Chiefs Post-Draft Roster Shakedown: Running Back
by Chris Thorman on Apr 29, 2009 1:18 PM CDT
in 2009 Offseason
69 comments
With the selection of Tennessee St. running back Javarris Williams in the 7th round of the NFL draft this past weekend, the Kansas City Chiefs added their sixth running back to the current roster.
If that seems like a lot of backs it's because it is. Dantrell Savage, an undrafted free agent in 2008, played sparingly as a return man before being relegated to the practice squad in November.
Jackie Battle, who didn't register a carry last year, is a special teams guy or a fullback at best.
So in reality, despite their listed positions, the Chiefs are really dealing with three main backs.
Here's how the depth chart is currently laid out:
1. Larry Johnson (6'1", 230 pounds)
2. Jamaal Charles (5'11", 199 pounds)
3. Kolby Smith (5'11", 219 pounds)
4. Jackie Battle (6'2", 238 pounds)
5. Dantrell Savage (5'8", 182 pounds)
6. Javarris Williams (5'10", 223 pounds)
What does the addition of Williams do to this group of players? Come September, the Chiefs will likely only have four running backs on the roster, with Williams or Battle battling it out with only one survivor.
Dantrell Savage's value to the Chiefs was in the return game but even then he was mediocre at best. The Chiefs' 6th round pick Quinten Lawrence, the 2009 version of KR Kevin Robinson, should easily take over whatever duties Savage was slated to be involved in.
The whole Chiefs running back centers around, of course, the fate of Larry Johnson. If you check out his player page, you'll see his name has come up a couple of times in the last few months around here.
If Larry stays in Kansas City, the top three on the depth chart will remain unchanged. As I've mentioned before, I would be surprised if the Chiefs retained Larry Johnson after successfully winning a grievance against him for a portion of his guaranteed salary. If LJ makes the Chiefs 53 man roster, that money is re-guaranteed. To do that would make little sense to me unless Pioli and Haley are willing to eat their words and pay the disgruntled running back the money they used a special master to get un-guaranteed.
We've talked a lot about Larry Johnson leaving and the ifs and whens about that. But what we haven't talked about specifically (at least on the front page) is how the Chiefs will coordinate their running game without LJ.
My question to you this afternoon is: What will happen to the Chiefs running game without Larry Johnson in the fold?
Is a Charles/Smith combo enough? Or will the Chiefs need to grab say, a veteran like Edgerrin James? Not James himself per se but another body at the running back spot.
0 recs |
69 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Charles or Smith?
Which one would be used on third and short? I don’t think either is powerful enough.
One upside to Charles is he could become the new safety valve now that TG is gone.
just keep matriculating the ball down the field !
by SoCalChief on Apr 29, 2009 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
True
Dude is fast as hell. Thankfully at the end of the season he fulfilled my year long prediction of him getting a 70+ yard run.
by Chris Thorman on Apr 29, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But what I don’t understand is if Charles is so fast, how does he constantly get caught from behind!!
Or am I the only one who remembers those runs he was caught from behind?
by T MO 5 on Apr 29, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cox
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
by Texas Chief on Apr 29, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea right
He fared so well and getting short yardage last season. Oh wait, nevermind
Attn Todd Haley: "DO U WANNA FIGHT ME!?"
by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 29, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think they'll go after
30 y.o. James. He’s got a lot of miles, and probably would want more money than he’s worth. I’m thinking they just wanted to prove a point to LJ, if you screw up, you’re gone, and we don’t have to pay you jack. If the O-line is better than last season, and the playcalling is better as well, then I think the Smith/Charles combo would be fine. Battle would probably be on the roster as the “power” back on short yardage situations since he’s got an LJ-esque frame and build.
My crystal ball says that the Chiefs will not be drafting Aaron Curry. Their record at the end of 2009 will be 10-6. After witnessing the 2009 draft, their record will be 8-8.
by IISaiNtII on Apr 29, 2009 1:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Battle is gone
He can’t be put on the practice squad anymore, which puts him at a disadvantage over Javarris Williams.
by Chris Thorman on Apr 29, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if that's the case
Williams is the short yardage guy.
by stagdsp on Apr 29, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
and if he could have played FB at all he would have been tried out last season. Been nice knowing ya, Jackie
Attn Todd Haley: "DO U WANNA FIGHT ME!?"
by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 29, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OH
Yeah, I forgot about that. Oh well. Wasn’t Battle Mr. Fumbleiah too?
My crystal ball says that the Chiefs will not be drafting Aaron Curry. Their record at the end of 2009 will be 10-6. After witnessing the 2009 draft, their record will be 8-8.
by IISaiNtII on Apr 29, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree battle sucks and he runs way to high.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Apr 29, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Charels could start
Every time i saw him last year he impressed me and left me wanting to see more out of him. I hope he’s an every down guy but if he isn’t then smith or williams can pick up the slack
by SillyHatDay on Apr 29, 2009 1:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I've been doing some research this morning
and was about to make a post about Javarris Williams because his addition to the roster intrigues me. To answer your question, no, I don’t think the combination of any two RB’s on our roster will be able to make up for LJ. Adding a veteran would be stupid to me, even for less money, as I would just rather we keep the RB we drafted and fulfill the contract we orginally offered.
Do you think its possible Chris that Pioli & Co. went through all the proceedings to get off the hook for the remainder of his salary as a contingency for finding his replacement in the draft? Start of Round 3 it sure looked like Shonn Greene could have fallen into our laps but those draft whores the Jets swooped in and stole him! Being as that we didn’t come away with his replacement they may decide to keep the best back we have and go ahead with guaranteeing the money. Just a thought
As for Javarris Williams, I think he will take Kolby’s Smith spot on the roster. He’s roughly the same size (1 inch shorter, few cheeseburgers heavier), he’s stronger, and a smidegon faster (judging by 40 times). I’ve been reading draft reviews that project him as a fullback which I think is a more interesting prospect, but he’s several inches shorther and several lb’s lighter than say Tony Richardson & Mike Cox. Perhaps he’s intended to be used as a utility back like Faulk?
It will be interesting to see who is the FB coming out of camp (possibly Williams, Cox, O’Connel, or maybe Battle like you said). All in all I won’t be the least bit surprised if Battle, Savage, or Smith is cut. I’m cool with LJ, Charles, Williams, and Smith in our backfield
Attn Todd Haley: "DO U WANNA FIGHT ME!?"
by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 29, 2009 1:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the fullback is Mike Cox
I think they went through the grievance so he could be shipped off to another team without that salary obligation carry over. It would make him easier to move.
Interesting thoughts though.
by Chris Thorman on Apr 29, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody is gonna bite
maybe some team with a good record will throw out their 7th rounder to circumvent the waiver wire, but as its been well covered here he has far more value here than anywhere else
Attn Todd Haley: "DO U WANNA FIGHT ME!?"
by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 29, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we're bringing in competition for a pro bowl punter
why in the hell would a new regime not bring in competition for a rookie UDFA fullback from last year?
Attn Todd Haley: "DO U WANNA FIGHT ME!?"
by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 29, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay
so I embellish a little, what else is new? ; ^ )
Attn Todd Haley: "DO U WANNA FIGHT ME!?"
by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 29, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Almost...
Per the Chiefs Web Bio:
Appears poised to become just the third Pro Bowl punter in franchise history
My crystal ball says that the Chiefs will not be drafting Aaron Curry. Their record at the end of 2009 will be 10-6. After witnessing the 2009 draft, their record will be 8-8.
by IISaiNtII on Apr 29, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shonn Green
I was hoping that the Chiefs would have traded that 3rd rounder to get in the tail end of the second for Green.
blu
by blu43 on Apr 29, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LJ > Edge
Attn Todd Haley: "DO U WANNA FIGHT ME!?"
by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 29, 2009 1:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
does anybody else think that
the whole reason that pioli went throught the grievance to serve it as a wake up call to LJ? i think that could be a way for pioli to say if you dont knock your shit off you wont be getting any money in this business and you would be flipping burgers back home.
by chiefs8288 on Apr 29, 2009 1:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
it's possible
seems like a lot of trouble just to send a wake up call…
but, I wouldn’t “go against the family”
the Don will do what the Don will do
by stagdsp on Apr 29, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of trouble, for $5 million dollars?
The Chiefs gained tremendous leverage over LJ with the outcome of that grievance.
by jmcgoblue on Apr 29, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not if they keep him on the team they don't....
The day he makes the 53 man roster is the day his contract become 100% guarenteed again. Keeping him on the team on the final 53 man roster gives all the leverage back, and sticks the Chiefs with his overpaid ass for years to come.
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
by Texas Chief on Apr 29, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would we want Edgerrin James?
He’s older than LJ and hasn’t rushed for 4ypc since 2005. The guy’s career is done.
by Vince D on Apr 29, 2009 1:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying we do want James specifically
But if the Charles/Smith combo doesn’t work, we need someone right?
by Chris Thorman on Apr 29, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True... I'd rather take my chances though with Charles/Smith/Williams
It’s not like Haley’s system emphasizes a RB anyway. Any of them could probably be as productive as Edge.
by Vince D on Apr 29, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is if they decide to keep him anyway
by chiefs8288 on Apr 29, 2009 1:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LJ
use the grievance to make him squirm a little bit and then keep him.. make him think twice before doing anything again.
by chiefs8288 on Apr 29, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LJ
But all he has to do is start the season and he has his money and he could go back to the same bad LJ
by bringbacktheglory on Apr 29, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah but what i am saying is that right now
he wouldnt know he is getting that money. for all he knows is that his time could be up and if a team doesnt sign him, he wouldnt be getting paid
by chiefs8288 on Apr 29, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree
with what you said, but i just worry it wont last when he gets his money back.
by bringbacktheglory on Apr 29, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Restructure or Walk.
That is how I believe Pioli will deal with LJ. If he does restructure his contract, great for the Chiefs because he still is a top-tier NFL back. If not, no Chiefs loss. No money guaranteed.
by Ilamuku on Apr 29, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There will be changes
to the RB depth chart…
I agree that LJ has a good chance of getting cut
I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see a FA / waiver wire addition too…
I’d love to see them get Peyton Hillis, Gary Russell, or someone like that.
Edge James wouldn’t be bad, either… as a part time back.
by stagdsp on Apr 29, 2009 1:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What's up with Gary Russell?
He must have been involved in some suspect shit if the Bengals decided to cut him. Even after dropping Perry. There’s a reason this guy has been now been cut twice..
Attn Todd Haley: "DO U WANNA FIGHT ME!?"
by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 29, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
true
there are a LOT of FA RB available now… and more to come, as teams do cuts.
look for those teams that drafted RB to start shedding veterans.
I’d be surprised if the Chiefs didn’t get one more RB to compete.
I am hoping Williams turns out to be the real deal, and a 7th rd gem…
by stagdsp on Apr 29, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
from that other post
http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=2&c=860933
look at all the RB on there!
by stagdsp on Apr 29, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is off-topic...
But…isn’t it so odd but typical of the Pioli/Haley regime that the guy taken #3 overall has not been seen since! I mean, every other guy had a press conference and jersey photo-op…
No one above the team….they are soldiers….mere pieces of a bigger machine….
wow, i got cheesy just then…
by woodman212 on Apr 29, 2009 2:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Have they started the rookie minicamp yet?
Seems like some teams have already started
by jmcgoblue on Apr 29, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duece McCallister
Is a better pickup than the Edge
by ravenhawk on Apr 29, 2009 2:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
dueece i yiiikes
Is that guy still walking he has more stiches in his knees than edward scisor hand has in his body ….
hands.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Apr 29, 2009 2:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
dude my family are big saints fans
And they cryed when duece left but i was like the guy was hurt his entire career he had bad knees . Duece reminded me of that girl in high school that you had a crush on and all your friends were like dude that chick is taking more balls to the chin than barry bonds what do you see in her. And your just telling everyone trust me she will change she will change she will get better . You have hope cuz you been loving the chick for so long but she will never change once damaged good always damaged goods. bad anaglogy but ya its like that.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Apr 29, 2009 2:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No way in hell
are we taking Deuce or James. Too old, too much money. Some of the best Running backs are young guys (Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Leon Washington, Steve Slaton, Joeseph Addai, ) all good backs that aren’t very old. Adrian Peterson and Joseph Addai were at their best their rookie years.
Youth > experience
when talking about running backs.
by Bearson on Apr 29, 2009 2:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's more than just age
I think the quickest way to ruin a running back is to give him a fat contract. It seems like they run thier asses off just long enough to get paid then they have no motivation anymore. How many running backs have continued to produce after a big payday?
Larry got paid then Larry got cocky and unmotivated. Perhaps the cold water on his face will straighten him out for a game or two (it worked this past season for a couple of games) but nothing will get him to perform EVERY game ever again.
just keep matriculating the ball down the field !
by SoCalChief on Apr 29, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its funny
If LJ was on anyother team and did the EXACT same thing to that team and to that City, people here would be screaming for us to pick him up.
If you go out and you’re looking for the girl to wink at you and she hasn’t winked at you before 12 she isn’t going to. You might as well go home.
by craig in calgary on Apr 29, 2009 2:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
...and yet we wouldn't.
just keep matriculating the ball down the field !
by SoCalChief on Apr 29, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the OL...
gets going and steps up, Charles and Kolby can get it done.
by choirboy on Apr 29, 2009 2:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If the line can keep it going then why not just keep Larry
Sorry but Jamal is not larry johnson..Larry almost ran for 2000 yards 3 years ago..Then the line became terrible, he was injured, and this season was the spread and his suspension yet he still almost had 1000 yards..
Behind a respectable line, the dude is going to run for 13-1800 yards..Sorry but Jamal charles isn’t gonna do that..Sorry but either is some free agent..We’ve got an elite running back right now who has a huge chip on his shoulder to prove to the world that he can run like the larry of old..The way I see it, our line went from great to terrible within a two season frame and i don’t think we can lose sight of that..We never had a qb during that stretch that would take the focus off of LJ…Now we do..
Give larry this season..I guarantee he looks like the Larry of old..
Cutting him would be an idiotic move..We have so much damn cap space who cares about paying him his money..In my opinion he’s worth it..Easily a top 7 running back in this league..If we lose larry and Tony in the same year you can kiss this season completely good bye..Seriously
by CALIFAN1986 on Apr 29, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Man, I am so with you on that comment
wrecked
by Chiefsfan1970 on Apr 29, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Charles Is Fine
Kolby Smith is terrible. If we’re counting on production from him and his 2.9 ypc last year, we’re screwed.
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 3:01 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
I don’t think Kolby makes the team.
by TheDBroShow on Apr 29, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
Heʻs just had one good game. And it was against the Raiders.
by Ilamuku on Apr 29, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
atleast he tore up the raiders
I wish I could say I exploded one game and it was against the raiders . It would be my life story.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Apr 29, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jackie Battle
Why do people ignore Jackie Battle?
I’ve seen Jackie Battle run about 4 or 5 times and he just plows over people in short yardage situations and shows good evasiveness and speed as well.
If he can block – 238 pounds of muscle with a RB ability would make for another Mike Alstott of Tampa Bay – a damn good FULLBACK.
Jamal Charles could be our Steve Smith – with his speed and ability to make people miss,
mkaynan
by mkaynan on Apr 29, 2009 3:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Go ahead and count on 5 foot and some change guys.
I know that you're afraid... you're afraid of us. You're afraid of change. I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it's going to begin.
'09, a new era begins in Kansas City.
by ROC 27 on Apr 29, 2009 6:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Johnson
Yes he is powerful. The guy does not catch the ball well out of the back field and is a poor blocker. Pretty one dimensional. Does anyone think he is going to improve in these areas? Count me as a no.
David Logue
by dklogue1 on Apr 30, 2009 7:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Arrowhead Pride
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
