Should the Chiefs Use 5th Overall Pick in 2010 NFL Draft on a Left Tackle? - ANALYSIS SAYS NO!
It is a fact that Branden Albert had a difficult year at LT for the Chiefs in 2009. He allowed twice as many sacks as he did in his rookie year of 2008 (9 vs. 4.5) and was the worst LT in his peer group of “franchise left tackles”.
We also know about the “extenuating circumstances” he had to deal with in 2009:
-Had to adjust to a new playing weight (lost 30 pounds during the offseason at Todd Haley’s request)
-Lost his offensive coordinator two weeks before the start of the season
-Had to learn an entirely new playbook for the second year in a row
-Blocked next to an aging and declining LG in Brian Waters (and with a C, RG and RT who would be backups, not starters for most NFL teams)
-Had a new quarterback (Matt Cassel) who was less mobile and held the ball longer than the one who started for most of the 2008 season (Tyler Thigpen)
-Directly felt the loss as the protector of the “blind side” of the “safety valve” in the Chiefs passing game, Tony Gonzalez, who always seemed open in 2008 for a short pass when the opponent’s d-line was closing in on Thiggy
-Suffered for the 1st half of the season, as the entire offense did, with a feature running back (LJ aka Valdemort) who averaged 3.3 yds a carry. Defenses waited for the inevitable 3rd and long (after a failed run and a dropped pass) and then sent everyone
-Had to master a new zone blocking scheme
But here’s what you may not know:
1. Branden Albert allowed ZERO SACKS in the last 6 games of the 2009 season including shutouts of NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil (TWICE) and Aaron Schobel (tied for 11th in sacks in 2009)
2. Every “franchise left tackle” in the NFL allowed more sacks in 2009 than he did in 2008 except for Jason Peters and Duane Brown (both of whom had HORRIBLE years in 2008 with 11.5 sacks allowed each). The avg last yr is around 6-6.5 sacks
3. The only “Class of 2008” left tackle chosen after Albert in 2008 to outperform him by more than 2 sacks allowed was Sam Baker (3 sacks less)
4. Branden Albert allowed the same amount of sacks in 2009 as the “no show Pro Bowl substitute himself”, Bryant McKinnie, who protected “the ancient one” for Minnesota. Don’t forget that McKinnie has the perennial All-Pro Hutchinson at LG
5. The two first round tackles chosen in 2009 who played in 2009 (Jason Smith was injured) allowed only slightly less sacks than Branden. Oher allowed 8 at RIGHT TACKLE, a much easier position for pass protection
Check out my chart below. I believe in "Don" Pioli and he will make the right decision. I will be VERY SURPRISED if the Chiefs take a left tackle with the 5th pick in the draft.
I believe that it's much smarter to draft Maurkice Pouncey in the 2nd round and let Brian Waters and Pouncey compete for the Left Guard position next year with the loser sliding over to Center. Rudy Wisenheimer becomes the Right Guard, O’Callahan is the Right Tackle (having learned the system, had a full training camp and pre-season with the team, etc.), Leonard Pope actually blocks at TE (instead of the human sieve, Sean Ryan who had allowed 5 sacks in the early season games we started him in. In spite of the two touchdowns he scored, we couldn’t afford to keep him in the lineup - 5 sacks/2 TDs = 2.5 sacks per TD ratio! Any doubt why he was invisible for the last 10-12 games?) and we have the makings of a competitive NFL offensive line. Hope for development at Guard from Colin Brown, grab another interior lineman in the 3rd – 5th rounds (a strength of Pioli’s) and the Chiefs offensive line will be just fine.
You often read in mock drafts that the Chiefs pick a Left Tackle at #5 to “improve 2 positions with one pick – Left Tackle and whatever position Branden moves to”. What about improving 3 positions by drafting Pouncey? LG, C, RG (assuming Rudy’s better at RG)
I pray Eric Berry is available at #5 and beseech Pioli and Haley to take him if he is. The last time the Chiefs had an “erry” at safety (Deron Cherry), we had a pretty awesome defense. Eric Berry makes Flowers even better. He makes Brandon Carr much better. He even makes our mediocre inside linebackers better. The NFL is going through a pass-happy, big play phase. TEN, that’s right TEN quarterbacks (almost 1/3 of the league!) passed for 4,000 yards last year. Four of the ten, Romo, Roethlisberger, Rivers and Eli Manning, shredded the Chiefs. We need Eric Berry in the worst way whether Page comes back healthy or not.
If Berry is gone at #5, I think Scott will try desperately to trade down and failing that, grit his teeth and reach for either Rolando McClain or Dan Williams (actually prefer Mt Cody in the 2nd over Williams in the 1st – even if we trade down).
Lord, hear my prayer. BB wants EB at #5.
BBEAR'S CHART OF SACKS ALLOWED IN 2009 BY “FRANCHISE LEFT TACKLES”
Best performance in 2009 = 2.5 sacks by Light/Vollmer NE and Johnson/Ugoh IND
* = PRO BOWL 2009
CLASS OF 2008 2009 SACKS 2008 SACKS DRAFT POSITION
Jake Long MIA* 5.0 sacks 2.5 sacks before Albert
Sam Baker ATL 6.0 sacks did not start after Albert
Ryan Clady DEN* 6.5 sacks 0.5 sacks before Albert
Duane Brown HOU 7.5 sacks 11.5 sacks after Albert
Chris Williams CHI 8.0 sacks did not start before Albert
Branden Albert KC 9.0 sacks (0 in last 6 games) 4.5 sacks
Jeff Otah CAR NO STATS FOUND/INJURED did not start after Albert
VETERAN LEFT TACKLES
Michael Roos TEN 5.0 sacks 1.0 sack
Marcus McNeill SD 5.0 sacks 3.0 sacks
Joe Thomas CLE* 6.0 sacks 4.5 sacks
Jason Peters PHI* 6.0 sacks 11.5 sacks
D’Brickashaw Ferguson NYJ* 8.0 sacks 4.0 sacks
Bryant McKinnie MIN* 9.0 sacks 4.0 sacks
CLASS OF 2009
Jason Smith STL INJURED
Eugene Monroe JAX 7.0 sacks
Michael Oher BAL 8.0 sacks at RIGHT TACKLE
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.
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Not thrilled with the idea of drafting a LT at #5
ZB has a steep learning curve and the O-line was a revolving door on the right side. Center was abysmal. Give the left side of this line a little bit of leeway for ’09 and I think everyone will be happy with what we see in 2010.
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
I'm all for LT.
It can’t hurt. if anything it will help we can still find great defensive help in later rounds because the quality of this draft.
True and Valuable Quotes:
"Charles In Charge"
"Defense Wins Championships"
"The Battle is Won and Lost in the Trenches"
(which for the most part we are currently loosing).
It can’t hurt.
How do you know that? Albert has never played RT, and when he played guard, he was at least 35 pounds heavier than he is now (and he’s never played guard against professional DT’s)
Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl
Because
At this point he will improve most any other position on the line right now. Also, I never suggested he played RT. He’d be best at LG his natural position, what he knows and feels a lot better.
True and Valuable Quotes:
"Charles In Charge"
"Defense Wins Championships"
"The Battle is Won and Lost in the Trenches"
(which for the most part we are currently loosing).
Disagree
LG is NOT his natural position, he has played 2 years at LT, LT is his natural position in the NFL
No.
In college he did not play LT. He played LG for majority of his career. Whether NFL or not the LG is his position of familiarity and comfort. That’s where he would best be suited.
True and Valuable Quotes:
"Charles In Charge"
"Defense Wins Championships"
"The Battle is Won and Lost in the Trenches"
(which for the most part we are currently loosing).
Doesnt matter where he played in college
he has played 2 years in the NFL at LT, he is a LT
by badassz1987 on Feb 25, 2010 10:57 PM CST up reply actions
yep, in the NFL he has ONLY played LT
so, he is MOST familiar there
* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB
Brian Waters played TE in college
but, I don’t hear people saying he should “return to his natural position”
* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB
Nice strawman
Albert excelled in college at LG, he hasn’t excelled in the NFL at LT.
I would say he has excelled in the NFL at LT given the coaching change.
He was a pretty damn good LT as a rookie and then he gets a new head coach that wants more out of him than just being a big dude who gets in the way of DEs. Albert lost some serious weight before last year and he has to have some kind of growing pains from that but he will be better at his position for it. What do you think happens against Dumerville if Albert doesn’t have the quickness to stop him from turning the corner? It comes down to who you want to replace him with. I don’t see a LT in this draft who is an “upgrade” over Albert.
My bold prediction and I think our best chance at moving down in the 1st. Bret Favre retires, Tavarris Jackson is not retained or leaves and the Vikings trade up, with our beloved Chiefs, for Jimmy Claussen.
WRITE IT DOWN!
You're definitely a half-full kind of guy
On a 4-12 team, I’d be hard-pressed to say any player excelled.
that's a cop out
every year, there are very good players on teams that win less than 4 games.
Albert has played well at LT… and he should be given the chance to continue, IMO.
* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB
that was a cop out. By that logic Jamaal Charles didn't excell either.
My bold prediction and I think our best chance at moving down in the 1st. Bret Favre retires, Tavarris Jackson is not retained or leaves and the Vikings trade up, with our beloved Chiefs, for Jimmy Claussen.
WRITE IT DOWN!
Albert's improvement at the end of the season is really encouraging
Shutting down Dumervil, one of the best pass rusher in the league, shows Albert eventually caught on with ZB. I hope he continues to improve as he gains experience in the scheme and solidifies the LT this season.
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility, there are so few of us left.
nice post, lots of thought and effort, but ...
… I have an issue with one thing you said, namely:
the makings of a competitive NFL offensive line
competitive? well, that’s nice … but I want our OLine to be RIDICULOUSLY DOMINANT … not JUST “competitive”
don’t you?
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
Whilock Rocks!
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!
Yes but
not at the expense of the rest of the team. I’ll tell you what, I’d be a helluva lot happier with a dominant play-maker on D and a 2nd, 3rd and/or 4th round C and RT than I would be if we drafted for a position where we already have a solid player.
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
+1...
putting all our eggs in one baskett during the Vermeil era is the reason we are in the situation we are today.
Draft prediction top 10 - 1. Bradford 2. Suh (Chiefs trade up) 3. McCoy 4. Claussen (trade Campbell to Carolina, trade for J Brown) 5. Okung (Detroit) 6. Berry 7. Hayden 8. Campbell 9. Davis (Bills trade for Vick) 10. Morgan (Jags draft Tebow in 2nd round) 2/23/09
by I_Bleed_Red. on Feb 25, 2010 1:20 PM CST up reply actions
And aren't you suggesting the same thing?
The Chiefs last two first picks were defensive linemen. Other than Albert, what significant moves have they made to improve the OL since they were last considered to be dominant (2005)?
I would say Albert was a significant move.
My bold prediction and I think our best chance at moving down in the 1st. Bret Favre retires, Tavarris Jackson is not retained or leaves and the Vikings trade up, with our beloved Chiefs, for Jimmy Claussen.
WRITE IT DOWN!
yep, and "other than Albert"
O’Callaghan was a good move
Ndukwe and Alleman was a move… not a huge one, but it helped.
Goff wasn’t a good move, but it was an attempt
* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB
At the time Goff was a good move...
…We needed something and Goff could have been a great fit but sometimes those type of signings, just like draft picks, can be a bust aswell. I’m just glad Pioli made some moves and more importantly that he had the balls to make some moves. He could have easily given up on that team last year and then blown it up this offseason but he kept working and trying players out in an attempt to improve this team.
My bold prediction and I think our best chance at moving down in the 1st. Bret Favre retires, Tavarris Jackson is not retained or leaves and the Vikings trade up, with our beloved Chiefs, for Jimmy Claussen.
WRITE IT DOWN!
yessir!!
* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB
Goff a good move? are you kidding???
a krayfish bobblehead would have been better than Goff …
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!
At the time he was a good move because we were in panic mode...
…We needed something and Pioli attempted to do something. He turned out to be a mess, so what get over it, Pioli tried.
And never underestimate Kray…. even a tiny replica of Kray.
My bold prediction and I think our best chance at moving down in the 1st. Bret Favre retires, Tavarris Jackson is not retained or leaves and the Vikings trade up, with our beloved Chiefs, for Jimmy Claussen.
WRITE IT DOWN!
I wonder what weight haley is going to want albert at
did he end up the year at the same weight? THanks for laying out those numbers. Jeez I knew long was good but didn’t know he was that good. Interesting also to see the drop off in Clady – wonder why?
Partly because Tamba Hali made Clady his B**ch twice. And Clady isn’t in Albert’s league as a run blocker. Clady is a good LT, but I’d rather have Albert, and i don’t seeany mocks putting a LT in Denever with their 1st rounder.
by dablueguy on Feb 24, 2010 11:15 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Clady Drop Off
My guess would be Cutler vs. Orton. Cutler = quick release, Orton = slow release
Clady’s numbers might have suffered because Orton holds the ball longer
Stats agree:
Denver sacks allowed 2008 with Cutler = 12
Denver sacks allowed 2009 with Orton = 34
Wow. 0 sacks in the last 6 games
well now I see why people say we need to draft a LT this year to replace Albert. Cuz I mean if he cant do any better than 0 sacks in 6 games(2 of those against the sack leader) than I guess he has no business playing LT
by badassz1987 on Feb 24, 2010 11:22 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
too much emphasis on sacks....it's not the be-all-end-all of stats.
Watch the game….he isn’t dominate. His last 6 games he did improve….but he had negative ratings in 3 of his last 6 games. There is more to being a LT than not giving up sacks. Heres a link charting Alberts peformance week to week.
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Feb 25, 2010 8:40 AM CST up reply actions
that website is unreliable
the most important stats are QB sacks and Rushing yards
in the last 6 games, Albert allowed zero sacks, and he was the key blocker in many of Charles’s big runs on the way to 1100 yds.
I don’t know what you want to see to call him “dominant”… but he’s good enough for me.
* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB
There won't be a Tackle drafted...
To add to the arguments for Albert staying at LT:
1. Haley has said numerous times he is a core player and they like him at LT.
2. This is the first season Albert has been asked to play at an “athletic” weight which is a huge change from his previous experience.
3. They changed blocking schemes mid season.
4. There was a revolving door on the line for the first 2/3 of the season which great affects cohesion.
5. We had no running threat until week 10(?) when Charles took over. Before then it was a track meet for pass rushers week after week.
I could go on but the simple fact is that it would be shocking if a LT or RT were picked with #1 pick or any pick in the first round to be honest. The team does need OL but moreso on the interior as it wouldnt surprise me to see Albert and OCal starting week 1.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
Nice read bbear (?? is the first "b" stand for badnews?)
The last time the Chiefs had an "erry" at safety (Deron Cherry), we had a pretty awesome defense.
I don’t know if that counts, but Cherry was my favorite player back in the 80’s. I wouldn’t mind if we selected Berry with the 5th pick, but I’m not in love with him either. If Berry is there at 5, but we get a hella of a deal to slide back… I’d slide back.
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
well put
Berry is still the best player available at #5 if he’s gone I hope we can trade down or do we give a present to our new offensive co-ord and pick Claussen?
You forgot Kyle Orton in the list of shredders...
I believe he threw for over 400 yards in that last game against the broncos…and I mean come on…Kyle Orton? I mean I know he’s not the worst QB out there, but he’s definitely not the greatest. If we can take Eric Berry at #5 I’m all for it
Don't you think your "analysis" should include more than just sacks?
I mean seriously there is so much more to judging a LT other than just simply sacks given up. How was Albert’s run blocking compared to the rest of the league? Pass Blocking? How many times was the QB hurried? Hit? What about holding calls?
I know sacks are important but considering every LT blocks for a different QB this stat is basically useless. Cassel takes a lot of sacks. He was the most sacked QB with the Patriots, and Brady, with I assume basically the same line, was one of the least sacked.
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Feb 25, 2010 10:01 AM CST reply actions
Analyze More Than Sacks?
Hi Chicks
I don’t deny there are other metrics of success for tackles, but LT is specifically drafted in the NFL to protect the QBs blindside so he doesn’t get sacked (and doesn’t get injured while being sacked!) Most of the “mock drafters” have the Chiefs picking a Left Tackle in 1st round of this year’s draft because we need to “protect our huge investment in Matt Cassel”.
I agree with your point about Cassel taking sacks and it supports my analysis. Albert’s sacks in 2009 rose vs. 2008 because Cassel holds the ball longer than Thigpen. Cassel got sacked a lot with New England also. Ergo, Albert didn’t have a “horrible” year in 2009 as most people think. He’s a franchise left tackle and we should look at one of the Chiefs other gaping holes with the 5th pick in the upcoming draft.
jeebus K rist
the way Berry is hyped up around here you would think he invented The Doggystyle.
insert Okung or Bulage or any other LT in the draft
and you are absolutely right.
"We're not losers, we just can't win!"
by chief Stevie_k on Feb 25, 2010 6:26 PM CST up reply actions
* Bulaga
"We're not losers, we just can't win!"
by chief Stevie_k on Feb 25, 2010 6:27 PM CST up reply actions
Coincidence?
That the teams who give up the least amount of sacks are also the teams with the two best QBs in the game.
hmm, fascinating
* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB
Yeah weird, it's like those guys figured out how to move around in the pocket and get rid of the ball quickly.
My bold prediction and I think our best chance at moving down in the 1st. Bret Favre retires, Tavarris Jackson is not retained or leaves and the Vikings trade up, with our beloved Chiefs, for Jimmy Claussen.
WRITE IT DOWN!
I'm assuming
You were talking about Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees. And although not being sacked can be a huge plus for the QB, some of the best quarterbacks out there have a high number of sacks…take Brett Favre for example…with the vikings he had a total of 34 sacks (8 less than Matt Cassel btw) and I think 30 with the Jets. Then there’s Aaron Rodgers (though I don’t consider him one of the best his team still made the playoffs) who I believe led the 09 season with 50 sacks…yeah that’s right…I said 50 (ouch!).

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