Ahhh. Now begins the winter of our discontent (especially if you, like me, are a Clippers’s fan). I think I’ll opine on the state of our Chiefs. First of all, if Haley/Peoli did absolutely nothing, & welcomed the same 60-odd players into camp next July, the team would still be better than most of this year. Some of our current players will just improve naturally. Let’s assume the Haley/Peoli aren’t quite that patient. They want to speed up the improvement process (I hope). Here’s what I think ought to happen.

Somewhere out there must be a fan who agrees that the defense needs help in the middle; a disruptive NT, an ILB who runs to the ball carrier, or drops consistently to where he needs to be on pass plays, and a safety who has a nose for the ball, whether it’s in the hands of an opponent, or in the air, and takes the correct angle in pursuit of the ball. If Vrabel departs, we also will need to add an OLB. If we allow DJ to exit, we’ll need another ILB, too (of course, if DJ does leave, it’s because we allowed him to leave, & we should be in line for a high draft choice in compensation).

On offense, most agree that the OL needs some fresh talent (I’m assuming Waters comes back for at least one more season). At this point in time, I don’t think it matters whether we add a G or T; if we draft a G, & Albert still struggles next year, then getting a LT becomes priority #1 in ‘11. I think we also need to look for a C in the mid rounds (3 or 4). I think a RB should be high on the list of priorities this year. Charles had a great season, but he’s not a big guy. I liken him to Johnson (Titans) or Addai (Colts). Each of those teams has a capable replacement for their #1 back. We don’t (unless you’re satisfied with Battle or Castile). I also think (now don’t dismiss me as an idiot) that we need to look for a wildcat QB-type guy. Even if Weis doesn’t run any variety of the wildcat, we could use a player of that type to run the practice team. The Wildcat’s not going away anytime soon, & our D needs to see it in practice. We could get this guy with one of our 5th’s.

So let’s rehash; as I see it, we need at least 3 defensive players, and 3-4 offensive players. Let’s see, now. We have 5 picks in rounds 1-4. That won’t bring in 6 players. Looks to me like Peoli might need to trade down in round 1 or 2, & pick up an extra pick. We really need to get lucky & sign two quality FA’s with something left in the tank. Thanks for your attention. (whoa…I didn’t mention WR!) Actually, I think this position can be upgraded w/o using a high draft choice. You’ve heard it from me before, & I’ll say it again…sign Matt Jones, and Chris Chambers (I’m really worried about Chambers; I suspect he’ll use his success with us to entice a contender to offer him a contract…if we lose him, we will need to draft a WR in the early rounds). Bowe, Chambers, Jones…I’d take my chances with those 3, with Lawrence or Long in the slot.) Thank y’awl for allowing me an opportunity to opine.