Kansas City Chiefs Roster Cutdown Shakes up Offensive Line

by Joel Thorman on Sep 4, 2009 6:31 PM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp

Photo courtesy John Sleezer of the Kansas City Star

If we're going to go by the most recent depth chart provided by the Kansas City Chiefs, there are only two offensive tackles on the team following this afternoon's release of eight players.

*Left Tackle*	*Left Guard*	*Center*	*Right Guard*	*Right Tackle*
B. Albert	B. Waters	R. Niswanger	M. Goff	B. Richardson
	W. Smith	A. Alleman	C. Brown
	D. Harris		I. Ndukwe

The final depth chart of the Chiefs 2008 season showed there were four offensive tackles.

*Left Tackle*	*Left Guard*	*Center*	*Right Guard*	*Right Tackle*
B. Albert	B. Waters	R. Niswanger	W. Smith	D. McIntosh
H. Taylor	W. Smith	W. Smith	A. Jones	H. Taylor
				B. Richardson

In reality, however, Ikechuku Ndukwe, acquired from the trade with the Miami Dolphins, has seen some time at right tackle. Colin Brown played the position in college at Missouri but, at least during training camp, has been at guard.

Barry Richardson's performance as a starter at right tackle a couple weeks ago was bland at best. He's young, and the ceiling appears to be high because of some of his physical attributes, but we're concerned with what he can do for the Chiefs right now. And, right now, he may not be the answer.

Unfortunately, as I peruse the roster, he may have to be the answer.

So, do the Chiefs really only have two tackles, maybe three including Ndukwe, on this team?

Wade Smith can play some tackle, in an emergency, but he's lined up as an interior lineman all offseason.

If I were the Chiefs brass, I'd keep tabs on every right tackle in the NFL who might be released or might be available for the right price. Myself, and nearly everyone else on Arrowhead Pride, has been saying that for weeks, months and, for some, years. But after getting a visual of this depth chart, it's becoming increasingly obvious that a change has to be made and, in my humble opinion, likely will be made.

As Josh Looney pointed out earlier today, the Chiefs have released 11 players since establishing their 80 man roster. Of the 11 that were released, five have been offensive linemen. To me, that's an indication that the Chiefs are almost desperately seeking a combination that works.

So, that's five holdovers from the 2008 line and five additions to the 2009 line.

The Chiefs had nine offensive linemen that suited up last season. They have ten right now. So, it's conceivable that, barring any personnel moves, this is the unit that will line up week one at Baltimore. I don't think it's likely, considering Scott Pioli's past history of making personnel moves quickly, but it's possible.

Tweet Comment 23 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Goff could/should be next

He was invisible yesterday. I suppose that’s better than standing out for the wrong reasons like he did in games 1-3

by jcru on Sep 4, 2009 6:32 PM CDT reply actions

I think it's safe to say....

that Pioli is likely to have a complete turnover on the right side of the line depending on who winds up on the waiver wire.

by WesternChief on Sep 4, 2009 6:36 PM CDT reply actions

lets hope so

From center to RT.

by NFL season ticket holder on Sep 4, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Ndukwe...

Has been playing RT only. Since the last 2 games they have played B. Richardson at LT, I think the plan right now would be to start Ndukwe and have BRich as the swing tackle. I still think a trade for a vet is possible though.

by MaineChief on Sep 4, 2009 6:56 PM CDT reply actions

Hard to say.

Almost certainly wanted to sit Albert, and with Taylor being toast (surprising to some), SOMEbody has to play LT, while they’re getting things sorted out.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Sep 5, 2009 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions

OT

If I was a bettin man I would say we will see 1 to 2 new OT’s that are not on this team now come Monday or sooner.

by DLChiefs on Sep 4, 2009 8:04 PM CDT reply actions

Ndukwe starts at RT and they sign a waiver T

by FrankPitts on Sep 4, 2009 8:06 PM CDT reply actions

I'm guessing they're planning on picking up another Tackle or two from the waiver wire

Not sure what they see in Ndukwe, we haven’t seen enough of him to really tell but he doesn’t look real special to me.

http://ajax-dj.mybrute.com

by ChiefDJ on Sep 4, 2009 8:11 PM CDT reply actions

Ndukwe is not a RT

He is a guard…I hate it when coaches move a guard out to tackle and then expect him to handle the rush.
It never works.

by NFL season ticket holder on Sep 4, 2009 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Raid the broncos

They are stacked and have got to make room for their QB and receiver problems. Not to mention their fear of losing 6-7 running backs again.

by RockinTheD.ThomasInDonkeyLand on Sep 4, 2009 8:51 PM CDT reply actions

Are we really that naive?

“So, do the Chiefs really only have two tackles, maybe three including Ndukwe, on this team?”

Seriously, Joel. Its obvious Pioli, Haley will keep signing people until the position improves. Haley has said it himself, this week they will sign guys. Don’t be surprised if the sign 6 or 7 guys in the next week, and 3 of them are O line.

In my opinion, anything is better than the guys we have rotating at tackle last week.

by Lucasjr5 on Sep 4, 2009 9:13 PM CDT reply actions

Or is there already

something in the works? Do they have Runyan, or Levi Jones on their way in for a workout? Glad to see that the qb killer Sac is gone, my guess is Niswanger, and Goff will be the in the next round of cuts.

Now hopefully this team is fun to watch again! Thanks Scott, Clark!!

by Eric Allen on Sep 4, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I could see one of them being gone, but not both. There’s only so many changes you can make in one year. Then again, who knows. There could be enough players cut that Pioli/Haley like to make them expendable.

by bh13 on Sep 4, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Surely he can

find three in the field of 700. The Chiefs just made a statement, no one is safe.

Now hopefully this team is fun to watch again! Thanks Scott, Clark!!

by Eric Allen on Sep 4, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I think something is already in motion to bring in a RT as well

That would explain cutting McIntosh and Taylor. That would leave Richardson as the LT-RT swingman back-up role and Pioli’s trading or signing a starting RT…..Tony Pashos? Runyan?

2009-10 Predictions:
1. Chiefs will win ATLEAST 6 games, which is a big improvement over 6 wins in 2 seasons
2. Succop will bring stability to the K position for the first time in years
3. Chiefs D will atleast double the number of sacks form last season
4. Cassel will be a top 15 QB
5. Todd Haley won't make a poster and jump around holding it up welcoming the Chiefs players to summer camp, I mean TRAINING camp

by Chiefs_KC on Sep 4, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions

OL

Niswanger played like a diff player in game 4 he actually looked like a starter. Goff played decent and got a good push a few times. Pass protection was muched improved even though there were a couple mistakes, Croyle had time to make plays on almost every snap. I have to say we can deffinatly win with this O-Line, but I do expect atleast one OT to be claimed off waivers.

by kcchiefstd on Sep 4, 2009 10:02 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah Haleys

playcalling seemed to make a difference, still do not think Niswanger is going to be a solid center.

Now hopefully this team is fun to watch again! Thanks Scott, Clark!!

by Eric Allen on Sep 4, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree w/kcchiefsstd

I think Goff still missed some blocks, but looked servicable.

Niswanger was fine, for the most part, as well.

They will bring in at least 1 OT…

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Sep 5, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd like to see Niswanger at G

by FrankPitts on Sep 4, 2009 10:09 PM CDT reply actions

That is a thought,

as long as it is not groundhog day every Sunday I am good.

Now hopefully this team is fun to watch again! Thanks Scott, Clark!!

by Eric Allen on Sep 4, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Line is offensive

They need to put Ndukwe in at RG and let him play his natural position and make another trade or either find a RT on the wavier line. if no one can be found, I would feel better with Colin Brown at RT than with Barry Richardson.

by NFL season ticket holder on Sep 4, 2009 10:50 PM CDT reply actions