Crimson Tide LB back in KC (mock draft)

by KC_MO on Dec 1, 2009 4:36 PM CST

Problems from the 2009 Season

-Offensive Coordinator

-Safety

-Linebacker

-Guard, Center

-NT

-Wide Receiver

-Tight End

Solutions for the 2010 Season

Free Agents:

OG, Logan Mankins or DT, Vince Wilfork: The Patriots already traded away Richard Seymour trying to find money for one of these two players. Pioli’s connection with the Patriots pays off again, the Chiefs sign Mankins.

Resigning:

WR, Chris Chambers: huge for us down the stretch and has already proved to have a connection with Cassel.

SS, Mike Brown: had a couple horrible games, Jacksonville, BUT he showed he still has the ability to play at a high level and shows strong leadership. A must for an elite defense!

LB, Mike Vrabel: veteran player, leadership for the LB corp.

The Draft: The Chiefs fall out of the top 5 for the first time in two years!

Why we won’t draft Berry, an OL or Mount Cody in the 1stround:

We’re out of the Top 5 this year, Berry most likely won’t be on the board and he’s a junior, rumors of him possibly returning to school. We won’t draft an OL in the first round because after Okung the talent just isn’t there. Unless Mount Cody falls to the 2nd round, the Chiefs shouldn’t draft him. For starters he’s overweight, why would we draft an overweight player after having a training camp focused on conditioning. Second, he’s only a two-down lineman.

1st Round: Rolando McClain, ILB Bama: The Chiefs need help at linebacker. We got beat consistently over the middle of the field. He’s a huge run stopper and can play the pass. Another Alabama linebacker becomes the heart of a dominant Chiefs defense.

2nd Round: Earl Thomas or Reshad Jones FS Texas, Georgia: rated as the third/fourth best safeties, behind Berry and Mays. Jarred Page played well for a 7th round pick but he isn’t a top talent.

2nd Round: Dan Williams NT, Tennessee: has the size for a NT. Ron Edwards played well this season but he is getting old and cant be relied upon next season.

3rd Round: Matt Tennant C Boston College: Rudy is a free agent and he played his way out of Kansas City after last game against Chargers

2010 Kansas City Chiefs

QB-Matt Cassel

RB-Jamal Charles

FB-Mike Cox

WR-Dwayne Bowe, Chris Chambers, Lance Long

TE-Pope, Cottam

LT-Branden Albert

LG-Logan Mankins

C-Matt Tennant

RG-Brian Waters

RT- Ryan O’Callaghan

RE-Glenn Dorsey, Wallace Gilberry

NT-Ron Edwards, Dan Williams

LE-Tyson Jackson, Alex MaGee

ROLB-Tamba Hali

ILB-Demorrio Williams, Corey Mays

ILB- Rolando McClain

LOLB-Mike Vrabel, Andy Studebacker

CB-Brandon Flowers, Donald Washington

CB-Brandon Carr

SS- Mike Brown, DaJuan Morgan

FS- Earl Thomas, Jon McGraw

Poll

What would be your expectations for 2010 if Pioli made these moves?

5 wins or fewer, Bust

18 votes

6-8 wins, Progress

103 votes

9-11 wins, Contender

33 votes

154 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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Comments

hope you don't mind

I added (mock draft) to your title…didn’t want to give people the impression that a new LB was already joining the Chiefs :)

As for your scenarios, I do like McClain a LOT…
Earl thomas or Nate Allen would be great FS picks in the 2nd, if they fall
and Tennant would be a nice grab in the 3rd

* "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
* Stats are for losers

by stagdsp on Dec 1, 2009 5:18 PM CST reply actions

I mind, fascist pig...

Don't forget to be an AP-vangelist...Tell A Friend...

by woodman212 on Dec 2, 2009 1:11 AM CST up reply actions

stags is like that

I showed up here one day and he said my pants were dirty and I looked like shat! Made me change clothes just to blog…lmao

j/k stags

Winning begins with Attitude - Haley and Pioli will be winners in KC!

I'll forever be a Chiefs fan! Only God himself could take that away from me, but when I get to my great reward, I'll rejoin two bigger fans, my Mom and Dad.

by Lanier63 on Dec 2, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

just call me Hitler :)

by stagdsp on Dec 2, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

Never going to happen :)

We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09. Almost there :)
And Succop will be the Key in two of them. Skins & Raiders! Pittsburgh Sweet!
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram

by Steve_Chiefs on Dec 2, 2009 8:56 PM CST up reply actions

Mike Brown

I like the guy, but his lack of speed is a huge liability. I see the LB priorities as a rush OLB, Sapp or Hughes, Miller (if he comes out)-I don’t see Vrabel staying, and then a ILB to cover TE’s. I could be totally wrong on that.

by Kane on Dec 1, 2009 5:44 PM CST reply actions

Waters won't be our RG

If we sign Mankins, Albert and Waters are on their way out of KC……

by mcclanahanman on Dec 1, 2009 5:55 PM CST reply actions

disagree

I don’t see Albert going anywhere.

Waters could be gone, but I still think he’s back for one more year

by stagdsp on Dec 1, 2009 5:58 PM CST up reply actions

Mark my words

If Mankins is signed it’s the beginning of the end of Albert and Waters. Mankins is a young LG, the coaching staff doesn’t see Albert as a LT, and Waters is old. Mankins LG, Albert LG, Waters LG.

We’ll draft a C, Colin Brown or Ndukwe will be our RG, and O’Callaghan will be our RT, and I could see us taking Fox to play RT but I wouldn’t count on it. If we took a C and RT this year early-ish that would leave LT in 2011…….

next year
LT Albert/Richardson
LG Waters/Smith
C Rookie/Smith
RG Brown/NDukwe
RT O’Callaghan/Rookie

The 2011 draft is supposed to be deep at OL.
LT Rookie
LG Albert
C 2nd yr player
RG Brown
RT 2nd yr player

by mcclanahanman on Dec 1, 2009 7:22 PM CST up reply actions

the coaching staff doesn’t see Albert as a LT,

Where exactly did you get that idea?

If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen

by JComp11 on Dec 1, 2009 9:54 PM CST up reply actions

I don't remember where I saw it exactly

But, It’s been said more than once this season, and with the way he’s playing do you see him as the LT of the next 10 yrs?

by mcclanahanman on Dec 1, 2009 11:53 PM CST up reply actions

I’m not sure that anyone official has ever said that, but I may be wrong.

And I’m not sure he’s had enough time. It’s a completely different offensive system so this is basically his rookie year, not to mention he is playing a different style at a different weight. After last season I’m willing to give him more time to adjust to it all.

If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen

by JComp11 on Dec 1, 2009 11:56 PM CST up reply actions

Zone Blocking

Takes about half a season, we’re past the half season mark and then some. I’m sure he has his portion of the offense down.

I guess His technique, strength, footwork and leverage aren’t up to par then. I’d give him one more chance at LT, draft a C to start, and a RT. Take a LT and RG next year if NDukwe and Brown can’t cut it at RG next year.

Then again, might you be saying the quarterback holding the ball too long is a big part of his problem?

by mcclanahanman on Dec 2, 2009 8:28 PM CST up reply actions

dingdingding

“Then again, might you be saying the quarterback holding the ball too long is a big part of his problem?”

We have a winner! :)

I’m not excusing Albert’s poor play. There are many issues contributing to it though, not the least of which is a quarterback who’s taken several sacks on the run and outside the tackles with plenty of opportunity to throw the ball away.

by Chief Running Bare on Dec 5, 2009 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

Don't get me started on Cassel

I’ll be here argueing how much better off we’d be with another QB, while everyone else makes excuses for him, and shows me inflated stats against a prevent defense in the fourth quarter, while singing his praises alternateing with Kum Bi Yah……

by mcclanahanman on Dec 5, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

Albert is not going anywhere anytime soon...

You are suggesting Pioli wouldn’t keep an OL that can play up to 3 positions on the line at a high level. One of those being the premiere position of that corps…you realize that, right?

Don't forget to be an AP-vangelist...Tell A Friend...

by woodman212 on Dec 2, 2009 1:13 AM CST up reply actions

Everybody's chasing the big name free agents again. Lol

Didn’t we learn anything from watching Pioli work this past offseason?

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

by Buck'O on Dec 1, 2009 6:43 PM CST reply actions

good point, except....

when the big name FAs are coming from New England, Arizona or Miami, KC is probably in the Game

by stagdsp on Dec 1, 2009 6:54 PM CST up reply actions

While it's a possibility, we don't have a precedent for it

You can’t call Cassel or Vrabel FA’s and it was a good amicable deal with Pioli’s Rabbi (Belichik). Poaching a restricted FA from NE isn’t something I can see Pioli doing. Forget about it! :)

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

by Buck'O on Dec 1, 2009 9:20 PM CST up reply actions

This is why I love you guys!

I had no idea about Rolando McClain, but after reading some info on Mocking The Draft, this guy seems a sure bet in the 3-4 defense.

THX

Winning begins with Attitude - Haley and Pioli will be winners in KC!

I'll forever be a Chiefs fan! Only God himself could take that away from me, but when I get to my great reward, I'll rejoin two bigger fans, my Mom and Dad.

by Lanier63 on Dec 1, 2009 7:01 PM CST reply actions

I'm a huge Dan Williams fan

by FrankPitts on Dec 1, 2009 8:41 PM CST reply actions

yeah?

I dont’ know much about him… but getting a NT in the 2nd or 3rd would be nice

What do you know about him?

by stagdsp on Dec 1, 2009 8:48 PM CST up reply actions

Only saw him play once

and that was last year, but here are his numbers

6-3 327

2009 – 56 tackles, 8.5 TFL, and 2 sacks
2008 – 48 tackles, 8.5 TFL, and 1.5 sacks
2007 – 40 tackles, 6.5 TFL, and 2 sacks

but, I have read he is only a 2 down player,

by Scottwied5 on Dec 4, 2009 7:58 PM CST up reply actions

2 down player

I’ve heard that about Wilfork and Mt. Cody, too…

so I wouldn’t worry about that.

Williams has good numbers for a NT, better than Cody

by stagdsp on Dec 5, 2009 5:19 PM CST up reply actions

I

thought he was more of a late third/fourth round guy…. I think I’d like to look up Vince Oghobaase in the third round…. The guy obviously has a brain if he’s a duke… and has the room to add 15 pounds or so….

Plus who doesn’t love a DT wearing number 3… ha

by callmesir on Dec 2, 2009 1:46 AM CST up reply actions

KC no giving big money to a 32 year old G (Mankins)

by FrankPitts on Dec 1, 2009 8:43 PM CST reply actions

learn math

Mankins was born in March of 1982…it’s currently December of 2009. Mankins is currently 27, not 32.

Also, Dan Williams will be gone before the middle of the 2nd round. Just as they seem to do every year, Tennesee always has a player on defense who shoots up the draft charts. Jason Allen, Justin Harrell and Robert Ayers have recently been those players…Williams will be the guy this year.

by kc_radrh8r on Dec 1, 2009 10:48 PM CST reply actions

Easy there, he made a mistake no need to get pissy. That’ll get you on the fast track out of here if you’re not careful.

And I agree with you about Williams.

If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen

by JComp11 on Dec 1, 2009 11:53 PM CST up reply actions

I have only one issue with your post...

…and it’s that you think Ron Edwards (age 30) is “old” but not Chris Chambers (31), Mike Brown (31), or Mike Vrabel (34).

I think it’s pretty evident if you watch the games that Chambers was a solid pick-up, that Vrabel is nearing the end of his career but would still be a valuable asset as a mentor to guys like Studebaker, and that Mike Brown is, at the very least not a “must for an elite defense.”

I agree that Niswanger played himself out of a job but it probably happened a lot earlier on than at SD; he was the third weakest link on the line last year which doesn’t sound too bad until you consider the first weakest link (Adrian Jones) isn’t in the NFL right now and the second weakest link (Damion McIntosh) became the Seahawks’ fifth try (I hear it’s a charm) at LT this year in mid-October.

That said, if all of these players have peaked, it wouldn’t surprise me to see five new linemen next year. I don’t think you just cut loose on Albert. He’s got too much talent. On the other hand, a sack a game is ridiculous. Maybe he works at guard. Waters, I think is probably done. He looks disinterested most games and has already taken more holding calls than during any other year of his career. O’Callahan is probably a keeper; he’s young and is playing relatively well.

by Chief Running Bare on Dec 2, 2009 2:10 PM CST reply actions

I should have clearified. What skills and abilities Mike Brown brings to a team, is what an elite defense needs. Leadership, and playmaking ability. The safety is becoming the most important position for a defense on the field, I’d say even more important now that many teams run spread offenses. The top defenses have great safeties. Pats when they won the superbowl in 2004 had Rodney Harrison 31, at the time. Steelers Polamalu, Baltimore Ed Reed, Denver Brian Dawkins of the more noteable, but all play for a top 10 defense.

by KC_MO on Dec 2, 2009 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

issues...

i think ron edwards is old bc of position he plays… just like running backs…

? cheap shot artist rodney h actually play in the superbowl or hurt?

i say all the other old people start for us until someone beats them out!
albert will stay at lt or move in to lg like he was in college…
agreed about importance of safeties … might have to trade up to get berry

by kcstevesportsfan on Dec 2, 2009 8:26 PM CST up reply actions

I’m not sure I agree with your point about NTs. The 3-4 NT is a position built mainly on power. And I think I could make a fairly convincing argument that power can be maintained at a higher level and into an older age than skill-sets necessary for positions like half-back: speed, agility, and, most importantly, durability.

I wouldn’t say that RBs are hit more often than tackles, but I would say that tackles, who are usually the biggest players on the defense, are necessarily built to withstand/give punishment better than half-backs, who tend to be smaller than the guys hitting them and who tend to be the receivers of big hits rather than the ones delivering the hits.

Remember that Ted Washington performed at a high level well into his upper 30s. And while I wouldn’t say Ron Edwards is the next Ted Washington, I would say that he is on pace to have the best year of his career at the age of 31 and in his first season in a new position in a new scheme for a new head coach.

I wouldn’t put him on the junk heap juuuuust yet.

by Chief Running Bare on Dec 5, 2009 10:14 AM CST up reply actions

It is true that certain position seem to come in and out of vogue over periods of time. I continue to be of the mind that great safeties are my by great defensive lines. The Steelers, Pats, and Ravens are all examples of that phenomenon: the guys up front made the jobs of the safeties easier by 1) creating intense pressure and 2) containing the run without *relying * on an eighth guy from the secondary.

That’s not to say the guys you mentioned aren’t important; they are. I just think it’s a little bit of a reach to put Mike Brown into the same category as any of them for a simple reason: none of them make the coverage mistakes that Brown does…on a regular basis.

Furthermore, I submit that, for the very reason that our defense is ranked near the bottom of the league in almost every category, no single player can be considered a cog in an elite defense, at least not yet. I have hope for the defense. But my hope rests mainly in the hands of the younger guys: Jackson, Dorsey, Studebaker, Mays, Hali, and Flowers. I think all of these guys, Hali included, have room to grow in this system.

by Chief Running Bare on Dec 5, 2009 10:05 AM CST up reply actions

But your not suggesting keep Vrable just as a mentor taking a roster spot are you?

Vrabel is nearing the end of his career but would still be a valuable asset as a mentor to guys like Studebaker,

Winning begins with Attitude - Haley and Pioli will be winners in KC!

I'll forever be a Chiefs fan! Only God himself could take that away from me, but when I get to my great reward, I'll rejoin two bigger fans, my Mom and Dad.

by Lanier63 on Dec 2, 2009 3:27 PM CST reply actions

Why not? I’ve always thought that if you’re going to keep a wily old vet that can’t really compete on every down, the best circumstance for that player is backing up a younger guy who’s long on potential and short on game experience. I wouldn’t mind going into a season with Vrabel as a second option with the added benefit of his ability and willingness to pass on 238 years of experience.

by Chief Running Bare on Dec 5, 2009 10:23 AM CST up reply actions