Former Cardinal Travis LaBoy has Chiefs Connection

by Joel Thorman on Apr 29, 2009 7:30 AM CDT in 2009 Offseason Comment 31 comments

A theme that we've noticed developing around the Kansas City Chiefs new regime as far as it's hiring practices goes is " It's who you know, not what you know".

And today the it's head coach Todd Haley, defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast and assistant head coach Maurice Carthon that know someone - Travis LaBoy.

LaBoy is a former defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals having been released yesterday. He would be considered a solid free agent on February 27th, the start of free agency. But to have an unrestricted shot at him now is excellent news for teams seeking to bulk up their defensive line.

LaBoy is 6'3", 260 pounds and as a six year veteran is 27 years old. He fulfilled the "predator" role on Pendergast's 3-4/4-3 hybrid defense in Arizona, a position the Chiefs might not have solidified on staff already. Here's a piece done on him last year after he sacked Chiefs' quarterbacks twice and tackled four for loss in a preseason game:

LaBoy plays the team's hybrid predator position, a combination defensive end/linebacker. Because he starts from a standing or "up" position, the Cardinals generally refer to this as a linebacker spot. But opponents refer to it as a defensive end, linebackers coach Bill Davis said.

He was so effective in that role that teams rushed at the right end only 34 times - good for 8th best in the NFL.

Davis goes on to say that the biggest difference for LaBoy coming from a 4-3 end position is that he's standing up instead of having a hand on the ground. His biggest job is to rush the passer. Coverage skills are nice but likely don't effect the predator's goal - getting to the passer.

YEAR	TEAM	GAMES	SOLO	ASSIST	TOTAL	SACKS
2004	TEN	13	13	8	21	4
2005	TEN	15	28	13	41	7
2006	TEN	13	21	10	31	4
2007	TEN	13	8	4	12	6
2008	ARZ	13	25	6	31	4

Injury Concerns

Check out a link to his KFFL page. Questionable. Limited in practice. Injured.

Injuries abound. In fact, he's coming off a torn biceps tendon injury. I don't know much about the specifics of the injury but I do know he underwent surgery following the Super Bowl. I do know that it's the same injury that Brett Favre had at the end of last season. I do know it ended the season of Tom Nalen (Broncos '08), Jason Ferguson (Cowboys '07) and Aaron Smith (Steelers '07). It's still a real possibility that LaBoy is nursing an injury.

If he's still seriously injured and unable to practice then I don't see the Chiefs (or anyone else for that matter) signing him. He needs to be 100% for a team to take a chance on him. That said, we still haven't found any sort of update on these concerns.

Chiefs Connection

Todd Haley was the offensive coordinator of the Cardinals in 2008
Clancy Pendergast was his defensive coordinator with the Cardinals in 2008
Maurice Carthon was the running backs coach with the Cardinals in 2008

Todd Haley hasn't shown any hesitation in swiping guys he knows from the Arizona Super Bowl team. Pendergast and Carthon (who holds the distinction of completing all points in the Pioli/Haley/Parcells connection) both followed Haley from Arizona. You've got two offensive coaches that lined up against him in practice and the defensive coach that prepped him every week.

This is a strong Chiefs connection.

Why not the Chiefs?

We're hearing more players say they want to come to Kansas City. It usually comes down to money, but previously at times the Chiefs weren't considered because former GM Carl Peterson was an unpopular negotiator. Not so anymore.

Monty Beisel, a former member of the Cardinals' linebacker crew with LaBoy, said he's excited about what's ahead for the Chiefs with Haley and Pioli running the show. Bobby Engram said he was excited about Matt Cassel and the things the Chiefs had to offer. Zach Thomas chose the Chiefs over the Jets.

Why won't Travis LaBoy choose the Chiefs?

***

This pick makes sense for a lot of reasons and would probably be an upgrade for the defense. However, I don't see the Chiefs making a run at LaBoy for two reasons: injuries and the draft.

We talked about his injuries above. He's been consistently dinged up throughout his career. There's an old saying that 80% of life is just showing up - LaBoy's not that guarantee.

The Chiefs didn't select a linebacker in the 2009 NFL Draft. Do you really think they banked on a solid veteran free agent option like LaBoy coming up? Not likely. So they added a few ingredients to the oven (Vrabel, Thomas) so they could cook for the 2009 season. I think the chefs are happy with the final product.

LaBoy wasn't in the Chiefs' plans prior to the draft and I think the coaches will feel they're ready without him.

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Comments

If I understand correctly...

and it’s just a matter of money, why not pick him up?

If he wants to come here and the price is right, we could use any depth at the secondary we get. And we could especially use a solid pass rusher.

"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"

by Jux on Apr 29, 2009 7:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I Whole-Heartedly Support The Signing Of LaBoy

He’s been a decent pass-rusher as a part-time player and he’s only 28. This couldn’t really hurt. And grabbing Roderick Green might be useful as well.

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.
3. Maurice Carthon will be the most hated man on the Chiefs' coaching staff within two years.

by UCrawford on Apr 29, 2009 7:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Also

LaBoy wasn’t in the Chiefs’ plans prior to the draft and I think the coaches will feel they’re ready without him.

That’s a poor argument. He wasn’t in the Chiefs’ plans before because obtaining him would have entailed compensation (draft picks) which wouldn’t be worth it for a player with his injury history. Grabbing him off waivers, however, does not entail any risk except for the contract, and as long as the Chiefs can sign him for a good price, then why not?

Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Apr 29, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is a poor argument

You’re right. I guess what I was trying to say is that if the Chiefs didn’t pick up any FA LBs prior to the draft, and didn’t draft any LBs, then I assume they are content with that aspect of the defense. At least for now.

But, you’re right, talent is talent regardless of when you can pick it up.

by Joel Thorman on Apr 29, 2009 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They Didn't Pick Up Any FA LBs Before

Because they were either overpriced or would require compensation. LaBoy would appear to be someone who won’t be either of those things.

Also, I like LeRoy Hill if the Chiefs can snag him, although he seems interested in staying in Seattle.

Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Apr 29, 2009 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus Hill is like 218 lbs soaking wet

He’s effective, don’t get me wrong. It baffles me how he and Michael Boley can be effective at the size they play at.

by RedNose on Apr 29, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe not a huge upgrade over Hali

But he does have experience in that predator role, and at the very least, its a good way to hedge your bets if Tamba or Turk or whomever else can’t get it done.

I say sign him if the price is reasonable.

by RedNose on Apr 29, 2009 8:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Upgrade?

I’m excited to see Hali in the predator role. Sure, his efficacy waned with the loss of Jared Allen (whose didn’t?), but free him up from the line and let him run over some full backs . . . I’ve got a good feeling about him.

by bakerlee on Apr 29, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really like Hali too

But Hali and Laboy are very similar statistically and Laboy has played the exact role he would be asked to play here.

I agree with you though, I’ve got hope that Hali will be able to grab this role. Ideally that would happen and a guy like Laboy would be a rotation player.

by RedNose on Apr 29, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it'd be a nice problem to have..

If they pick up Laboy, then both he and Hali thrive in the predator role…

by stagdsp on Apr 29, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Chefs?

I think the chefs are happy with the final product.

That’s great, but who are the chefs?

by tbwhall on Apr 29, 2009 8:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Haha

I thought someone would get a kick out of that.

by Joel Thorman on Apr 29, 2009 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice

I thought for a second that you’d made an error for which we would mock you for all eternity. :)

Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Apr 29, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the "predator's" sole role is getting to the quarterback in this defense...

…then why can’t one of our UDFA LB/DE signings fulfill this role (if we don’t already have someone on the roster, i.e. Hali, etc.). From the limited information I’ve seen over Pierre Walters (DE) from E. Illinois, his primary strength is rushing the passer and he’s quite poor in other areas. He’s 6’4", 265 lbs. and ran the 40 at his pro-day in 4.81. Sounds like a prototype predator to me…

Constantly injured players will simply never perform the way they could. Brody Croyle, anyone?

by DCJayhawk57 on Apr 29, 2009 8:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sign him, but don't break the bank

I think he’d be a good addition to push Hali & McBride, but his injury history is really scary. 1-2 year “prove it” deal. I’m sure he’ll garner some interest on the open market though. My question is, who would be the better addition, Travis LaBoy….or Jason Taylor? Is Taylor healthy yet?

by HTrayne on Apr 29, 2009 9:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We already have someone on the roster to fill that spot if Hali can’t do it, Darrell Robertson (6’4 250) a Pioli guy he snagged from the Patriots, check out the video;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c6VG-NwrEI

by T MO 5 on Apr 29, 2009 9:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I've been thinking that, too

He could be a beast…
or he could rotate at Will or Sam LB…
either way, I’m pulling for him to make the roster.

by stagdsp on Apr 29, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's see...

We have no one to play the predator, a decent Predator just became available who is only 28, would cost nothing in terms of compensation, and would likely sign at a reasonable price…

Check please.

I think the other guy out there that would be a good fit is Larry Foote. I like him more than Hill b/c he’s been in a 3-4. The negative is he would likely take Z. Thomas’ spot. The positive is he would likely take Z. Thomas’ spot.

by kcsno56 on Apr 29, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Foote is an inside run-stopper

He’d be more likely to take Derrick Johnson’s spot, with DJ moving back outside…into the Predator spot.

I think we have a lot of bodies at linebacker right now. I’d expect us to add a veteran WR, OT, and maybe another DE if anything. LaBoy is a stand-up guy though, and with the familiarity with him at the Arrowhead offices, I’m sure it’s being discussed right now.

by HTrayne on Apr 29, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DJ and Thomas

Are both going to be ‘inside’, as it stands now. DJ will be the Will and Thomas the Mike, in the 4-3 Under. The Mike is the LB more often taking on blockers, which is what Thomas and Foote would be more effective in. The Will is usually protected, and is relied upon to make plays, enter DJ.

In a base 3-4, both would be ILB’s.

Foote would be an ideal replacement for Thomas, as he’d give you better performance, and likely 4 more years of quality play, the problem is we just signed Thomas, and apparently told him he was starting.

DJ, contrary to popular opinion, was never thought to be an every down pass rusher, not even when he came out of college. He’s not a good fit for the predator position. Easiest way to think about the Predator is that its a standup DE. That doesn’t suit his skill set or size. In a 3-4 or 4-3 Under, DJ’s going to be inside.

DJ’s best fit may be as an OLB (probably Will) in a standard 4-3…but it doesn’t appear we’ll be running that anymore.

by kcsno56 on Apr 29, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DJ’s best fit may be as an OLB (probably Will) in a standard 4-3…but it doesn’t appear we’ll be running that anymore.

He did get to play Will in a few games over the last 2 seasons…and guess what? He had great games (first Denver game in 2008 was one of them)

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

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 29, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

I think DJ and Dorsey are going to thrive in this system. The “will” in this D is probably the most freed up player to do all kind of things. We could blitz him way more in this scheme. I’m loving this 4-3 under more and more. I wouldn’t mind keeping it for the long haul.

by I_Bleed_Red. on Apr 29, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+100

by stagdsp on Apr 29, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

4-3 under

I agree, I think our personel is going to excell in the 4-3 under. It is going to be hard for teams to double Dorsey, especially if we can get a pss rush consistently from the predator.

DJ free to flow to the ball with having to stack/shed.

Dorsey from a 3-tech, one on one, and one year of NFL experience behind him, watch out…

by chrisclark_dfw on Apr 29, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops..

DJ free to flow to the ball without (not with) having to stack/shed.

by chrisclark_dfw on Apr 29, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DJ and Dorsey should thrive...AND

Hali should be able to be a great predator.
He’s generally “undersized” as a DE… and his main strength is rushing the passer… when he’s not blocked (he was always blocked last year)

Sounds like a predator to me… though I’ll take Laboy, Jason Taylor or Peppers if we can get them!

If not, Hali and Robertson should be able to be effective

by stagdsp on Apr 29, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is the best game I recall seeing DJ play...ever!

He was all over the place.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Apr 30, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We had 10 sacks last year and plenty of cap space

I don’t care who he is, where he’d play, how old he is, etc. If the words “pass-rusher” are at any point used to describe him then sign him and the worst that can happen is he adds some depth off the bench.

Ten sacks in a season! For crying out loud that's what I used to average per game using DT in Tecmo Bowl!

by KCporkchop on Apr 29, 2009 11:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs