Chiefs Free Agency Preview: Outside Linebacker Won't See Much Action

by Joel Thorman on Feb 14, 2012 11:30 AM CST

Moving on with our preview of the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency....

The Chiefs should have few concerns when it comes to outside linebacker next season if you ssume two things: the young guys continue to progress and there aren't any major injuries. Tamba Hali on one side and Justin Houston on the other -- that's what we hope to see for years to come.

Here's the season-ending depth chart at outside linebacker:

ROLB: Tamba Hali, Cameron Sheffield, Gabe Miller

LOLB: Justin Houston, Andy Studebaker

The free agents: None. Normally this is the part where we talk about the impending free agents but all the guys on this list are under contract. (Only one linebacker, inside and outside, is a free agent.) That means you probably won't hear about the Chiefs chasing any big-time outside linebackers. I think the future is bright for the Chiefs at this position and I bet the depth chart to start the 2012 season is pretty similar to how it ended 2011 with Hali and Houston.

The rest of the roster: Hali will obviously be a starter entering the season and he's really the only known in this group with multiple productive seasons. Studebaker started the 2011 season as the starter before Houston moved into that role as the season went on. Studebaker is a strong locker room guy and has two years remaining on his deal -- I'd expect him back. Sheffield also saw some time opposite Hali until Houston took a stronger grip on the position. He's a draft pick who had his rookie season wasted due to injury. I think he comes back. Miller started and ended the season on IR so he's an unknown. Both Miler and Sheffield are fifth round picks. Seems like the Chiefs want these guys to develop into the depth at outside linebacker.

The question this position really boils down to is how well Justin Houston continues to develop. I think we have a pretty good idea of who Tamba Hali is (and he's awesome, by the way). Can Houston develop into that second pass rusher the Chiefs have been looking for? Does he plateau? Or does he continue rising? Hopefully, he continues on his path and keeps getting better and better. I think it's a good sign he got better as the 2011 season went on.

One sentence prediction: KC focuses little on outside linebacker in free agency and aims to add competition behind starters Justin Houston and Tamba Hali.

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Comments

I agree with everything here and, as a result, have nothing of value to add to this discussion.

I’m not really even sure why I’m posting this comment.

"[Jamaal Charles] probably fights crime in his spare time while inhaling carbon emissions, exhaling oxygen, and crapping oil. That’s how awesome he is. Not just good for the Chiefs, but America."
- MNchiefsfan

by MtHammer on Feb 14, 2012 11:50 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

What he just said.

by km230015 on Feb 14, 2012 11:52 AM CST up reply actions

Thought bubble.

"We want guys that start their careers with the Chiefs to play for us as long as possible." - Clark Hunt

by Tarkus on Feb 14, 2012 11:54 AM CST up reply actions

Addiction.

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Feb 14, 2012 12:19 PM CST up reply actions

what about mario williams? he is a free agent? just saying.

by kc-twitch on Feb 14, 2012 11:54 AM CST reply actions

Not saying I'm against adding better players

But is Mario Williams at 70-plus million or whatever he’ll get a better value than Justin Houston at like a couple million?

Arrowhead Pride
SBNation.com/NFL

by Joel Thorman on Feb 14, 2012 11:56 AM CST up reply actions

im good with houston and hali, just threw that name out there to see who would bite.

looks like I caught the biggest fish of them all too by the name of joel.

by kc-twitch on Feb 14, 2012 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

Williams could play 3-4 DE

though it’d be a waste of his talents (that didn’t stop the Chiefs from playing Dorsey there, though).

by Dagda on Feb 14, 2012 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

No he cant

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
Josh Chichester TE 2012 Draftee

by BAMFSpecialOps on Feb 14, 2012 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

How do we know?

He’s a little small for it, but he’s close enough to the right size. He’s definitely bigger than Wallace Gilberry.

And the Texans weren’t initially sure after they hired Wade Phillps whether they’d play him at DE or OLB. The fact that they decided on the latter doesn’t mean he’s incapable of doing the former.

I’d say it’s probable that anyone with his level of size and talent could do it. But it’d be a massive waste of his potential. He shouldn’t be a 3-4 DE, but I think he could.

by MtHammer on Feb 14, 2012 5:09 PM CST up reply actions

He is NOT stout, never has been for being that big

Playing a 1 gap 5 tech in Wade’s scheme is a hell of a lot different than our 2 gap scheme.

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
Josh Chichester TE 2012 Draftee

by BAMFSpecialOps on Feb 14, 2012 6:52 PM CST up reply actions

any news on routt yet joel?

by kc-twitch on Feb 14, 2012 12:07 PM CST reply actions

Hopefully Inside Linebacker sees some action.

Awaiting my punishment.

by BigRedChief on Feb 14, 2012 12:08 PM CST reply actions

who you got in mind?

wish we knew something about siler, seems like I have not heard anything since he came to kc, he did get resigned ( just a 1 year deal right? ) he must mean something to kc?

we do need depth though at ILB.

by kc-twitch on Feb 14, 2012 12:09 PM CST up reply actions

pretty sure he did get re-signed

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

he did

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

get re-signed

"We want guys that start their careers with the Chiefs to play for us as long as possible." - Clark Hunt

by Tarkus on Feb 14, 2012 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

Checked Rotoworld

Siler is signed through 2012 for $700,000. FA in 2013.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:16 PM CST up reply actions

tough loss last night chief willie wildcat.

thought they was going to pull it out. dont worry mizzou will take care of them AGAIN>

by kc-twitch on Feb 14, 2012 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

I wasn't very disappointed

KSU just hasn’t played very well for the last month. At least the second half was entertaining. The Cats are pretty young and have no senior leadership, though Samuels stepped his game up last night.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:15 PM CST up reply actions

that point gaurd you got was horrible. rodriguez I think his name is?

im a mizzou fan by the way, like it when bob knight does the games.

by kc-twitch on Feb 14, 2012 12:23 PM CST up reply actions

He'll be alright

he’s saved our bacon in a few games too. Just have to be patient with freshmen.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:36 PM CST up reply actions

Now thats funny right there!

again….. – can’t stop laughing!!!!
What’s it been like 30 years since MU beat KU twice in the regular season?

Great win by the tigers earlier this month – it won’t happen again especially not at Allen.

by ValkRider on Feb 14, 2012 12:53 PM CST up reply actions

I didn't want to hurt anyones feelings

but I’ll be rooting for the Jayhawks in that game. I don’t want Mizzou running off to the SEC with the conference title.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks CWW

and I root for KSU anytime they are not playing the Hawks.

by ValkRider on Feb 14, 2012 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed.

I like it when K-State does well (against teams that aren’t KU).

by MtHammer on Feb 14, 2012 1:37 PM CST up reply actions

Don'te Hightower looks like a pretty solid player.

Awaiting my punishment.

by BigRedChief on Feb 14, 2012 12:34 PM CST up reply actions

I like Audie Cole from NC State in the middle rounds.

Might not start right away, but he’s got a lot of what you look for.

by polodude017 on Feb 14, 2012 2:21 PM CST up reply actions

From what I gather, he'll be gone by the 'middle rounds'

Looks like he might be a 2nd rounder. But if he pulls a Houston and falls, he’d be a great acquisition. I’m not sure a 3-4 LILB deserves much attention though. Navorro Bowman was a 3rd rounder, Jameel McClain (Baltimore) was a college free agent, Bradie James (Dallas) was a 4th rounder. The only top of the draft selection at LILB that I can think of is James Farrior (Pittsburgh), selected 8th by the Jets in 1997. The Chiefs probably have a number of positions requiring attention before LILB.

by Dagda on Feb 14, 2012 3:47 PM CST up reply actions

Particularly the “beater”. I love all the expects mocking us a 4-3 ILB. Belcher is the right size for his position. He could be faster and better is all.

by WURoyal on Feb 14, 2012 6:53 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

again, I predict no major moves at any LB position

it’s a good group… and getting better

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 12:10 PM CST reply actions

the only one I'd be in a hurry to replace

is DW.

Belcher is fine, the OLB are good and on the way to becoming great.

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

From KCChiefs.com

Chiefs ILB Derrick Johnson attributes a major portion of his success the past two years to playing next to “thumper” Jovan Belcher.
“Probably half of my tackles come from Jovan blowing somebody up and I’m scraping over the top,” Johnson said. Added coach Todd Haley, “He’s one, in my opinion, that has done nothing but make progress.” Just five tackles shy of 100 himself, Belcher is second only to Johnson, who is on pace to shatter Mike Maslowski’s single-season franchise record. Dec 9 – 11:40 AM

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:21 PM CST up reply actions

did he break the record?

by kc-twitch on Feb 14, 2012 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

doesn't look like it

I believe Maslowski had the record with 162 and D.J. finished with 131.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:29 PM CST up reply actions

Did Haley say his arrow is pointing up?

"We want guys that start their careers with the Chiefs to play for us as long as possible." - Clark Hunt

by Tarkus on Feb 14, 2012 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

Jovan could have quietly been the most improved player on the Chiefs defense

wipe the retarded look off your face and hear me out. He’s been in the league for 3 years and his career total for tackles is 277. 113 of those came in 2011. Solo tackles for his career is at 218. 87 of those came in 2011.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

I don't read a lot into tackle numbers.

Show me a writeup by MN that details his play, then I’ll believe you.

by polodude017 on Feb 14, 2012 2:26 PM CST up reply actions

belcher is signed up? or a FA?

by kc-twitch on Feb 14, 2012 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

restricted FA

they can bring him back with a tender

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

I'd be disappointed if they didn't bring Jovan back

he’s not great, but he’s a quality guy.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:18 PM CST up reply actions

yep, he's good enough

considering the other 3 starting LBs are Pro-Bowl calibur players

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

Good enough is ok.

But I’d like to see someone brought in to push him. Maybe Siler is that guy, but grabbing a young guy in the middle rounds to groom would be nice.

by polodude017 on Feb 14, 2012 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

Thank you Grace, I think you're wrong

All Edward R. Rooney faces aside, I’d like to see us bring someone in for ILB competition. Belcher is decent, but he’d be awesome as a backup. Depth is also an issue, if DJ were to go down (knocks on wood), we’d be in the same boat we were last year at safety, and it’d get ugly real quick. Through FA we could add Ahmad Brooks, either of the Henderson brothers, and in a dream world, Stephen Tulloch (Which would be awsomesaucesupreme). Draft, maybe a 3rd or 4th rounder.

"There will be increased competition at every position, including the quarterback position".-Scott Pioli

by severn58 on Feb 14, 2012 12:28 PM CST up reply actions

Belcher is a solid starter

yes, he’d be a tremendous backup…

but, I stand by my prediction that they use resources to upgrade elsewhere

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Agreed

though the position could be upgraded, Belcher is far from the weakest link.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

correct

in fact, I don’t see a huge weak link in the starting lineup outside of Richardson…

they can draft for depth at most positions

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

Nose tackle????

Gregg is a UFA and doubtful to return I thought. Even with him, Powe and Gordon are not enough to make me feel comfortable.

by WURoyal on Feb 14, 2012 7:12 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

yeah, it's a question mark

I like Powe and Gordon, but also think a FA is likely at DE/NT

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 7:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

This thinking confuses me.

He’s far from the weakest link, so let’s leave it alone? And yet people (not necessarily you) have been throwing around drafting Richardson in the 1st round. So, RB, which not only is far from the weakest link, but one of our strengths, should be addressed, but ILB, where DJ’s beast and Belcher’s meh shouldn’t?

"There will be increased competition at every position, including the quarterback position".-Scott Pioli

by severn58 on Feb 14, 2012 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

Though it may not sound like it

I think you’re comparing apples to oranges. Folks are still skeptical that JC will be able to return at full strength. Also with his frame, we know he isn’t an every down back. I don’t think people are really looking to upgrade JC anyway, we’re looking to upgrade the role TJ filled.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

Also 2nd on the team in tackles in 2011

only 3 years in the league. I’d say his arrow is pointing up and I don’t think he’s even reached his potential yet.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:53 PM CST up reply actions

complete reply fail there

I was trying to add that to the Jovan Belcher discussion.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 12:56 PM CST up reply actions

You know, after popping out for a smoke, I was able to think about it a little more

Basically, the only 2 positions I wouldn’t address this offseason, whether draft or FA, are K and P. Don’t worry about those spots, they’re good. Any player brought in at every other position will do nothing but help, either adding depth or if we’re lucky, becoming starters.

"There will be increased competition at every position, including the quarterback position".-Scott Pioli

by severn58 on Feb 14, 2012 12:57 PM CST up reply actions

That's the way it should be

competition at every position. No ones position on the roster safe.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Feb 14, 2012 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

well that sounds good in theory

But, truth be told, there’s not much of a net gain to be made by attempting to “upgrade” over guys like Hali, Houston, Jackson, Charles, Bowe, Breaston, Albert, Hudson, Asamoah, McClain, DJ, Berry, Carr, Flowers…

The next level guys, like Belcher, Dorsey, McCluster, Battle, etc… sure, you COULD find a better starter, but those guys fill their niche role well enough, the team is LIKELY going to focus elsewhere unles something crazy happens.

They should (and I believe WILL) focus on upgrades at BRich’s spot, along w Lilja, T Jones, Sabby, Becht, McGraw, Washington… guys that really NEED to be replaced, and positions that you’re likely to find a significant enough upgrade to warrant the cash/draft pick outlay

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 6:29 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

my longwinded point, again

The team will likely improve MORE by focusing on upgrading the weaker links than by trying to get modest upgrades over players who already function well enough to win

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 6:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Remember how long ago it was when we needed about 12 new linebackers?

Not that long.

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Feb 14, 2012 12:21 PM CST reply actions

About the time we switched to the 3-4?

"We want guys that start their careers with the Chiefs to play for us as long as possible." - Clark Hunt

by Tarkus on Feb 14, 2012 12:31 PM CST up reply actions

Or about a year ago, when a lot of people were calling for a first round pass rusher.

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Feb 14, 2012 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

We got one...

we just got him in the 3rd round…

by AnkenyChiefsFan on Feb 14, 2012 12:36 PM CST up reply actions

All this for a little weed…

by Topchief1 on Feb 14, 2012 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

Though we did trade back in the 1st to get him.

"We want guys that start their careers with the Chiefs to play for us as long as possible." - Clark Hunt

by Tarkus on Feb 14, 2012 12:46 PM CST up reply actions

We only need 10 linebackers then, though.

Hali and DJ had the other two spots covered.

"We want guys that start their careers with the Chiefs to play for us as long as possible." - Clark Hunt

by Tarkus on Feb 14, 2012 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

There's nothing wrong with some competition at ILB.

Belcher is good – a lot better than his draft status was. His level of improvement is exceptional. However, there needs to be a little competition there, and DJ is 29, so we have at least a couple years to develop another outstanding ILB. Quality depth is also a plus.

by David Winton on Feb 14, 2012 12:58 PM CST reply actions

While Houston and Hali appear to be fixtures for the forseeable future...

this team needs to continue to add pass rushers. Be it at OLB or guys that can play end in the base defense and then move inside on passing downs. Bailey looks like he could be that type. It would be nice to see some added rush on passing down from guys like Sheffield, Studebaker and Miller. I guess I’d be willing to give each another year to see if they can improve, but I wouldn’t hesitate to add a guy in the draft in the middle rounds if someone talented slips.

by polodude017 on Feb 14, 2012 2:24 PM CST reply actions

With Hali and Houston on the outside

improvement in the pass rush has to come from the D-line and better blitzing from the defensive backs and the inside linebackers. The D-line is worthless and it got worse last year with the regression of Gilberry.

by Dagda on Feb 14, 2012 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

bailey showed some flashes

But, yeah, the DL can improve there

With Berry back, the blitz from DBs should be more of a factor

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 7:13 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Bailey was an oversight on my part

He does represent some promise. If Gilberry regains his form (assuming he’s resigned – though I am doubtful…), he and Bailey might be a solution on obvious passing downs (when they were in their 2-4-5). I keep thinking back to the Giants. Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora, and Matthias Kiwanuka… So, the Chiefs have their Tuck in Hali, their Kiwanuka in Houston, but they are still considerably short no matter how far along Gilberry and Bailey come. No one expects either to be Pierre-Paul or Umenyiora. What about Quinton Coples as a pass rushing 5 technique?

by Dagda on Feb 14, 2012 7:52 PM CST up reply actions

i am not a Coples fan at all

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 7:59 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

but, a ShaunRogers type could help

by stagdsp on Feb 14, 2012 7:59 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I do find it interesting that in the league today, you don't find many 'producing' 3/4 OLBs in the league that weren't drafted by the team they play on now

KC – both drafted
PIT – both drafted
WAS – both drafted
DAL – both drafted
HOU – both drafted
SF – 2/3 drafted
MIA & GB both have one they drafted, one they didn’t
AZ has a mix of drafted and FA OLBs that aren’t really producing
SD may be the exception to the rule with one drafted, another that wasnt drafted by them but has been somewhat productive (though Barnes was drafted to the same position on the Ravens’ squad)

That 3/4 OLB spot is special because of the skills required to play it. Looks like most teams choose to develop their own, and keep the ones they can.

Posterized. | @ | Fb

by Chris Sembower on Feb 14, 2012 2:42 PM CST reply actions