NFL Lockout Could Hurt Chiefs 2010 Rookie Class The Most

by Joel Thorman on Mar 3, 2011 12:21 PM CST

We just heard from FB Tim Castille who predicts a lockout would hurt teams that need to get their players into the offseason program, like the Kansas City Chiefs. I've been under that same belief, although others would argue missing a large chunk of the offseason wouldn't be as critical.

Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said this week (via Pro Football Talk, via Baltimore Sun) that the 2010 rookies entering their second year that would be hurt the most.

"I think the group that could get hurt the most by the work stoppage is last year's draft class on all 32 teams," Newsome said. "Because this is where they get the opportunity to start from March to go all the way to Game 1, to work with coaches, to work with strength coaches and get themselves better and become better football players."

If that's the case, then this is concerning for the Chiefs. The rookie class was a major impact on their succes last year. That draft, along with the 2008 draft, will likely be a major part of whether the Chiefs have a shot at eventually hoisting the trophy that bears Lamar Hunt's name giving them the opportunity to play for the trophy that bears Vince Lombardi's name.

That said, I think Todd Haley was right when he suggested throughout the season that this class is ahead of the curve a little. I wouldn't worry too much about these guys doing whatever it is they need to do in the offseason to prepare for the season. Unfortunately, though, a lockout would mean their development may be hindered.

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I don't know

We have a good young team, I think it would affect teams that are older and looking for one last horrah.
If there is no football in 2011 (GOD FORBID) I think the younger teams would come out of it better than older teams. Sure rookies need reps to get better, but I rather have a bunch of 23 year olds locked out than a bunch of 32 year olds.

I'm tired of pretending like I'm not bitching, a total fricking rock star from Mars, and people can't figure me out; they can't process me. I don't expect them to. You can't process me with a normal brain.

by craig in calgary on Mar 3, 2011 12:29 PM CST reply actions

I think Ozzie was referring more to the offseason.

And how it would affect them during the regular season. Bill Belichick has said players make their biggest leap in development from year one to year two, and much of that comes during the offseason. So yeah, moving forward, younger teams are better equipped to handle a lockout, but vets will be better prepared for the 2011 regular season.

Resign ≠ Re-sign

by Tarkus on Mar 3, 2011 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

Good thing out rookies can already walk on water and heal lepers

I don’t comment on this site for the people that are against me and think that I can’t do it. I comment for the people that have always believed in me. I comment for my family, for my wife, for my mother so it really comes down to that.

by HIV 2 Elway on Mar 3, 2011 12:45 PM CST reply actions

Need the offseason

to work on the water into wine thing…

I'd rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave

by ArrowDread on Mar 3, 2011 1:00 PM CST up reply actions

Losers

That was the FIRST miracle Jesus performed…

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.

by MNchiefsfan on Mar 3, 2011 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

isn't he in Denver now, competing for the QB job?

Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round

by stagdsp on Mar 3, 2011 2:51 PM CST up reply actions

Or holding a clipboard in Seattle.

Resign ≠ Re-sign

by Tarkus on Mar 3, 2011 2:53 PM CST up reply actions

Admit it

If Berry was from the PAC 10 you’d be telling us all he’s the best SS in football :)

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.

by MNchiefsfan on Mar 3, 2011 1:06 PM CST up reply actions

I think the person you speak of is Taylor Mays

/not sure if he plays FS or SS
//give it time

by HIV 2 Elway on Mar 3, 2011 1:09 PM CST up reply actions

Dexter McCluster

Had a better rookie year than Mays did.

But maybe you’re right. In time… The dude’s got physical skills.

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.

by MNchiefsfan on Mar 3, 2011 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

Disagree

Almost the entire 2010 Rookie class for the Chiefs had extensive playing time and produced many starters. This is not the case with “most” NFL teams.

The Chiefs 2010 Rookies will have an advantage over most other 2010 rookies. (Same with NE who started/played most of their 2010 rookies as well).

2011 Rookies are the ones who are likely to be hurt by a long lockout. What did we have 5 or 6 rookies from last year that started at one time or another. If there is a long lockout, we will be lucky to see 1 or 2 2011 rookies crack the starting lineup.

by grid_iron on Mar 3, 2011 2:54 PM CST reply actions