those turnovers, Stafford proved last week that he can take his offense the length of the field with five scoring drives of 70 yards or more.
5. Get ahead early
Ford Field is soldout and will be rocking for the Lions home opener, and the Chiefs need to strike early and often if they want a shot at taking the crowd out of the game. Remember, this is a Lions crowd that is excited about the promise of this young Lions team, but can quickly be reminded of decades of losing if the Chiefs can build an early lead.
An added benefit to getting ahead early will be that Detroit will be a lot less patient with trying to establish their running game with Jahvid Best if they’re stuck playing catch-up. Best, whose best run last week was just nine yards, is capable of having a big game against the Chiefs if given the opportunity, something that cannot happen if the Chiefs are to even their record at 1-1.
For this young team, there hasn’t been much that’s gone right since the blowout playoff loss at home to the Ravens that ended their 2010 season. A missed off-season, abbreviated training camp, winless pre-season, and an opening week loss later; and this Chiefs team still has the ability to right the ship and get their 2011 season untrack.
For all this to happen however, the Chiefs must avoid beginning their season 0-2, which means marching into Detroit’s Ford Field on Sunday with something they didn’t have all pre-season or in their first game against Buffalo…a game plan that takes advantage of what the up-and-coming Lions don’t do well, and lessens the impacts of the losses of Berry and tight end Tony Moeaki.
Here are the five things the Chiefs must do Sunday to quiet the roar of the Lions and walk out of Detroit with a victory:
1. Open Up the Passing Game
The Lions defense plays a style of defense that Chiefs fans should be familiar with since their defensive coordinator is one-time Chiefs coach Gunther Cunningham. They will likely load up the box against the Chiefs to contain running back Jamaal Charles and dare quarterback Matt Cassel to beat them throwing the ball.
That is precisely what the Chiefs need to do.
Rather than lining up a two tight-end set and trying to run the ball right into the teeth of the Lions defense, they need to spread out their offense and take advantage of the young and undersized Lions secondary. With not a single player over six foot, the Lions should be outmatched on the outside by receivers Dwayne Bowe and Jerheme Urban, and Steve Breaston needs to be a much bigger focus of the passing game over the middle.
2. Speed up the tempo on offense
If there’s one thing that coach Todd Haley stressed during the pre-season, it was conditioning. He wanted his team to have more gas left in the tank after 60 minutes than the opposition, and there’s no better team to test that against than this Lions team.
On offense, that means running a lot of no-huddle and putting Cassel in the shotgun on almost every play to help neutralize one of the best front-fours in the league at applying pressure to the quarterback. The Lions may also prove susceptible to screens to backs Charles and Dexter McCluster whose speed will present problems for Detroit’s linebackers on the perimeter. Mix in the occasional mid-deep throws to Bowe, Urban, and Breaston, and the Chiefs offense can win a track meet against the Lions defense.
3. Eliminate WR Calvin Johnson from the Lions offense
Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers loves a big challenge and there aren’t many bigger than Lions receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson is the key to what the Lions do successfully on offense. If the Chiefs lock Flowers up on Johnson and throw in a regular double-team from a nickelback or safety, quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense becomes much less effective.
Additionally, the Chiefs can then focus on stopping Stafford’s next best option, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, something right up the alley of linebacker Derrick Johnson. After those two players, the Lions passing game becomes much more pedestrian and gives the Chiefs a much better chance of getting some three-and-outs.
4. Win the turnover and field position battles
Against the Bills, the Chiefs were absolutely horrendous when it came to field position. Through a combination of poor special teams and turnovers, the Bills consistently were provided a short field while the Chiefs were left having to trek the distance of the field on virtually every possession.
Against the Lions, not only must the Chiefs not turn the ball over, but they have to force Stafford into some mistakes that result in a short field for the Chiefs offense. If they can’t create those turnovers, Stafford proved last week that he can take his offense the length of the field with five scoring drives of 70 yards or more.
5. Get ahead early
Ford Field is soldout and will be rocking for the Lions home opener, and the Chiefs need to strike early and often if they want a shot at taking the crowd out of the game. Remember, this is a Lions crowd that is excited about the promise of this young Lions team, but can quickly be reminded of decades of losing if the Chiefs can build an early lead.
An added benefit to getting ahead early will be that Detroit will be a lot less patient with trying to establish their running game with Jahvid Best if they’re stuck playing catch-up. Best, whose best run last week was just nine yards, is capable of having a big game against the Chiefs if given the opportunity, something that cannot happen if the Chiefs are to even their record at 1-1.
With TE Moeaki Out For the Season, Chiefs Should Take a Flyer on Former Local Star Chase Coffman 09/04/2011
The Chiefs should sign former Raymore-Peculiar and University of Missouri standout Chase Coffman
As if the Chiefs passing game wasn't already in enough trouble with an offensive line that can't seem to keep quarterback Matt Cassel upright, the news that one of Cassel's main targets, tight end Tony Moeaki, is out for the season could be altogether devastating.
Moeaki, who went down with a knee injury in the Chiefs last pre-season game against the Packers, was the offense's second-best receiver last season behind Pro Bowl receiver Dwayne Bowe. Moeaki finished the season with 47 catches for 556 yards and three touchdowns, numbers that Moeaki's replacement in the starting lineup, Leonard Pope, hasn't come close to in his five seasons.
Pope and the only other tight end on the Chiefs' roster, journeyman veteran Anthony Becht, aren't going to fulfill the need for a pass-catching tight end. Pope caught 10 passes for 76 yards last year with two touchdowns while Becht, who at one point in his 10-year career was a decent pass-catcher, didn't even play a down in the league season. In fact, Becht hasn't caught double-digit passes in a season for five years.
So what will Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley do to offset Moeaki's absense in 2011?
Back in 2008, when Haley was the offensive coordinator for a Cardinals team that played its way into the Super Bowl with their high-powered passing game, Pope was the team's tight end and was actually less impressive than he was last season for the Chiefs (9 catches for 77 yards and no TDs). In fact, with quarterback Kurt Warner at the helm, two of the Chiefs current receivers, Jerheme Urban and Steve Breaston, played significant roles in that offense. The two combined for 111 catches for 1,454 yards and seven touchdowns that season, as the second and third receiving options behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.
So, with Breaston and Urban on board this season, it is entirely feasible that Haley could alter the offense to get the ball into their hands even more often than he originally intended to. And while it seems more than probable that the Chiefs will go this route, there is another option that could intrigue many Chiefs fans, thanks to the Cincinnati Bengals.
In making their cuts this weekend, the Bengals decided to cut ties with former Missouri Tigers standout Chase Coffman. A third-round pick in 2009, Coffman was regarded by many as the best receiving tight end prospect in that year's draft. After never really getting an opportunity his rookie season to flash the talents he showed at Missouri or during his prep days locally at Ray-Pec High School, the writing was on the wall for Coffman when the Bengals made Oklahoma star tight end Jermaine Gresham their top pick in 2010.
Gresham went on to catch 52 passes last season for the Bengals, while Coffman had just three in limited playing time.
So why can Coffman come to Kansas City and produce when he couldn't do it in Cincinnati?
Unlike the offense he played in with the Bengals, the Chiefs offense makes a habit of splitting out the tight end on obvious passing downs, something that was Coffman's bread and butter in college. In Cincinnati, tight ends coach and former Chiefs' tight end Jonathan Hayes lost faith in Coffman because he isn't a very good blocker, but this Chiefs team already has Pope and Becht to fill that need.
With six catches for 40 yards this preseason, it's obvious that Coffman still has the skills to be a decent tight end in this league, and Pioli and Haley should take a chance on him. If he works out, Arrowhead Stadium will go berserk every time the local kid pulls in a pass. If he doesn't, the Chiefs can waive him in a few weeks and sign Cody Slate from the practice squad.
Moeaki, who went down with a knee injury in the Chiefs last pre-season game against the Packers, was the offense's second-best receiver last season behind Pro Bowl receiver Dwayne Bowe. Moeaki finished the season with 47 catches for 556 yards and three touchdowns, numbers that Moeaki's replacement in the starting lineup, Leonard Pope, hasn't come close to in his five seasons.
Pope and the only other tight end on the Chiefs' roster, journeyman veteran Anthony Becht, aren't going to fulfill the need for a pass-catching tight end. Pope caught 10 passes for 76 yards last year with two touchdowns while Becht, who at one point in his 10-year career was a decent pass-catcher, didn't even play a down in the league season. In fact, Becht hasn't caught double-digit passes in a season for five years.
So what will Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley do to offset Moeaki's absense in 2011?
Back in 2008, when Haley was the offensive coordinator for a Cardinals team that played its way into the Super Bowl with their high-powered passing game, Pope was the team's tight end and was actually less impressive than he was last season for the Chiefs (9 catches for 77 yards and no TDs). In fact, with quarterback Kurt Warner at the helm, two of the Chiefs current receivers, Jerheme Urban and Steve Breaston, played significant roles in that offense. The two combined for 111 catches for 1,454 yards and seven touchdowns that season, as the second and third receiving options behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.
So, with Breaston and Urban on board this season, it is entirely feasible that Haley could alter the offense to get the ball into their hands even more often than he originally intended to. And while it seems more than probable that the Chiefs will go this route, there is another option that could intrigue many Chiefs fans, thanks to the Cincinnati Bengals.
In making their cuts this weekend, the Bengals decided to cut ties with former Missouri Tigers standout Chase Coffman. A third-round pick in 2009, Coffman was regarded by many as the best receiving tight end prospect in that year's draft. After never really getting an opportunity his rookie season to flash the talents he showed at Missouri or during his prep days locally at Ray-Pec High School, the writing was on the wall for Coffman when the Bengals made Oklahoma star tight end Jermaine Gresham their top pick in 2010.
Gresham went on to catch 52 passes last season for the Bengals, while Coffman had just three in limited playing time.
So why can Coffman come to Kansas City and produce when he couldn't do it in Cincinnati?
Unlike the offense he played in with the Bengals, the Chiefs offense makes a habit of splitting out the tight end on obvious passing downs, something that was Coffman's bread and butter in college. In Cincinnati, tight ends coach and former Chiefs' tight end Jonathan Hayes lost faith in Coffman because he isn't a very good blocker, but this Chiefs team already has Pope and Becht to fill that need.
With six catches for 40 yards this preseason, it's obvious that Coffman still has the skills to be a decent tight end in this league, and Pioli and Haley should take a chance on him. If he works out, Arrowhead Stadium will go berserk every time the local kid pulls in a pass. If he doesn't, the Chiefs can waive him in a few weeks and sign Cody Slate from the practice squad.
After the Chiefs lost veterans Ron Edwards and Shaun Smith to free agency earlier this week, Kansas City fans and media began to focus intently on the team’s gaping hole at nose tackle heading into training camp.
Hardly anyone believed that a combination of three-year veteran Anthony Toribio and rookie sixth-round draft pick Jerrell Powe could result in a playoff caliber defense for the Chiefs. That said, it became altogether obvious that general manager Scott Pioli had to sign someone through free agency, and almost everyone focused on former 49ers nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin.
Franklin, however, didn’t fit the mold for what the Chiefs needed at nose tackle.
After the retirement of linebacker Mike Vrabel, the Chiefs defense is in desperate need of a leader, and preferably one with playoff experience to lead this young yet extremely talented defense. The Chiefs also need someone at nose tackle who does what every great nose tackle is known for, being a force in the running game while gobbling up blockers and allowing the linebackers behind him to run free and make plays.
Franklin has never been that type of player for the 49ers, nor was Edwards or Smith that type of player for the Chiefs last season.
In fact, over the past decade it could be argued that the only nose tackles in the NFL who have truly been the type of player the Chiefs defense has desperately needed, has played in either Pittsburgh or Baltimore. The 3-4 defenses for the Ravens and Steelers have been the best in the league, both known for their playoff-caliber dominance against the run, and the NFL’s best linebacking units.
So while the Steelers don’t appear ready to part with Casey Hampton anytime soon, the nose tackle leading the way on all those Baltimore defenses, 12 year veteran Kelly Gregg, was sitting out there available. In fact, after choosing to keep Gregg back in 2007 and let the aforementioned Franklin move on to the 49ers, the Ravens finally chose to let Gregg go in favor of last year’s second-round pick Terrence “Mount” Cody.
For Pioli, it quickly became crystal clear that Gregg should be the only player in his crosshairs to fill the team’s vacancy for a starting nose tackle.
Over the past five seasons, and note that Gregg missed all of 2008, Gregg produced more tackles than both Edwards and Franklin combined. Gregg racked up 242 tackles in that span compared to just 110 for Edwards and 128 for Franklin, respectively. He also registered more sacks (9.5) then Edwards (8.5) or Franklin (3) during that same span and has 19.5 for his career.
For some Chiefs fans, Gregg’s frame (6’ and 320 pounds), relentless style of play, and jersey number (97) will quickly remind them of another nose tackle who played on some great Chiefs teams in the early 90s, in former Chiefs fan favorite Dan Saleaumua.
Kelly Gregg is not just a nice fit at nose tackle for the Chiefs defense, but he is the ideal fit and may very well represent the perfect player to help lead this team back to the playoffs in 2011.
Hardly anyone believed that a combination of three-year veteran Anthony Toribio and rookie sixth-round draft pick Jerrell Powe could result in a playoff caliber defense for the Chiefs. That said, it became altogether obvious that general manager Scott Pioli had to sign someone through free agency, and almost everyone focused on former 49ers nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin.
Franklin, however, didn’t fit the mold for what the Chiefs needed at nose tackle.
After the retirement of linebacker Mike Vrabel, the Chiefs defense is in desperate need of a leader, and preferably one with playoff experience to lead this young yet extremely talented defense. The Chiefs also need someone at nose tackle who does what every great nose tackle is known for, being a force in the running game while gobbling up blockers and allowing the linebackers behind him to run free and make plays.
Franklin has never been that type of player for the 49ers, nor was Edwards or Smith that type of player for the Chiefs last season.
In fact, over the past decade it could be argued that the only nose tackles in the NFL who have truly been the type of player the Chiefs defense has desperately needed, has played in either Pittsburgh or Baltimore. The 3-4 defenses for the Ravens and Steelers have been the best in the league, both known for their playoff-caliber dominance against the run, and the NFL’s best linebacking units.
So while the Steelers don’t appear ready to part with Casey Hampton anytime soon, the nose tackle leading the way on all those Baltimore defenses, 12 year veteran Kelly Gregg, was sitting out there available. In fact, after choosing to keep Gregg back in 2007 and let the aforementioned Franklin move on to the 49ers, the Ravens finally chose to let Gregg go in favor of last year’s second-round pick Terrence “Mount” Cody.
For Pioli, it quickly became crystal clear that Gregg should be the only player in his crosshairs to fill the team’s vacancy for a starting nose tackle.
Over the past five seasons, and note that Gregg missed all of 2008, Gregg produced more tackles than both Edwards and Franklin combined. Gregg racked up 242 tackles in that span compared to just 110 for Edwards and 128 for Franklin, respectively. He also registered more sacks (9.5) then Edwards (8.5) or Franklin (3) during that same span and has 19.5 for his career.
For some Chiefs fans, Gregg’s frame (6’ and 320 pounds), relentless style of play, and jersey number (97) will quickly remind them of another nose tackle who played on some great Chiefs teams in the early 90s, in former Chiefs fan favorite Dan Saleaumua.
Kelly Gregg is not just a nice fit at nose tackle for the Chiefs defense, but he is the ideal fit and may very well represent the perfect player to help lead this team back to the playoffs in 2011.
The release of Brian Waters represents the end of a string of All-Pro offensive linemen that endured through the best and worst of times in KC.
As the rest of the Chiefs were reporting to training camp on Thursday night, the Chiefs and All-Pro 34 year-old guard Brian Waters were announcing the end of an era. On Thursday, the Chiefs turned rumor into reality when they released Waters from the team.
Waters, who has spent the past 11 seasons as a member of the Chiefs, harbors no ill-will towards the organization that rescued him off the scrap heap back in 2000, and converting him into one of the best guards in team's history. Although his play had declined in recent years, most noticably since the retirement of fellow guard Will Shields, the leadership supplied by Waters in the first two seasons of the Todd Haley era will be missed the most. More than any one down he played on the field, his locker room presence was instrumental in helping a young Chiefs squad ascend back to the top of the AFC West.
Like the retired Shields, Waters will also be greatly missed off the football field within the community. As Shields was in 2003, Waters was recognized by Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2009 as the NFL's Man of the Year for his charitable work in the Kansas City area. While it is doubtful that Waters, who lives full-time in Kansas City, will move out of the area anytime soon, it remains to be seen which Chief will pickup the torch and run with it when it comes to work in the community.
So on the field, what does the release of Waters mean to the Chiefs?
The answer is simple, it means the Jon Asamoah era has officially begun. And if the legacies of the men who started before Asamoah the past two decades is any indication, the Chiefs offense won't miss a beat.
Waters, who has spent the past 11 seasons as a member of the Chiefs, harbors no ill-will towards the organization that rescued him off the scrap heap back in 2000, and converting him into one of the best guards in team's history. Although his play had declined in recent years, most noticably since the retirement of fellow guard Will Shields, the leadership supplied by Waters in the first two seasons of the Todd Haley era will be missed the most. More than any one down he played on the field, his locker room presence was instrumental in helping a young Chiefs squad ascend back to the top of the AFC West.
Like the retired Shields, Waters will also be greatly missed off the football field within the community. As Shields was in 2003, Waters was recognized by Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2009 as the NFL's Man of the Year for his charitable work in the Kansas City area. While it is doubtful that Waters, who lives full-time in Kansas City, will move out of the area anytime soon, it remains to be seen which Chief will pickup the torch and run with it when it comes to work in the community.
So on the field, what does the release of Waters mean to the Chiefs?
The answer is simple, it means the Jon Asamoah era has officially begun. And if the legacies of the men who started before Asamoah the past two decades is any indication, the Chiefs offense won't miss a beat.
Steve Breaston has been one of the best slot receivers in the NFL since his breakout 2008 season.
The passing offense for the Kansas City Chiefs should be significantly better as a result of agreeing to a five-year deal with former Arizona Cardinals and University of Michigan wide receiver Steve Breaston.
Breaston, who will turn 28 at the end of August, enjoyed his best season at any level in 2008 under now Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. That season, which ended with a Cardinals loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl, Breaston caught 77 passes for 1,006 yards and three touchdowns. As the Cardinals slot receiver, he joined teammates Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin in the 1,000 yard club that season, the only trio in the league to accomplish that feat.
This season, Haley and the Chiefs are hoping Breaston can accomplish that feat again alongside Dwayne Bowe and rookie Jonathan Baldwin. It’s hard to imagine that with an efficient Matt Cassel throwing the passes and the league’s best running game to keep defenses honest, that there’s any reason to think that this new trio of B’s (nickname coming soon!) will do anything but make this team better.
Breaston, who will turn 28 at the end of August, enjoyed his best season at any level in 2008 under now Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. That season, which ended with a Cardinals loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl, Breaston caught 77 passes for 1,006 yards and three touchdowns. As the Cardinals slot receiver, he joined teammates Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin in the 1,000 yard club that season, the only trio in the league to accomplish that feat.
This season, Haley and the Chiefs are hoping Breaston can accomplish that feat again alongside Dwayne Bowe and rookie Jonathan Baldwin. It’s hard to imagine that with an efficient Matt Cassel throwing the passes and the league’s best running game to keep defenses honest, that there’s any reason to think that this new trio of B’s (nickname coming soon!) will do anything but make this team better.
Over the course of the past two seasons, Chiefs GM Scott Pioli has successfully built a roster loaded with players of high character, strong work ethic, and leaders on and off the field. The presence of those players is why Pioli was willing to make some high-risk and potentially high-reward selections in this year’s NFL Draft.
Offense
Head coach Todd Haley has to be thrilled with the selection of first round pick Jonathan Baldwin. Baldwin will not just take pressure off of Dwayne Bowe, but the former Pitt Panther has the potential to unseat Bowe as the team’s top receiving threat.
Labeled as a malcontent who had run-ins with his coaches at Pitt, Baldwin is planning on attending the same off-season camp held by former Pitt Panther Larry Fitzgerald, the same camp Bowe attended last year. If the camp can yield results for Baldwin anywhere close to the ones that turned Bowe’s career around last year, Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel could have another career year and lead his team on another run deep into the playoffs this season.
Perhaps the best pick of the entire draft weekend for the Chiefs was the second-round selection of Florida State center Rodney Hudson. While he has the versatility to play anywhere on the interior line, his athleticism and leadership qualities will in all likelihood make him the heir apparent to aging veteran Casey Wiegmann at center.
For the first time since the 2006 selection of Brodie Croyle in the third-round, the Chiefs used a fifth-round pick on Iowa’s Ricky
Stanzi. Stanzi was 26-9 in three seasons as the starter for the Hawkeyes, and set the Hawkeye’s single-season record for passing efficiency (157.63) last season. His presence could very well spell the end of the Croyle era in Kansas City.
Pioli’s final pick in the draft, Yale fullback Shane Bannon, ran the ball just twice in college but did catch 16 passes for 147
yards and 2 touchdowns during his career. His chances of making the team will ride on his ability to play special teams as well as proving he can clear the way for Chiefs halfbacks on short yardage plays, something that last year’s fullbacks weren’t particularly adept at.
Defense
With obvious needs at OLB and NT, the Chiefs addressed both positions by selecting Georgia LB Justin Houston in the third round and Ole Miss NT Jerrell Powe in the sixth round.
Houston was a menace as the Bulldogs primary pass-rusher in Georgia’s new 3-4 defense in 2010. He had 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. If not for a failed drug test at the combine, and a previous drug suspension back in 2009, he could have heard his name called in the first round. If he can stay on the straight and narrow, Houston could step in as a starter opposite Tamba
Hali, in the OLB spot vacated by unsigned free agent Mike Vrabel, potentially giving the Chiefs the best pass-rushing unit they’ve had since Marty Schottenheimer was the coach.
Former Ole Miss Rebel Powe provides the Chiefs something they haven’t had since implementing the 3-4 defense, a massive presence in the middle of their defensive line. At 335 lbs, Powe can be the anchor that the Chiefs defense has so desperately needed against the run, allowing others around him to make plays. If not for the depth in this year’s draft, the Rebels’ 2010 defensive team captain could have been selected anywhere in the first three rounds. As it stands, the Chiefs are hoping he is a steal as a sixth-rounder.
The Chiefs remaining picks on the defensive side of the ball will provide positional depth and could blossom into more as the season goes on. Miami defensive end Allen Bailey is a beast in the weight room with a fantastic work ethic, so much so that if former first-round pick Tyson Jackson doesn’t step up his game, he could find himself losing snaps to the Hog Hammock, GA native.
Colorado cornerback Jalil Brown has great size for a corner (6’ and 204 lbs) and like so many Pioli draft picks before him, Brown was a team captain his senior season and has exceptionally strong character and work ethic. He will likely give Javier Arenas a run for his money as the Chiefs nickel corner.
Finally, the Chiefs grabbed Oregon State OLB Gabe Miller. Miller began his career with the Beavers as a tight end, but earned
All Pac-10 honorable mention honors at defensive end in his senior season. Miller could see spot play at linebacker but his future likely rides on his ability to play special teams.
Overall
This year’s draft addressed several positions of need for the Chiefs, and while a few picks do present some level of risk, Pioli is
betting that his coaching staff and the high character leaders on the roster will help this group reap the rewards that their talent warrants.
Grade:
B+
Offense
Head coach Todd Haley has to be thrilled with the selection of first round pick Jonathan Baldwin. Baldwin will not just take pressure off of Dwayne Bowe, but the former Pitt Panther has the potential to unseat Bowe as the team’s top receiving threat.
Labeled as a malcontent who had run-ins with his coaches at Pitt, Baldwin is planning on attending the same off-season camp held by former Pitt Panther Larry Fitzgerald, the same camp Bowe attended last year. If the camp can yield results for Baldwin anywhere close to the ones that turned Bowe’s career around last year, Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel could have another career year and lead his team on another run deep into the playoffs this season.
Perhaps the best pick of the entire draft weekend for the Chiefs was the second-round selection of Florida State center Rodney Hudson. While he has the versatility to play anywhere on the interior line, his athleticism and leadership qualities will in all likelihood make him the heir apparent to aging veteran Casey Wiegmann at center.
For the first time since the 2006 selection of Brodie Croyle in the third-round, the Chiefs used a fifth-round pick on Iowa’s Ricky
Stanzi. Stanzi was 26-9 in three seasons as the starter for the Hawkeyes, and set the Hawkeye’s single-season record for passing efficiency (157.63) last season. His presence could very well spell the end of the Croyle era in Kansas City.
Pioli’s final pick in the draft, Yale fullback Shane Bannon, ran the ball just twice in college but did catch 16 passes for 147
yards and 2 touchdowns during his career. His chances of making the team will ride on his ability to play special teams as well as proving he can clear the way for Chiefs halfbacks on short yardage plays, something that last year’s fullbacks weren’t particularly adept at.
Defense
With obvious needs at OLB and NT, the Chiefs addressed both positions by selecting Georgia LB Justin Houston in the third round and Ole Miss NT Jerrell Powe in the sixth round.
Houston was a menace as the Bulldogs primary pass-rusher in Georgia’s new 3-4 defense in 2010. He had 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. If not for a failed drug test at the combine, and a previous drug suspension back in 2009, he could have heard his name called in the first round. If he can stay on the straight and narrow, Houston could step in as a starter opposite Tamba
Hali, in the OLB spot vacated by unsigned free agent Mike Vrabel, potentially giving the Chiefs the best pass-rushing unit they’ve had since Marty Schottenheimer was the coach.
Former Ole Miss Rebel Powe provides the Chiefs something they haven’t had since implementing the 3-4 defense, a massive presence in the middle of their defensive line. At 335 lbs, Powe can be the anchor that the Chiefs defense has so desperately needed against the run, allowing others around him to make plays. If not for the depth in this year’s draft, the Rebels’ 2010 defensive team captain could have been selected anywhere in the first three rounds. As it stands, the Chiefs are hoping he is a steal as a sixth-rounder.
The Chiefs remaining picks on the defensive side of the ball will provide positional depth and could blossom into more as the season goes on. Miami defensive end Allen Bailey is a beast in the weight room with a fantastic work ethic, so much so that if former first-round pick Tyson Jackson doesn’t step up his game, he could find himself losing snaps to the Hog Hammock, GA native.
Colorado cornerback Jalil Brown has great size for a corner (6’ and 204 lbs) and like so many Pioli draft picks before him, Brown was a team captain his senior season and has exceptionally strong character and work ethic. He will likely give Javier Arenas a run for his money as the Chiefs nickel corner.
Finally, the Chiefs grabbed Oregon State OLB Gabe Miller. Miller began his career with the Beavers as a tight end, but earned
All Pac-10 honorable mention honors at defensive end in his senior season. Miller could see spot play at linebacker but his future likely rides on his ability to play special teams.
Overall
This year’s draft addressed several positions of need for the Chiefs, and while a few picks do present some level of risk, Pioli is
betting that his coaching staff and the high character leaders on the roster will help this group reap the rewards that their talent warrants.
Grade:
B+
The Kansas City Chiefs approach the 2011 NFL Draft with needs at many positions. Depending on the position, those needs are driven by the need to improve talent, replace an aging veteran, fill a spot previously occupied by a player who is now an unsigned free agent, or a combination of some or all of those factors.
A year after landing Pro Bowl rookie Eric Berry in the first round, Scott Pioli and his scouts were able to find players who started at some point during 2010 with five of their remaining six selections. That is extremely impressive for a team that also turned around its losing ways, rebounding from a 4-12 2009 season to go 10-6, win the AFC West, and make their first playoff appearance since 2006.
The Chiefs still have holes to fill at other positions, but they won't likely find five starters for 2011 in this year's draft. That said, you can fully expect the team to look for players in the first three rounds that they expect to play prominent roles in their run to repeat as division champs. Here are the Chiefs most pressing needs, and the players likely to be on the board when it's the Chiefs turn to pick at the 21st selection.
Wide Receiver
Dwayne Bowe turned in an excellent season in 2010, but unfortunately for Chiefs fans, 2009 free agent pickup Chris Chambers didn't even come close to what he did prior to signing a contract extension before last season. Second-round pick Dexter McCluster was dynamic when he wasn't hobbled by injury, but his value is in playing the slot, not the team's #2 receiver. The Chiefs desperately need to find someone to stretch the field and take pressure off of Bowe and young tight end Tony Moeaki in the passing game.
Who will be available that the Chiefs may pick in round one?
1. Torrey Smith - Maryland
Smith is one of those guys you want to root for. He overcame a difficult childhood that resulted in him becoming the man of the house at age seven with six younger siblings. Character alone would make this guy a target for Pioli. Throw in the fact that he's blazing fast, has great size (6'1" and 204 lbs), runs extremely well on short throws after the catch, and blocks well in the running game, coach Todd Haley would be licking his chops to get this kid on the field. He could be the surprise pick of the first round.
2. Randall Cobb - Kentucky
Cobb doesn't have elite speed but he runs excellent routes, isn't afraid to go across the middle despite his size (5'10" and 191 lbs), and his ability and tenacious blocking in the running game could mean that Chiefs rotation at wide receiver on running downs could finally come to an end.
Who will be available but won't be the Chiefs pick...
1. Jonathan Baldwin - Pitt
He's had a tendency to drop balls and his arrest for indecent assault in 2009 won't endear him to Pioli who wants good character guys.
Nose Tackle
It was two years ago when new head coach Todd Haley declared that his team would move from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, and the team has struggled to find a player who could thrive at the nose tackle position. Last season, veterans Ron Edwards, Shaun Smith, and Anthony Toribio each saw their fair share of time at the position, with Edwards seeing the majority of the snaps. And when Edwards is your best option and only tallies 26 tackles, 2 sacks, and hasn’t forced a fumble in seven years, you need an upgrade. Oh and did I mention that Edwards is a free agent?
Who could be available that the Chiefs may pick in round one?
1. Phil Taylor - Baylor
Taylor is enormous (6’3” and 334 lbs) and has the talent to become one of the most dominant nose tackles in the game. He plays the run very well, which would fill the exact need that the Chiefs have along their defensive line. However, questions abound about Taylor’s work ethic and lead most to believe that Pioli will ultimately pass on Taylor.
2. Stephen Paea - Oregon State
Despite what could be considered “smallish” size for a nose tackle prospect (6’1” and 303 lbs), Paea is ridiculously strong and is an anchor against double-teams in the running game. He broke the NFL Combine record with 49 bench presses of 225 lbs. Paea was a team captain in each of his final two seasons with the Beavers, something we know Pioli loves. And finally, if there was one word used to describe this guy’s motor, it would be relentless.
Who could be available but won't be the Chiefs pick...
1. Marvin Austin – North Carolina
Austin’s questionable work ethic and maturity issues resulted in being disciplined by his coaches in the past and his eventual dismissal from the team this season for improper dealings with an agent. Pioli won’t touch him.
Outside Linebacker
Like the situation at the nose tackle position, the Chiefs 2010 starter at the position (Mike Vrabel) is an aging veteran who is a free agent heading into the 2011 season. The question is, how much faith does Pioli and the coaching staff have in backup Andy Studebaker and last year’s final draft pick Camerson Sheffield, who missed most of the season with a neck injury?
Who could be available that the Chiefs may pick in round one?
1. Brooks Reed - Arizona
Reed is another team captain whose makeup will attract the Chiefs personnel people. Although he played defensive end in college, his size (6’2” and 263 lbs) and speed (4.65 - 40 yd dash) translate well into the 3-4 OLB he’d play for the Chiefs. He tackles well, is very good at rushing the passer, has the skills to drop back into zone pass coverage, and has long blonde locks and a motor that will remind Chiefs fans of the Packers Clay Mathews.
2. Akeem Ayers - UCLA
Unlike Reed, Ayers played outside linebacker for the Bruins. Like Reed, he was a team captain and was a good student without any off-field issues. Ayers is a very good pass-rusher but has trouble wrapping up at times against the run.
Who could be available but won't be the Chiefs pick...
1. Bruce Carter – North Carolina
Carter was a solid producer for the Tar Heels, and has excellent speed sideline to sideline. However, he plays with a finesse style of play that leads to too many missed tackles, and would give Haley flashbacks to the type of player Derrick Johnson was when he lost his starting job.
Offensive Tackle
Ever since the retirement of Willie Roaf, the Chiefs have had a need at offensive tackle. While many fans and draft experts keep saying the team needs to find a left tackle that will allow them to move Brandon Albert to the right side, there likely won’t be that type of player available who could start on day one on the left side. There are a couple players however, that could step in as starters on the right side and perhaps develop into future left tackles.
Who could be available that the Chiefs may pick in round one?
1. Nate Solder - Colorado
Solder is regarded by many as having the highest upside of any of the tackle prospects. He played all 36 games of his college career at left tackle for the Buffalos, and displays exceptional athleticism. His size will remind many of former Chiefs left tackle John Alt (6’8” and 319 lbs), and he is considerably faster (4.96 – 40 yd dash) than most who play the position. Is the ideal candidate if the Chiefs want someone who could start on the right side and eventually replace Albert.
2. Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin
If you’ve ever been to the upper Midwest during the winter, Carimi’s blocking skills in the running game will remind you of a Wisconsin snow-plow. A four-year starter at left tackle for the Badgers, he’s not as accomplished a pass-blocker as Solder is, but he uses his massive frame (6’7” and 314 lbs) as perhaps the draft’s best blocker in the rushing game.
Who could be available but won't be the Chiefs pick...
1. Marcus Gilbert – Florida
If you followed the Chiefs draft last year, you know the affinity Pioli showed for the SEC. Gilbert is huge (6’6” and 330 lbs) and while he can hold his own with his pass-blocking, he’s not the type of run-blocker that would pave the way for Jamaal Charles.
So Who Will the Chiefs Pick?
With the exception of the tackles who will be available when the Chiefs pick, most of the others listed here could be available if the Chiefs are able to trade down a few picks, or even into the second round. Regardless, given Pioli's draft track record of not picking offensive linemen in the first round, I predict he'll stick to that M.O. in this draft as well.
If the Chiefs keep the pick… Reed.
He is the best value at 21 and could step into Vrabel’s outside linebacker spot and start immediately, and in all likelihood Reed will put up much better numbers than Vrabel did last season.
If the Chiefs trade down a few spots… Smith.
The offense, including the offensive line, would benefit greatly from acquiring a receiver the caliber of Smith, who would step right in and start opposite Bowe.
My sleeper pick… Paea.
The guy is simply a beast and with his motor, I can see him becoming a Chiefs fan favorite who will do his fair share of firing up the Arrowhead faithful on Sunday afternoons.
A year after landing Pro Bowl rookie Eric Berry in the first round, Scott Pioli and his scouts were able to find players who started at some point during 2010 with five of their remaining six selections. That is extremely impressive for a team that also turned around its losing ways, rebounding from a 4-12 2009 season to go 10-6, win the AFC West, and make their first playoff appearance since 2006.
The Chiefs still have holes to fill at other positions, but they won't likely find five starters for 2011 in this year's draft. That said, you can fully expect the team to look for players in the first three rounds that they expect to play prominent roles in their run to repeat as division champs. Here are the Chiefs most pressing needs, and the players likely to be on the board when it's the Chiefs turn to pick at the 21st selection.
Wide Receiver
Dwayne Bowe turned in an excellent season in 2010, but unfortunately for Chiefs fans, 2009 free agent pickup Chris Chambers didn't even come close to what he did prior to signing a contract extension before last season. Second-round pick Dexter McCluster was dynamic when he wasn't hobbled by injury, but his value is in playing the slot, not the team's #2 receiver. The Chiefs desperately need to find someone to stretch the field and take pressure off of Bowe and young tight end Tony Moeaki in the passing game.
Who will be available that the Chiefs may pick in round one?
1. Torrey Smith - Maryland
Smith is one of those guys you want to root for. He overcame a difficult childhood that resulted in him becoming the man of the house at age seven with six younger siblings. Character alone would make this guy a target for Pioli. Throw in the fact that he's blazing fast, has great size (6'1" and 204 lbs), runs extremely well on short throws after the catch, and blocks well in the running game, coach Todd Haley would be licking his chops to get this kid on the field. He could be the surprise pick of the first round.
2. Randall Cobb - Kentucky
Cobb doesn't have elite speed but he runs excellent routes, isn't afraid to go across the middle despite his size (5'10" and 191 lbs), and his ability and tenacious blocking in the running game could mean that Chiefs rotation at wide receiver on running downs could finally come to an end.
Who will be available but won't be the Chiefs pick...
1. Jonathan Baldwin - Pitt
He's had a tendency to drop balls and his arrest for indecent assault in 2009 won't endear him to Pioli who wants good character guys.
Nose Tackle
It was two years ago when new head coach Todd Haley declared that his team would move from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, and the team has struggled to find a player who could thrive at the nose tackle position. Last season, veterans Ron Edwards, Shaun Smith, and Anthony Toribio each saw their fair share of time at the position, with Edwards seeing the majority of the snaps. And when Edwards is your best option and only tallies 26 tackles, 2 sacks, and hasn’t forced a fumble in seven years, you need an upgrade. Oh and did I mention that Edwards is a free agent?
Who could be available that the Chiefs may pick in round one?
1. Phil Taylor - Baylor
Taylor is enormous (6’3” and 334 lbs) and has the talent to become one of the most dominant nose tackles in the game. He plays the run very well, which would fill the exact need that the Chiefs have along their defensive line. However, questions abound about Taylor’s work ethic and lead most to believe that Pioli will ultimately pass on Taylor.
2. Stephen Paea - Oregon State
Despite what could be considered “smallish” size for a nose tackle prospect (6’1” and 303 lbs), Paea is ridiculously strong and is an anchor against double-teams in the running game. He broke the NFL Combine record with 49 bench presses of 225 lbs. Paea was a team captain in each of his final two seasons with the Beavers, something we know Pioli loves. And finally, if there was one word used to describe this guy’s motor, it would be relentless.
Who could be available but won't be the Chiefs pick...
1. Marvin Austin – North Carolina
Austin’s questionable work ethic and maturity issues resulted in being disciplined by his coaches in the past and his eventual dismissal from the team this season for improper dealings with an agent. Pioli won’t touch him.
Outside Linebacker
Like the situation at the nose tackle position, the Chiefs 2010 starter at the position (Mike Vrabel) is an aging veteran who is a free agent heading into the 2011 season. The question is, how much faith does Pioli and the coaching staff have in backup Andy Studebaker and last year’s final draft pick Camerson Sheffield, who missed most of the season with a neck injury?
Who could be available that the Chiefs may pick in round one?
1. Brooks Reed - Arizona
Reed is another team captain whose makeup will attract the Chiefs personnel people. Although he played defensive end in college, his size (6’2” and 263 lbs) and speed (4.65 - 40 yd dash) translate well into the 3-4 OLB he’d play for the Chiefs. He tackles well, is very good at rushing the passer, has the skills to drop back into zone pass coverage, and has long blonde locks and a motor that will remind Chiefs fans of the Packers Clay Mathews.
2. Akeem Ayers - UCLA
Unlike Reed, Ayers played outside linebacker for the Bruins. Like Reed, he was a team captain and was a good student without any off-field issues. Ayers is a very good pass-rusher but has trouble wrapping up at times against the run.
Who could be available but won't be the Chiefs pick...
1. Bruce Carter – North Carolina
Carter was a solid producer for the Tar Heels, and has excellent speed sideline to sideline. However, he plays with a finesse style of play that leads to too many missed tackles, and would give Haley flashbacks to the type of player Derrick Johnson was when he lost his starting job.
Offensive Tackle
Ever since the retirement of Willie Roaf, the Chiefs have had a need at offensive tackle. While many fans and draft experts keep saying the team needs to find a left tackle that will allow them to move Brandon Albert to the right side, there likely won’t be that type of player available who could start on day one on the left side. There are a couple players however, that could step in as starters on the right side and perhaps develop into future left tackles.
Who could be available that the Chiefs may pick in round one?
1. Nate Solder - Colorado
Solder is regarded by many as having the highest upside of any of the tackle prospects. He played all 36 games of his college career at left tackle for the Buffalos, and displays exceptional athleticism. His size will remind many of former Chiefs left tackle John Alt (6’8” and 319 lbs), and he is considerably faster (4.96 – 40 yd dash) than most who play the position. Is the ideal candidate if the Chiefs want someone who could start on the right side and eventually replace Albert.
2. Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin
If you’ve ever been to the upper Midwest during the winter, Carimi’s blocking skills in the running game will remind you of a Wisconsin snow-plow. A four-year starter at left tackle for the Badgers, he’s not as accomplished a pass-blocker as Solder is, but he uses his massive frame (6’7” and 314 lbs) as perhaps the draft’s best blocker in the rushing game.
Who could be available but won't be the Chiefs pick...
1. Marcus Gilbert – Florida
If you followed the Chiefs draft last year, you know the affinity Pioli showed for the SEC. Gilbert is huge (6’6” and 330 lbs) and while he can hold his own with his pass-blocking, he’s not the type of run-blocker that would pave the way for Jamaal Charles.
So Who Will the Chiefs Pick?
With the exception of the tackles who will be available when the Chiefs pick, most of the others listed here could be available if the Chiefs are able to trade down a few picks, or even into the second round. Regardless, given Pioli's draft track record of not picking offensive linemen in the first round, I predict he'll stick to that M.O. in this draft as well.
If the Chiefs keep the pick… Reed.
He is the best value at 21 and could step into Vrabel’s outside linebacker spot and start immediately, and in all likelihood Reed will put up much better numbers than Vrabel did last season.
If the Chiefs trade down a few spots… Smith.
The offense, including the offensive line, would benefit greatly from acquiring a receiver the caliber of Smith, who would step right in and start opposite Bowe.
My sleeper pick… Paea.
The guy is simply a beast and with his motor, I can see him becoming a Chiefs fan favorite who will do his fair share of firing up the Arrowhead faithful on Sunday afternoons.
Chiefs Draft Preview: Despite Making the Playoffs in 2010, the Chiefs’ Draft Needs Are Many 04/22/2011
After winning just ten games in their previous three seasons combined, the Kansas City Chiefs surprised the NFL in 2010 with a 10-6 record, a trip to the playoffs, and their first division championship since 2003. As the 2011 NFL Draft quickly approaches, here are the Chief’s draft needs, which if not addressed could result in a fall from grace every bit as dramatic as last season’s rise to the top of the AFC West.
Quarterback: Low
Matt Cassel proved to everyone in Kansas City in 2010 that the Chiefs were right in acquiring him from the New England Patriots back in 2009, throwing for 27 touchdowns and earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl. However after six years in the league, backup Brodie Croyle just doesn’t have the makings of a full-time NFL starter should anything happen to Cassel. The Chiefs need to find the next QB-in-wait in Kansas City, but it may only be in the form of a late-round flyer in a quarterback-rich draft.
Running Back: Low
With Jamaal Charles under contract through 2015, the Chiefs need only worry about the eventual departure of veteran Thomas Jones. While Jones has confirmed that he will return for his 12th season, the Chiefs should begin making plans for life without
Thomas in 2012.
Wide Receiver: Must Have
After the 2009 season, Kansas City thought they may finally have a solid #2 receiver to pair with Dwayne Bowe in veteran Chris Chambers. However, 2010 likely saw Chambers-era in Kansas City come to an end as the veteran wide out caught only 22 passes on the season and was deactivated from the Chiefs’ playoff loss to the Ravens. The Chiefs have to address this position in the draft and find themselves a starter that can take some pressure off Bowe and tight end Tony Moeaki.
Offensive Line: Must Have
It isn’t the nature of Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli to draft offensive linemen in the first round; in fact the only time it’s happened in Pioli’s career was when he was a member of the Patriots’ front office in 2001 when they selected Matt Light. This year, with needs at both right tackle and center, don’t be surprised if Pioli and company go after Wisconsin’s Outland Trophy winner Gabe Carimi in round one. Carimi is the best run-blocking tackle in the draft, and he would appear to be a perfect match for the Chiefs’ running game and Jamaal Charles.
Defensive Line: Very High
While the Chiefs defense made huge strides in 2010 under the leadership of Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel, the most glaring area in need of improvement remains the defensive line, particularly nose tackle. Veteran Ron Edwards has held the position for the past two seasons, but has done so averaging fewer than 30 tackles per season and not forcing a single fumble. Defensive end is also an issue, but may only be addressed if Pioli is willing to admit that drafting Tyson Jackson was a mistake. Jackson has underwhelmed in his two seasons since coming to the Chiefs as a first-round pick out of LSU, averaging 34 tackles and registering just one sack in 28 games.
Linebacker: Very High
After veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel gets done with his off-season job of representing the players union in its negotiations with the owners, he’ll be looking to see if the Chiefs are willing to offer the 35 year-old free agent a new contract. Vrabel tallied his lowest tackles total (48) since 2000 when he was special team’s player with the Steelers, and for the first time in his career didn’t register a single sack. Needless to say, the Chiefs need to find a replacement for Vrabel quickly, and while reserve Andy Studebaker has shown flashes in his three seasons, it remains to be seen if he can truly take over a starting role.
Secondary: Low
The Chiefs have one of the best young cornerback tandems in the league with starters Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr. And after drafting safeties Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis to go with nickel back Javier Arenas a year ago, the Chiefs appear set for at least the next few years in the secondary.
Special Teams: Low
Punter Dustin Colquitt and Kicker Ryan Succop aren’t at risk of losing their jobs anytime soon, and with the Chiefs picking up Arenas and wide receiver Dexter McCluster in last year’s draft, they have the return game covered as well.
Quarterback: Low
Matt Cassel proved to everyone in Kansas City in 2010 that the Chiefs were right in acquiring him from the New England Patriots back in 2009, throwing for 27 touchdowns and earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl. However after six years in the league, backup Brodie Croyle just doesn’t have the makings of a full-time NFL starter should anything happen to Cassel. The Chiefs need to find the next QB-in-wait in Kansas City, but it may only be in the form of a late-round flyer in a quarterback-rich draft.
Running Back: Low
With Jamaal Charles under contract through 2015, the Chiefs need only worry about the eventual departure of veteran Thomas Jones. While Jones has confirmed that he will return for his 12th season, the Chiefs should begin making plans for life without
Thomas in 2012.
Wide Receiver: Must Have
After the 2009 season, Kansas City thought they may finally have a solid #2 receiver to pair with Dwayne Bowe in veteran Chris Chambers. However, 2010 likely saw Chambers-era in Kansas City come to an end as the veteran wide out caught only 22 passes on the season and was deactivated from the Chiefs’ playoff loss to the Ravens. The Chiefs have to address this position in the draft and find themselves a starter that can take some pressure off Bowe and tight end Tony Moeaki.
Offensive Line: Must Have
It isn’t the nature of Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli to draft offensive linemen in the first round; in fact the only time it’s happened in Pioli’s career was when he was a member of the Patriots’ front office in 2001 when they selected Matt Light. This year, with needs at both right tackle and center, don’t be surprised if Pioli and company go after Wisconsin’s Outland Trophy winner Gabe Carimi in round one. Carimi is the best run-blocking tackle in the draft, and he would appear to be a perfect match for the Chiefs’ running game and Jamaal Charles.
Defensive Line: Very High
While the Chiefs defense made huge strides in 2010 under the leadership of Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel, the most glaring area in need of improvement remains the defensive line, particularly nose tackle. Veteran Ron Edwards has held the position for the past two seasons, but has done so averaging fewer than 30 tackles per season and not forcing a single fumble. Defensive end is also an issue, but may only be addressed if Pioli is willing to admit that drafting Tyson Jackson was a mistake. Jackson has underwhelmed in his two seasons since coming to the Chiefs as a first-round pick out of LSU, averaging 34 tackles and registering just one sack in 28 games.
Linebacker: Very High
After veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel gets done with his off-season job of representing the players union in its negotiations with the owners, he’ll be looking to see if the Chiefs are willing to offer the 35 year-old free agent a new contract. Vrabel tallied his lowest tackles total (48) since 2000 when he was special team’s player with the Steelers, and for the first time in his career didn’t register a single sack. Needless to say, the Chiefs need to find a replacement for Vrabel quickly, and while reserve Andy Studebaker has shown flashes in his three seasons, it remains to be seen if he can truly take over a starting role.
Secondary: Low
The Chiefs have one of the best young cornerback tandems in the league with starters Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr. And after drafting safeties Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis to go with nickel back Javier Arenas a year ago, the Chiefs appear set for at least the next few years in the secondary.
Special Teams: Low
Punter Dustin Colquitt and Kicker Ryan Succop aren’t at risk of losing their jobs anytime soon, and with the Chiefs picking up Arenas and wide receiver Dexter McCluster in last year’s draft, they have the return game covered as well.
