5 Potential FA Targets

by onthereg on Jul 23, 2011 8:00 AM CDT

I know another article on Free Agents but based on what we have seen from Pioli so far I do not expect him to make a huge splash in free agency but rather get one or two specific players and then add some depth behind them. I know we have approx $35M in cap but that is at the end of the year and I expect/hope we use it to lockup Dorsey, Bowe, Flowers, and Carr.

1. NT Aubrayo Franklin - the one big time signing and I am basing this on we currently do not have a starting NT under contract, we offered Shaun Rogers $6M, and there is not that many options available. I really like Powe but even guys like Raji rotated most of their first year before really making any difference. This is the one position on the defense that has really not been addressed since Pioli got here and it is vital to the 3-4.

2. MLB Barrett Ruud - coming from a Tampa 2 system that wanted him to get deep middle just was not a good fit. I think he would be a perfect fit as both a leader and downhill tackler and a big upgrade in coverage. The knock was he did not cover all that well in Tampa but there is a big difference in ILB in the 3-4 and MLB in Cover 2. Former Husker (from Lincoln as well) just makes too much sense and the last article i read on SI.com said he was a perfect fit for the Pats so the same holds true for the chiefs. I think Belcher has improved and this is not a huge need it has to do with Pioli finding the right player not just position and I think Ruud would add a lot on and off the field with the absence of Vrabel that can't hurt.

3. WR Mark Clayton - coming off an injury but seems to have the right skill set to be a very solid slot WR as well as a very good locker room guy. Could also start and allow Baldwin time to develop intstead of just throwing him out there. Great value and would be nice to add one proven target and not break the bank doing it. Santana Moss and Breaston would be great but i just dont see us making a Madden Type splash in free agency and getting Ruud and Franklin will cost a little.

4. FB Marcel Reece - Taking one from Oakland is always nice and i think he would add a lot both in receiving out of the backfield as well as the ability to get short yardage. Keeping Thomas Jones one more year and adding Reece would be ideal. This allows us to carry 3 RBs (4 if you could Dex) and not worry about Cox or Castille.

5. RT Jeremy Trueblood - played very well for Coach Muir in Tampa and would make sense for a reunion. I am a Richardson fan BUT I also think as much potential as Richardson has I could just as easily see him taking a step back and it would just destroy this offense to once again keep a TE in to block and really limit us offensively. Adding another starter quality player that wont break the bank or wont force Albert to move all over the place makes a lot of sense and is low risk with Muir knowing the player.

I just wanted to bring up a few new players that I have not seen a lot mentioned and lets HOPE we see a few of these players signed in the next week.

Come at me Bro!

Matt GD Cassel

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.

Tweet Comment 74 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Not bad, but I would go with...

1) NT Aubrayo Franklin – Franklin is arguably the best NT in the FA market. It is our #1 need entering the FA market. He would also help us get our cap number up as he won’t be cheap.

2) OT Matt Light – Pioli knows what he will be getting with Light. He could likely be the starting RT or is a excellent swing tackle for the Chiefs.

3) WR Steve Breaston – Haley knows what Breaston brings. We need a slot receiver to go with Bowe/Baldwin.

4) ILB Barrett Rudd – I like Rudd as a LB. I think he would be a good upgrade in talent in the middle. With us not likely re-signing Corey Mayes, Rudd is a major upgrade.

5) FB/RB Le’Ron McClain – McClain is not only a good FB, but he also is a good ball carrier. McClain wants the opportunity again to carry the rock. He could very well be our #2 ball carrier and give us that power back for short yardage/goal line/change of pace back. Having him and Charles in the backfield at the same time is always a threat!

by ChiefMojo on Jul 23, 2011 9:04 AM CDT reply actions

Ruud I mean **

Ruud, not Rudd.

by ChiefMojo on Jul 23, 2011 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Good list

But I’d rather have Clabo (Atlanta) or Yanda (Baltimore) at RT. Both are younger than Light and can devevlop a long-term consistency on the line.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Big men can make a big difference.....

1) A. Franklin NT would not just add a space eater. He would make those around him more effective as well. The DE’s would be freer to penetrate and make plays. The ILB and OLBs would also have a better lane to the ball and DBs would not have to cover as long.

2) An upgrade at OT that improves Pass Blocking would require less help be kept in to keep QB on his feet and alive. This would allow more agressive passing attack with more gaps to find positive yardage in large chunks.

3) An addition of an efective RB / FB with size , power and ability to pass block would also provide a ripple effect of improved play.

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

by CatChief on Jul 23, 2011 9:50 AM CDT reply actions

Good job.

I actually think there is a good chance they try and sign Trueblood. Franklin is the best NT available, you might have to pay, but he makes the defense much better. I don’t think Rudd is a good fit in the 3-4. I think we will sign one of the SD guys. At running back I would love to get Michael Bush. Great compliment to Charles and eventual replacement for jones.

The views expressed by craig in calgary do not necessarily represent the views of all Canadians.

by saskwatch on Jul 23, 2011 10:07 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Bush would be a great signing

We could pretty easily part ways with Battle to make room for Bush or Hightower (Arizona). Put one of those guys in rotation with Charles and Jones then add a new FB (McClain or Reece) and we will continue to have one of the most dominant running games in the league.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I like Michael Bush...

I was hoping we were going to draft him. I remember thinking he was a steal where the Raiders got him (in the 4th rd, i think).

Also, I hope we get Franklin!! I know big FA splashes aren’t Pioli’s style, but geez… this guy came in and has tried to establish a 3-4 defense and has done NOTHING in 3 offseasons to address the most important position in the scheme!! His ignoring of the NT position is starting to become comical.

by texaschief on Jul 23, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Frankiln may be the big name we go for

but it’s hard to say Pioli’s done “nothing” about NT. In his first offseason here, he signed a veteran NT/DE (Smith) who had previously worked with his new defensive coordinator. In his second offseason, he drafted a player who was once a highly regarded NT prospect (Powe). He could still go after Williams as a UDFA for more young blood and spend big on Franklin for the “sure bet”.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Might be missing a season in there somewhere

Unless you like the people on the Colts blog believe we drafted Tjax to play NT

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 23, 2011 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions

I stand corrected

In his first year, Pioli was transitioning a moderately successful rookie DT to DE, drafting the most promising 3-4 DE to play opposite of him and having both work with a new DC who was, by the way, abysmal at coaching the D line. All while working for a guy who just became the owner of the franchise. Signing a big-name marquee NT then sounds like a cluster-fuck for failure.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Well if you think about it there were 2 good 3-4 DE's on the FA market his first year when we were switching

We could have then had Raji(who I wanted) but guess there is a reason we are on AP

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 23, 2011 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Folks usually say you should build your team from the middle out.

Myself, I think about Ron Edwards and some times when he executed very well, but wasn’t rewarded at the back end, ceding the offense another 3 downs. This seemed to happen a fair number of times. Or have the offense go 3-and-out and plonk the D back on the field. I can see any of a number of high-dollar NTs who wouldn’t be happy in that situation. And remember the man-boobs on Raji? Can you see THAT going South, on a team with so many holes? You’d have to start him. He wouldn’t be quite ready, and there’d be no help.

But ya gotta start SOMEwhere, so Pioli basically made a conservative pick for the most certain high-floor 3-4 lineman. He did it twice, and already missed on his first 3rd-rounder, Magee.

Somethin’ ya notice about ‘most every NT prospect that’s come along in the draft, and that was some sort of issue surrounded them. Some red flag. Same seems to be the case for 2011 FA, too. You can go for up-side, but you can easily be burned, by handing a guy the last money he’ll ever need for the rest of his life. Like the professor, who goes off the deep end as soon as he gets tenure.

I feel like NT is a high risk proposition. And the obvious guy isn’t always the best for your style of D. Not sure what I’d think of Franklin, without Justin Smith.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 23, 2011 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions

now THAT explains a lot of things, Professor (huge grin)

Like the professor, who goes off the deep end as soon as he gets tenure

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 24, 2011 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions

I didn't let down, but that first tenured year was marked by some foot-in-mouth disease.

No huge problems, but as a crusty old elf, whose life has been a one-man war for survival, I do have a tendency to blindness towards the sensitivities of others. “No bones broken? Then how can you be hurt or upset? Life is GOOD!”

This spring I had an algebra class with a strong mix of working men, who busted ass old-school, and this brought out a certain rough humor in me that’s not always politically correct. You try to treat everyone the same, but with grown men engaging that “Give ’em shit because you LIKE ’em” part of my brain, there were some young ladies who were put off. Thought I was mean, when I thought we were all just trying to have a little fun, while we worked our butts off on some otherwise dry material.

Always wanted to have male only and female only classes, where you could be a little more drill sergeant with the guys and more touchie-feelie and group-work-oriented with the females, who generally are better at learning cooperatively. I was never good at cooperative learning, and only so-so at cooperative learning. Learning, to me, was always about a personal 1-on-1 with the knowledge, and the last thing I wanted was to waste my time carrying a group. Since I was going to do all the work, screw this myth of collaborative learning that just propped up the grades of slackers.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 24, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions

and only so-so at cooperative learning from the TEACHING side.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 24, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

I like it a female only class for touchie=feelie. your a man who I can

identify with

by dubld on Jul 24, 2011 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions

do NOT encourage him!

by upamtn on Jul 24, 2011 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions

said DC being Pioli's hire, of course

… and having both work with a new DC who was, by the way, abysmal at coaching the D line

… and by what account was TJax considered to be so high a prospect?

drafting the most promising 3-4 DE

by upamtn on Jul 24, 2011 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Jax was the surest bet as a 3-4 d-lineman, albeit a reach at #3..

BJ Raji might’ve been a beast, but he might just as easily have been a flop with those floppy man boobs.

Ron Brace has amassed 31 tackles in 22 games – 8 in 9 games his first season. 23 in 13 games his second season.

Besides, on Draft Day 2009, KC had a bunch of DTs we all thought would produce at least one NT, and the only one who stuck was a solid, but unspectacular Ron Edwards.

As for Pendergast, I think of him as a scapegoat for a defense without a starting safety, a rush OLB in his first season at that position, trying to transform the KC D into a 3-4 from scratch.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 24, 2011 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions

yah, was being a smartass in some ways

that 2009 wasn’t the world’s best, though I do blame Pioli in part for not trusting or talking to Herm’s leftover scouting staff … I realize Pioli wanted his own guys, that’s normal and natural, but the guys in place were still professionals who knew a lot (witness: Flowers, Carr, etc) and he COULD have gotten himself at least a little help on it

as for any one draft pick making it or not … always a chance any given player will be a huge bust, it’s always a crapshoot … and so it goes

by upamtn on Jul 24, 2011 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Not enough info to really know HOW he treated the intel from the holdovers.

But for a man who prides himself on widebody appreciation and evals, ‘09 was not a great year in the trenches for the Chiefs. It’ll be OK if Jackson becomes a perennial BEAST. But so far, his best game ended prematurely with an injury.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 24, 2011 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Clancy was a poor communicator who kept his defense guessing at

what he wanted from them at any given time. RAC came in and the players were really happy and said in no uncertain terms that they knew what RAC wanted from them

by dubld on Jul 24, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

We'll face his D when we face the Bills.

I say “we.” Funny thing for a pencil-neck to say.

I saw Pendy do things others didn’t like, but which made perfect sense for his personnel and the overall game plan. I liked him in Arizona for the same reasons.

Only real negative that comes thru is the apparent lack of clarity for 1st-year guys to Pendy, and everybody in a patchwork team that must’ve been like a Frankenstein monster to weld into ANY kind of coherence. By the time RAC came, they’d already taken steps towards the 3-4, so it was a lot easier to lay out the basic D, and expect the players to do basic, well-defined jobs, rather than trying crazy shit just to give yourself a chance, considering the players you have to get it done with.

Still, I have a feeling Crennel would’ve done things pretty much the same, with clear and simple expectations. And he gives respect, so players are pleased to please him, and hate to disappoint him. Right there, I think he has an edge on half the league.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 24, 2011 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Exactly

T Jax was a reach at #3 overall, but was almost unanimously thought of as the best DE for a 3-4 scheme in that draft class.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 24, 2011 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Pendergast was abysmal

But by the time Pioli was in position to hire a DC, Pendy was the best available that had experience with a 3-4 (Crennel was our with injury). He also had a history of using a hybrid 3-4, which we were in that first year of the transition. By the time they had waited to get Haley signed as HC (after the Super Bowl), Pendy was the fastest of the slow kids at DC, so he got the job.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 24, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

"Crennel was OUT with injury"

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 24, 2011 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions

No.

Drafting ONE NT in the 6th round of his THIRD draft is NOT addressing the NT position. Neither is signing Smith, an “DE/NT” hybrid. Addressing the position is taking guys like B.J. Raji, Peria Jerry, Ron Brace, Evander Hood, or Terrence Knighton… all those guys were in the first 3 rounds of 2009 where we took Jackson, and Alex Magee.

In 2010 Linval Joseph, MIke Neal, and Terrence Cody were all available in the 2nd where we had 2 picks.

Addressing a need is committing to top flight free agents at that position or addressing the position within the first 2 or 3 rounds of a draft. Hell, even first round picks take time to develop… just look at Dorsey and Jackson. I think you seriously have to have the rose colored lenses on the think Pioli has addressed the most important position on a 3-4 defense before the 2011 free agency begins.

by texaschief on Jul 23, 2011 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I didn't say he made it a priority

I said he did better than “nothing”. Maybe it’s not what you wanted him to do, but he did do something. He also signed an NT away from Green Bay, and added skilled players at two DB positions to address the most glaring threat from San Diego’s pass-oriented offense. Again, maybe it’s not what you wanted, but it was still building a defense designed to stop our most successful opponent.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions

In a way, it's a good thing, because the org can't be SURE of what they'll see, when they FINALLY give everybody a physical.

That’ll run a comb thru what’s likely to be a NASTY set o’ dreads, and they may need to call Bosley to fill in the bald spots, after grooming the roster like a ’roid-raging body-builder barber, in that first real look at the players. Could be we see the Chiefs make a fairly good-sized number of Lilja-type signings – guys you have to pay, but who understand the self-discipline end of it. Could be a huge factor in “The Right 53,” with some real surprises at who stays and who goes, after the physical.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 23, 2011 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice

some very unsavory visuals going on now

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 23, 2011 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions

get a comb

by upamtn on Jul 24, 2011 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions

BELLLLLAAAAAAA!!!! What happened, poor girl?

Seriously, you guys. The metaphor was fun, but the point is there’s likely to be a LOT of attrition all around the league, but particularly in KC, where they’re not going to tolerate blobs of jell-o.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 24, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions

good thing they are not in the 22 guys of the street business no more

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 24, 2011 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 25, 2011 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions

The Chiefs have no need for an ILB and FB

by Dagda on Jul 23, 2011 11:13 AM CDT reply actions

We need both

Right now, the only dependabel SILB we have is Belcher; who isn’t the strongest in pass coverage. I think we should part ways with Mays, and Micah Johnson is still a question mark. That leaves us needing to sign an SILB at least for depth, and at most to challenge Belcher.

Mike Cox is an average FB and can get the job done, but a better FB makes our backfield more intimidating. If we’re going to continue leaning heavily on the running game, we need a top-notch FB.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Stude at SILB

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 23, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions

He hasn't played there yet

and that puts at least two rookies competing for the SOLB spot. That sounds less than appealing.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Or we could go after Lawson for SOLB

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 23, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I would love to see Franklin

I would like to see Ruud and/or Breaston. We gotta keep in mind though that we need to sign our own players first. We need to give long term deals to Hali, Carr and Flowers (maybe Bowe as well if the price is right). Our team is loaded with great young players, and I want to keep it that way. Build through the draft, supplement with smart moves in Free Agency.

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

by Flowers24 on Jul 23, 2011 11:18 AM CDT reply actions

Yeah I agree

Lets sign the good players we have now to long term deals, before we lose them to some other team. I think that is why Pioli and Co hope we can use some of the players we have now instead of going out and spending big money on FAs. The Chiefs 3 or 4 years from now could lose alot of top players to the FA market themselves.

So i guess the question should be, do we make the move now and get several players that could put us over the top or continue to go with the in house plan. I think we’ll see a little of both just like last year.

Warning: If you're reading this it has been censored.
Disclaimer: Comments above are not meant to be taken with a grain of salt.

by CPT.Caveman on Jul 23, 2011 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions

We need to get there sooner rather than later

Cassel isn’t getting any younger and re-signing all of those top-10 picks will get expensive at some point. If it weren’t for our ball-bashing schedule, I’d say this year had to be the year they made the run. Even with that brutal schedule, it will have to be this year or next.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Dorsey and Jackson's next contracts should decrease not increase

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 23, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Maybe

but Dorsey has started to come into his own at DE and it will be difficult to tell him he played well but needs to take a paycut. if we don’t pay him at least near what he has been making, he’ll hit FA. Jackson was signed to be a 3-4 DE and nobody expected him to put up big stats. He can make the vaunted third-year-leap for a D lineman and be in the same boat as Dorsey. Both could expect to continue making big paychecks or hit FA. Losing your two DE’s in consecutive years sounds like a way to kill your improvement plan.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions

3-4 DE's do not get paid like 4-3 DEs nor 3-4 OLBs thats just how it is

They will not get 50+ million dollar contracts

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 23, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I realize their pay was determined by

their draft postiion and not their field position, but I think it will be difficult to convince either to take a massive paycut without them at least testing FA when the time comes. If we want to keep them, it will still cost a lot of money.

by Chiefs4Life on Jul 23, 2011 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

I wouldnt mind Franklin, but I just dont see Pioli giving him that much money

I know we have $35 mil to spend, but we have until the end of the season to spend it. Theres no need to rush out and throw big money at guys, just because we have it to spend.

I think Pioli will take care of his own players first, before he pays big money to a FA. I think he’ll stick to the 2nd-3rd tier freeagents.

-NT Alan Branch-can plug the middle in a rotation with Powe, and is still young so he’ll be around for a few yrs.
-ILB Takeo Spikes-veteran leader that can take over Vrabels spot as player/coach, and is still productive had 106 tackles last yr. Could teach DJ and Belcher how to have that nastiness and swagger that a MLB needs.
-RT Ryan Harris-can come in and compete with Richardson for the RT spot, and he adds depth.

by ChiefDailyBaked on Jul 23, 2011 12:40 PM CDT reply actions

I haven't seen Ruud's name mentioned before, but I think it makes sense and he would be an upgrade at MLB.

I would like us to sign either Lance Moore or James Jones as a 3rd WR. Jones has the ability to be a no. 2, and working with Haley could hopefully get him turned around like Bowe.

I would like to see FB addressed as well. Reece would be a great addition as would LeRon McClain.

Great Post!

by Ray Brown on Jul 23, 2011 1:31 PM CDT reply actions

Mark Clayton

was tendered by the Rams. I don’t know exactly what that will mean though.

by Theblind Tiger on Jul 23, 2011 2:05 PM CDT reply actions

Aubrayo Franklin hasn't been mentioned on AP yet? wow, who knew!

I just wanted to bring up a few new players that I have not seen a lot mentioned

by upamtn on Jul 23, 2011 2:29 PM CDT reply actions

Can you tell me more about him?

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 23, 2011 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions

heard he might be decent, but that's probably just rumor ...

by upamtn on Jul 23, 2011 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions

OHBRAYOH? Whodat?

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 23, 2011 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Sounds good to me 100M per year sound about right?

After all he is the best FA NT out there right? We gotta have him!!!!

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 23, 2011 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions

is that enough to get us to the new "floor" ... we might have to make a more generous offer, donchaknow

by upamtn on Jul 24, 2011 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

The more I think about it, the more likely it seems to me that we'll see numerous SOLID acquisitions

of FAs who have their offseason shit together, and come into camp in shape and ready to roll. Pioli’s in good position to fill in the “bald spots” with quality players, but maybe not the high-profile stars that have earned most of our (my) attention.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 24, 2011 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions

I can agree with Pioli going after the solid #2 type FA's like we have been

However this is a big FA pool, and we have the money to spend so I could see us going after 1 or 2 of the ‘big name’ FA’s to keep us on top of the division

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 24, 2011 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions

Agree that was my point

Sure i want Franklin, McLain, Breaston, Clabo, etc but was pointing to players that seem like a good fit and not just putting down the top rated player at a position of need.
I think the NT is the one big signing and then we continue to add depth and role players and build through the draft.

by onthereg on Jul 24, 2011 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

OT's another big signing.

Breaston’s price tag might be right, as a very good #3, when folks will be overpaying for #1s, and #3s will be getting the short end of the stick. I think a lotta teams are going to be desperate. This will be a time when a smart GM can strike a nice balance between patience and aggression.

I don’t see Pioli needing to go out on a limb, despite the apparent absence of NT and swing tackle. He can shop for value, while other teams are scurrying for need. But there’ll still be SOME scurrying. Despite the new culture in KC, there’ll still be some fat clowns who don’t get their jobs back, and Pioli will be shopping for positions we don’t anticipate.

But his approach of patching holes with solid, but maybe unspectacular vets, and basing his blue chip picks on the whole package, over urgent needs. When blue chippers coincide with need, all the better, but never bending things outta shape.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 24, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions

No ILB or FB please

and add Breaston take out Clayton and Trueblood who looked godawful last season

BOOM!

by 808NaNz808 on Jul 23, 2011 5:09 PM CDT reply actions

I like the Marcel Reece upgrade, and an ILB works for me as well. Unlike some, I still

want an upgrade at the spot Belcher plays, regardless of his potential.

by dubld on Jul 24, 2011 10:04 AM CDT reply actions

Youre Joking Right?!?!?!

1. Aubrayo Franklin: The only practical player on this list fit for the Chiefs.

2. Barrett Ruud: Is awful in coverage, but if the Chiefs signed him I would be fine with it.

3. Mark Clayton: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? MARK FREAKING CLAYTON THAT WOULD BE AN AWFUL PICK UP FOR THE CHIEFS. IF THE CHIEFS ARE GOING TO GO AFTER A WR THAN THE MOST LIKELY CANDIDATE IS STEVE BREASTON!

4. Marcel Reece: It’d be nice to have him, but I’d rather have Leron McClain for he could provide a thunder punch of a running back and reasonable blocker as well.

5. Jeremy Trueblood: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? JEREMY TRUEBLOOD IS ONE OF THE WORST GRADED OFFENSIVE LINEMEN IN THE GAME. HE WAS ACTIVE FOR 14 GAMES, BUT ONLY STARTED 7 WHICH MEANS HE SUCKS!

3 Wishes:
1. Tamba Hali gets a multi-year deal done with the Chiefs
2. The Chiefs to sweep the Broncos, Chargers, and Raiders in 2011
3. That there will be an NFL season in 2011

by bigbosschief on Jul 24, 2011 10:42 AM CDT reply actions

What about trying to trade for Rubin from the Browns? Not entirely sure he would be up for trade

He is however a young up and coming NT and the Browns are switching to the 4-3 after drafting Phil Taylor

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 24, 2011 2:13 PM CDT reply actions

I want the Chiefs to follow the Colts/Steelers model

Let’s build up our own guys first and if we absolutely need to, then look at some potential FAs later on.

*When we blitz, have the LB's do a KC Strip. Do this in remembrance of DT.
*Dear David Glass, as a lifelong Royals fan, I beg you to please sell the team. You have always been the problem; you will never be the solution.

by mistamic on Jul 24, 2011 3:26 PM CDT reply actions

Colts model has been Peyton Manning. Doesn’t matter who they surround him by. I don’t know what is more incredible, the Colts streak of 12+ wins or the Raiders streak of 11+ losses (both snapped last year).

by ilchiefsfan on Jul 24, 2011 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions

I believe what he was saying is how both teams groom their own guys

Like the Steelers LBs or the Colts WRs to stay competitive while not risking their necks in FA too often

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 24, 2011 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions

You are correct sir

by mistamic on Jul 24, 2011 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Now THAT I totally buy.

But again, part of being able to do that is keeping horse in front of cart. They didn’t just draft their 1st-round QB and make him run for his life all day on a crap team. Remember how great the young Manning was on the roll-out? His line gave him time and he had guys who would pretty much be open right where Manning hoped and expected, based on play call and formation. Don’t underestimate predictability and confidence as a factor in Manning’s great vision. It’s a whole lot easier to have that, when the first thing your eyes see is something good.

Even though KC’s first move was spending a 2nd-rounder for Cassel (and Vrabel), they did NOT throw a rook on the field in a crap situation. And I think they’re building thru the draft, since that move.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 25, 2011 12:28 AM CDT up reply actions

If Pioli keeps having drafts like last year then we can keep building through the draft haha

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 5:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Disagree, ilchiefsfan.

Certainly Manning was a (the) key ingredient, but they didn’t just surround him with shit. They wanted the great QB and they gave him a solid supporting cast from Day 1. O-Line, RB, WR – all pretty much in place and all pretty well-maintained for the duration of his career. We’ll see how O-Line holds up, and if that 1st-round rook comes right in and performs at a high level, but if he doesn’t, this could be one of Manning’s worst seasons as a pro.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 25, 2011 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Does anyone think Jamal Williams has any gas left in the tank to play NT at a high level for a year or 2?

He’s an unrestricted free agent who I wouldn’t mind being signed to a 1-2 year deal which wouldn’t be for big dollars to get into camp to see if he does. He’s 35 but has played the position at a high level before suffering an injury a couple years ago. I’d like to see A. Franklin first, but if not then a veteran Williams’ (Jamal or Pat) as a fall back option and an upgrade over last year’s NTs as a bridge to Powe or someone else the Chiefs draft in the next year or two.

by Chiefs_KC on Jul 24, 2011 4:34 PM CDT reply actions

Jamaal is done IMO

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

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 24, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd rather just have Edwards/Smith duke it out over the season and let Powe gain some experience throughout the course of the year

by mistamic on Jul 24, 2011 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions

I expect both of them to be hungry enough to come to their physicals in pretty good shape.

So I expect the Chiefs to re-sign both of them, with a strong chance of a 3rd or 4th veteran thrown into the mix, with no guarantees for any of the 4. I can definitely see them wanting to take a bite of the outside talent apple, but to secure last year’s guys, initially.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Jul 25, 2011 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions