"Primed and Ready?"

Just was thinking about our roster, and some of the young guys who have been in the system for awhile. Some have gained much needed experience at of position they are being groomed for, and some only have gotten duty on Special Teams and by being on the practice squad. We have seen that Pioli has signed some of these guys to contracts to keep them here, and I'm thinking that there is a reason besides being fodder for the starters to practice against. Especially as it has been stated over and over how the team wants to "grow" players by drafting and developing them.

I'll toss a few names out, but feel free to toss your ideas into the mix. First, I think the Maine Man, Jovan Belcher was showing much better ability towards the end of this season and may have a breakout season next year. Being surrounded by good players and well coached by Gibbs and RAC certainly hasn't hurt in his development. Having Siler resigned is also good motivation, however Siler may be a big "IF", those are nasty injuries to overcome.

Second, is Guard Daryl Harris, who I thought may have been the guy getting groomed as Center. However it pans out, the team thunk enough of him to keep around after his Practice Squad eligibility ran out. I was a fan of his a couple of preseasons ago when Water's was injured and believed he played well before getting hurt himself. He may challenge Ryan Lidja for a spot if Hudson is the Center.

Third is Powe, the big sixth rounder from last year. He was a complete question mark to me as I thought he reached his ceiling in college. But, by moving him away from NT in college, I think he picked up some poor habits that didn't translate well, particularly playing high and losing leverage. He certainly has the size to compete in this league, it awaits to be seen if he has the desire and ability to make the transition. It ain't rocket science to play the nose, so I have hopes he has learned this past season and comes to camp with a fire lit under him and proves that he is the guy.

I could ramble on about a few others, but my fingers are tiring and I'll let you bring them into the conversation. What's important to me is that we can at least have hopes for some players to break into the lineup as we haven't seen much of that for sometime, maybe never. Is the pump "primed" and are the players "ready"? Go Chief's!!