Mel Kiper lists top 20 rookies of 2011

I wasn't sure if we would find a Chief on this list. But after scrolling down the rankings, I found our lone choice:

19. Justin Houston (Chiefs) | Draft Position: 70
He gets some credit because he's another guy who had to convert systems, and played really well down the stretch for an underrated Kansas City defense. With 5.5 sacks in his last five games, he could bust out in 2012.

He's nestled between Torrey Smith and Greg Little, which isn't bad company. He's also the 3rd lowest draft choice on the list, which makes him an even greater gem. I'm pretty sure we're all thinking the same thing, this LB corps is going to be really exciting to watch in 2012!

4 months ago tmurawsk 10 comments 0 recs |

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coolios! nice find and thanks for sharing ...

some positive national attention … maybe this will hold off a few complaints for a day or two

Twisted Lord of AP Color Commentary (H/T - Loco)
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 Feb 3, 2012 7:32 PM CST reply actions

We don't get enough national attention around here

The media hates the Chiefs.

When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

Jamaal above all. #25 ftw.

CHIEFS WILL!

by NJChieffan16 on Feb 3, 2012 7:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

disagree on the "hate" thing

it’s simply that KC isn’t NY or a franchise like the Cowboys or Patriots or Saints … if we were winning titles we’d be getting plenty of attention, as it is we have a non-descript team in a non-descript city in the Midwest

the national media, like anything else, is about sales … as of now the Chiefs are boring to most observers and boring doesn’t sell anything

by upamtn on Feb 3, 2012 7:49 PM CST up reply actions

Heh I only said that cuz u of your comment

I don’t care about the media’s opinion on them lol

When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

Jamaal above all. #25 ftw.

CHIEFS WILL!

by NJChieffan16 on Feb 3, 2012 10:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Heh I only said that cuz u of your comment

I don’t care about the media’s opinion on them lol

When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

Jamaal above all. #25 ftw.

CHIEFS WILL!

by NJChieffan16 on Feb 3, 2012 10:32 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

ehhhh

when we were going 13-3 with Vermiel, starting the season 9-0…we still didnt get much love nationally….Dallas and NE, losing, was a bigger story than KC winning….

Clark Hunt and Scott Pioli need to IMPRESS me in 2012....No Settling this year Chiefs Fans!!

by KCinAZ on Feb 3, 2012 11:50 PM CST up reply actions

Not bad

for a guy who was an extra pick for moving down in the first round. If Baldwin pans out, that’s going to be quite a coup for Pioli.

"The Chiefs are in great hands with Romeo and Scott and I wish them nothing but the best." - Bill Muir

by Tarkus on Feb 3, 2012 8:33 PM CST reply actions

come on now

Only Carl's draft picks contribute

by Steve_in_RI on Feb 3, 2012 9:02 PM CST reply actions

Great for #50

He was my favorite pick last year, and imo will be one of the most all around 34 olb in the leauge soon. Hope he keeps his head strong this off season…

GIVE JAMAAL THE DAMN BALL!!!!!

by chief913-816 on Feb 3, 2012 9:16 PM CST via mobile reply actions

What system did he have to convert?

He was a 3-4 OLB at Georgia, and played in a scheme that’s pretty much the same that Romeo runs. The DC at UGA was a defensive assistant on his staff in CLE.

I’m looking forward to see what Houston can do with a full offseason and training camp working with Hali and the defensive coaches. With Hali and him on the outside, and DJ in the middle we should have one of the better linebacking corps in the league.

by ChiefDailyBaked on Feb 3, 2012 10:51 PM CST reply actions