After Less Than a Week, Leonard Pope the Chiefs No. 2 Tight End

by Joel Thorman on Oct 5, 2009 5:14 PM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign

Since the loss of Tony Gonzalez, the Kansas City Chiefs have tried a handful of combinations at tight end. They signed one (Sean Ryan), released a few, drafted one (Jake O'Connell) and signed one off the street last week.

The one off the street, Leonard Pope, has in five days vaulted to the second tight end spot on the team behind Ryan.

Yes, folks, signed on Wednesday and threatening the No. 1 job by Monday. Impressive, isn't it? Well, maybe not.

Brad Cottam was inactive against the New York Giants and is now listed on the third team. O'Connell is behind him.

The rest of the changes are after the jump.

Kick returner

Jamaal Charles now the No. 1 kick returner ahead of Dantrell Savage which is interesting since he fumbled in last week's game (after repeated warnings from Todd Haley).

New players

David Herron takes the place of Monty Beisel on the third team ILB

Mike Richardson takes the place of Ricardo Colclough as third team RCB

Notable non-moves

Jovan Belcher is still behind Corey Mays at ILB.
Ryan O'Callaghan is still the No. 1 right tackle.
Gasp! There is no holder listed behind Dustin Colquitt.

Tomorrow is Transaction Tuesday so there's a good shot this won't be the final depth chart as the Dallas Cowboys come to town.

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Comments

I think we will make a move release a TE or move OConnell to the practice squad this week.

I do not know how we can carry 4 TE on the 53 man roster when none of them is a power blocking TE or a great special teams player. I say move oConnel down and bring up Long to play special teams.

by saskwatch on Oct 5, 2009 5:19 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

What next?

Another loss. Which Pats, Cards Dolphins castoff do we get next? Who goes?

by old chiefs fan on Oct 5, 2009 5:22 PM CDT reply actions

Moves I could see:

O’Connell or Cottam (if eligible) to the PS, call up Long

Sign Tauscher for RT, cut Goff or Cottam
Move Ndukwe to starting RG asap

I think there are other moves that could be made… but who knows?

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Oct 5, 2009 5:24 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Those sound reasonable

We need a Tackle on the roster in order to try Nduckwe at RG.
Nduckwe is the only backup at tackle currently

We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09
And Succop will be the Key in two of them.
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram

by Steve_Chiefs on Oct 5, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions

i could be wrong but

if they really wanted Tauscher they would have signed him last week instead of two depth guys. I think its time we all let Tauscher go. I still think the Long move could/will happen sooner or later

by Bashman on Oct 5, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Bring it stag

I’d love to se Ndukwe at RG next to O’cal at RT. I’d also love to see Allman play some center… extensively…

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Oct 5, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll let Pioli know that we agree

and have Haleymake the change

by stagdsp on Oct 5, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions

holder

what was that comment about?

by stagdsp on Oct 5, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions

Thigpen was listed as the backup holder

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Oct 5, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions

OH, I see :)

thought maybe he messed up a hold on Sunday
( I didn’t see the game )

by stagdsp on Oct 5, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions

can you add the link to the full depth chart to your post?

please and thank you :)

by stagdsp on Oct 5, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Im not surprised about Charles being #1. He got

a nice kick return towards the middle of the game that went to about the 50. So i think that made up for the fumble. I’m not sure why Cottam isn’t #2 and Pope is. I don’t think Pope is good….at all. Lol. Hes big, but i guess i have to see him play.

by Wrestler189s on Oct 5, 2009 5:51 PM CDT reply actions

When are they gonna draw up wildcat plays with Colquitt, who is clearly the Chiefs' best player...?

by worc on Oct 5, 2009 5:55 PM CDT reply actions

hadnt even thought about that but it would only work maybe ounce every couple games if that

by redmedicone on Oct 5, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions

If this was rugby we'd be in the superbowl

with a good punter (halfback)

by Ren on Oct 5, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Doesnt say anything to me

we have a constant revolving door of players being “listed” somewhere and everyone knowing they are first or second teamers. I think Haley does this to mix up the opposing teams planners. Pope is about right for a number 2 listing, even with the short amount of time on the team. Ryan played decent yesterday and if we can get that type of production mixed in with a HEALTHY D. Bowe then i think we are looking at a respectable receiving corps. Now if Engram and Wade can hold onto the ball…….

by jrcnc on Oct 5, 2009 6:51 PM CDT reply actions

Back to this tight end situation.

What does Pope at the number 2 say about the current talent there?
And more importantly in my mind what does it say about trading Tony G.?
I know there is the argument of what we got in trade. But my gosh it’s just draft pick(s). It’s not like it’s a known talent or a specific player to fill a deficiency. Pioli better sell his soul to insure the pick(s) are not a bust.
I guess I can’t come to grips with trading reliable production that we need now.

by BCRavenJHawkfan on Oct 5, 2009 7:14 PM CDT reply actions

How about coming to grips with

the fact that Tony G indicated that he would rather retire than play another year with the Chiefs. As great as he was for the Chiefs he had just had enough.

by Tigkoly on Oct 5, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions

I have just come to the conclusion...

that i am just gonna let this yr play out and hope for the best…KC has whiffed at so many players,including in the draft, and now they are just looking for band-aids….All the good talent is signed with another team and we are going to have to make due with what we got or with other teams throw away players…..Im not sure why they passed on Runyan or Tausher…they are only proven NFL veterans that could help lead and create competition…but then again, I am just a fan, but i would think that after a whole offseason, training camp, pre-season games, and 4 games into the season , we would see SOME KIND of improvement…..its just not happening…you see a flash here or there but then we just shoot ourselves in the foot on the next play…..If Haley cant get something going..AND FAST…he is going to lose this team.Larry Johnson said it best yesterday…EGO!..At least last yr, when our offense hit the skids Gailey found SOMETHING that worked…..I think Gailey needs to be given his job back with an apology from Haley…..cause he sure as hell isnt doing any better at play calling. Haley is too new of a coach to try and DO IT ALL….I also think thats where Pioli should step in and say something…

by KCinAZ on Oct 5, 2009 10:01 PM CDT reply actions

BTW

Gailey has been a well known, highly regarded OC and head coach in this league looooong before anybody even knew who the hell TODD HALEY was…who does he think he is?

by KCinAZ on Oct 5, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Call me crazy

but I really like Pope. Ever since college. I was really hoping we would sign him when he got cut and I got my wish. With all the crazy turnover from last year to this year I think he is probably my favorite signing. (yikes)

by Bashman on Oct 5, 2009 11:04 PM CDT reply actions