Weapons Edition

Noland Smith

Known as "Super Gnat" for his very small height and weight, probably the smallest-sized player in the AFL or NFL of his era, Smith was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 1967 AFL Draft. In his rookie season with the Chiefs in 1967, Smith led the American Football League in kickoff return yardage with 1360 yards. On December 17, 1967, Smith returned a kickoff 106 yards for a touchdown, still the longest kickoff return in Kansas City Chiefs history. Smith currently ranks 18th on the NFL's all-time kick return average List with 26.06 yards per return.

During his three seasons in the NFL with the Chiefs and 49ers, Smith was hardly ever used except for kick returns, with 63 punt returns for 635 yards and 1 touchdown and 82 kickoff returns for 2,137 yards and 1 touchdown, but only three rushing attempts for 6 yards, two pass receptions for 57 yards.

from Wikipedia

via img.fanbase.com

I was watching my friend Hazam play Call to Duty. It seemed that any weapon was available to the soldiers in play. Some weapons worked better than others but it seemed maybe whichever weapon you selected had an affect on HOW you played. Myself, I would have picked a Sniper rifle and found a nice spot to pick off the enemy. Others might have got the best sub-machine gun and Shotgun and got in real close for kills.

The new Chiefs offensive-coordinator will have a large say on what weapons we need to attack those other teams on our schedule. A Big bruiser Running-back, a terrible twosome at Tight-End, a fleet footed Slot Wide Receiver. Re-signing Dwayne Bowe would give us depth in short range targets for whomever is the Chiefs 2012 Quarterback. Tony Moeaki and Steve Breaston are also mid range weapons.

Might a stretch the field as they say, take the "TOP" off the defense, choice be made? Does Size Matter? Javier Arenas and Dexter McCluster have roles to play on the starting offense and defense. The Chiefs should not feel set at returners if we are to have solid depth in all our playing groups.

Orson Charles TE Georgia

Showcases the ability to sit into his stance as a blocker, fire off the ball low and extend his arms into contact. Displays good foot quickness and balance to get around blocks and seal. However, lacks ideal power into contact. Demonstrates a slight punch at times, but lack the natural power in his lower half to create a consistent push on contact. Demonstrates the ability to get around defenders and seal, but more of an seal guy only. Does have experience lining up in the backfield as an H-back/lead guy. Takes average angles into the open field and has only average power on contact. Showcases the ability to bend and keep his balance in pass protection. However struggles, to stick through contact, move his feet well when trying to mirror, and too often gives up a soft corner.

Impression: A gifted athlete who can create a lot of mismatches in the pass game. Should be able to improve as a route runner as well. Not quite as polished as Aaron Hernandez as an H-back coming out, but could end up playing a similar type role. from www.nationalfootballpost.com Scouting Report

Kendall Wright WR Baylor - Report (excellent read regarding shorter Wide Receivers in the draft)

All of this is not to suggest that shorter receivers can't succeed or that Wright has a higher chance of busting than a taller receiver would. After all, two of the game's best receivers are shorter than Wright's listed height: Carolina's Steve Smith and New England's Wes Welker. Unlike Wright, neither of those guys were highly regarded coming out of school. Smith was a 3rd round pick of the Panthers, and Welker was an undrafted free agent signed by the Chargers. That said, there is some reason to think that while he is rumored to be shooting up draft boards, the chances are slim that Wright's draft stock rises above the middle of the first round. from www.mockingthedraft.com

Excellent post from Durst and a nice comment from Durst that helps the Chiefs.

Four, is the average number of OTs drafted in the first round since 2001. This year, I have Mike Adams joining the big three OTs.

Only once in the last 10 years (2008) has no interior lineman been selected in the first round, however there were never more than two (except for postion changes later in career). This year David DeCastro is guaranteed to be a first round pick, and I have Peter Konz joining him, but he will have to hold off Cory Glenn, Michael Brewster, and likely LT to guard switch prospect Kelechi Osemele.

Prior to last year, there had been at least one TE selected in the first round every year since 2001. For that reason I guessed Kyle Rudolph would be selected in the first round despite a season ending injury. I was wrong.

Entering this season, it looked like it might be two years in a row without a first round TE...however, a pair of juniors have emerged, and it is very possible either Clemson's Dwayne Allen or Geogia's Orson Charles end up going in the first. I currently have Allen, Charles, and Coby Fleener all being selected as 2nd round picks.

For those about to Mock..... post here

I have posted this already: IMO Kendall Wright will NOT be a first round draft choice. Dan’s buddies at www.newerascouting.com begins their analysis of Wright like this :

"By today’s wide receiver standards, it is very rare to be less than six feet tall and a first-round draft pick. During the last decade, there were 41 wide receivers drafted in the first-round, and only six of those players were shorter than six feet. NFL scouts and coaches have an infatuation with height at the wide receiver position, and will usually give the edge to a taller wide receiver if he performs similarly in other areas."

Is this four-year starter worthy of being selected in the first round? They conclude yes, Wright "is worthy of being one of the rare first-round selections of a WR under six feet tall."

I study draft history and tendencies quite a bit, and I agree with their analysis, but not their conclusion.

IMO Kendall Wright will NOT be a first round draft choice.
by durst on Jan 20, 2012 2:28 PM PST reply actions

LaMichael James RB Oregon

- Looked more solidly built in 2011 compared to years past. Coaches say he added about 20-pounds to his 5-9 frame and looked more stable/compact because of it.

- Exhibits impressive fluidity and foot quickness when asked to pick this way through the line of scrimmage inside.

- Showcases the balance/lateral agility to quickly side step defenders, hit the cut back lane and accelerate quickly into the open field.

- Possesses a good feel for defenders around him, displaying natural vision inside and finding lanes quickly to get into daylight.

- Makes himself small inside when asked to finish his run. Will slither his way for additional yards with a low pad level both inside and out.

- Demonstrates a wide running base where he keeps his knees bent and is quickly able to change directions and reach top end speed. - NFP Scouting Report here

Does size Matter?

Geaux Chiefs