2010 Mock Draft & FA (ver. 4.0)
by Larryemcdaniel on Dec 19, 2009 5:47 AM CST
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So, I am on my 4th mock off season, and I feel this is my best one yet. I will go into detail about every player selected. But before I dive in, ill explain the logic behind my selections.
After watching the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009, I realized a few things. The team lacks speed on both sides of the ball. The offense often exhibits poor execution, and lacks quality interior offensive linemen. The defense is missing a very key element, talent! Have you ever wondered why you see massive substitutions on defense, on 3rd and passing downs? Well its because the Chiefs lack every down players. I think that the Chiefs front office should focus on defense in the draft, and pay equal attention to both sides of the ball in free agency. After the jump, I will try and select (realistic) players that I feel will remedy the issues that have plagued the KC Chiefs all season.
2010 Free Agency
1. NT, Casey Hampton Age: 32, Height: 6'1, Weight: 325 lbs.
The Steelers will not be resigning Casey Hampton this offseason. Hampton is 32 years old, but is still a dominant force in the middle. If you have any concerns about that, then check the Steelers ranking for run defense. Nose tackle is the biggest need for the Chiefs, and it must be addressed this offseason. Ron Edwards is constantly being pushed out of the play, creating cut back lanes for opposing runningbacks, and is often blocked by one linemen. What the Chiefs need is, a player who can take on mulitple blockers, and hold his ground. Hampton can be a nice 2-3 year stop gap.
2. ILB, Karlos Dansby Age: 28, Height: 6'4, Weight: 250 lbs.
The Arizona Cardinals are notoureously known for being cheap. They have ALOT of key free agents in 2010, and will not be able to, or want to pay them all. Dansby is a very experienced 3-4 ILB, that brings leadership to the field. He can play the run and pass equally, and is a very good blitzer up the middle. His familiarity with the defensive scheme would not only help his transition, but it would help the other linebackers. The Chiefs need their ILB's to be every down players, and Demorrio, Belcher, Mays, and DJ simply are not. Not longer will the Chiefs need to shuffle their LB's on 2nd and 3rd downs with Dansby in the middle.
3. SS, Roman Harper Age: 27, Height: 6'1, Weight: 200 lbs.
It has been a long time since the Chiefs have had a strong safety who could come up to the line, play the run effectively, and make the tackle, and also drop back and play the deep ball. Roman Harper can do both. He is a big time hitter, who is known for making tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and jarring balls from the hands of a WR with a monsterous hit. Pioli and Haley like versatile players, and thats just what Roman is, versatile. The deep ball and big runs have bitten the Chiefs in the butt often this year. McGraw and Brown have played decent, but neither are NFL caliber starters. Brown can be a nice backup, and McGraw can be a dedicated special teams player. Roman Harper is a huge upgrade.
4. C, Justin Hartwig Age: 31, Height: 6'5, Weight: 312 lbs.
Similar to how NT is the defenses weakest link, Center is the weakest link on the Chiefs offensive line. Rudy is an average player who belongs in a back up role. Hartwig is a solid veteran, who has led an offensive line during two superbowl seasons. Hartwig, along with Waters can be effective leaders for the olinemen. Besides the talent, and winning experience of Hartwig, there is another reason why I have chosen him. He is an athletic, and strong center who is perfect for our system and personel. Hartwig is used to playing for a quarterback who is mobile, and holds on to the ball. He knows the importance of protecting Cassel for that one extra second, to allow that big play to materialize.
5. TE, Anthony Fasano Age: 25, Height: 6'5, Weight: 255 lbs.
In the first 7 games, Sean Ryan gave us fans many headaches. At the tight end position, Ryan led the entire league in sacks given up through the first half of the season. Haley made the adjustment, and appropriately benched him. In the second half of the season we have seen Pope and Cottam playing TE for the Chiefs. While both of these guys have improved the quality of play at the position, neither are the long term answer. Pope is a nice backup, and Cottam is a nice project. Anthony Fasano is a solid TE, who can come in and take control of the position. His hands are reliable, and he can block very well. He is an upgrade over the current TE's on the roster, and can mist likely be had for cheap.
2010 NFL Draft
Round 1 - FS, Eric Berry Age: 20, Height: 5'11, Weight: 203 lbs.
Eric berry is the No. 1 player on many experts draft boards. He is a supreme talent who can make any play on the field. Safeties with the talent of Berry dont come around often. To give you an idea of the type of skills he possesses, imagine a mixture of Ed Reed, Troy Palamlou, and Brian Dawkins. He has the ball skills and return skills of Reed, the pursuit of Troy P, and the tackling of Brian Dawkins. Berry also has elite speed, something the Chiefs lack. Berry would come in and make an imediate impact.
Round 2 - OG, Jon Asamoah Age: 21, Height: 6'5, Weight: 315 lbs.
Asamoah is a sturdy guard who can do it all, and step in right away. His athleticism and strength fits the zone blocking scheme the Chiefs run. He is the choice over Lupati, simply because Lupati is a big strong bull dozing guard. Haley wants smaller more athletic guards, because the Chiefs do a lot of pulling and cut blocking. Asamoah is the epitome of the "right 53". He is consistent and versatile. The Chiefs have played musical chairs with the right guard position. Goff, Ndukwe, Alleman, and Smith have all played the position this year, at one time or another. It is the second weakest position on the offensive side. Asamoah steps in and creates stability for the next 10 years.
Round 2 - OLB/DE, Brandon Graham Age:21, Height: 6'2, Weight: 263 lbs.
Brandon Graham leads the nation in TFL (tackles for loss), with 26.5. Graham is a disruptive force who lives in the offensive backfield. He has also posted back to back 10.5 sack seasons. Now that may not sound like a lot, but you have to keep in mind that he played with no defensive line help, and was often doubled and chipped. Graham has to also be accounted for on special teams. He produced to blocked punts, and returned another for a touchdown. Graham is a hybrid player. He can put his hand in the dirt, or rush the passer out of an 2-point stance. He draws a lot of comparisions to the Steelers Lamar Woodley, not only because they both played for the Wolverines, but because of his tenacity and skill set. For one second, imagine what Hali and Graham could do. With an adequate NT pushing the pocket, Hali and Graham would meet at the QB regularly.
Round 3 - ILB, Daryl Washington Age: 21, Height: 6'3, Weight: 240 lbs.
Daryl Washington led TCU to being the #1 rated defense in the nation. Washington displays outstanding leadership qualities, and is a sure tackler. Washington can read and react with the best of them. He explodes into running lanes, and on underneath passes. Washington possesses the speed of a safety, and uses it very well from side line to side line. His pass coverage inst too shabby either. He can play the TE down the seam, or hang with a WR dragging across the middle. Blitzing is probably one of his best attributes. He is explosive through the line of scrimmage, and often beats running backs and guards who stand in his way.
Round 4 - WR, Danario Alexander Age: 21, Height: 6'5, Weight: 215 lbs.
Leading the nation in yardage is Danario Alexander. Some way, some how he has flown under the national spotlight. Against Kansas, in the Border War game, Alexander caught 15 balls for 233 yards and 1 touchdown. On the season his stats are equally as crazy; 107 receptions for 1,644 yards and 13 touchdowns. If those stats don't wow you, then read the following. Alexander recorded four consecutive games with double digit receptions and 175+ yards. In three of those games he recorded over 200 yards. Alexander has had freak injuries happen to him, but if he can stay healthy, he is the steal of the draft. The Chiefs need help deep, on third downs and in the red zone. Alexander can come in and make an immediate impact. Every team in the AFC West has a starting 6 foot, 5 inch WR the Chiefs get theirs.
Round 5 - C, Eric Olsen Age: 21, Height: 6'5, Weight: 305
Olsen is a fundamentally sound center, who can sit and learn for a couple of years, and eventually take over for Hartwig. Starting a rookie center is a no no. The center is the leader of the offensive line. He changes assignments, and points out blitzers. Olsen, along with Sam Young helped keep Jimmy Clausen up right all season. Adding depth to the o-line in the later rounds is ideal for the Chiefs.
Round 5 - WR/KR/PR, Jacoby Ford Age: 22, Height: 5'10, Weight: 185 lbs.
One major improvement made this season has been the Chiefs special teams. The coverage, kicker, and punter have been excellent all season. There is one thing holding the unit back from being superb and tops in the league, a return man. Jamaal Charles is an excellent option at kick return, but he does not need the extra work. Bobby wade is slow, and makes poor decisions when returning punts. Ford is a dynamic speedster who can fill both roles. Ford can also play the slot. Haley would most likely use him in a similar way that he used Steve Breaston in Arizona.
Round 5 - RB, Charles Scott Age: 21, Height: 6'1, Weight: 234 lbs.
Short yardage and goal line situations have been an area of concern for the Chiefs this year. I don't think this problem falls on Charles. I think he is a tough runner who can hammer it in there, but he is only 200 lbs, and that's not heavy enough for those situations. The culprits are the members of the offensive line. The Chiefs o-linemen are more of finesse blockers, instead of drive blockers. That being said, we need a big back who can push the pile and fall forward. Charles would be the thunder to Jamaal's lighting.
Offensive, Defensive, Special Team Units:
Offense
QB & RB's: Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles, Charles Scott, Tim Castille
Receivers: Dwayne Bowe, Chris Chambers*, Danario Alexander, Jacoby Ford, Anthony Fasano
Offensive Line: Brandon Albert, Brian Waters, Justin Hartwig, Jon Asamoah, Ryan O'Callahan
Defense
Secondary: Brandon Carr, Roman Harper, Eric Berry, Brandon Flowers
Linebackers: Tamba Hali, Daryl Washington, Karlos Dansby, Brandon Graham
Defensive Line: Tyson Jackson, Casey Hampton, Gleen Dorsey
Special Teams
Kicker: Ryan Succop
Punter: Dustin Colquitt
Kick Returner: Jacoby Ford, Jamaal Charles
Punt Returner: Jacoby Ford
Conclusion: In my opinion, I have compiled a team full of talent, speed, experience, and leadership, things the Chiefs lacked in 2009. I feel that this team could seriously compete for the AFC West. Both the Broncos and Chargers have a lot of pro bowl free agents in 2010. If there is a time to take back the division, its next year. Thank you for viewing version 4 of my mock offseason. Feel free to comment on anything. I enjoy debating and discusing different view points.
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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I really like your FA signings
i really feel that if we can fill NT and C in FA, then we can have a monster draft as well as a solid team next year
I totally agree
If we can fill the NT position and Center in FA, it will free us to draft the best possible players, instead of reaching for need.
Jacoby Ford
Is a great late 2nd early 3rd round pick. Difficult to imagine him falling to the 5th.
Hartwig
Pitt gave him a contract extension
Hasnt every report so far on Berry detailed that if he even declares he will more then likely be a CB?
Honestly if we’re getting safety help we’re better off doing it in free agency. This years top picks need to be a game changing linebacker, a stud offensive tackle or a skilled player at WR.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
Ring, Ring, Ring
Pioli needs to give you a call.
Well
I can’t argue with it, it’s just that………..
I can’t see or justify taking a safety that high, and if you’re drafting Berry to convert him to corner, that’s a gamble thinking he’ll work out like that. I’m not saying he can’t, but from safety to corner, from college to the pro’s. Sure Dale Carter did it, but he was drafted in the 20’s wasn’t he? I’d say Berry should go in the top 5, but he’ll go from the 8-12 range.
Asamoah sounds like a proto-typical LG, Hartwig isn’t going to be a FA he got his extension, and we have many options at RG next year that we don’t have this year. I’d rather see O’Dowd or Wisniewski here.
Brandon Graham where’s he going to play? I’d almost bet $$$ we go into next season with Hali, Vrabel, and Studebaker. I’d rather see a safety here.
Danario Alexander is screaming Craphanso Thorpe to me.
Darryl Washington pick I like.
I can’t argue your fifth round picks.
You cant???
So let me ask you a hypo question…If Ed Reed or Troy P was in the draft, knowing what you know, would you draft them in the top 5? Berry posseses the potential that they did coming out of college. This is a guy who can play many positions, and will more than likely contribute to winning, rather than losing. Theres a reason he is rated NO. 1 on most boards, and has been talked about for 2 years.
by Larryemcdaniel on Dec 19, 2009 2:20 PM CST up reply actions
Graham and Studabaker...Asamoah and our Guards
First, Vrabel is a FA, and im not so sure the Chiefs resign him. 2nd, Studebaker is a nice story, but I saw no pass rushing skills, or speed. He came in and played well for us, but I believe the Chiefs need a dynamic player opposite of Hali. Hali is constantly the focus of the offense. Hali sees chips, cuts, and double teams all game long. Having Graham on the other side will cause more one on one blocking, and frankly id bet my money Hali would win the majority of those battles. If Hali had, lets say, an Orakpo opposite of him, Hali would get roughly about 12-14 sacks this season.
Asamoah can play either side. I wouldn’t have a problem with moving Waters to RG. But whatever happens, I DO NOT WANT one of the guards currently on the team starting at RG in 2010. We have a plethora of backups at that position.
by Larryemcdaniel on Dec 19, 2009 8:02 PM CST up reply actions
There was one
article about him changing to corner in the nfl……..the guys a ball hawk….he has something like 20 int in the last two years……seems like more of a safety in the nfl than a corner
by cassel4prez on Dec 19, 2009 10:55 PM CST up reply actions
Well, again
From your FA list, I like Dansby and Fasano, but I’d look at them mostly as solid-not-spectacular help and eliminating the need to draft an ILB or TE prospect in 1st or 2nd round this year and next.
Re your proposed draft, some things I disagree on. Not sure that Asamoah is really "more athletic" and a much better pulling guard than Lupati— where does that idea come from? Agree that Brandon Graham will probably turn out as a very good NFL player, but have to agree w/ mclanahanman that he would sit behind players that KC already has, possibly not see the field much next year on defense. I also doubt that Jacoby Ford would drop all the way to the 5th round.
The other thing is, I think you have a severe case of ‘over-hype’ re Eric Berry. I agree that he will be an impact player at safety, even with some concerns as to whether he as the frame to hold up to the NFL pounding that safeties will take (which is partly why some are talking about moving him to CB)… so yeah, I agree he will be a very good player. But expecting him to combine the best aspects of the three dominant All-Pro/likely HOF NFL safeties for the past 5-8 years? That’s too much. No one is that good. You can’t expect him to come in in 2010 and immediately shut down Vincent Jackson and Brandon Marshall.
Agree w/ drafting O-line help and getting a ‘between-the-tackles’ RB, but as you say a rookie center is not going to start or contribute this year. I’m on the fence re Charles Scott, and might prefer to use a higher pick on a RB who has a more extensive track record. Also, part of improving the running game might be to get a better fullback to be a lead blocker, and I don’t see this person on your team list.
Overall, you write that your draft gives KC a team full of speed, but I really don’t see that on the offense. Sure, Charles is the Chiefs’ speed playmaker, but he’s the only fast RB, and who else is a speedy offensive playmaker? On the WR side I don’t think you will get Ford in the 5th round, and I don’t currently see either Chambers or Bowe as being especially speedy, and what if Danarrio Alexander goes to the combine and runs 4.5 or slower? He would add some talent, but not necessarily much in the way of speed.
Agreed
This years draft looks deep at safety…I bet Pioli will go with a safe pick like last year.
by idahochieffan on Dec 19, 2009 11:32 AM CST up reply actions
My explanation
- Jon Asamoah is rated as the No. 1 Guard in the nation. I have watched he and Lupati play, and Asomah is by far the more agile, and athletic guard. Dont get me wrong, I like them both, but Asamoah would be my chice for the Chiefs.
- Brandond Graham could come in and start right away. Vrabel is in the last year of his contract, and Studabaker is not the answer. Similar to the way Orakpo came in and started for the Skins, Graham can do the same. It is not out of the ordinary to see a DE/OLB rookie start.
- I simply just dont see Jacoby Ford going before the 4th round. He definately is not a 2nd-3rd round pick. I think he has a ton of talent, but WR is one of the deepest positions in the entire draft. Ford is not ranked in the top 15.
- The Chiefs have to many needs to use a higher pick on a RB. Charles Scott is a good value in the 5th.
- Eric Berry is definately not overrated. I have watched numerous games, and the guy is amazing. He will play safety, not corner. There are many free safties who are his size. Ed Reed is the same size. Size has nothing to do with him playing safety. You dont have to be a big bulky guy to play FS in teh league. Also he wont have to “Shut down those WRs”, because he plays safety. People, dont let one article fool you into thinking NFL GM and coachs will draft this kid as a cornerback. Its ridiculous!
- The speed comes from Ford, Berry, Graham, Washington, and Asamoah
-
by Larryemcdaniel on Dec 19, 2009 2:07 PM CST up reply actions
Dansby
This FA signing is the one I like the most and even at this early stage I feel is a real possibility for the Chiefs. He may not end up with the team, but I see him as someone they will attempt to pick-up. If the team were to sign him then I do believe Berry could end up being the 1st rd. pick. No Dansby signing and that 1st rd. pick is anybody’s guess, but still could be Berry.
You seem to have good knowledge of potential prospects and would be interested in your thoughts as to Damien Williams the WR from So.Cal. He is fast and has good hands. Possible KR as well.
Williams
He has good speed, and good hands, but to me he is a product of the system. I would not bet much money on him being a big time playmaker in the NFL. Id much rather have Tate, Bryant, Gilyard, Alexander, Benn over him.
by Larryemcdaniel on Dec 19, 2009 2:08 PM CST up reply actions
I LOVE THIS
The only thing I would change is the 2nd 3rd rounder…I want BENN – WR Illinois. But I feel like even with yours we make the playoffs next year.
If everyone worked as hard as me, I would be out of a job.
-Steve Nash
Benn
will be the next Aquan Boldin. I would love to add him to the team, but he is a first rd talent. He could very well go towards the end of the first. He is rated as the #3 rated WR in the nation, behind Braynt and Tate.
by Larryemcdaniel on Dec 19, 2009 2:09 PM CST up reply actions
Great picks
I do however believe that we must address WR and I would strongly doubt that Alexander would be available in the 4th. I also fear that Pioli will do another of his too cute by a half draft that leave us fans a little less than enthused. It is very important for us to be able to compete next year both for the fans and for the Chiefs players. Dorsey, Bowe, Flowers…these guys need to start winning some games in order to properly develop.
Alexander
Alexander has had some major injuries in his career. That alone can drop him to the top of the 4th. I personally feel like he is a top of the 1st or 2nd round talent, but the injuries and lack of numbers his junior year will hurt him. Top of the 4th is definately not unrealistic.
by Larryemcdaniel on Dec 19, 2009 2:22 PM CST up reply actions
In this draft
Ive selected bonafide playmakers. The best Safety to come out in years, the leading TFL in the nation, the leading receiver in yardage, the number 1 rated guard, etc…If pioli executed a draft like this, it would be the begining to the Chiefs being relevant again. I think I have all my picks and free agents spot on, for the exception to Hartwig. I will update with a new free agent center later.
Draft/FA
I’m signing off on this.Well thought out.Puts the chiefs right in the thick of things as soon as these guys play together for a bit.
John Soellner
Love It
I dont think its guna work out exactly like that but if we can get the same or similar positions i think we have a shot at taking back the west. Berry is not overhyped he is just good and i would love that pick and he most definately would have an immediate impact. Graham could be there and i think might start over studebaker if vrabel is injured. OG and C can be found in rounds 3-5 and come in and start, although the thinking on a rookie center is a no no is somewhat right, it would be better than what we have now.
Nice FA spread, there.
I’d rather spend the 1st 2nd-rounder on C, for the near-term at G and long-term at C.
I’m not on the market yet for a LB who looks like a big S. I think the LB position group is where the Chiefs should be looking for incremental improvements, with more modest moves. Best improvement for that group near-term is to improve trenches and perimeter (both sides of the ball) decisively. Trouble with a Ferrari LB, right now, is you’re left making Isuzu choices at positions that elevate the LBs we already have, and you’re STUCK if that guy goes down. I see more improvement taking place in the LB position group by simply continuing to churn the roster, and upgrading more aggressively at DL, DB, OL and WR.
The DL still has not succeeded in cutting the field in half or getting consistent push up the middle. Make sure they’re doing that, and then ask yourself if DJ, Williams, Mayes, Belcher, Vrabel, Studebaker, Hali can get the job done. I do think there’ll be somebody to push all these guys this offseason, and I don’t really expect Vrabel to come back. I know it’s an unpopular view, but I can see throwing another ’tweener or two at OLB, and not necessarily a high draft pick to do it.
I think you eliminate more of the problems in coverage by the LBs by fixing NT and getting one or two more DBs who can man-up. Make LB coverage less a matter of running the 40 in the low 4.4s, and more a matter of getting the proper drop and playing smart, while the DBs narrow the windows any LB has to cover, and NEVER strands the poor guy 1-on-1 against speed. Get more use out of your nickel against speedier personnel groups.
I know nobody is ignoring NT or DB. I really like this. But I’m not too optimistic about DaJuan Morgan. I kinda doubt he’s a real PLAYER. Could be coached-up for a by-the-numbers cover-2 scheme, most likely, but Leggett and he were chosen for up-side, and it’s starting to look like there’s an outside chance Leggett will be good all-around player, but that Morgan, with a year or two more seniority has actually shown me less than Leggett (who’s small, but plays bigger, same as Flowers does). Leggett also has some vertical that Flowers doesn’t have. If Leggett were to elevate his game and be a great PLAYER, like Flowers, he could be a force for good.
As I write this, I’m starting to feel my usual contrariness surface. Last year, everyone thought we were set at DB. I was dubious. This year, everyone thinks DB is the weak link. I’m beginning to think maybe there’s more talent in the wings (Washington and Leggett) for the future than is believed. Not complacent, and still want Eric Berry. But while there’s plenty to fault Leggett for, there were a number of plays he got reamed by fans, where I thought it was just the wrong coverage call for the players involved. 10 yards off the ball in front of the slot man is not how you set up single coverage, for instance.
Prediction for '09: Chiefs are looking like a .500 team, especially considering Denver's inattention to D-Line, Chokeland's disarray, and a San Diego team that looks like it's on the decline. With a weak schedule, Chiefs steal a few and win between 7 and 9 games, and if .500 or better, will contend for supremacy in a weak division.
I like the free agents
Karlos Dansby as inside LB, and Anthony Fasano as a TE. I think Eric Berry is a must have pick. that guy is everywhere on the field. always knows where the.
hows about Peppers? he should be available this off season shouldn’t he? he would be a good addition.
We need to draft Eric Berry, no if's / and's or buts about it!!!!
Peppers is great player, poor fit, and high price-tag.
But what the hell. Sign him, move up and take Suh, and the rest be damned.
Prediction for '09: Chiefs are looking like a .500 team, especially considering Denver's inattention to D-Line, Chokeland's disarray, and a San Diego team that looks like it's on the decline. With a weak schedule, Chiefs steal a few and win between 7 and 9 games, and if .500 or better, will contend for supremacy in a weak division.
After Sunday...
I have to rethink my mock…we need more help than i previously thought, and there needs to be more cuts and trades than I previously thought. I.E. Bowe needs to be traded.Sick of the drops. Despite what you all say, he is apart of the problem. 48 drops and Bowe leads the team, and hes missed 5 freakn games…
by Larryemcdaniel on Dec 21, 2009 10:54 PM CST reply actions
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