Grading the 2008 Chiefs' Rookies

by Chris Thorman on Jan 7, 2009 11:57 AM CST in 2009 Offseason Comment 26 comments

Charles_stare_medium

The post-mortem on an ugly body continues with my grades for various Chiefs' rookies. This grade is tempered with preseason expectations and other circumstances that may have affected a player's production this year beyond what the box score indicates.

This grading is far from any exact science, or even a serious intellectual exercise. Still, there is nothing simpler and more direct than slapping a big fat "F" next to a player who has continued to disappoint you all year long (Which I didn't do this year).

Grades are after the jump. Make sure to leave your own in the comments.

DT Glenn Dorsey

Glenn Dorsey got a bit of a bad rap this year from Chiefs' fan because he didn't come out in Week 1 destroying veteran NFL linemen. Well, that's the life of a rookie, even if you're the #5 overall pick. Dorsey led all rookie defensive linemen in tackles and I'm sure you didn't notice it.

His name was hardly called by the play-by-play commentators this season, which I personally think has a big unconscious effect on fans' mentality about a player. I know it affects mine. Dorsey's "low" production is more a result of how he's being used IMO. Grade: B

OT Branden Albert

Do you remember last season when the Chiefs' offensive line was literally the worst in franchise history? Branden Albert helped take the offensive line issues completely out of the conversation. He was briefly injured a couple of times this year but for the most part he was an every down tackle as a rookie. His numbers are better than most of the other Chief offensive linemen, which isn't saying too much. Albert had a fantastic rookie season. Grade: A

CB Brandon Flowers

This may be the easiest grade to give out of all of the rookies. Flowers played exceptionally well this past season. He had zero lag in the transition from college to the NFL. An all around fantastic draft pick.

Grade: A

RB Jamaal Charles

Despite a few nagging injuries, Jamaal Charles had a pretty decent rookie year. He accumulated over 700 total yards in over 90 touches. He had a few fumbles and had the occasional memorable play as a running back but not much more than that. I expected a bit more out of Charles this year, especially with Larry Johnson being used as sparingly as he was. Grade: C+

CB Brandon Carr

Carr and Flowers had almost equal statistical years, with Carr actually edging out Flowers in tackles. Both CBs had two interceptions.

For a Div. II player to start 13 games and do it well is a testament to Carr's potential in Kansas City. Another home run for the Chiefs.

Grade: A

K Connor Barth

Barth ended up 2008 making 10 of his 12 attempted field goals. He at least appears to be the consistent kicker the Chiefs need. He could easily flame out in training camp or next season. Nothing is set in stone.

Grade: B

FB Mike Cox

Cox played well enough this year. It's tough to judge a fullback. He didn't screw up, which I guess is a big positive in his evaluation.

Grade: B

KR Kevin Robinson

In the eight games he was able to play in this year, Kevin Robinson was far and away our best kick returner. He didn't have the statistical numbers to make that statement but you could tell he was much more agile and quick than any of the Chiefs' other kick returners this season.

Grade: C+

CB Maurice Leggett

Best undrafted free agent pick of the season for the Chiefs. Leggett played far beyond expectations and ended up winning the Chiefs' Mack Lee Hill award.

Grade: A

Incompletes: Will Franklin, DaJuan Morgan, Brad Cottam and others.

Cut & paste this player list into the comments and give us your own grades.

Glenn Dorsey
Branden Albert
Jamaal Charles
Brandon Flowers
Brandon Carr
Connor Barth
Mike Cox
Kevin Robinson
Maurice Leggett

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Comments

Glenn Dorsey – B – Always room for improvement, but did not disappoint.
Branden Albert – A – Missed much of training camp and started week 1 without missing a beat WHILE changing position from college.
Jamaal Charles – D – Fumbleroos. His unreliable hands cost him touches, and cost the Chiefs on a few occassions. Pine Tar, Jamaal, PINE TAR!!
Brandon Flowers – 98% – Because I hate letters.
Brandon Carr – Awesome – because I hate grades
Connor Barth – eh – He turned out better than Nick Novak and Dave Rayner. Does that really say anything?
Mike Cox – who? – I think Chris got it right… he didn’t seriously screw the pooch.. Or did he?
Kevin Robinson – C – Did nothing spectacular when he played, which wasn’t all that much.
Maurice Leggett – A – in cost vs. reward, woo-freakin’-hoo! Great Job.

"In the NFL, coaching has to make a difference when the games are close. The talent level across the league from team to team is too similar. Great head coaches do their best work in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line. Instead, we’ve seen Herm blow timeouts, put the game in the hands of the league’s worst defense, and most recently, run Larry Johnson behind Wade Smith and Adrian Jones as if they were Tim Grunhard and Will Shields in their prime.
Dr. Frankenstein is gone, but his monster is still roaming the sideline at Arrowhead Stadium." -C.E. Wendler, Warpaint Illustrated

by IISaiNtII on Jan 7, 2009 12:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was pretty disappointed in Charles as well

At that position, he should have done more damage this year.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Jan 7, 2009 12:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he would too...

He did ok on occassion, but I guess his highlight reels had me expecting more? I don’t know, I just wasn’t all that impressed. Especially when he got chased down by….. crap. my mind just blanked on me….

by IISaiNtII on Jan 7, 2009 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeremiah Bell

I assume you mean in the -15 degree Dolphin game.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football"
- John Heisman

by Maddogmag on Jan 7, 2009 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You Forgot

Dantrell Savage…who I would have given a C or C- to. Filled in well for a UDFA and probably merits a shot at a roster spot next year (although he should certainly have to earn it).

I agreed with the rest of the grades, although I would have knocked down Robinson to a C or C-. He may have “looked” better but he was just as hopeless as almost every other Chiefs kick returner last year in terms of what he produced.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

by UCrawford on Jan 7, 2009 12:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

And By The Way

I called Leggett being a good pickup this preseason. Of course I didn’t think he’d be this good. :)

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

by UCrawford on Jan 7, 2009 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I left him off

because I don’t believe he ended the season officially on the roster.

Good catch though.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Jan 7, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Grades

Glenn Dorsey-B under the radar,but produced, wasnt fantastic but with time should be great.
Branden Albert-A new position, barely any preseason and was great through injuries/ quick recoveries. Didnt miss a beat
Jamaal Charles-C+ he’ll get better with time he has great speed,good hands, and will block! To me it just looked like he needs a little more time learning
Brandon Flowers-A Did everything expected and moe
Brandon Carr-A for a 5th rounder to start 13 games and have QB’s pick on other coners when Flowers was out is saying something Great Talent.
Connor Barth-B+ only because of those 2 misses, trust me guys he is our Kicker, he improved his kickoffs and has a great leg. He can make pressure kicks, he did it all the time at North Carolina because they didnt score many points and relied on him for points at time he can do it in the NFL
Mike Cox-C didnt do anything wrong, I guess good to have a FB that can catch
Kevin Robinson-C he looks like a natural kick returner the way he takes up field one cut and go we just never had any blocking, hopefully with a full season we can watch him improve
Maurice Leggett-A this guy is def. not another Brackenwhatever hes done more than him already and hopefully will grow into a good nickel guy for us

by DT58forever on Jan 7, 2009 12:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So it looks like the rookies overall did quite well

Shouldn’t we give Carl and/or Herm credit for that?

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jan 7, 2009 12:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sort Of

For rookies they looked good individually. In terms of being able to fit that production and those abilities into helping the football team, Herm and Carl did a pretty terrible job.

Dorsey’s line gave up a ton of rushing yardage and had the worst pass-rush in NFL history. Flowers, Leggett and Carr were good pass defenders on a team that couldn’t stop the run (so teams didn’t always need to pass), Charles’ fumbling problems were pretty marked and hurt the offense.

The problem with Carl’s player evaluation wasn’t that he always selected talentless players, it was that he also selected players who didn’t fit what the team was trying to do. Granted that helps when your head coach is actually good at tailoring a game plan to his players’ strengths…which Herm isn’t. About the most credit to give Herm and Carl is that they left some decent pieces in place for the next GM and head coach to use.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

by UCrawford on Jan 7, 2009 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rookie Grades

Glenn Dorsey – B-, he will be a beast.
Branden Albert – A-, I was a little worried in preseason, but turned out great.
Jamaal Charles – B, this guy is dangerous, next year he will excel.
Brandon Flowers – A+, couldnt have asked for more from this guy.
Brandon Carr- A+, the guys a freakin stud.
Connor Barth- B-, Kickers in KC still scare the s**t outta me.
Mike Cox- C, he was OK
Kevin Robinson C- I miss the old #82, D. Hall.
Maurice Leggett – A, another young stud in the secondary.

by danamiller7379 on Jan 7, 2009 1:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Overall

Positive grades – Get another draft even close to this and next year will be a 4-5 win improvement at least. Bring in some some impact free agents and we have a chance to win the West. Winning a playoff game after that? Well thats a different story, but with our weak division from this year we could definitely be looking at being in the race next season.

by I need more Esteban on Jan 7, 2009 1:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

What about Cottam?

He was certainly underwhelming.

Proud to be a part of the Conference of Champions and their complete bowl season domination.

by HIV 2 Elway on Jan 7, 2009 1:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh, now I see the incompletes...

Proud to be a part of the Conference of Champions and their complete bowl season domination.

by HIV 2 Elway on Jan 7, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Figured he didn’t play enough to pass judgment.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Jan 7, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Occasionally, he did some fantastic blocking in the run game

and during several games was actually mentioned by the announcers because of it…impressive considering that he’s not a blocking tight end.

by PVChiefsfan on Jan 7, 2009 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget to add Brian Johnston

Yeah, his grade is incomplete due to missing time with injury, but relative to expectations that one would normally have of a 7th rounder, I felt he did a good job in limited action. I’m hoping he can develop in the offseason and earn a regular slot in the rotation. He could be a diamond in the rough if he can stay healthy. He already impressed me more than Turk so far.

As to Cottom, he didn’t have much opportunity as a receiver, but I think he deserves good marks for his blocking. One of the big concerns was that at 6’8" he would be too wiry to be a good blocker, but there were a couple running plays this season where his blocks sprung a big gain. That merits high consideration IMO. Add that his massive frame will help him be a go-to guy in the redzone once Tony rides off into the sunset, and I think he might be a fan favorite in years to come.

by Sudden on Jan 7, 2009 1:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My Rookie Grades

Glenn Dorsey- C If he is an instant impact I give him an A. If he is a step below that I give him a B. He was neither of those.
Branden Albert- A I have nothing to complain about Branden Albert. He is a good start.
Jamaal Charles-C+ Not enough big plays to get above average. He is still a question mark
Brandon Flowers- A Solid start to a career
Brandon Carr B+ He missed to many tackles to get an A
Connor Barth B If he misses one he gets an A
Mike Cox C We could get a better fullback then Mike Cox
Kevin Robinson C+ didn’t play enough for a B
Maurice Leggett A- Big plays were huge

by Big Wit on Jan 7, 2009 2:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I love this site

Because of the positive nature, and optimism most of you carry…but c’mon, fellas, if someone’s going to have to be the realist, I guess I’ll be that guy:

Glenn Dorsey- D+ You can blame the scheme (which I do, to a great degree) but there is no way you can look at him at the #5 overall pick, and feel that he was ‘above average’ his rookie year. Part of the grading has to include expectations, right? The posters that think he’s ‘going to be a beast’ or ‘stud’ or whatever, I’m ok with that projection, and I still share some of those feelings, but grading on this season, nah, no way was this guy an impact player, and at #5, thats what you need. Remember, a C is average, right?

Branden Albert- A- Actually feel this guy has been underrated by the national media. Great season, he should only improve. Did miss a little time, and was beat a few times, but at this point is our best OL, and yes, I’m including you BW.

Jamaal Charles- C- I had much higher expectations for Jamaal, and I think the coaches and management did as well. Simply too many mistakes. The fumbles were bad, the relative lack of explosive plays were disappointing, but what was really surprising were the dropped passes, and relative lack of impact in the passing game.

Brandon Flowers- A- Albert was (or should have been) the rookie of the year, but Flowers is the guy that I see with the fastest path to being a Pro-bowler. Has all the skills, if he can stay healthy and continue to improve.

Brandon Carr- A This was the best draft pick of the lot in terms of value, and why he’s recieving the highest grade. Again, not the best rookie, but if he turns into a solid #2 corner, to get that in round 5…well you have to tip your hat to the outgoing Carl/Herm tandem.

Connor Barth- B- Well…didn’t win the job out of camp, and I’m not convinced he ends up as a long term starter, still he was adequate.

Mike Cox- C+ Only gets this good of a grade because of expectations, I’ll be really surprised if he’s on the roster next year, unless somehow Herm/Chan are back.

Kevin Robinson- C- Won’t be on next years team…says a lot about how bad our return game is/was that Robinson was our best.

Maurice Leggett- A You can count me in the skepitcal group when it comes to Leggett. Scored one TD that I would have (against Oak) and another on a terrrrrrribly thrown out pattern. To be fair he had to be in position. He must be extremely popular, b/c winning the Mack Lee Hill award was a major stretch, still, considering where he came from, he has to be given a solid grade. I’ll just say that I’m not convinced just yet that he’s even a nickle CB in the NFL. Should hang around as a special teams guy, and maybe a #4 or 5 CB, though.

Will Franklin, DaJuan Morgan, Brad Cottam…it very charitable to call these all incompletes. I’d say you have to factor in that much of their lack of field time was due to simply not being good enough to get on the field. Sure there were injuries, but from what I saw of each, I’m a touch concerned. Morgan is the biggest disappointment of the 3, IMO, simply b/c all the talk preseason was that he’d be starting in place of Pollard by midseason, and he could never get in front of McGraw on the depth chart.

by kcsno56 on Jan 7, 2009 2:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

agree with you on

morgan, where was he this season?
same with Cox

by DT58forever on Jan 7, 2009 3:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cox Did Well

He was used less in the spread, but he played very well in Herm’s more traditional offense. Made several heads-up plays and usually seemed to be in the right place at the right time. I think we found a good fullback. Don’t know if he’ll fit what the next head coach wants to do, though.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

by UCrawford on Jan 7, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Think Morgan Was A Terrible Draft Pick, Though

Played special teams most of the year, very little playing time on defense. He may turn into a good player, but the Chiefs should have gone o-line with that pick.

By the way, did anyone see the way Anthony Collins came on for Cincinnati over the season? Tell me we wouldn’t rather have him or Zuttah than a backup safety.

Herm Edwards will not be the Chiefs' head coach next season.

by UCrawford on Jan 7, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

COTTAM

WHATS UP WITH THIS GUY I THOUGHT I WOULD SEE A LOT MORE OFFENSE WITH HIM THE WAY WE USED HIM IN PRESEASON I THOUGHT FOR SURE HE WOULD GIVE A LOT MORE ON THE FIELD IN THE OFFENSE

by sexassassin on Jan 7, 2009 3:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Grades

Glenn Dorsey=B-
Branden Albert=A-
Jamaal Charles=C
Brandon Flowers=A-
Brandon Carr=A-
Connor Barth=C+
Mike Cox=C-
Kevin Robinson=D
Maurice Leggett=A

Cottam=C-, Franklin=D, Morgan=D-
My grades are close to yours, my only unqualified A going to Leggett, who as an undrafted free agent looked to be a keeper. Robinson sucks. I mean I guess he was better than Drummond last year, but that is not saying much. The 3 other A’s will have to work to keep them as the first year A is the easiest. Morgan is another in a long line of training camp, Bob Gretz touted heroes who disappear when it counts. Cottam will be OK (to use a hermism), Franklin looked fine when I saw him but gets a D for not beating anyone out. Cox will have to get better in hurry and play more if we run a regular offense next year. Barth was fine, but I have been pining for Mason Crosby since the Chiefs inexplicably passed on him to take Medlock. 5 Years from now when he is still kicking well for the packers & we are on are 10th or 12th kicker (Don’t Laugh, It has already been at LEAST 5), I will wonder what could have been.

by KHAZAD on Jan 13, 2009 4:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs