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Post-Draft, What is the Chiefs Biggest Need?

Michael Crabtree, the San Francisco 49ers' NFL football first-round draft pick, plays around as he tries on his new helmet while touring the team's headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Crabtree was a wide receiver at Texas Tech. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

More photos » by Paul Sakuma - AP

6 months ago: Michael Crabtree, the San Francisco 49ers' NFL football first-round draft pick, plays around as he tries on his new helmet while touring the team's headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, April 26, 2009. Crabtree was a wide receiver at Texas Tech. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Courtesy of our good friend Direckshun at Chiefs Planet, here is a projected depth chart for the Kansas City Chiefs.

*2009 Draft picks in bold

Offense

QB: Cassel, Thigpen, Croyle, Martin
RB: Johnson, Charles, Williams, Smith
FB: Cox

WR: Bowe, Bradley, Engram, Lawrence, Webb
TE: Cottam, O'Connell

LT: Albert, Taylor
LG: Waters, Smith
C: Niswanger, Smith
RG: Goff, Richardson
RT: McIntosh, Brown

Defense

DE: Jackson, McBride
NT: Tyler, Edwards
Undertackle/DE: Dorsey
DE: Magee, Boone

OLB: Hali, Williams
ILB: Thomas, Beisel
ILB: Johnson, Mays
OLB: Vrabel, Robertson

CB: Flowers, Carr, Washington, Daniels, Leggett
S: Page, Pollard, Morgan, McGraw

Special Teams

K: Barth, Succop
P: Colquitt
LS: Purdum
KR/PR: Lawrence, Charles

Now I'm in a bit of a time crunch as I make my wake to the mechanic and then back to Austin, TX, so use this as an open thread to discuss this issue.

Primetime will be around later and I should be back tonight.

So, to get it going, what is the Kansas City Chiefs' biggest area of need following this draft?

My vote goes to wide receiver. We still don't have a reliable #2 behind Bowe, who himself is just barely a #1 WR IMO.

Sorry for the rush. Be back soon.

Poll
What is the Chiefs biggest area of need after this draft?
Wide Receiver
503 votes
Defensive end
42 votes
Running back
21 votes
Offensive tackle
304 votes
Guard
81 votes
Center
68 votes
Tight end
63 votes
Outside linebacker
185 votes
Inside linebacker
58 votes
Other/In the comments
24 votes

1349 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 75 comments |

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Comments

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Until proven otherwise

OLB. Vrabel is with us for another season or two and Hali/Williams/Johnston/McBride haven’t played the position before so we really have no clue where we stand on those positions until camp.

by Joel Thorman on Apr 27, 2009 3:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Leroy Hill

we are in desperation mode for an ILB, Hill is our greatest need

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Apr 27, 2009 3:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't think we will...

sign him. I think he is more of a 4-3 weakside linebacker anyway than an inside guy. He is apparently dumber than a box of rocks. I bet you he will end up in Tampa.

by I_Bleed_Red. on Apr 27, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

do you read walterfootball?

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Apr 27, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah...

I didn’t realize that’s where I read it until I saw your last comment of the other fanpost. I guess it was imprinted into my memory from when I read it a long time ago on their free agent tracker page. So he has a good football mind?

by I_Bleed_Red. on Apr 27, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pass Rush, Pass Rush, Pass Rush

so OLB.

Followed by a WR, then center, then a tight end (no, I don’t have confidence in Cottam)

The only measure of true success in the NFL is the Vince Lombardi trophy. Anything less is a rationalization.

by sm7600 on Apr 27, 2009 3:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

My sentiments exactly

We need a pass-rush OLB and Hali/Williams haven’t proven capable yet. With the loss of Tony G, a second reliable passing target has become a glaring weakness (Bradley was ok, and we’ll see about Engram). I like Rudy, but based on his performance last year I see him as a backup center or guard, not a trusty starter (hopefully he improved after starting an entire year). And I like Cottam, but haven’t seen anything from him that makes me think he can be a big factor in the passing game (at least not as the primary TE).

by Chiefs4Life on Apr 27, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I liked whoever had it different on their depth chart...

They had Jackson as the SDE and then Magee as the backup UT…I think that is more likely right now…

Our biggest need remains a WDE to rush the passer…Jason Taylor time…

by woodman212 on Apr 27, 2009 3:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I may be confused

but I was under the impression that in the 4-3 under, Jackson will be the WDE, and the predator will be in the 5 or 7 tech on the strong side (with the under tackle in the three tech to that side)

Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 27, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm really confused now

When we were talking about the 4-3 Under, wasn’t the 5 Tech on the strong side? Now Haley is talking about him being on the weakside. And I thought that the under tackle and predator played weakside.

Where’s Texas Chiefs when you need him?

by RedNose on Apr 27, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haley referred to it as an odd front instead of a traditional 3 man line

So it sounds like we’ll do some sort of under package. I’m just confused about how the personnel are implemented.

by RedNose on Apr 27, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

5-tech should be strong side

If you are using a 3 man front, it doesn’t make any sense to play the 5-tech on the weak side. It would leave to many uncovered gaps. Jackson would likely play the 5-tech (strong side DE) which would leave Dorsey or Magee playing the 3-technique on the weakside (lined up between the guard and tackle). The Predator will usually line up on the weak side in a two-point stance midway between the line and the LBs.

You might be confused because the depth chart listed above actually has 12 starting positions since they have Dorsey’s position listed separately from the weak side DE.

by Chiefs4Life on Apr 27, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That sucks for Dorsey

his best fit was the 3-tech on the weak side. Playing a 5-technique on the weak side is just plain silly, as it leaves the TE on the strong side free to release without a D lineman smacking him before he gets up-field, so the 5-tech needs to play strong side. If Jackson plays on the weak side, he’d be the 3 technique, thus taking Dorsey’s best fit away from him.

by Chiefs4Life on Apr 27, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I agree that the 5 tech should be on the strong side in theory

But what makes it even more of a mystery to me is that Pioli described Jackson specifically as a 5 tech who might slide inside on passing downs.

by RedNose on Apr 27, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That doesn't make sense

one of two things is happening here: 1. Haley has no idea what he’s talking about when it comes to defense, or 2. They’ve planned some sort of defense that is far beyond my comprehension of the game. Since Haley is making millions of dollars as a pro football coach and I’m not, I’m hoping it’s the latter.

by Chiefs4Life on Apr 27, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope so too

Because you and I have the same understanding of what an under front SHOULD look like. Something isn’t adding up.

by RedNose on Apr 27, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

in the press conference

Haley said Jackson would be on the weakside

by stagdsp on Apr 27, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe Haley mispoke as he is an O guy

you don't have to win and you don't need to fight. Supertramp

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 27, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is what I thought the setup was

Predator in a 5 or 7 tech on the strong side…next to him is the undertackle in a 3 tech…next is the nose tackle in a 1 tech to the weakside shoulder…then the DE in a 3 or 5 tech on the weakside

of course this all determines/depends on what the LBs’ responsibilities are

I’m sorry for introducing all the confusion…apparently I am an total retart.

Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 27, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But wouldn't that weakside DE be the Predator woodman?

I thought that’s where Tamba or whatever standup OLB would be doing.

I can’t see Jackson in that role. But like I said above, I’m confused.

by RedNose on Apr 27, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think the SLB is Predator lol...

and the WDE needs to be the speed rush guy (that we dont have)…SDE needs to be a big Strahan-type guy, like Jackson, and that frees up the Predator…

I duno, it is pretty confusing really

by woodman212 on Apr 27, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Carroll quote about the SDE
The defensive end to the tight end side needs to be a defensive player that can play the run. He does not have to be a big time pass rusher. He has to play the C gap and stop the run.

Sounds like Jackson

by woodman212 on Apr 27, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's what I'm saying

Haley’s quote:

Q: What side do you envision him lining up on?
HALEY: "We probably see him right now away from the tight end, on the back side, the open side. That’s a key position for the defense as far as stopping the run mainly."

by RedNose on Apr 27, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, WDE is Predator

the SLB would have responsibilities covering the TE in passing situations. The WDE would be primarily a pass-rusher.

by Chiefs4Life on Apr 27, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well this was my thought of what it would look like

The Strongside DE is the 5 Tech (Jackson)
The NT either over center or shaded to the strong side (Tank)
The 3 Tech Tackle on the weakside hitting the B gap (Dorsey)
The Predator on the weakside as a standup rusher (?? Hali??)

But Haley’s comments flip that theory on its head.

by RedNose on Apr 27, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well this has got as clear as mud

you don't have to win and you don't need to fight. Supertramp

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 27, 2009 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly what I pictured

Most of the time the NT would line up on the RG’s side. The main job of the D linemen would be to force the O line to double team them. If every player on the D line is double-teamed than the LBs are free to roam the field. Dorsey woulod be a perfect fit or what is labeled DT above (the 3-tech). That would force a team to double Dorsey with the LG and LT and make them put a second TE in the game to block Hali (predator) coming off the weak side. Jackson fits the role DE (5-tech) perfectly. Haley doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

by Chiefs4Life on Apr 27, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am torn between WR and OLB

but I think Bradley is at least serviceable…we really have no idea how effective Vrabel, Hali, McBride/whoever we put at OLB/Predator/whatever will be at rushing the QB

Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 27, 2009 3:27 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think WR isn't too big of a need right now

We have Bowe and then Engram in the slot… and then on the other side with have Bradley competing with our new draft pick, who looks to be a pretty speedy guy. I would say Bradley ends up starting but he’ll probably end up getting injured, and maybe this guy can show us something.

by Vince D on Apr 27, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Plenty of changes to be made.

Pioli said it himself….he is far from finished with this team. The way he talks he is gonna sign some more FA…not UDFA but the real veteran ones. I like that Pioli is not saying this is it folks this is your team. He is open to making more changes….good….cause we need them….we need more proven WR depth. We need a proven Center. We need a good backup LG for Waters. I think we should try out some other FB options….not saying Cox is not the man but he needs competition too.

Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!

by Matt_Grbac on Apr 27, 2009 3:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Dangit!! So much for my guy Zach Potter coming to the Chiefs......

Four undrafted Nebraska seniors will go to the NFL as free agents.

The university’s athletic department announced Sunday that I-back Marlon Lucky would go to the Cincinnati Bengals, defensive end Zach Potter to the New York Jets and receiver Todd Peterson to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Receiver Nate Swift said he plans to sign with the Denver Broncos.

Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!

by Matt_Grbac on Apr 27, 2009 3:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Joe Ganz

also signed somewhere if I’m not mistaken.

by Primmtime on Apr 27, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Bucs got him

Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!

by Matt_Grbac on Apr 27, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DE?

Whoever voted DE as most pressing need must have been in a comma over the past three drafts.

by crazyshark51 on Apr 27, 2009 3:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Sorry....we just figured from having the lowest sack total since 1960...

…that despite how many we have drafted they obviously are not working out…

by woodman212 on Apr 27, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

bold prediction!

I’d bet on C (it seems to happen a lot)
or maybe an ILB (not as a starter, but to play a lot with Zach Thomas)

by stagdsp on Apr 27, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dont think so

Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!

by Matt_Grbac on Apr 27, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes

He signed with the Ravens.

by Primmtime on Apr 27, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Make that

18! Man they are going to start with 100 players on their roster to start the season.

by Primmtime on Apr 27, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd put Taurus Johnson on the depth chart

instead of Webb, who I can’t really see sticking around.

And isn’t McBride being moved to OLB, which takes him out of the depth chart at DE? I guess we don’t know for sure just yet.

by TheDBroShow on Apr 27, 2009 4:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Our UDFA Londen Fryar is Irving Fryar's son....thats neat.

He played on Western Michigan with Louis Delmas, Detroits pick.

Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!

by Matt_Grbac on Apr 27, 2009 4:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

IM PRETTY SURE

mcintosh wont start at tackle they will let richardson and brown duke it out and let the best man win, Then i see mcintosh backing up goff.

by cassel4prez on Apr 27, 2009 4:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Should we bring a QB in for a tryout...? I think we should.

It only makes for good competition. Someone could beat out Ingle Martin for his spot on the roster……I dont see anything beating out Thigpen or Croyle but you never know.

Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!

by Matt_Grbac on Apr 27, 2009 4:40 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Martin doesn't have a spot on the roster

when we hit the season, Martin will likely be the fourth QB and we will only carry 3. If we bring in a QB, they would need to beat out Croyle to make the active roster. They could start by snapping him with a towel (it might break his hip).

by Chiefs4Life on Apr 27, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!

by Matt_Grbac on Apr 27, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lots of teams get their local guys...

They know more about them then anyone else.

Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!

by Matt_Grbac on Apr 27, 2009 4:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Don't we have more tight ends than that?

I would rank them in this order:
Brad Cottam
Jake O’Connell (I’m not sure O’Connell isn’t actually the #1 guy…)
Sean Ryan
Jed Collins
Tony Curtis

by KS on Apr 27, 2009 4:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

We should have kept Michael Allen

He seemed like a good project. He obviously wasnt cut out for the big boys though

Pain is Temporary ~ Pride is Forever!!

by Matt_Grbac on Apr 27, 2009 4:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Say what?
We should have kept Michael Allen
He obviously wasnt cut out for the big boys

Just givin’ you a hard time =)

Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 27, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought we had 2 guys signed for Long snapper

to duke it out?

"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 Apr 27, 2009 5:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Pick up Levi Jones

It sounds like bengals are going to cut him i think he could play RT we might have to pay him a lil more just because he was a LT but would deffinatly solidify the line

by cassel4prez on Apr 27, 2009 7:09 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

we wound be in a bidding war

with Buffalo, and probably a few others. Since we have ons of cap room wouldn’t be much of an issue though. I’d support the idea, we need help at RT.

by BeijingKCfan on Apr 27, 2009 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

WR isn't a weakness but we really need someone to pick up Tony's production

Hopefully we can sign someone that can take a defender off of bowe..I think Bradley and Engram can do good stuff but Bowe is our only WR that I would say is Pro-Bowl caliber

by CALIFAN1986 on Apr 27, 2009 7:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm surprised

no one is talking about our right tackle. I feel that Thomas, Vrabel will be enough to help the linebackers for this year (and this only). Engram gives us a solid slot reciever (again, maybe just for the year), packaged with Bowe we have enough to get by on.

My concern is right tackle, we all know McIntosh sucks, but what is plan B, two 5th round projects?? Richardson couldn’t get on the field last year even though Herm would play anyone under 25 with a pulse, this should tell us something. Brown’s scouting report didn’t exactly scream rookie contributer to me. Our brand new golden boy (Cassel) is going to be running for his life this year.

by BeijingKCfan on Apr 27, 2009 7:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

1) NT, Big fat and strong
2)LB Sure tackler and can get to the QB
3) WR a stand out
4) RT anyone better than Sackintoche

by fishhooks on Apr 27, 2009 8:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

choices

1) MacIntosh
2) LJ is only 5 paces behind QB
3) Thigpen 1-1 w/TD
4) Cottam, latest fad TE to OT

you don't have to win and you don't need to fight. Supertramp

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 27, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Too many holes

Can’t pick just one. Ancient LB’s get hurt. See Donnie Edwards. Bradley has potential but, can’t stay healthy. OL at spots is old and others mediocre to pitiful.

David Logue

by dklogue1 on Apr 28, 2009 8:37 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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