Guys Already Rowing the Boat
I don't usually post, but everything I have been reading on AP lately seems to be running together. The "draft a left tackle" debate or "only Berry" posts have become a little tired for me, and quite frankly, more than a little boring. But, with it being only three weeks away, the NFL draft remains the biggest bit of Chief's news on the horizon and takes up a good deal of my waking hours. What follows is where I think most of us who are only fans miss the boat. We don't talk about it so we don't see parts of the big picture.
In all the discussion, especially when it comes to Round 1, pick number 5, what appears to be missing is some players already wearing Red and Gold. Believe it or not, this is not a true mock draft post. Rather, it is to initiate thought on some intriguing prospects logging two years or less with the Chiefs, where they might fit in and contribute, and in the end, if any might have an effect on Kansas City's draft. I am respectfully requesting that posters refrain from their kool-aid of choice and evaluate these players. I have no firm opinion on most of them and ask the community to offer insight into their future contributions in Kansas City, generally speaking. As I think the most interesting players are on defense, that is where the majority of my focus will be, specifically in regard to certain positions of need including ILB, OLB, nickel CB, S, and, just for you offensive guys, TE. Given all the discussion that has already taken place concerning LT, let's agree to forgo that position in this discussion. The questions on the players are really rhetorical, but feel free to weigh in with your opinion on any or all of the players. The real question for me is, will the development of any of these players affect who KC drafts at #5 or at any other draft position? As an example only, I would say that Joe Haden is not a probable choice at #5 because of the strength of the CB group as a whole.
Let's begin with ILB. On board and most interesting to me is Jovan Belcher. He saw more and more playing time as the season progressed. I remember him as having excellent lateral movement and as well as being a very sure tackler. He is, however, only 6'2" and 228 pounds. Can he fill the need? (For those of you asking about Corey Mays, remember this is about younger players that are still developing)
At OLB, there is Andy Studebaker and Pierre Walters. Studebaker played well filling in for Vrabel. Walters time was very limited playing with the defense but he logged significant time on special teams. Walters also seems to have some pass rush skills. Studebaker is obviously the more prominent prospect. Will either cut the mustard?
CB is the most interesting group on the team, in my opinion. Flowers and Carr seem to be solid as starters. However, I've heard it mentioned that Flowers could be a HOF nickel. In the mix are Jackie Bates, Maurice Leggett, and Donald Washington. What I saw from Washington last season turned my stomach at times. Still, there is no denying his athletic ability. He was advised not to forgo his senior season to aid his transition into the NFL and he obviously needed the experience. Jackie Bates had a few quality moments last year in limited playing time. In my opinion, Maurice Leggett had and excellent rookie year but fell off when Haley took the reins. Is there anybody in this group that steps up to take the nickel this year? Might we see different starters with one of last year's starters as the nickel?
S is by far the thinnest group. DaJuan Morgan is a third round pick from the 2008 draft. Reshard Langford was an UDFA picked up from Philly late in the season. Can either develop into a solid safety and who has the better chance?
Two tight ends are deserving of consideration here, Brad Cottam and . Could either of these grab the starting job and keep it?
Here's where the fun begins. I personally think there may be a couple of guys here that might actually influence where certain positions of need are filled in the draft. I won't make a case for any though, that's what I am asking all of you to do.
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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nice post, insightful and different
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
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interesting post
Different angle from the whole draft talk. Quite refreshing actually. I reckon the development of current players on the list like Cottam, Studebaker and our CB corps is going to be just as important as the draft. We can’t expect Pioli to turn things over in just one draft, even if it is a deep draft and we have lots of picks in it
Second TE is Jake O'Connell
Don’t know how his name was dropped when I published. Sorry about that.
this post might well work in tandem with the most recent post on
how well the Chief’s evaluate their own players
There are inherently two questions here:
1. Depth – Which guys serve well as primarily special teams players but are serviceable at another position as a fill in guy? How much does the quality of play drop from the starter to the 2nd guy, 3rd guy, etc.?
We all know that a championship team has quality and strength in depth. Nearly every player ends up missing all or part of at least one game. Some miss more than one game or a significant portion of the season. So depth is critical in making a run for a championship or reclaiming a championship. Does the team continue to win with him out of the picture? How about Troy Palumalu from the Steelers for example? When Pal was out…Steelers struggled to win last year, giving up huge gains and TD’s on long rushes up the middle and deep throws to center field because their 2nd guy wasn’t good enough. Heck, even the struggling Chiefs beat the defending SB Champs, due in large part to Palumalu not being there.
2. Starters – Where is a player in terms of his development to be a first team player? More importantly, how do our starters compare with the starters (opposite them) in the league?
They might be the best player at their position on our team, but they may not compare at all with those they are up against in the league (Brown for example). Opposing teams see his weakness (speed and perhaps vertical leaping ability)and call plays that take advantage of him. Brown is nearing the end of his career. Is it possible for him to improve his game? It’s always possible. Or is his game falling off because of his age? More than likely.
Perhaps our strength and conditioning training (Clark), and better coaching (Emmitt Thomas) in the Chief’s camp this year will turn his career around…we won’t know unless we continue to bring in guys that will challenge for the starting position and evaluate if his play improves. We know Brown has some ability, and certainly excels in certain areas of his game, or else he wouldn’t be in the NFL. As it stands, he’s got a long way to go to remain here for a few more years.
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by giftedchiefsfan on Mar 30, 2010 9:28 AM CDT reply actions
sorry, meant Page...but Brown at SS is a concern too IMO
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by giftedchiefsfan on Mar 30, 2010 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Carr and Studebaker
I think Studebaker could turn out to be a diamond in the rough if he prepares correctly and learns all he can from Vrabel. He has the size, athletecism, and speed to hang with most tight ends and even some slot receivers. I dont see Carr as a very good corner. Sure he might improve (and should this year), but it seemed like everytime the other team got a first down…they got it against Carr.
Bryan W. Whitcraft
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by bryan.whitcraft on Mar 30, 2010 11:15 AM CDT reply actions
Brown
I also think the fact that we did not retain browns services could be a clear indicator of the soon to come Berry pick. Think about it. Unless there is some big name free agent they expect to come available, who else is giong to play safety???
Bryan W. Whitcraft
SSG MOARNG
by bryan.whitcraft on Mar 30, 2010 11:16 AM CDT reply actions
rating the young uns
Seems to me some postions develop quicker. I too like Studebaker learning from Vrabel but if Hali gets injured we are in deep deep trouble so drafting a possible stud for OLB is a need. Both Carr and Flowers need to shine this year , Carr in a football step and Flowers needs to show he can take the 16 game grind and stay healthy. I think Hamlin in the 2nd if he falls . Not sure about the tight end spot because Hailey has never used them consistantly but if they plan on a bigger role the 2 we have along with Pope if he is back should do fine for this year. Whatever we do for the draft I think Defense in the first 2 picks should be a must as our offense was coming around in the last 9 last year.

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