Who Wants it?

There seem to be a few open positions on the roster this offseason. One of the best competitions looks to be at the right defensive end spot. There are many things a coaching staff can look at to decide the starters on a team, but in my opinion the Oklahoma Drill is one of the best! I am unsure if this last vestige of toughness will be utilized in Kansas City this offseason, but it sure does fit the m.o. of the new look Chiefs.

Coach Haley is trying to build a tougher, more physical ball club. One that will not shy away from contact or finesse the opposition. He has also mentioned that each and every position is wide open for competition, so that should lend itself to some heated camp battles! When I played, we called this drill the Meatgrinder! It was by far one of the meanest, most physical, and demanding drills I ever took part in. And I loved every minute of it! This is how we decided if you were starter material, or you were just going to sit and watch the cheerleaders on the sidelines.

One guy who would have excelled at this drill (J.A.) is no longer in K.C., and his pass rush went with him. For a team that set a record for futility last year in sacks, Pioli and company have put a premium on upgrading the Defensive End position. It was obvious when we drafted Tyson Jackson #3 overall that we intend to do just that. From what I have read, Tyson will lock down the LDE position, while our 3rd round pick, Magee will get a look at the RDE. But there are a few other players who may have something to say about that. Guys who have spent time as 4-3 Ends or Defensive Tackles are going to be pushing for a starter's spot somewhere on this line. I will not get into which scheme we will be utilizing (4-3 Under/Over/Through the Woods/Whatever), but I am curious as to who will be our starting Right Defensive End come September. It is in these positional battles that we will build the '09 Chiefs!

Let's take a look at the players.

Alex Magee was drafted #67 overall in this year's draft and is the youngest player (22) on the roster. Magee's strengths seem to be that he is big enough and athletic enough to play a true 3-4 end at 6'4" and 295 lbs., and big enough and versatile enough to play inside at the nose tackle position. If Magee does not win the RDE position outright, he will undoubtedly provide much needed depth along our D line.

Turk McBride is currently a huge question mark as to where he will end up in our new defense. He worked out with the linebackers at mini-camp, but my guess is they will try him again at the RDE position. At 6'4" 285 lbs. Turk seems to have the size to play end in the 3-4 or 4-3.  I like Turk, and think he will find a spot somewhere. But I don't think the new coaching staff has any warm, fuzzy feelings for these guys that we have come to know, so I am not expecting too much.

Bryan Johnston is an interesting possibility. At 6'5" 276 lbs., this guy ran a 4.66 forty at the Combine last year. That is fast for a big man. His height and long arms are also a big advantage when playing the DE position, and if he improved his strength and conditioning this offseason, I think he could be one of the "surprises" this year. I know it's early, but Johnston could shine in our new D.

Bobby Greenwood (6'6" 278 lbs.) and Dion Gales (6'-5" 259 lbs.) are both college defensive ends that look to be training camp fodder. But both seen to be versatile lineman who may make the roster on special teams. Gales could also get a look at OLB (I have also seen him listed at 6'7" 288 lbs, so not sure which is accurate?). We will throw these guys in the Meatgrinder and see what happens!

There could be some others who will end up lining up at the RDE, but I am unsure who they might be. We may see some Defensive Tackles such as Dorsey and Boone getting a look over here if we end up utilizing the 3-4, so there are a lot of possibilities. No doubt this is an important position in our defense, and we need someone who is mean enough and tough enough to handle it. My guess is that Magee will be the guy, with others like Turk and Johnston coming in during obvious passing downs. Training Camp is right around the corner. Let the Meatgrinder begin!