The Question of Albert

by Direckshun on May 14, 2008 3:24 PM CDT in 2008 Draft Comment 31 comments

Hey folks. Your suspicions have proven true -- there is, in fact, a new sheriff in town. Although... I honestly don't have that much authority and I'll be supplanted in a few days. So think of me as a substitute teacher, excepting that I'm not really here to teach you anything. Tell you what, just think of me as a thankful reader of Arrowhead Pride who's been given the opportunity to fill in for a few days.

Thanks to Chris for provide me the chance to once again discuss and speculate on the Red and Gold on what is, for my money, the best Chiefs blog online. I'll merely be doing my best not to stink up the joint in his absence.

And I've got to tell you, Chiefs fans, this particular Kansas City patriot is concerned about the state of our offensive line. This is not a newsflash, I know, but I'm not exactly thrilled with the Chiefs trying to rectify their problem at LT with the drafting of Virginia OL Brandon Albert with the 15th overall pick. I have had many discussions with Chiefs fans as to whether or not it was a smart move on Herm and Carl's behalf to expend a first round pick on this player, and sacrificing a 5th to do it.

I recognize that Albert has been credited with being the best guard prospect in years, and that he's amazing in space, most teams believe he'd be a great tackle, and that if he doesn't pan out at tackle he could always become a dominant guard.

So what senseless fool could possible object to Albert with the 15th overall? This one. Explanation comes after the jump.

There are a few theories that I hold dear when it comes to the nature of an NFL offensive line:

1. Left tackle (LT) is the most important position due to the fact that it protects the quarterback's blindside and faces the opposing team's most lethal passrusher, and a grand majority of teams rely on a player who was a very high round draft pick.

2. Right tackle (RT) is also a very important position due to its prominence for runblocking, but it does not require the insane athleticism of the LT, and rarely warrants an extremely high draft pick (like, let's say, the 15th overall).

3. Starting interior lineman can be found throughout the draft, including the late rounds and even UDFA. Only once in a blue moon does one of these interior lineman warrant a first round pick, and even rarer does one warrant the #15 overall and tossing a 5th out the window to make it happen.

So it's likely that, if the Chiefs spend their 15th and throw a 5th rounder in there for good measure on Brandon Albert, they're obviously not looking for an interior lineman -- heck, a good interior lineman can be found with the 5th they sacrified! It's fairly clear as well that Albert was not drafted to be a franchise RT. He was drafted to be converted to one of the toughest positions in the NFL.

Was that a smart move?

The evidence is out. Many people, including the professional pundits, argued that it was a smart move. 99.9999% of Chiefs fans agree. Which gives me the right to ruffle some feathers when I say that I resoundingly disagree, and I believe moving up to obtain him was a mistake.

Of course, we have absolutely zero evidence that Albert will make it as a left tackle in this league, much less a Pro Bowl LT (which you're wanting when you trade up to #15). It was not just one but two picks wasted (we threw a 5th rounder in to get it), for something that's completely theoretical that hasn't proven itself whatsoever on the field, and on a team this thin, that makes me nervous.

When I evaluate draft prospects with my amateur eyes, I go by on-field production more than anything, and Albert could very well be an impressive RT, and could definitely be a great OG. But again, LT faces the most impressive array of defensive talent in the league -- incredibly athletic DEs, fast & elusive DEs, DEs strong as bulls with the intensity to match. And bringing in a completely and utterly raw and unproven OG to play the position for basically the first time in his life spells disaster to me.

He's played LT only twice at the college level. We traded up to get a player whose natural position isn't worth the #15 overall, to play a position he's practically never played before. We've essentially bought ourselves a complete project who can't play LT on day one, and may not play LT for god knows how long, if at all. Much less actually be good at it.

The change from guard to tackle is immense, especially left tackle. This cannot be overstated. Albert is not used to the wider lanes, he's not used to the more creative attacks that LTs are subject to, he's not used to tackle techniques which are different, he's not used to blocking on the edge, he's not used to DEs as opposed to DTs...

Not to mention he's not even used to the difficult transition from the NCAA to the NFL.

If Albert proves me wrong and either starts out there, or even better, impresses me at LT, I will happily eat as much crow as my stomach can tolerate. He's easily the biggest question on an offensive line riddled with questions, and if I can be wrong here, maybe the Chiefs can finally restore this OL to the dominant times of old.

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He's better than nothing

Albert was that the last top tier O-lineman on the board. Were we suppose to draft Otah, Cherlis, Brown, or Baker? Otah and Cherlis are right tackles, Baker was the biggest reach of the draft and Brown is a project. Even Long the #1 overall pick has questions concerning his athletism for a left tackle. There were only two pure left tackles in the draft and that was Clady and Williams(who is too small). I personally think Albert was the best case scenario . And there is no question that he has the athelism of Williams and is even bigger than Clady.

by chiefsfan1384 on May 14, 2008 3:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Completely Agree

I would have been happier with Clady or Williams but the Broncos and Bears, respectively, grabbed them before we had a shot. Albert had the most potential of the remaining top prospects to turn into a dominant LT, so I’m fine with the Chiefs grabbing him…the risk is worth the payoff because although we desperately need a tackle, we desperately need guards as well. If he turns out to be nothing more than a guard, so be it, because every indication points to him being a dominant one which is what we need with a power running game.

If he becomes a guard on parallel with Will Shields or Steve Wisniewski, it will have been worth the #15 pick. If he ends up being as adaptable as a Harris Barton (who could play every position well) he’ll have been a steal.

Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.

by UCrawford on May 14, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harris Barton

Man, blast from the past….haven’t heard that name in ages.

Last I heard he was doing something with finance…not quite sure what. He was a pretty smart fella if I recall.

Yeah, I wouldn’t mind having him back in the day. I think he was an all-pro pretty quickly, maybe with the ‘89 team. I love reading and watching the 1980s 49ers….They went from Walsh to Seifert and didn’t miss a beat. Siefert could have stayed home all year and the team still would have run the table.

I guess we’ll just have to wait for the next Bill Walsh type, an innovator that dominates the league for several years (west coast offense). Oh, yeah, that Belichick guy…

by primetime 07 on May 14, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

Harris Barton is still working in finance last I saw…doing well for himself according to his Wikipedia entry. Saw an interview with Wisniewski, who’s apparently selling computer software to businesses and became a born-again Christian and a member of Napolean Kaufman’s church. Guess he had a lot to atone for after a career full of cheap shots :) He was a hell of a player, though, even if he was a Raider.

Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.

by UCrawford on May 15, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree

I don’t believe the Chiefs were ever interested in Clady or Williams. I think if things had gone differently, they might have taken Albert at #5.

The Chiefs offense is going to be heavily run based. Neither Clady or Williams are dominant run blockers, in fact they both are considered very average in that department. Williams is a good pass blocker and in the right offense will probably do well. Clady I predict as a bust, but he may stick around longer in the zone blocking Denver offense.

Albert was by far the most athletic tackle in the draft. He simply lacks experience, but he will gain that over time. His superior run blocking and athleticisim will make him the best LT taken in the 2008 draft within a few years.

by ChiefDJ on May 14, 2008 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Excellent work

Sound arguments.

Now, if not Branden Albert, then who at the #15/#17 pick?

by Chris on May 14, 2008 3:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Process of elimination

There were no other linemen worth taking that high, no WRs, maybe DE? Quentin Groves was projected to be a mid 1st rounder but fell to the 2nd.

I would have been fine with scootin’ back again.

by primetime 07 on May 14, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think Albert is a reach or too highly picked at #15

if he ends up at Guard. A line with Albert and Waters at Guard is a huge improvement over last year. McIntosh can hold the LT position one more year if need be.

by Lanier63 on May 14, 2008 3:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely...

McIntosh, while far from great, was NOT the biggest problem last year…our biggest problems were RG and RT, and I think we drafted those two positions. I agree Direckshun, nothing could be worse than sticking a rookie guard at LT in Week One…I think our starting line will be McIntosh, Waters, Niswanger/ex-Jet (is it sad that that is vague?)/Albert/Richardson

...and secretly, I think we drafted Richardson as the project LT…everything I read on him before the draft indicated he had amazingly quick feet for a 6’8” 330 pounder and was a great pass blocker

Strengths:
Outstanding size with a huge frame and long arms…Terrific athleticism…Very light on his feet…Great lateral mobility and range…Gets to the second level…Excellent pass blocker…Good body control…Once he locks on the battle’s over…Has a lot of experience against big-time competition…Offers some versatility…Still has upside.

And his weaknesses we can fix

Weaknesses:
Plays soft…Lacks a killer instinct and is not aggressive…Has to get stronger…Gets pushed around and doesn’t play to his size…Poor technique and he does not play with good leverage…Gets caught reaching too often…Effort is pretty inconsistent.

by PVChiefsfan on May 14, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree on Richardson

Wasn’t he a preseason All American a few years early on? I also remember seeing him pop up in the 2nd/3rd rounds on some random mock drafts I saw. I think his potential is great and maybe he just had some connection issues with the coaches at Clemson. Either way, if a guy that size has “very light feet” and “great lateral mobility” ala Albert, then this could be a great tackle tandem in a few years. Hopefully Herm can get this guy committed.

by dkugler838 on May 15, 2008 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He has LT experience

We traded up to get a player whose natural position isn’t worth the #15 overall, to play a position he’s practically never played before.

He played LT in high school and was recruited as a LT but Virginia had another guy already at the position who wasn’t too shabby. IMO, LT comes down to athleticism which he (supposedly) has.

I too questioned the thought process of our front office when we made that selection. Why waste a draft pick on the 2nd most important position on the field for a guy that hasn’t regularly played there in years? I trust the team did their homework and that Albert can make the transition.

by primetime 07 on May 14, 2008 4:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oops

That first sentence in the body is supposed to be in block quotes.

by primetime 07 on May 14, 2008 4:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

OG to OT

What do you make of David Diehl?

by marroncito on May 14, 2008 4:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Gotta disagree with your assesment of Albert

Of course, we have absolutely zero evidence that Albert will make it as a left tackle in this league, much less a Pro Bowl LT (which you’re wanting when you trade up to #15). It was not just one but two picks wasted (we threw a 5th rounder in to get it), for something that’s completely theoretical that hasn’t proven itself whatsoever on the field, and on a team this thin, that makes me nervous.

What’s interesting is that we also have absolutely zero evidence that Jake Long will make it as a left tackle in this league and yet I don’t know anyone that had a problem with him being the first tackle off the board. NONE of the players drafted this year have any NFL evidence and any one of them could end up being a bust.

But lets consider what it is about the players that become succesful Left Tackles that makes them a premium in comparison to the rest of the offensive line. ATHLETICISM not experience. What made Orlando Pace and Willie Roaf great on the left side was their great athleticism. Yes, as time passed in the league they learned new techniques and got more familiar with what their offenses expected of them. But you can LEARN technique. You can’t learn physical ability.

So the same goes with Branden Albert. He HAS the physical talent and ability of a great Left Tackle. He lacks higher level experience, but he will gain experience over time. He can learn technique, but his athleticism is something that cannot be taught. You either have it or you don’t. He has it.

Now is he going to be the best rookie Left Tackle this year? Probably not. There will be a learning curve. However, if his past gives us any clues, it shouldn’t take long (he started 2 games at LT in college. The first time he only had 2 days notice and even so, still did not give up a sack. The second start he had more notice and completely dominated his opponents).

One thing that was not questioned in this draft was that Albert was by far the best combination of size and quickness of any O-lineman in the draft. The only thing holding him back was that he was listed as a Guard. If he had had 2 or 3 years in at LT, he no doubt would have been the highest ranked LT in the draft, probably beating out Jake Long for the #1 overall. His athleticism is far superior to Jake Longs, it is simply a matter of a lack of opportunity.

Albert may have some rough patches during his transition this year. But I predict down the road, we will look back at Albert as the best LT in the 2008 draft. The Chiefs aren’t playing for today anymore. We are playing for tomorrow. So why would we not take the guy that will be not as good today, but the best LT taken from this draft tomorrow?

In 4 years we will look back at Albert being drafted as the 2nd best move ever made during the Carl Peterson era (after Derrick Thomas).

by ChiefDJ on May 14, 2008 5:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

don't forget Gonzo

You may be right that we will look back at Albert as a good move by CP. But 2nd best move ever? I don’t think any move matches his trade-up (from 18 to 13) to get Tony G.

by Keyser Sose on May 14, 2008 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or Picking Up Priest

I think Albert will be good, but let’s not go putting him up in the rarified air before he’s even played a game for the Chiefs.

Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.

by UCrawford on May 15, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

#15 #17

I think if thing went differently and we had 15 or 17 open, the Chiefs might have grabbed Cason the CB the Chargers ended up with, I know Herm and Carl said post draft that they were very interested in him going in.

by Shawn on May 14, 2008 5:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pretty high isn't it

All pre-draft talk I heard had him going at the bottom of the 1st round, and that’s where he went.

by primetime 07 on May 14, 2008 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Albert was gone...

I would of traded down for sure as my first option. If not than I probably would of went with Otah reluctantly just because of his meer size. I think he will make an excellant right tackle in this league. Carolina is my favorite to win the NFC South because their runing game will come back full force with Otah and Stewart on the roster.

by chiefsfan1384 on May 14, 2008 5:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

While I agree...

...that Albert will have been a reach if he does not end up being a LT, when you think about how dominant Will Shields was at LG, wouldn’t you have rather taken him in the first round than one of our other first round busts? As long as he ends up being an important part of our line for many years, I’m happy with the pick.

by Vince D on May 14, 2008 7:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't know much about what makes a good lineman

I played corner and tail back. But I think they will be using a lot of two TE sets. They want to be a power running team and they drafted a TE that supposedly excels at blocking. While that is not my stile of football; if it works I’m all for it. I think Albert will be good to above average his first year. Especially if they use two TE and put the better blocker on his side.

by TXroyal on May 15, 2008 3:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If Albert plays LT

he’ll likely be between Cottam and Waters in 2 TE sets…Gonzalez usually lines up on the right side.

by PVChiefsfan on May 15, 2008 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah

and I’d definitely run left behind that wall…Cottam blocking down with Albert and Waters pulling…”look out Champ Bailey…you’re gonna get smooshed!”

by PVChiefsfan on May 15, 2008 7:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was my point

you said it perfectly.

by TXroyal on May 15, 2008 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Late Round Finds

The Chiefs have tried to find late round guards and tackles the past several years in the draft and have failed misearbley. I think drafting Albert and putting him anywhere on the OLine in the best move the Chiefs have made in years.

by stevenhu on May 15, 2008 6:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Did anyone else read...

that article that talked about guards taking in the 1st round? Almost all of them have been perrenial probowlers and are ridiculously good for their entire careers. Worst case scenario, we got an amazing run blocking guard who will be one of the keystones (I know there can’t technically be more than one keystone, but you know what I mean, maybe I should say cornerstone?) for our running game for the next 10-12 years. I’m A-OK with using a pick to do that. Did you see how much Faneca got? We all can’t see if he’s worth it until training camp. Let’s just cross our fingers and start praying to our respective gods…. For me, that’s KC Wolf by the way….or maybe that 1 hot cheerleader on our squad…

by EyePod on May 15, 2008 8:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm confident

About Albert and the rest of the line. It will take a few games for it to start gelling, but I think at the very least it’s a massive improvement from the trash of last year.

What I’m really hoping for is:

Albert-Waters-Niswanger-Taylor-Richardson

That’s right – no McIntosh. Let Waters ride out his last year or two by teaching these guys. Get their first shaky year out of the way now. Draft a replacement for Waters next year and get him tutored. Then you have a dominant, young 5 man crew that could bring back the O-line glory of years past. They could potentially be a wall for the next 10 years.

TOUCHDOWN! KAN-SAH-CITY!!!

by TheScootness on May 15, 2008 11:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I would love it

if a young guy could beat out McIntosh – not that I have anything against the guy…he did fairly well last year. But he’s old…

by PVChiefsfan on May 16, 2008 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

He’s not bad, but we’re playing for the future now. Better to get a young guy in there and start to build a unit than to use the old guy that won’t be around long just because he’s more experienced right now.

This isn’t always the case, but it is for the Chiefs right now. They need to get all the young guys playing time now, rather than later, and nothing is more important to building a cohesive offensive line than playing time together.

TOUCHDOWN! KAN-SAH-CITY!!!

by TheScootness on May 16, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What are we paying him for

He pretty much has to start if he is the best man for the job, otherwise we should cut his (McIntosh) ass right now. Why would we pay a backup that kind of money. I also think Waters has 3 to 4 seasons left in him.

by chiefsfan1384 on May 16, 2008 2:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

We are paying McIntosh LT money, so I say if we’re not using him as LT, let him find a team that needs one. I like McIntosh, but it’s silly to pay him LT money if he’s going to be a different position or a backup.

by Vince D on May 17, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs