Morning Update (Matt Cassel and Lil' Wayne Edition)

Nah, Missed It

I don’t watch ESPN’s football coverage. Even though Emmitt Smith is finally gone, few of the others add anything I want or need to hear. Most of the best football guys there post online.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 7:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Regarding Jon Yoon's Piece

I don’t see them buying on Crabtree. If Pioli’s from the Parcells school of thought (and he is) he goes offensive line (since no defensive linemen are rated top five). More importantly, if you go off his draft history he probably goes line. He’s drafted linemen (offense or defense) with the first pick in four of the eight drafts he’s been involved with in New England. The other times he’s drafted a safety, a tight end, a running back, and a linebacker. He’s only gone for high risk positions twice in the first round in eight years (TE Daniel Graham, RB Laurence Maroney) and neither of those worked out for the Pats. He absolutely needs a hit on this draft so he’s going lineman or linebacker.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 7:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't mind Crabtree at all

But I get the feeling like drafting a WR at #3 doesn’t even enter Pioli’s mind.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 5, 2009 7:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why Would It?

It’s the third riskiest position to draft in the first round behind QBs and RBs…and even guys who produced incredible numbers in college have flamed out in the high picks. Good and even great WRs can be found in the second round and lower. There’s no sense in taking one this high on a team with so many needs.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 7:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All good points

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 5, 2009 7:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Crabtree Is The Next Jerry Rice

Or maybe he’s the next O.J. McDuffie, or Randal Hill, or David Terrell, or Michael Westbrook.

There are some situations where it’s worth taking a risk on a player like Crabtree. The 2009 Chiefs aren’t in that situation.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 8:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

I’d take a risk like that if we had a solid foundation. But he’s not going to change the game (for at least several years likely).

by Joel Thorman on Mar 5, 2009 8:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A team with a solid foundation doesn't get a top 5 pick

I’m not saying we draft Crabtree (though I would be comfortable with the idea). I’m just saying that team’s with solid foundations rarely lose so many games they have the option of drafting a fantastic WR in the top 5.

by Chiefs4Life on Mar 5, 2009 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not all 1st rounders are created equal

I think you have to separate WRs drafted in the top 5 from WRs drafted in the top 10. If you look at WRs drafted in the top 5, they’ve mostly done very well- Larry Fitzgerald was #3, Andrew Johnson was #3, Braylon Edwards was #3, and Calvin Johnson at #2 looks like he’s on his way. The one real bust was Charles Rogers at #2, but that might be due to injury and Detroit’s ineptness at drafting. Peter Warrick at #4 was a bust, but (and maybe my memory’s fuzzy) I seem to remember he was a surprise pick that high. Way back when, Keyshawn Johnson (#1) was probably good but not great.

I think the primary question is whether Crabtree is a legitimate top 5 pick or not, and the consensus seems to be that he is. If that’s the case, then he’s probably a decent pick at #3- if healthy. His foot injury definitely concerns me, though, and I can see Pioli not even considering him for that reason alone.

by paChiefsFan on Mar 5, 2009 8:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Top Five Or Bottom Five Doesn't Matter

Here’s an article tracking first round receivers drafted over a 15 year period. Even top five receivers drafted have a high bust rate. It’s just a position that’s got too much uncertainty, no matter where the receiver is being drafted.

The one real bust was Charles Rogers at #2, but that might be due to injury and Detroit’s ineptness at drafting. Peter Warrick at #4 was a bust, but (and maybe my memory’s fuzzy) I seem to remember he was a surprise pick that high. Way back when, Keyshawn Johnson (#1) was probably good but not great.

Don’t forget Michael Westbrook (#4) and Desmond Howard (#4). They were every bit as touted as Michael Crabtree coming out of college.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 8:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Relying more on recent history

I was relying more on recent history, as scouting has become more refined in many ways. I think recent history shows that the exceptional talents, worthy of making one a top-5 pick, make a WR far more reliable than a QB or RB at that same pick. I don’t disagree that WRs are still not as reliable as other positions like DE, but I don’t think WRs are nearly at the QB and RB level.

I agree with you about Westbrook. I disagree about Howard- I think much of his value was based on his return abilities. If he weren’t such a fantastic returner, I don’t think he would’ve been considered a top-5 talent.

by paChiefsFan on Mar 5, 2009 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Just Wrote A Piece About This In FanPosts

In the last 20 years, only one wide receiver drafted in the top 10 has won a Super Bowl with the team that drafted him (Torry Holt). Only three have appeared in a Super Bowl with the team that drafted them (Holt, Larry Fitzgerald, Terry Glenn). Out of 25 receivers drafted with top 10 picks over that timeframe.

Basically, if you’re a team drafting in the top ten and you use your pick on a wide receiver, you’re probably not going to a Super Bowl…not just because there’s a very good chance he’ll be a bust, but because you’re leaving holes elsewhere that will compromise your team more than a good or great WR can compensate for.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Largely agree with 2nd point

I don’t disagree much with your 2nd comment- a great WR is often a luxury, or perhaps to put it better, a piece that puts you over the top, not one that necessarily puts you near the top. So yes, I would generally agree that WRs shouldn’t be considered a building block.

I’m not generally a big fan of saying, “Well, teams that have historically signed X have won Y.” There are too many variables to paint with that broad a brush, especially when you consider that so few WRs have been drafted in the top 10 (as compared to other positions), and significantly fewer in the top 5. Again, probably going toward your 2nd point, that WRs are generally not building blocks.

Which also just goes toward my original point- I think if you have a WR who’s considered a top 5 talent, then he’s more times than not going to be a special player. Whether he’s the best fit for a bottom 5 team, I think you certainly have a legitimate point. But it seems to me that top-5 WRs turn out pretty well from an individual standpoint.

by paChiefsFan on Mar 6, 2009 6:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LT's Gone, By The Way

Story is that he doesn’t want to take a pay cut and make less than his backup. Can’t really blame him there…and I can’t blame the Chargers for deciding to move on if they cut him. LT’s had an incredible run, but it’s at the end.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 8:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Man I hope.

That would really open up the AFC West.

by GHOST OF DT on Mar 5, 2009 8:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think its already pretty wide open right now

Except for the Raiders of course.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 5, 2009 8:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Although, he could come back for a couple years in a much more limited capacity (similar to what he did last year minus the injuries) and still be effective. Sproles is a darn good insurance policy.

by Joel Thorman on Mar 5, 2009 8:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Braylon on the block?

Well, good morning, T.O is now out of Dallas and Braylon is on the block huh.

I am going to have to pas on both, if you bring in T.O, then you have an old WR that had been dropping in off in his number the last few years, but Pioli did bring Moss to NE and make it work.

Braylon, hmmm, no way, if we brought Braylon in we would have the top 2 WR in drops from last season.

by TheChefs82 on Mar 5, 2009 8:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Everybody forgets an 80 catch pro bowl season a year ago?

I think if we’re willing to keep Bowe and try to work on his hands, why wouldn’t we want to get Braylon and work on his too? His value is low right now because of the drops, but he’s still a super quick receiver with good length, and he has a knack for making good catches.

In short, we’d have the poor man’s Fitz (Braylon) and Boldin (Bowe). I’m willing to work on their hands for the potential of that kind of greatness…and I bet Haley would agree.

"I don't know if I want to go to New York. They'll have to pay me a lot more money because I like it here in Kansas City." -- Roger Maris

by KaloPhoenix on Mar 5, 2009 9:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if Haley would agree ...

But I do.

by JacinB on Mar 5, 2009 9:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And not to mention...

We’ve got a pro-style, pounding RB who wants out. They need someone to fill the void that Jamal Lewis is quickly leaving. I’m not sure where the breakover point would be, but LJ and a 4th is all too sweet for us.

"I don't know if I want to go to New York. They'll have to pay me a lot more money because I like it here in Kansas City." -- Roger Maris

by KaloPhoenix on Mar 5, 2009 9:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd Love To Have Edwards Here

Drops are something that can be coached out of a player. Edwards has been a bit of an underachiever since he was drafted but he reminds me a lot more of Eddie Kennison than Hart Lee Dykes and he appears to be interested in working on his game. He might benefit from a change of scenery because frankly that environment in Cleveland has been pretty toxic for awhile…and he’d be a great complement to Bowe.

Question is, what could the Chiefs trade for him? Larry Johnson alone isn’t going to do it…it would probably take at least a second round pick (which we no longer have) in addition. Larry Johnson, Tamba Hali and a third rounder? Only thing is, I think Cleveland’s running a 3-4 as well so Hali’s as useless to them as us. I just don’t see a trade as very likely because I don’t think we’ve got enough they’d be interested in.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I was defending Braylon yesterday, and I’d love to have him.

I think LJ and a 3rd may just do it, but the idea of giving up another decent draft pick is concerning when in return we’re getting a guy in the last year of his contract. NOW, if a new CBA isn’t worked out, I believe he’d be a restricted FA next year…so…that makes it more tempting.

by kcsno56 on Mar 5, 2009 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jon Yoon's piece

He had some good analysis about the likelihood of who we draft and somewhat convinced me that it would be wise to take Raji…but he lost some credibility when he didnt include Orakpo in his 3-4 OLB’s who many have ranked as the #1 or #2 prospect at that position…

by woodman212 on Mar 5, 2009 8:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Herm seemed nervous on his debut

And Schlereth hogged most of the air time. It will be interesting to see if Herm is willing to talk about players. They didn’t even mention the chiefs yesterday. Herm seemed to veer his comments away from anything negative about players or coaches.

by rustdog on Mar 5, 2009 8:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

About Denver....

I like how Florio and the Profootballtalk.com crew are picking on Denver for attempting to collect Free Agents….

Quantity over Quality…so to speak…

by woodman212 on Mar 5, 2009 8:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sorry U but I don't think LT is gone

He’ll take a salary hit. He has very strong ties to the comunity here and a business. Also there would such a up roar with the fans that would hear all the way to KC. He is a class act and is loved by the people in San Diego.

by kcfaninsandiego on Mar 5, 2009 8:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

People Here

Said the same thing about Neil Smith. Business is business and the NFL is a business. LT may like San Diego and may move there when his career’s over, but I seriously doubt his appreciation for the community’s going to keep him there to make less than his backup. He’ll go where there’s better opportunity and a better paycheck.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 8:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope you are right...

Send him to the Saints…

by woodman212 on Mar 5, 2009 8:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He'd Fit Well With The Saints

Good guy for their offense and they need a new RB after losing McAllister and with the uncertainty about Bush’s ability to stay healthy. I don’t think he’ll be a huge producer there, but he can be productive for a couple more years.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 9:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

This is the way of sports. What are you going to do for me? Not, what have you done for me. However, I think San Diego is mistaken if they think Sproles is an every down back.

AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.

by cmpotter on Mar 5, 2009 8:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Think It Was A Blunder Too

Nothing against Sproles, but you don’t pay top dollar for a utility back. When I see Sproles, I think Dave Meggett…who was a good running back but not someone you build your team around.

Not that small running backs can’t be dominant (e.g. Steve Slaton last year).

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It may have had

something to do with letting Turner go and him lighting it up. Still, they are two different backs. I think that had something to do with it. Who knows what San Diego is thinking? They are the team that went 14-2 and fired the coach to hire Norv freaking Turner.

AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.

by cmpotter on Mar 5, 2009 10:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In other words, it may have had

something to do with their G.M. being an incompetent boob.

by JacinB on Mar 5, 2009 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Won't Call Smith Incompetent

His record on drafting is absolutely stellar and he makes good player evaluations.

I will say that his general assholeishness undercuts many of his good qualities as a GM, though, and is a large part of why San Diego doesn’t go anywhere. Mocking LaDainian Tomlinson in a press conference this offseason, for example…there’s no upside to doing that and yet he did it anyway.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 1:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He has had

Two top tier quarterbacks in Brees and Rivers. Two top tier running backs in Tomlinson and Turner. That kind of sruff doesn’t happen to often. I would say that it will be hard for them to be top in the conference this year if they don’t have LT.

AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.

by cmpotter on Mar 5, 2009 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think (and that is usually a stretch)

that it is absolutely wide open and anybody’s game for the West title this coming year.

*Three teams have new coaches and Norv Turner is bringing his team down. (IMO)

*As long as Al Davis is running the bridge on that ship, it will continue to sink.

*Josh McDaniel has one big problem, Scott Pioli knows him and his thinking better than that Adams guy at NE.

*The team that takes the division is the one who is going to grasp their new scheme(s) the quickest

*KC is going to surprise a lot of people this coming year

"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Mar 5, 2009 8:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I also find it humorous

that Denver is bringing in all these retread runningbacks. There starting to look in as bad a shape as us.

AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.

by cmpotter on Mar 5, 2009 8:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think...

That McDaniels thinks he is some kind of Belichick and can coach up the retreads and plug them in like he does…I don’t see that happening…

by woodman212 on Mar 5, 2009 8:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The difference is

The Pats had a decent team and now have a really good team. Denver right now, isn’t even decent.

AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.

by cmpotter on Mar 5, 2009 8:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ugh

Saw Herm on NFL Live yesterday. Kind of infuriating to see him yucking it up with Wingo and Schlereth, but it couldn’t have been as bad as it was for Lions fans watching Millen on NBC during the playoffs. Saw Herm later that day on SportsCenter, and it was all the same thing, everybody having a hilarious old time laughing at Hermisms. And Herm seemed perfectly content to go along with it! Hello! They think all these things are hysterical because they are the rantings of a person who has clearly lost their mind, Herm. It’s the whole “at you, not with you” thing.

by stag on Mar 5, 2009 8:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Great morning update

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur." - Vince Lombardi

by Shawn on Mar 5, 2009 8:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

No to Braylon

I could care less about what he did in 07. That was a make or break year for him and buted his ass to get comfortable. He had a much softer cushion for him last year and what happened? He led the league in dropped passes. No thanks.

Call me Pacman...cuz I MAKE IT RAIN!

by mistamic on Mar 5, 2009 12:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Torry Holt

If it’s true that he’s expressed interest in playing with Kansas City, I say we sign him to a two year contract. Living in St. Louis, I’ve watched this guy forever and he is incredible. 1,000,000 times better than Engram, who we looked at earlier this week.

by Vince D on Mar 5, 2009 1:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He Wasn't Good Last Year

As John Clayton noted, there have only been 5 receivers over the age of 35 who’ve posted 1,000 yard seasons and three of them were Jerry Rice.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.

by UCrawford on Mar 5, 2009 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs