So close...

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 8:56 AM CDT

Yay, the draft! It's almost upon us, and we've got more opinions flying around AP right now than we know what to do with...

A lot of us want to address some fairly obvious holes on our team. NT, OLB, C, and WR seem to be the most popular targets, with RT not too far behind and even RB making an appearance from time to time.

Now all of those positions are indeed places where we could either use an upgrade or need to think about the future, and I'm not arguing with any of them. But if I'm Scott Pioli, I'm saying "screw positional needs", and going a whole different direction.

Now what does that picture have to do with the price of rice in China?

Simple; I think Scott Pioli should ignore our offensive needs in the draft and go with defense in the first threerounds.

Now, don't crucify me for not putting this in the weekly "mock" thread, because I'm not going to bother to put up an actual mock draft. I'm talking about overall strategy here. And I'm talking about building a team that can compete for the Super Bowl for the next half a dozen years.

The way to do that? Defense.

Look, I get it. We need a WR. We need a C to replace Casey Weigmann if he retires (and maybe if he doesn't). And Barry Richardson isn't exactly lighting the world on fire at RT. But here's the deal, I believe we are very, very, very close to having a special defense.

What does it take to have a great defense in today's NFL? Well, you need beef up front to stop the run, one elite pass rusher, several secondary pass rushers, at least one playmaking ILB ,and a solid secondary with one great corner and one great safety. In addition, you need to be sure you don't have any one position that is a serious weakness. When you take a look at our defense, you'll see we're not far off.

Elite pass rusher? Enter Tamba Hali

Great corner? Hello, Brandon Flowers

Great safety? I just KNEW Eric Berry would pay off.

solid overall secondary? Carr, Lewis, and Arenas are all guys who would log serious playing time on any team.

Playmaking ILB? Derrick Johnson, we KNEW you had it in you!!!! (OK, we didn't, but let's pretend we did)

Beef up front? Well, we're sitting solid with Dorsey and T-Jax/Smith (assuming Smith returns). But we're obviously missing a key ingredient here... which brings me to my point.

Where are we falling short? A consistent, solid NT. Secondary pass rushers (although we're half there with Gilberry), a big old (no disrespect) weakness at SOLB in Mike Vrabel, and a major coverage liability at SILB in Jovan Belcher.

Here's the beauty of it... we could shore up every one of those weaknesses in one draft. We are CLOSE, man!

We've got the foundation for a great, great defense at every level. We've got a very good DE in Dorsey, a pair of Pro Bowl level linebackers, and a secondary that is absolutely rock solid at every position with Pro Bowl talent at both CB and S.

Our only serious overall weakness exists (unfortunately) at two very, very important positions: NT and SOLB. Now I'm not bashing Big Ron Edwards. I think he did a nice job for us, especially for a vet that was (again) asked to take on way too many snaps. But all you have to do is look at our numbers against the run as the year progressed to see that obviously something changed...

Bottom line is this; Big Ron needs someone to step in and take some snaps immediately, as well as get ready to take over for a full time gig. We get that done and get our NT play up to the level it was at in the first half of last year (while factoring in the continued improvement of Dorsey and T-Jax, who've done nothing but improve and are still very young), and we're looking at a top 5 run defense with one step.

Now SOLB... that's a little more dicey. Most guys available are tweeners who you don't know about. Can they play LB in the NFL, or will they be another failed conversion? However, I'd like to point out that for all the "we need to improve our pass rush" talk, we had 39 sacks last year, good for 11th in the league. That's not too shabby considering we had Tamba, Gilberry, and... well, pretty much no one else. The risk is worth the reward.

Throw in the fact that a new, young SOLB would be twice as fast as Vrabel and able to actually cover TEs and RBs one-on-one, and you've all of a sudden helped eliminate two major weaknesses with one stone (additional pass rush and coverage at LB). Now all of a sudden our weakest player on defense is Belcher, who is a decent player who struggles in coverage. Now that we've got two LB's who can cover, suddenly he can be protected.

And VIOLA! Our weaknesses vanish like magic!

Suddenly we're a team with a top 5 defense, and one that has tons of youth with no "he needs to be replaced next year because he's got one foot in retirement" guys (seriously, no disrespect Vrabel and Edwards. Love you both).

You know when I said I wasn't going to post any type of mock? I LIED to you. If I'm Scott Pioli, I'm doing this...

1. Ayers 2. Powe 3. Ellis

Or any other variation that involves us taking a top-tier SOLB prospect and a pair of NTs within the first three rounds.

I know we need help on offense, but you know what? we can take a C in the 4th who can replace Weig's in a year. And we can grab a WR or two in FA.

Our defense is so close to being something special. It seems like a waste to not complete it. Thoughts? Am I crazy? Crazy like a... well, you know what my ancestry is.

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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Comments

Thank you, sir

We are very close on defense. With what we currently have, and some upgrades at NT, SOLB and maybe ILB, our offense is good enough to win games…hell win a LOT of games. I like the philosophy!

by SCKSChief on Apr 19, 2011 9:04 AM CDT reply actions

Oh

and REC!

by SCKSChief on Apr 19, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Me too! (obviously)

I really like Belcher, to be honest. He’s not good at all in coverage, which is a major weakness. But I view him as a guy who can be a part of a great defense. I give him a lot more leeway than Edwards and Vrabel because of his youth and the huge jumps he’s had to make (and has by and large made) since coming from a small school to the pro’s.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

MN ... great stuff and awesome as usaual post here

I think you’re spot on, and this is precisely what Pioli will do …

… unless of course he doesn’t :-)

Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Apr 19, 2011 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs

The most accurate description of Scott Pioli:

He always does this…unless he doesn’t.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs

Could go either way, to be sure

Although if he goes “all offense” I’ll be ticked…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions

what ... you mean you DON'T want an offense featuring 11 tight ends?

what’s wrong with you, son?

by upamtn on Apr 19, 2011 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions

You have now turned green.

"If people don't want to come out to the ball park, nobody's gonna stop 'em."
~ Yogi Berra

by TheK-man on Apr 24, 2011 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

REC'D (and the first of many I think)

That’s what i’ve been quietly thinking about with our defense. It’s very close to being very good. We can get the flashy WR in FA and project C in the mid rounds. Our defense is our strength at the moment. Make it the focal point of our team and make it our identity, is what I say.

KC Draft prediction: No OT taken in first round

by trentchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 9:07 AM CDT reply actions

And I say "yay"

If you look at our D, it’s got the makings of STACKED. I think Dorsey, Hali, DJ, Flowers, Carr, Lewis, and Berry start on any team in the league.

What gets me most excited is that secondary. I would have no problem with Pioli overpaying a bit to keep that group together. Because they’ve got “special” written all over them if they can stay together.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions

I can get down with a d heavy draft...

but we still need some beef on the oline

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 Apr 19, 2011 9:07 AM CDT reply actions

I agree

but I’d be happy with

SOLB
NT
NT
C/G
RB/WR
RT
DB/QB

(mix up the first three picks and the last 4 picks however you’d like)

RT
NT/SOLB
SOLB/NT
ILB
etc….

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Hey, that sounds great to me...

Go O-line in the 4th, 5th, and 6th :)

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Great post and hard to argue with.

by chiefdan on Apr 19, 2011 9:25 AM CDT reply actions

I'm slightly on pace with you.

I want the top 2 picks to be defense: Ayers and Powe/Taylor

However, I want them paired up with moves in the later rounds. Powe/Taylor matched up with Anthony Gray in the 5th would be a solid move

I want our middle rounds (3, 4, 5a) used to focus on the offense (especially the line).

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 9:32 AM CDT reply actions

I am sure there are some talented interior linemen available in rounds 3-5

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm a huge fan of John Moffitt right now.

Fusco, Barnes, or Kirkpatrick would be solid picks IMO as well.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions

I like that you're focused on doubling up on NT

That’s key IMO. I just went two early because of the importance of the position, and it NEVER hurts to have multiple talented bigs (you saw what Baltimore did to us).

But I’d be good with your way too… As long as we go heavy on D. Hey, maybe your way we could snag Taiwan Jones in the 3rd…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Jones would be ok, but I'm big on Moffitt and we wouldn't get a shot at him in the 4th.

I like Roy Helu and Alex Green as 6th rd picks. They have the natural talent, but don’t know how to be RBs yet. Some good coaching/mentoring from Cathon and Jones could go a long way for either one.

I also like Mark Legree (FS – App State) in the 7th. Some depth in that secondary would be a solid investment.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions

If you're looking for talented RBs that could be around later

Barron Batch from Texas Tech is a guy that I think fills the role of TJ pretty well. Also, John Clay from Wisconsin could be around late…or even Delone Carter from Syracuse.

I have seen enough of Helu to be left feeling…well…meh. He pukes the ball quite a bit and is really a between the tackles guy. I don’t know that his ball security is what we’d want for the position he’d fill.

Vai Taua from Nevada is another really interesting prospect in filling the shoes of TJ.

by SCKSChief on Apr 19, 2011 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Hadn't checked on Batch, but I definitely will. Thanks for that.

Not big on John Clay right now. Seems to be some question about his conditioning. RB is one of those positions where you should never have a question about that (see Maurice Clarett). But I do like Carter. I think he’ll have a decent career as a backup in the NFL.

Helu and Green both have fumbilitis which is exactly why they’re late round picks. These guys have 3rd or 4th round talent, but have both fallen because of that. That’s why I’d like them playing behind Jones for a season. If he’s really had the effect on Charles that everyone says he has, then I imagine either of those two could learn a lot from him. Also, I doubt that between Maurice Cathon and Todd Haley that these guys will be allowed to hit the field if they can’t hold on to the ball. If drafted, it’s in the 6th at the earliest, so no big loss if they can’t hack it.

Still a little mixed on Taua. I only saw him play once and wasn’t impressed, so it’s pretty much all what I can grab from various sources. If he’s there in the 6th, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I hear what you're saying with Taua

but I think he’d fit a nice value spot in the last two, maybe three rounds.

Barron Batch really intrigues me. Maybe I’m just a Big XII homer…

by SCKSChief on Apr 20, 2011 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions

DuJuan Harris

Later round RB who reminds quite a few of Ray Rice/MJD

Cassel out, Andrew Luck in!

by BAMFSpecialOps on Apr 20, 2011 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions

What college?

by SCKSChief on Apr 20, 2011 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions

Troy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONjlTAaT40s

Cassel out, Andrew Luck in!

by BAMFSpecialOps on Apr 20, 2011 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I always try to pay extra attention to RBs from certain conferences.

SEC, Big XII, and Big Ten all produce some solid runners.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 20, 2011 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions

If it was only that easy

Formerly: FalconMF27

Thanks for the inspiration, Bajah!

by RememberDelaney37 on Apr 19, 2011 10:55 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Oh it is

Didn’t you read it? :)

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

If Ayers goes to Green Bay I'll be sick

#91 - Pay The Man & Play The Man

by KansasCityShuffle on Apr 19, 2011 11:00 AM CDT reply actions

That's about the only position they've got any kind of need (maybe O-line too)

That team is ridiculously stacked right now.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

GB needs 5-tech DEs

But yeah, (G,DE,WOLB and maybe RB) is a short list of team needs.

by Aesthetist on Apr 19, 2011 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

If not him...

Brooks Reed
Dontay Moch
Quand Sturdivant
Sam Acho
Jabaal Sheard
etc.
etc.

Barring a major injury to Aaron Rodgers or BJ Raji, I don’t see any way that Green Bay DOESN’T get stronger.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Given that they won the SB with much of their roster hobbled

They’ll be better no matter what

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

They need to find a way to run the ball effectively a few times a game

or it will be tough to put together a dynasty when you have to play against defenses like CHI, MINN, and even DET now…oh, and once they make it to the Super Bowl they will likely have to face a tough defense (PITT, NE, BAL, KC)

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

True

But I’m assuming they’ll address the O-line more, which will help. And that young fella (his name escapes me) played pretty well as the year went along.

Considering Grant will be back next year and how potent their passing game is I don’t see it as a problem for them.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions

That is some scary sh*t there!

by SCKSChief on Apr 19, 2011 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Well said MN

I think that we are so close to having a dominiant defense for years. The only change I’d make is to throw some money at Aubrayo Franklin and still take a Powe or Ellis. It solves the same issues and frees up a draft pick to take a better Center prospect, or grab a top WR of he falls. I also think Franklin, as a NFL-dominant NT right now, closes this gap for us to compete with the big boys. He makes us relevant MUCH sooner and gives Powe/Taylor/Ellis/Fua time to develop.

But from a big-picture standpoint I completely agree with you….we’re this close to solidifying the defense let’s just finish the thing off already. We have some money we need to spend though, extending Hali, Carr, Flowers, and signing Aubrayo closes a lot of that ‘cap’ that so many people point out. I hope this was the plan and if it was in the plans, I’m going to be thrilled we didn’t spend spend spend during past FA’s. REC’D.

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." -
-- Samuel Johnson

by BJ Kissel on Apr 19, 2011 11:32 AM CDT reply actions

I'd be down with the Franklin move

Makes sense, and like you said would give us an instant upgrade while the rooks learn the ropes.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions

I like that too

Another veteran presence and young guy to learn from them. Plus we get guys that can help right away with an Edwards/Franklin combo and maybe get Powe/Ellis/Taylor some snaps to get their feet wet.

by SCKSChief on Apr 19, 2011 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I think we should make a play for Franklin.

But with FA being after the draft, we can’t be betting on it. We’ve already seen with Shaun Rogers that there is no guarantee that we’ll get the guy we’re after.

As of now, there isn’t any NT in the draft that I feel 100% confident in. Taylor (supposedly) has issues with his feet. Powe has continued to disappoint me. Ellis…no.

After thinking about it, the best move might be to draft some combination of Powe, Fua, Gray, and Nield…and then go after Franklin as well. Some added depth at NT and possibly at DE.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions

The foot issues have been refuted by other "league sources"

I don’t know what to think about that…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Of course, as long as they remain "league sources" then who knows?

I don’t know what to think either. Rob Rang claims to have independently confirmed his story though another source, but then again it’s just “league source”.

Hell, for all we know, none of these guys have talked to anybody.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

For the "information age"

It sure is tough to get good information…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions

I like Ayers, Smith, or Kerrigan in the first round.

WR like Baldwin, Hankerson, or Cobb in the second.
DT Powe or Fua in the third.

by Mustang fever on Apr 19, 2011 12:58 PM CDT reply actions

I totally agree and REC'd

This defense has an insane amount of talent. If we shore up those two spots with kids? Excuse me for a moment…

We're the same team as last year, except incredibly better, and with new players.

by Flowers24 on Apr 19, 2011 1:42 PM CDT reply actions

well

except who’s made more playoffs, NE and INDy or Baltimore and Giants???? im sure thats a product of QB vs def rather then offense vs def but still. i know people remember the vermiel years where the o was unstopable but the defense was cantstopable but you have to have both and probably need to lean towards the offense.

by Hendrix on Apr 19, 2011 3:01 PM CDT reply actions

I think you hit the nail on the head about QBs

It’s not that IND and NE are so focused on their offenses, it’s that they have the best 2 QB’s in the league.

If you haven’t gotten lightening in a bottle with those two or Rodgers, Brees, and Rivers, you need to be able to build a great defense if you want to compete.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions

MN I agree for the most part

Not sure about doubling up on the NT’s though. Having a NT that can push the center of the pocket and prevent the QB from stepping up, which was done to us boatloads last year, will set Hali up for at least 5-7 more sacks. I don’t think Studie is that far off. How bout Martez Wilson in the second? He could fall to 55, and that gives us 2 studs in the middle with a monster NT, pressure can come from anywhere.

by RamX21 on Apr 19, 2011 3:27 PM CDT reply actions

Doubling up.

It’s really all about the fact that we can’t just sell out on any one guy. There aren’t any “can’t miss” prospects at the NT position. In fact, it’s actually a pretty weak class.

Taylor – If the reports are true, then he becomes a wild card. How long before it’s a problem he can’t handle? Nobody knows. Again, if the reports are true.

Powe – Has been on the downslope for the past year (regular season, Combine, and Pro Day). Haven’t seen anything that suggests he’s back to his 2009 form.

Ellis – Guy has a ton of problems. Put up solid numbers and dominated…the MEAC. He’s been playing against some soft competition for a guy of his level. Combine and Pro Day were anything but impressive. Hard to measure a guy like that.

Those 3 are generally considered the best of the NT prospects, and they all have multiple questions about them. And we definitely can’t be banking on one of those later round guys to step up for us. That’s why they’re later round guys.

Even if we doubled up, we might still have to make a play at Franklin.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions

I see the logic, I think the Taylor stuff is BS and I think Powe would be adequate

I agree we will still probably have to make a play at Franklin either way. I think we’re only really a good NT away from having a top 7 defense.

by RamX21 on Apr 19, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, hard to say with Taylor.

Neither side of the argument really adds up. Guess we’ll see on draft day.

I want to like Powe. But he has just underperformed over this past year. And with him being 24, you would think that he’d be operating close to his peak.

We’re definitely one or two pieces away from a very solid defense. I think NT and SOLB are the two positions that even a moderate upgrade could put us amongst the best.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 19, 2011 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Great post Chief Fan!!!

Good to see somebody feels the same way I do about our team. I would say WR Edmond Gates in the 3rd to open up the offense tho.

GIVE JAMAAL THE DAMN BALL!!!!!

by chief913-816 on Apr 19, 2011 3:56 PM CDT reply actions

Intriguing

I understand this philosophy 100%. If we can get one of the top OLB’s at #21 then go for it: Kerrigan, Aldon Smith, Ayers or maybe even Houston. But if most of those guys are gone I definitely see us going with o-line: Carimi or Pouncey or Sherrod. And I see too much value at the #55 spot with wrs: possibly Titus Young, Hankerson, Baldwin, Jernigan, Cobb, Greg Little, etc. I see it going like this:

olb or o-line
wr
nt
I have not paid too much attention to free agent olb’s. But finding a guy who’s on his second contract and looking for a second chance (Manny Lawson?) may work too.

Mr J
KC Chiefs Fan

by Mr J on Apr 19, 2011 5:17 PM CDT reply actions

I really liked the way you started out, but then you became conventional.

I think the secondary took a major step forward, but against teams with trees @ WR, Carr looks like the only guy who can single-up with the blitz on. Berry has potential to step into that role, but only potential. A little less 2-too-deep and a little more redirect at the line is in order.

We can make progress at both NT and SOLB without spending the 1st pick on one or the other.

I’m fearful that Ayers is another Larry English. Matthews was a pretty clear reach @ #26, last year, considering how many starts he had. Turned out he was a beast at the next level. I see Sam Acho that way. Big enough to overpower most players, and athletic enough to out-quick anybody he can’t overpower.

Entering his 4th year, and 3rd in the 3-4, Dorsey still has some significant flaws in technique that are a concern, according to one resident expert. Wasn’t that bigbe who schooled us on D-Line, Loco? Would he start wherever he went? I think so. But he’d be more of a beast in a 4-3, which is more up his alley. DE in the 1st wouldn’t break my heart.

OT in the first wouldn’t break my heart. Maybe a reach, but this is a position where the 8th-rated guy might turn out to be useless. And I’m not afraid to spend a 1st, even if RT is ALL the guy is great at, provided he’s great at it.

Aubrayo Franklin wouldn’t break my heart, and there are a number of NT prospects that are intriguing to me, farther down in the draft, and I could see doubling-up at the position, for the future, and still feeling good about progress being made in 2011, with at least one new face getting significant minutes. I might’ve been satisfied LAST year with a healthy Tyson Jackson, with Smith as swing lineman (rather than the starter). But that’s assuming Dorsey and/or Jackson take virtually ALL the snaps at DE, which I don’t really like, nor do I see Gilberry as a viable replacement for either one in the base 3-man front.

A bigger SOLB may allow that front 3 to shift a bit to the weak side, and, with Hali rushing the backfield all day, this could leave Dorsey right in that sweet spot, where he excels, and not in the 5-tech on passing plays (on 1st or 2nd), when he looks pretty anemic.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Apr 19, 2011 5:58 PM CDT reply actions

One of Hali's problem in coverage is there's NO pressure without him.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Apr 19, 2011 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Flowers has no trouble with taller receivers

It’s burners that give him problems.

The vast majority of great corners in the league are under 6’. I don’t see height in our secondary as an issue at all.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I only see it as a problem against SD because it seems like all of their guys are 6'5

But that is combined with the fact that their QB is pretty damn good. Two plays I remember Flowers struggling with last year are the Andre Johnson catch, and the Louis Murphy play.

Both were deep passes in which the WR ran by him.

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." -
-- Samuel Johnson

by BJ Kissel on Apr 19, 2011 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Johnson burned everyone last year ...

that’s like saying Flowers gave up a long TD pass to Jerry Rice

we have a killer good secondary, no worries there

by upamtn on Apr 19, 2011 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree

Just stating two plays I remember. As a Raider fan I’m sure that was a highlight for you with Murphy’s catch. Funny he didn’t seem to have a problem at that time to “rise to the occasion”.

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." -
-- Samuel Johnson

by BJ Kissel on Apr 19, 2011 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice :)

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions

hey, do NOT encourage him

gonna have to post a sign around here …

by upamtn on Apr 20, 2011 6:20 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't believe the Larry English comparison holds up with Ayers

English was a DE who never played LB in college. Ayers has played both extensively.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd be perfectly OK with grabbing top defenders in rounds 1 and 2

I say get as many talented defenders under the Crennel umbrella as reasonably possible before he splits for another coaching gig, and ride tough defense and a ball-controlling offense back to the playoffs.

R-E-S-T-E-C-P! Find out what ya mean to me.. R-E-S-C-E-T-P! ... 10-6 motha@$#%!! You know how'ta spell it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK6J_zw29RY (mild cursing. ahem.)

by ArrowSpread on Apr 19, 2011 6:15 PM CDT reply actions

I love it

The only thing I would do different is to go
1 -3= WR, NT,Olb

by Arrow Head Addict on Apr 19, 2011 7:42 PM CDT reply actions

I hate Ayers with our first pick

So damn much.

Official Draft Tejay Johnson Fan Club

by ChiefWarPaint on Apr 19, 2011 9:17 PM CDT reply actions

he wouldn't be my first choice, either

of course, I’m not Scott Pioli

find out in a coupla weeks :-)

by upamtn on Apr 19, 2011 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Ayers is an example

I couldn’t care less if it’s Kerrigan, Houston, Acho, Ayers… Whomever they view as the best SOLB prospect…

OR if they think Taylor’s worth a first, take him. But finish off the defense with those picks. That’s my main point.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Glad to see you coming to something i have been shouting for a couple of years, and that is to fix one phase of the game and do it right instead of drafting all over the place and getting nothing fixed. Also I think it is a good idea to go for two NT’s. I would like to see one of them at 6’5" so if he doesn’t make it at NT he could possiblly be a replacement for Dorsey if we want to make that change. Some are predicting a win against Buffalo this coming season. They seem to forget that we barely beat them last year and at Arowhead, and they have 4 picks in the first 100 this draft. Draftek has them picking Fairley, Martez Wilson, Stanzi and C. Matthews. That may give them 3 or 4 starters of quality. So even the so-called possible wins could also be called possible losses.

by Jim from KC on Apr 19, 2011 11:15 PM CDT reply actions

Ahhh, you curmudgeon

If I recall correctly, you predicted a 4 win season for us last year :)

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions

And Dorsey is going nowhere, that'd be crazy

Our best lineman by a wide margin, a team player, and guy who’s done nothing but improve? No reason to move him at all….

I like the idea of finishing the defense because I feel like with our secondary and Hali as an elite pass rusher, we’ve got a chance to make QB’s miserable for years to come. Now we shore up our (very few) weak spots so we can stop the run just as well as the pass…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 19, 2011 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah but...

I agree with what everybody seems to be getting at..except it seems to me that we did have a very stout run defense until our secondary got hobbled. Then everybody was converting on 3rd and long, keeping the D on the field taking more snaps, wearing down more and more every game. It was the 3rd down coversions that were killing us.
Having said that, if we were to shore up at NT (whether thru the draft or FA or both) bring back Edwards and Smith in a rotation effort and get the SOLB figured out with a reliable bigger coverage DB in the nickel to cover the TE over the middle (3rd and long), we’d probably see the D get off the field alot quicker…staying fresh deep into the season and the playoffs.
All of which wont amount to hill of beans if Cassel gets killed by some of the D’s we will see even at the beginning of the season. When we played teams that had a good front 7 is when Cassel had bad games. Zero time to get rid of the ball, and were going to see alot of those teams this year. So we need to think about improved protection on the interior of the Oline too. I’m pretty sure that means C/G, and a real blocking fullback.
Just my 2 1/2 cents.

by KCfosho on Apr 20, 2011 12:38 AM CDT reply actions

Good points all

But I like Arenas just fine as our nickel DB. Other than that, I’m with you on a lot of it.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 20, 2011 1:55 AM CDT up reply actions

I believe if we can get a stronger C in there we'll be fine with the line

Weigmann is great against weaker lines but a liability against stronger ones. Lilja and Waters were OK, but Weigmann is where we were really hurt against stronger lines…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 20, 2011 1:59 AM CDT up reply actions

I like this idea with the exception of one thing

I wouldn’t double on NT with the 2nd and 3rd. I would snag an offense guy with the 3rd (WR or RB depending on who’s available). Then I would double up in the 4th or 5th with Chris Neild. That would give us at least some improvement on O just in case there is no FA. Maybe something like
1. Ayers
2. Powe
3. Titus Young/Edmond Gates/Greg Little something like that.
4. Tim Barnes
5. Chris Neild

That way we get the OLB and NT shored up pretty well, while making at least a small improvment on offense without FA. Now this is subject to change if for some reason they at least confirm the CBA and FA before the draft. If that happens then yes I’m all for defense. I’d be happy with nothing but D if there is FA. Maybe something like this.
Breaston FA Lance Moore FA
1. Ayers
2. Powe
3. Chris Carter
4. Tim Barnes
5a Chris Neild
5b Casey Matthews
5b Brandon Hogan (keeping with the Brandons lol)
6. Mike Mohammed
7. Maybe a S or something here
How’s that all D except Tim Barnes who I really like as a C and a year under Casey should get him ready very quickly and could be an amazing starter next year.

by ChiefJamesthe2nd on Apr 20, 2011 11:30 AM CDT reply actions

I don't mind either scenario one bit

And perhaps it would be wise to wait to “double up”. I just view the position as so crucial that I want us to do everything we can to assure that we have a serviceable NTOTF

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 20, 2011 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Might even need to "triple up".

Powe in the 2nd. I think he’s just the best available option at this point (waiting to see what’s really up with Taylor). But I don’t think he’s ready to start.

I like Anthony Gray better than Chris Neild…but either way I’m fine.

I think we should still make a run at Aubreyu Franklin or Brandon Mebane. Mebane would be the more cost-effective move. Either one would give Powe time to get back into the swing of things, get some quality learning time, and hit the weight room some.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 20, 2011 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions

I believe Powe could be a steal

From what I’ve read, he went from being asked to be a 2-Gap block eater last year to more of a penetrator this year, and he struggled with the change.

That dropped his stock out of the 1st, where he likely would’ve gone last year. But here’s the beauty… we run a system where the NT is a 2-Gap block eater!

This could work out perfectly for us.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 20, 2011 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions

He also has played in the 3-4

so we can look at film from 2009 and watch him play as a NT…something we can’t do with many other prospects

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions

And what's fascinating is how much better he is at true NT than as a more "standard DT

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions

The problem I have with Powe isn't about his down production.

He followed that up with a TERRIBLE Combine and a slightly better Pro Day.

He had a real chance to rebound his stock with a solid performance at either event, and it didn’t happen. Granted, they are just workouts and shouldn’t be the focus, but when combined with a poor year in production, I think the slide is warranted.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Kendrick Lewis and Brandon Flowers had bad workouts too

I like that Pioli said our draf board is basically done at the end of the college season. They use the time in-between to check on some medical/character issues that they find out during the season.

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." -
-- Samuel Johnson

by BJ Kissel on Apr 21, 2011 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep

Lewis was an absolute STEAL, as was Flowers.

I think the Lewis pick will look even more like a steal this year. But honestly, a starting-caliber FS in the 5th? And as far as what made him drop… did he look at all slow to you?

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions

nope.....Lewis is a big part of our young, studly secondary

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." -
-- Samuel Johnson

by BJ Kissel on Apr 21, 2011 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions

did he look at all slow to you?

1. We now know that he had a tweaked hammy at the combine

2. I think he is a sharp kid and can diagnose well, which gives him a bit of a head start so he seems really fast

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions

and the nice thing is that Pioli and the gang knew both of those things before they picked him

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe...

But the combine doesn’t really mean squat to me, to be honest. Especially with a position like NT. Until they come up with some “holding your ground against two guys” drill, it doesn’t mean much for that position.

And the drop in production looks more like a bad coaching decision than anything else.

I know it sounds like I’m making excuses, but they seem legit to me.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions

If you take them individually, they're easy to write off.

But as a whole? That’s why I’ve got the red flag out. If he had a strong season and a bad workout (like Lewis and Flowers) then it’s a different story. Or, if he had a down season (because he was a beast in 09) and then strong workouts, again, that’s another story.

But a bad season followed by bad workouts is definitely worthy of serious consideration.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions

What about the switch in schemes though?

I get what you’re saying, but to me he has more of an excuse for a down year than almost anyone. He was playing completely out of position for what he should be doing…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions

I definitely take that into account.

But his Combine and Pro Day were his chances to show that it was just the change in scheme that held him back. Putting up those terrible numbers makes it look like he might have had a bad year anyways. He had a great 2009, but there’s nothing to say that year wasn’t the fluke.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions

But what do combine numbers have to do with holding ground as a NT?

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Not much (although his bench press was flat out pathetic for a guy his size).

BUT, why should 2009 carry any more weight than 2010? Like I said, what if THAT was the fluke year?

1 good season
1 bad season and 2 bad auditions

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions

The reason I give 2009 more weight

Is that he was playing 2-gap NT that year. From what I understand, in 2010 he was asked to be more a penetration-type guy in a 1-gap system.

Since what we want is a 2-gap NT, I give it more weight. In addition, what was so bad about him this last year? He didn’t set the world on fire like he was supposed to, but given the scheme switch I thought he did decently…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions

I wasn't impressed.

And it probably did have a lot to do with the scheme change. I know that’s tough for a kid.

I guess my thinking is that he had to know teams were going to be down a little after that season. To me, that would be all the motivation I needed to make sure I simply rocked all the off season workouts.

He posted the bottom scores in several events, and was well into the bottom half (and bottom 25%) in just about everything.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions

That is pretty bad, to be sure

And I can see why it sends up the red flag for you.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 22, 2011 4:15 AM CDT up reply actions

So Close to the right answer :)

I don’t think we are going to beat anyone with our schedule by shutting them out.

Well maybe the Bills

I am an Old Asshole

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 20, 2011 9:15 PM CDT reply actions

Shutouts are so, so rare in today's NFL

I doubt it too…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 20, 2011 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice post MN Rec'd

Teams with top D’s seem to be making the most consistent runs deep into the playoffs and we have one of the youngest, most talented secondaries in the league. Like it man. Wouldn’t complain about this happening.

Love to have Herzlich/Harvey in the 4th-5th as our SILB to round it out.

2011 hopefuls: A new CBA, followed by a good draft, accented by a great season. In that order.

by shotty on Apr 21, 2011 12:28 PM CDT reply actions

Just for fun, let’s look at another So Close mock:
Rd 1 Gabe Carimi RT
Rd 2 Jake Kirkpatrick OC
Rd 3 John Moffitt OG
Rd 4 Kenrick Ellis NT
Rd 5 Cortez Allen CB
Rd 5 Randall Cobb Slot
Rd 6 Cecil Shorts III WR
Rd 7 Mark Legree FS

This would give us an off line of Albert LT, Waters LG, Kirkpatrick C, Moffitt RG and Carami at RT. Lilja could be the back up for G and Richardson for T. If Waters retires Lilja could slide right in to his natural position of LG. Our receivers would be Cobb in the slot Short #2 and Bowe #1 with Moeaki at TE. I would say that with this crew to throw to, there will be no more excuses for Cassel . Our defence should be better with good sized CB and S to compete for playing time.

by Jim from KC on Apr 21, 2011 12:47 PM CDT reply actions

I'm not sure I'm in love with that mock.

I wouldn’t mind an OT in round 1, but Carimi is a little meh to me. I’m not sure how much of an upgrade he’d really be over Richardson. I’m not a huge Ellis fan, but I also don’t think he’ll be there at the bottom of the 4th round. Same with Cobb at the bottom of the 5th.

by MtHammer on Apr 21, 2011 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I used Draftek for that mock and rd 1 pick 21 and Carimi was at 24, rd 2 pick 55 and Kirkpatrick was at 66, rd 3 pick 86 and moffitt was at 97, rd 4 pick 117 and Ellis was at 126, rd 5 pick 135 and Allen was at 151, Rd 5 pick 139 and Cobb was at 156, Rd 6 pick 199 and Shorts was at 228, Rd 7 pick 223 and Legree was at 236. Draftek’s criteria is you can pick any player either 5 places above and all below your pick position. All of these were below. Of course that doesn’t translate that you are wrong, it just means that you have to have a starting place in order to make a mock and I chose Draftek.

by Jim from KC on Apr 21, 2011 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Cobb is definitely under valued at drafttek

I love modeling picks on there too.

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice

I think both Cobb and Shorts will be gone before the 5th round.
I think I read that the Giants really like Shorts

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd be stunned if those receivers fell that far

In addition, no 7th rounder is going to compete with Lewis (if he’s healthy, which he should be) or Berry. And no 5th round corner is knocking Flowers, Carr, or Arenas out of playing time. If you look at Arenas and his stats

I love how consistent you are about O-line though :). And I wouldn’t cry if we went that way.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Seth, how in the world do we know if Lagree can compete with Lewis? Lewis has had no competition for the position as of yet. He was given the position by default when the Chiefs got rid of Page and Pollard. All the rest were picked up as back ups. Lets give him some real competition and see how good he really is. He made some good plays, but was soundly beaten in others. And as far as Allen beating anyone out, his size will give him a leg up when we are playing teams who are bigger. Also our special teams were not to spiffy last year and here we have 4 young men who just might make a difference there. I was not trying to belittle your line of thought, but I think that a case can be made for the offence as well.

by Jim from KC on Apr 21, 2011 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

McGraw was the starter

I think to begin the season

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions

The idea that larger corner=better corner is a total fallacy

Most of the best corners in the league are 6’ or under, shorter than the vast majority of receivers and way, way shorter than the tall receivers.

Champ Bailey, Darelle Revis, Devin McCourty, DeAngelo Hall, Brent Grimes, and Antoine Winfield are all 6’ or under. In fact, Champ is the only one that is even 6’ tall.

Know what else they have in common? They were the entirety if the Pro Bowl rosters in 2011.

Height (unless the guy is a midget) means exactly squat when compared to quickness, timing, and awareness when it comes to CBs…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey, no belittling here :)

How about this; the odds of a guy who falls to the 7th round competing with a guy who as a rookie was a decent starter are very, very slim.

The games in which we were torched through the air were by and large those that Lewis missed. He’s a solid player, and to find someone who can contribute as a rookie past the 2nd or 3rd round is very, very, very, very, very rare.

So, I can’t say for sure. But I can guess pretty accurately based on past results that decent starter>7th round pick.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions

And BTW

I like the idea of getting some guys to help the special teams. Especially the blocking units on punt returns, something has to be done there.

How many times did we see Arenas break a couple of tackles on a return only to be instantly hit by 3 more guys? From what I understand, it’s supposed to be on the returner to break 1 tackle to get a good return, maybe 2. He was doing that every return but still couldn’t get anywhere because he was swamped right afterward.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I wouldn't sleep on Mark Legree.

That guy is underrated. Great athlete, but still has a bit of learning to do. He is a natural center-fielder type FS (22 picks in 3 years).

Small school, lack of refined skills, and injury history have bumped him down on the media charts.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions

no 1 will sleep on his potential

again bringing in players with potential in the later rounds is what the draft is all about. But Jim is saying he is a day 1 starter, whil you are saying he has lack of refined skills. Not exactly easy to come in and un-seat a 1 year starter in the Nfl and entering his 2nd season in the program.

A welcome edition, a player to watch

by backbone313 on Apr 21, 2011 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought he was just saying Legree would be able to compete with Lewis.

And I’ll buy that. He won’t be a Day 1 starter, but he’ll give Lewis a run for his money just in terms of athlete vs athlete. Lewis has a year of NFL experience and has a better skill set, which will be why he will keep his starting job.

Don’t be surprised if Mark Legree is #2 on the depth chart though. This kid is going to turn some heads once he gets it all figured out.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Donald Washington is a better athlete than Lewis

I don’t put a lot of stock in great athletes who need to “refine their skills”, know what I mean?

It may happen, it may not. But with Lewis we know he’s a good athlete AND can compete at the NFL level.

Most rookies (especially late round rookies) never pan out to be more than role players. Lewis has already proven he’s more than that. That’s what makes me pretty sure a guy who falls to the 7th won’t beat him out or even make him sweat.

I could be wrong, but history is on my side :)

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Just letting you know...

Keep an eye out for his name. Almost every year, there’s one late round guy who turns out to be a gem. Mark Legree is my pick to fill that role this year.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions

That'd be nice

We’ve generally had 3 safeties in our nickel formation anyways, and I still am having nightmares of Heap burning McGraw over and over and over…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, that was painful.

And Ricky Price against Denver? Wow.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah. Wow

There’s just no other word. I had to watch that game for a really long post about Berry. It was the worst safety performance I’ve ever seen. 3 TDs, arguably 4.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I have been wondering for quite sometime why some team has not asked some large OT and OG’s that aren’t drafted or picked up after the draft and asked them if they would consider trying out for NT. Have any of you asked yourselves this same question? After all we don’t ask a NT to do much more than eat two blockers and collapse the pocket occasionally. Not nearly the amount of movement that we expect out of our OT’s and OG’s.

by Jim from KC on Apr 21, 2011 4:42 PM CDT reply actions

Good Question

But there are just as many out of work DT’s as O-lineman. I think the Chiefs tried them all in 2009

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Ha! Rec

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I've always thought with tackles it was a matter of height

Most of them are at least 6’4", and that might hurt as a NT. As gar as G’s go I have no idea.

It seems like some people got it and some people don’t, ya know?

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Jim Jim Jim...

for those of you who dont know, Jims rookies will always come in & play like a savy vet. And players drafted by Pioli, we have already seen there potential and they wont grow with experience.

Hence his statement there is only 4 Nfl starters on the entire Chiefs roster!!!

by backbone313 on Apr 21, 2011 4:50 PM CDT reply actions

Oh take it easy on him backbone. He said that last year, and he was scarily close to right at the time

Bringing the ESPN feud into AP now? :)

Although I did point out to him the other day (after he made a pessimistic comment about the upcoming season) that he’s the guy who thought we were destined for another 4-12 season last year…

So now there’s you, me, Falcon, and Jim here from ESPN… where’s heflion, and does anyone go to ESPN anymore?

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions

I can usually be found on the AFC West boards.

Gotta pass time at work, and I like getting the POVs from the division rivals. Some of them are almost intelligent.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Ha!

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Backbone and I

Along with the other guys I mentioned and a few more used to be regulars on the ESPN.com draft comment board for the Chiefs.

Then I found here and never went back… APs addictive like that.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I like this site a lot bettter.

Especially for all of the offseason chatter. It’s also easier to follow. Better info and delivered a lot quicker than on ESPN too.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions

can't beat the mostly civil back and forth

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Amen

I’ve never seen it come down to a “I’d beat you up!”… “NO! I’d destroy you and you’d never make it in my town!” level.

I’ve seen people complain about censorship, but I love that this place isn’t a Youtube comment section or the NFL.com comment boards.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, it's definitely much more civil around here.

And a lot more focused on football.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Apr 21, 2011 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions

usually

but not always

that is the interesting part though. Good football talk and the occasional scrum or How do you feel about Opera

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions

So with this rec

I get to diagree with the premise of the Post :)

We need a better Offense to win in 2011, I like our defense to get better naturally and spending the best picks on the Defense is not going to increase our win total one bit, when we can’t score on most of the teams on our schedule.

Pant, Pant.

We need Offensive, please :)

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 5:49 PM CDT reply actions

Haha nice!

The ol’ “rec with a caveat”….

I actually agree with your basic premise that our D will get better naturally with our youth (and hopefully a NT no matter what).

Here’s where I’m at with the offense stuff…

1. We can get a couple of decent (or one very good) receiver in FA
2. RB’s for the role we need can be found in rounds 4-7
3. Interior linemen (where I feel our greatest need on the line is) can be found in 4-7 as well…

All that said, if we go offense with an early pick I won’t be upset, because like you said our D will get better as our guys keep growing. I just see a chance at a very unique, awesome defense and it makes me salivate.

I should’ve made a disclaimer that they should do this only if they intend on getting some WRs in FA :)

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions

The Price you Pay for a rec

I agree we can do it either way, but offensive lineman are almost plug and play while those Defensive guys have these seemingly forever learning curve. Doesn’t make sense but it does play out that way.

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Very true

And to be honest, if we went offense with every single pick but one (NT) I’d be ok.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions

OK, two picks (to double up at NT)

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe the biggest meanest nastiest Offensive Guard could double down at NT

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions

mnchieffan

If this site would be more phone friendly, then I wouldn’t go back 2 that board. But checking in on a phone while at work & not able to check in after work, I don’t come here as much as I want.

Hef is here, but uses a different name. He fueds with Falcon more then Falcon knows. You should stop over & chat with Andrew. By far he is the class of the board vacated by seth.

by backbone313 on Apr 21, 2011 9:40 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Well thanks man, I'll take a look

Every month or so I’ll pop in and look at the debates… but I never have much to say. I get most of my talking out of my system here (as you can see above :) ).

What’s hef’s name here?

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 21, 2011 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought everybody argues with Falcon

by Steve_Chiefs on Apr 21, 2011 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Touche...

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 22, 2011 4:14 AM CDT up reply actions

To an extent I gotta disagree... but it was a great writeup.

I do believe that the trenches need to be addressed on defense and offense in the 1st 3 rounds. If we can fix our offensive line we can help fix our offense… which will in turn fix our defense. Remember how our offense collapsed against the Raiders, Chargers, and Ravens at the end of the season? All the ridiculous 3/4 and outs. Then our defense was on the field pretty much all day long. The defense looked pretty decent the 1st half’s of these games….

I agree a later round offensive lineman can be had in the later rounds, but why not get someone that can fill this role within the first 3 rounds to help fix our offensive line. I’m not sold on Richardson and I’m not sold on the later round Centers. I think center would be a better choice… unless they think that Rudy Niswanger has fixed his problems. RT in the later rounds(maybe 4th) should give Richardson some competition. While I’m not sold on him… he is competitive, so this might help him step up to the next level for us, and we have some depth.

Go Chiefs!!!!

by ravenhawk on Apr 22, 2011 7:54 AM CDT reply actions

I agree our offense needs help

But I’m more concerned with WR than the line to be honest. I believe that the difficulties our offense had a lot to do with us not having a living, breathing WR threat outside of Bowe. This allowed teams to really focus on the LOS.

Of course, I’m never against getting guys for the trenches…

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

by MNchiefsfan on Apr 22, 2011 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree that WR is more of a concern...

The big unknowns that we have at WR are 1) can Kevin Curtis step back up his game, and 2) can Verran Tucker become a legitimate number 2. FA might be a good way to start, but how about these late round draft prospects… I’m only putting down tall guys as I think thats the type of mismatch we need. Might not be a legitimate number 2, but it creates problems especially if we were able to get someone like Sidney Rice.

Granted some of these guys are going to be UDFA’s, but hopefully we are taking note.

Terrence Toliver WR 13 LSU Sr 6-4 212
Tandon Doss WR 14 Indiana Jr 6-2 201
Austin Pettis WR 17 Boise State Sr 6-3 209
Ricardo Lockette WR 26 Fort Valley State rSr 6-2 211
Chris Matthews WR 29 Kentucky Sr 6-5 218
Courtney Smith WR 30 South Alabama Sr 6-4
Armon Binns WR 31 Cincinnati Sr 6-3 209
Lester Jean WR 33 Florida Atlantic Sr 6-3 215
DeAndre Brown WR 37 Southern Miss Jr 6-6 233 (maybe a develpmental TE?)
Tori Gurley WR 40 South Carolina rSo 6-4 216
Andre Holmes WR 43 Hillsdale Sr 6-4 210
Kris Durham WR 46 Georgia Sr 6-5 216
Earl Alexander WR 53 Alabama rSr 6-4 213

Barry Richardson was good on running plays, but more often than not it was his side that collapsed in pass protection. If we can give Cassel and the WR’s a little more time for the plays to develop our WR’s are going to look improved.

Go Chiefs!!!!

by ravenhawk on Apr 22, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions