The Chiefs Main Hopes Are Already In-House

by Matt Conner on Jul 10, 2011 4:17 PM CDT

With every passing day that the NFL awaits to cross the final 't' or dot the final 'i', the amount of time that teams will have to get attend to the all-important business of roster construction and readiness goes down like a slowly dripping hourglass. Many teams will scramble to fill holes via free agency and hope to take care of perceived weaknesses before the official kickoff to the 2011 season takes place.

But franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs have been responsible enough to take care of all major business already. Thus, their need to be a part of the feeding frenzy will not be motivated by market forces, external pressures to plug a leak on a sinking ship, etc. Instead, they can sit back and make calculated moves as they see fit -- and those are generally the marks of a great team. The worst of sports franchises press the panic button year after year and overpay (i.e. Washington Redskins) or fail to have a long-term plan to fall back on (i.e. Arizona Cardinals when Kurt Warner was obviously going to retire soon). This is the beauty of having Scott Pioli as your general manager.

The Chiefs have a lack of depth on the defensive interior. Part of the answer will be the draft choice of Jerrelle Powe to learn to plug the middle alongside hopeful resigning Ron Edwards (and perhaps another player). The Chiefs had no over-the-top offensive option to pair with Dwayne Bowe. Yet Dexter McCluster still has the same amount of flash-and-dash as he did last year when he was an exciting second round choice, and Jonathan Baldwin was the first round selection in April's draft. Both players should help the Chiefs spread the field and force opposing defenses to respect the entire offense.

The Chiefs also need a pass rusher opposite Tamba Hali at outside linebacker, so Pioli brought in the love-him-or-hate-him option of Justin Houston. The third round choice was an incredible speed rusher from Georgia and played at both linebacker and defensive end, so he's also experienced and versatile on both fronts. Andy Studebaker should continue to flourish with more playing time (under that new extension), and even Cameron Sheffield should not be forgotten from last year's fifth round.

Other holes have been addressed, while others will need to be filled. But at this point, the Chiefs have to feel good about their depth in several places that they've lacked for some time (secondary, offensive interior) and their ability to make intelligent football decisions amid the whirlwind that's inevitably coming once the lockout is lifted. Anytime you can withstand the need to have to make a move, that's when the best moves are made and choices are drafted. And that's the position that Scott Pioli is placing the Chiefs in.

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precisely!

which is EXACTLY why the very THOUGHT of Pioli going after a loser like Terrelle Pryor is ridicoulous, and anyone who thinks or writes about such things should be …

… not that anyone around HERE would EVER think or write about such a possibility …

… right? ;-)

(that Conner kid, have to give him credit: he does learn from his mistakes)

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 Jul 10, 2011 4:32 PM CDT reply actions

ouch... :)

I have to say that I’m not opposed to Pryor at all (for a 6th round choice). But perhaps I’m upacreek. ;)

by Matt Conner on Jul 10, 2011 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Terrel pryor for a 6th round pick makes a lot of sense. Get brittle Brody off the roster and take a flyer on a young athletic QB who in a pinch could come in and make a play! Roll with him and Stanzi. I mean a lot of 6th round picks don’t even make the team anyway. Not saying they will do it but I wouldn’t mind it.

by CHEEFN58 on Jul 10, 2011 6:06 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Terrelle Pryor is about as good a QB as Jamarcus Russell

the only difference is weight. There are better options available. No point wasting a pick on a talent that has none. I’m OSU fan, I didn’t care for him before the sh*t hit the fan, and I care for him even less now. Pryor is justifiably villified.

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

by shotty on Jul 10, 2011 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions

i hope there will be another name to that list

i personally feel that media darling cam newton will be another person on that list. he will be right up there for the biggest bust ever with ole jamarcus!!!

KC Chiefs - Hangover style

by chiefn25 on Jul 10, 2011 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions

there's really no evidence to proclaim a cam newton bust

let alone a highly disrespectful early comparison to jamarcus russel. That’s just wrong!

Newton just might be that guy that proves everyone that what they think is going to happen in sports usually doesn’t. Thus, keeping all of us in constant tune even in a 4 month lockout.

I was once fired from a job two days after I waited on Matt Cassel and his wife Lauren Killian. Totally my AP moment to remember. Unfortunately also one of my stupidest moments.

by Chiefs_swagger on Jul 10, 2011 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Russel can play Defensive Line?

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Newton will be a bust

He doesn’t have any idea on play calling, defenses, cover schemes, etc etc etc

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions

maybe you're right Steve

but it’s hard to believe the Panthers drafted a guy at one that seems to be damned to be a bust.

I can honestly say I’m not even on the fence about it either, but I think it’s all you cyber people controlling my brain!

I’ll be cheering for the guy BIGTIME! I love it when guys step it up and take their games to unforeseen levels.

I was once fired from a job two days after I waited on Matt Cassel and his wife Lauren Killian. Totally my AP moment to remember. Unfortunately also one of my stupidest moments.

by Chiefs_swagger on Jul 10, 2011 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Swagger I live on your hard drive

I cannot fathom the Panthers pick, cept it sells some tickets in 2011 and then the fans wise up

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions

A lot depends on the flexibility of the offensive brain trust.

And whether or not they give him enough weapons to work with. If they can’t surround him with good enough talent, it’s almost a mistake to put him on the field.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 10, 2011 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Neither did Vick

And he didn’t bust out. Newton’s a physical freak along the lines of Vick.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Jul 10, 2011 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions

wonder what the wonderlic scores were

I bet Vick > Newton

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe, but I doubt it

Newton’s savvy. I think he’s arrogant, but savvy

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

by MNchiefsfan on Jul 10, 2011 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions

The word savvy

shall from henceforth and evermore ONLY be allowed utterance by Captain Jack Sparrow of the Black Pearl. K? Johnny Depp says it better than ANYBODY.

"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"

by Aiken_Drum on Jul 10, 2011 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions

That's fair

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

by MNchiefsfan on Jul 10, 2011 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I think the difference in Newton is he WANTS it more than others

Dudes got some serious confidence after winning the college title, heisman, and getting drafted first, as he should. Although, I can’t recall ever seeing any arrogance from the dude. I think he knows he may be the dumbest quarterback out there, but I think he has the confidence to boost that brain and work hard, to do what it takes to be an NFL quarterback.

I was once fired from a job two days after I waited on Matt Cassel and his wife Lauren Killian. Totally my AP moment to remember. Unfortunately also one of my stupidest moments.

by Chiefs_swagger on Jul 10, 2011 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Well... it takes a little more than confidence

Otherwise Russell would’ve been an All-Pro. I assume you’re talking about normal confidence, not stupid confidence.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Jul 10, 2011 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions

yes yes

true confidence

I was once fired from a job two days after I waited on Matt Cassel and his wife Lauren Killian. Totally my AP moment to remember. Unfortunately also one of my stupidest moments.

by Chiefs_swagger on Jul 10, 2011 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Damn Steve I didn’t know you coached for Auburn and have 1st hand knowledge of Cam’s play calling and defensive scheme reading abilities. Guy went 13-0 in the toughest conference in college football with about as much scrutiny as I can remember for a 21 year old kid and did pretty well! He might end up being a bust but its comical to see people criticize his on the field play to this point, just ignorance

by CHEEFN58 on Jul 10, 2011 10:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Just had to watch the Coach talk to Cam

I am comfortable with my assessment

The boy has no idea

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5rP8-pkMX8

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions

???

I watched it months ago. Calling a fictional play with John Gruden and a bunch of cameras in a classroom is 1 goofy scenario. To act like u know his quarterbacking skills off a 30sec. Youtube clip is comical and further proves my point. You value that clip over a 13-0 SEC season, heisman trophy and national title??? Wow

by CHEEFN58 on Jul 10, 2011 11:01 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

whatevs 58

I would guess you have not watched NFL football for 30+ years

go ahead Cam Newton will be awesome.

Fork me again

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I’ve watched more football the last 20 years than anybody I know just fyi but nobody is saying he’s gonna be the next great QB your missing the point! He may or may not be but to act like you know he’s gonna be a bust because of a sportscenter special where he fumbled a play call is laughable at best and to this point the kid has been pretty special!

by CHEEFN58 on Jul 10, 2011 11:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

agree to this point he was special for ONE year

not much before that, why are you defending him?
He will have millions to waste in whatever he ends up doing.

Since 1978, SEC quarterbacks have been selected to 14 Pro Bowls. That’s 13 for the Mannings, including 10 for Peyton, and one for everybody else.

Vanderbilt’s Jay Cutler is the only non-Manning SEC quarterback to make the Pro Bowl during that period.

SEC, nor Heisman winning, nor NCAA champions means anything in the NFL

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions

My Tigers have

One pretty good QB that plays ST’s for the Jets
One pretty good QB that is the Backup QB for the Saints
One pretty ood QB that is just starting his career with the Jags

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions

say what?

So the fat midget Chase Daniel is a pretty good QB and Cam Newton is a bust that will be wasting his millions out of the league in a few years? Holy shit!!! I’m done after that one!

by CHEEFN58 on Jul 11, 2011 12:00 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

cool stat but irrellevant-nobody said anything about probowl but

Why are you attacking him?? I’m defending him because people that make baseless statements like the ones youve made all night need to be called out! Talking about ones defensive reading and play calling ability with ABSOLUTELY 0 first hand knowledge is just dumb and wreckless!

by CHEEFN58 on Jul 10, 2011 11:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

We have bodies at D-line

But not enough Quality bodies yet

Dorsey and Jackson, possibly Gilberry but not in the primary 3-4 front.

Powe, Toribio, Gales, Greenwood, and Bailey could all help

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 4:43 PM CDT reply actions

I try not to get too sucked in with "tweeners" and guys with "physical potential"

But something about Allen Bailey makes me think he may give us a very, very good problem of too many good defensive linemen. I mean, he was a prep linebacker that basically just got too big and strong to be a LB. He’s an interior lineman who is almost fast enough to be a rush DE.

Reading his scouting reports makes me drool and sit amazed that we got him in the 3rd.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Jul 10, 2011 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions

That's a 5-tech argument.

He showed good mobility at 285, and lists, now, at 288. I’m pretty much swayed by what everyone on here keeps saying about Bailey basically being what they want for DL, period. He could just add FAT and be as trim as most guys playing at Jackson’s 296. I still have that “not sure what his ideal playing weight is” doubt in the back of my mind

If he CAN play the 5-tech at a high level, all kinds of 3-man fronts become feasible. And with a whole slew of ’tweeners, some of those 3-man fronts might not involve Edwards (or FA) or Powe. No disrespect to Gilberry, but another player @ 5-tech who can take snaps on 1st and 2nd down, and KC can feasibly have a look at Dorsey and Jackson as the pair of down linemen in the nickel. Jackson with the bull rush and Dorsey shooting a gap.

I’m really counting on Jackson coming back, and playing at least as well as he played for most of Game 1, last year, only this time, for ’most every game, including playoffs.

I’m looking for nickel packages involving Dorsey, Bailey and Jackson, and those three switching inside and outside amongst themselves. THAT 3-man front might actually be an every-down proposition, if they get enough out of their ‘tweeners on the outside, and occasionally at SILB. Hali and Houston are (or were) playing at or above 270. So that front 5 would have your basic “bigness,” only the weight would be distributed more evenly across that front. Bailey is just close enough to LB in skill set to be a lineman who drops into the short middle, or short wing, every once in a while. Get a decent, by-the-numbers zone drop into Texas Chiefs’ shallows JUST when the QB throws to that spot, because he sees Hali coming and/or the WILB blitzing. Pick up a few passes defensed just by being where you shouldn’t be, at least in the QB’s mind. I like it as a changeup, especially out of the same pre-snap formation against which the opposing offense had success in the shallows.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 10, 2011 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions

what about a 5-2 front

with all the above rotating into the D-line

and DJ, Studebaker, Miller, Belcher, and Williams rotating the 2 ILB’s

obviously we can save some roster spots with a DJ and Tulloch type pairing but we don’t have too, cause we needs ST bodies too

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Powe and Bailey make the team

but Toribio, Gales, and Greenwood have been average or below average thus far.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 10, 2011 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions

5 dudes is not a Defensive Line

That is what I want the Chiefs to address in Free Agency

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I believe we'll be able to tell almost everything we need to know

About Pioli’s goals for the team by his pursuit of Franklin. If he drops a 2 or 3 year, 20 million dollar or so deal on him, it may indicate he thinks we’re ready to compete for a SB this year.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Jul 10, 2011 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't know about that

Franklin should play for 5 or so more years, If Pioli drops 60 million for 5 years with 25 million up front that would be a non-Pioli like statement of need

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions

With all the $ we have available

I really wouldn’t mind if we signed him for a deal close to that, to be honest.

Although not that long term. Given his age and (IMO) Powe’s potential as a 2-down run stuffer (which is what Franklin is), I say we offer him a 2 year contract, all guaranteed, for 18 million.

He’d be motivated to play well because it’s such a short contract, so he’ll be playing for that “last” contract in 2 years. The guaranteed money would be very good (which is all that matters in today’s NFL), and we wouldn’t be saddled with a guy we may not need long term.

You like at all?

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

by MNchiefsfan on Jul 10, 2011 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm for it.

that gives us at least Dorsey, TJax, Gilberry, and Bailey at DE and Franklin and Powe at NT. I say we re-sign Smith to backup or rotate at both DE and NT and have an OK 7 man group. Edwards, Toribio, and maybe Gales could make for a solid eight in case of injury or a bust by one of the rookies.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 10, 2011 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions

8 is enough

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Toribio, maybe, Gales, not so much.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 10, 2011 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Possible

But someone else will offer the 5 year deal

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions

I count 13 Linebackers on the roster already

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 4:51 PM CDT reply actions

exactly. chiefs will spend money, on our own. because the talent is already in house. just need to keep it there

Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt

by SDChief on Jul 10, 2011 5:06 PM CDT reply actions

So Edwards is the answer?

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Well technically he aint OURS atm since he is a FA

He was the best answer last year though

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 10, 2011 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Our two-headed RB situation may soon be one-headed.......

…..or fail to have a long-term plan to fall back on (i.e. Arizona Cardinals when Kurt Warner was obviously going to retire soon). This is the beauty of having Scott Pioli as your general manager.

Jamaal is great but with an aging TJ it seems the next offensive move should be to make way for a TJ replacement. His dramatic decline in second half of last year points to the effect of many years of rugged service in pursuitof tough yardage. TJ is in great shape, keeps fit and ready to play, he is a great team leader; But, He has had twice the average career for a RB and can’t be expected to defy the ravages of time forever. Look for Pioli to make an accomodating move soon.

"You talkin' to me? You TALKIN' to me ?" - Travis Bickle

by CatChief on Jul 10, 2011 5:32 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs

the wording is extraordinary

Rec Cat

I hope the Chiefs address this before Charles pays the price.

Maybe Bannon can be that guy

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions

We'll just have to see how quick he is to the hole and how much lighter he is.

Much depends on whether the O-Line takes another step.

Myself, I thought I saw a dip in TJ’s season, but I also noticed he seemed to start running harder and more decisively/aggressively down the stretch, whatever his average says.

And much as I like me some Jamaal Charles, a great ZBS o-line can get you a ton of production out of that horde of big backs. It’s one thing to recognize and praise what Jamaal’s done for the team, but I still think you want to aim for something that lets you plug in non-flashy, but GOOD all-around big backs. I still think you want to aim for a line that performs like those Denver lines did, during their championship seasons. The one thing they lacked, for decades, and the one thing they HAD when they won their rings.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 10, 2011 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I see the Chiefs making a splash with 1 big name FA...

I see a move for a big name offensive FA. Someone like Malcolm Floyd, DeAngelo Williams, or Vonta Leach. It think one of those would take the offense to another level.

Malcolm Floyd would add unreal size to our receiving corp. He’s also already proven, and can catch just about anything.

DeAngelo Williams would be an excellent compliment to Charles. He is a very solid runner averaging 5 ypc in his career. Charles and Williams would be a much better tandem then, Charles and Jones.

Vonta Leach? Who wouldn’t want the best run blocking FB, leading the way for the best ypc RB? Vonta Leach leading Charles would scare people. Imagine if we picked up Williams and Leach….scary….very very scary

by ChiefJamesthe2nd on Jul 10, 2011 5:41 PM CDT reply actions

I don't see us spending the money on Williams

But that would be an insane combo, and there are certainly enough carries in our offense to keep both happy.

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

by MNchiefsfan on Jul 10, 2011 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions

nor Leach

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Hard to say. If Baldwin quickly becomes a viable threat, a great FB could take their pro set to the next level.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 10, 2011 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Bannon might be the "Dancing Bear"

like another Fullback

Tolbert , or “Moose” Johnson

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Audited Financials For The NFL League Office

One of the main reasons why the NFL pulled out of the 2006 CBA. In the past, the NFLPA had to approve any new G-3 loan, which is why the fund was subject to collective bargaining.

http://deadspin.com/5819427/exclusive-weve-obtained-audited-financials-for-the-nfl-league-office

http://edge-cache.deadspin.com/deadspin/nflleagueoffice.pdf

by Arrowhead816 on Jul 10, 2011 6:15 PM CDT reply actions

Outrageous

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Isn't it great?

The Chiefs have a lot of in house talent to choose from and can be selective when and if they see a player in free agency who might be able to help out. This is a far cry from three years ago. Now, if there is just a season.

"The Hammer"

by G.L. on Jul 10, 2011 6:33 PM CDT reply actions

Nice Article. But players rise and players fall.

I think Pioli’s in a good position to react to players who FALL. One of the things about the salary situation is, if a guy shows up flabby and stupid to training camp, he might not stick with the organization. They can afford to look somewhere else. It can be a previously stalwart player, who’s evidently lost something. Pioli’s often said that one of the most important aspects of his job is evaluating returning players for pro-gress or re-gress. So I see it as entirely possible that we’ll see some surprise departures and arrivals. The organization has a solid definition of “due diligence,” and they look at everybody. Nobody gets a free ticket to 53.

So I’m just adding a grain of salt to what you’re saying.

I agree that they DO look like they could just sign their draft picks and re-sign the key FAs, and have something competitive. They have a slew of LBs, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see an excellent veteran FA thrown into the ILB mix. With what they’ve established, they might be at or beyond the point where an elite ILB could elevate them from good team to great team. I usually would advise waiting on that, and generally avoid drafting high for ILB. An elite ILB isn’t going lead you to the promised land on a mediocre defense, but an elite ILB can help you win a championship on a solid D.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 10, 2011 10:10 PM CDT reply actions

Say Seau

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 10, 2011 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Say what? Say ow?

"The Hammer"

by G.L. on Jul 11, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions

One wrench in Pioli's SOPs of player evaluation this year

If the season gets shortened, more specifically, if Training Camp or the preseason get shortened, Pioli and Haley may not have the necessary time to fully evaluate the state of every player. Like every other team, they have already lost OTAs and many offseason workouts that would have started that process, so when teams go into scramble mode if and when the lockout is lifted, it is easy to imagine useless vets making rosters for their experience and knowledge at a higher rate this season than in normal years. The alternative being taking risks on UDFAs or young STs with limited experience, game film, and familiarity to fill out rosters.

Thanks for the inspiration, Bajah!

When some kid says that a modern day player is their "hero", tell them about Joe, and what a real hero is.

by RememberDelaney37 on Jul 11, 2011 7:53 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions