Kansas City Chiefs NFL Team Column
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| 25 June 2008 |
2008 NFL Draft Anaylysis
I have been following the draft for close to 20 years and my initial impression is the Chiefs had one of the best drafts I have ever seen. They had 12 over-all picks with 6 being in the first 3 rounds. Yes it helps to have an extra 1st round draft pick, which they got from the Vikings, but they made good use of all those picks and filled all the team needs except, offensive guard and maybe quarterback. The only bad pick they made was cornerback Brandon Carr, who wasn't even rated as a draft-able player. We will have to wait 2-3 years to see just how good this draft really was, but initially it looks very impressive indeed.
1. (5) DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU1. (15) OT Branden Albert, Virginia
2. (35) CB Branden Flowers, Virginia Tech
3. (73) RB Jamaal Charles, Texas
3. (76) TE Brad Cottam, Tennessee
3. (82) S DaJuan Morgan, NC State
4. (105) WR Will Franklin, Missouri
5. (140) CB Brandon Carr, Grand Valley State
6. (170) OT Barry Richardson, Clemson
6. (182) WR Kevin Robinson, Utah State
7. (210) DE Brian Johnston, Gardner-Webb
7. (239) TE Mike Merritt, Central Florida
Glenn Dorsey was a no brainer, he will make the Chiefs defense better from day one, that is if he can stay in shape and healthy. Dorsey was widely considered the best player in the entire draft and is very disruptive on the inside. Brandon Albert is an excellent prospect and he has a good chance to be successful, but he is the key to this draft, new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has already inserted him at left tackle, Albert played guard in college and it will be a big jump for him to play left tackle in the NFL. If he struggles, we know he can play guard , so he could easily move inside.
CB Brandon Flowers isn't overly fast, but neither was Ty Law, who played for 13 years and recorded 52 interceptions. That's who Flowers reminds me of, he has a quick burst on the ball and is good at playing the ball in the air, a great athlete and excellent tackler, he should be a fixture at corner for years.
Probably my favorite player in the Chiefs draft was RB Jamaal Charles. He wasn't a huge need with Larry Johnson and last years impressive rookie Kolby Smith on the roster, but Charles was probably just to good to pass up. I had Charles rated as a late first/early 2nd round talent, so getting him in the 3rd round was a coup. Blazing speed, Charles will probably be the fastest player on the Chiefs roster. Charles ran a 4.38 at the combine!
I like tight end Brad Cottam in the 3rd, he will be a good compliment to Tony Gonzalez. Cottam has offensive tackle size at 6' 7" 274 pounds and can block like one. He was injured most of the 2007 season or he likely would have emerged into the 1-2 round range. Cottam is not just a big lumbering blocking tight end though, he was a top basketball player in high school. Cottam has great feet and hands and ran an impressive 4.63 at the combine.
Safety didn't seem like a big need, but DaJuan Morgan was to good to pass up at #82. Big and fast, he has the physical talent to start as a rookie. If he can get the mental aspect of the game he could develop into a pro bowl safety down the road, just a junior so he will need some development. He measured in at 6' 1" 205 pounds and ran a 4.50 at the combine.
WR Will Franklin is a talented receiver, he has nice size, (6' 1" 207 lbs) and speed (4.37), but Franklin isn't real strong and wasn't overly productive in college. I would have liked to see them draft California's Lavell Hawkins in the 4th round, who was still on the draft board.
Clemson's Barry Richardson was rated as a possible first rounder in the pre-season, but he had a lack-luster senior year, didn't seem motivated and had trouble keeping his weight down. He tends to play with sloppy form and didn't run well at the combine (5.46 second forty), heck for a big guy (6' 6" 330 pounds), he isn't even that strong benching 225 pounds only 24 times. If he gets motivated, gets in shape and improves his technique he could develop down the road or maybe even be converted to guard.
The last two players I want to mention are WR Kevin Robinson and DE Brian Johnston. I remember watching Robinson at the 2008 East West Shrine game. He was an explosive return man and one of the top players in the game. His speed and ability should translate nicely to the NFL. I had DE Brian Johnston rated as a late 3rd round prospect. He has nice size (6' 5" 277 lbs). Johnston was a consensus Division II All American. He reminds me of another small school defensive end named Jared Allen. He might need a couple years to develop, but he could be a future star.
| 20 February 2008 |
Taking A Look At the Free Agent Market
Kansas City finds them self well under the cap in 2008. The Chiefs were $18,300.000 under the cap and with cutting Starting Left Guard John Welbourn, they now they free up another 2 Million. The moves could be just the start of a roster shake-up. Several other veterans including CB Ty Law, linebacker Kendrell Bell, wide receiver Eddie Kennison, tight end Jason Dunn and safety Greg Wesley are candidates to be released.
Kansas City Placed the Franchise Tag on DL Jarred Allen, which took up $9 Million of the cap, but the Chiefs still have plenty of money to fill some of their major holes this off season. OT Max Starks was named the Steelers Transition Player and the resigning of Ryan Lilja by the Colts already takes away 2 of the best Tackles on the Market. Other possible target for the Chiefs at Tackle are Jake Scott .
Many believe the Chiefs will look to draft a Tackle in the upcoming draft in the 1st round. A guard is also a huge need and they might sign one in free agency or draft one early. Look for the Chiefs to try land Jordan Gross to fill that spot. The Chiefs are in the market for a go-to WR to go a long with WR Dwayne Bowe and TE Tony Gonzalez. The Bears Bernard Berrian has great speed and he could be the deep threat that KC has been looking for.
| 23 January 2008 |
Chiefs Fill Coaching Staff
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards announced on Wednesday that he has named Chan Gailey as the club’s offensive coordinator. Gailey, who served as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys (’98-99), has previously served as an NFL offensive coordinator for Denver (’89-90), Pittsburgh (’96-97) and Miami (2000-01). During his 14 previous seasons in the NFL, Gailey teams have made the playoffs 11 times, including his last eight seasons in the league. In addition, Gailey has coached in the Super Bowl on four occasions.
The 34-year coaching veteran most recently served a six-year stint as the head coach at Georgia Tech (2002-07), where he compiled a 44-33 record and helped the Yellow Jackets earn six consecutive bowl bids. Owning an extensive resume of offensive success Gailey owns a total of 14 years of NFL coaching experience, including eight seasons as either a head coach or an offensive coordinator.
Gailey’s teams qualified for the playoffs seven times during those eight seasons and boasted a 1,000-yard rusher in seven of those campaigns. He compiled an 18-14 record as a head coach with Dallas and guided the Cowboys to two straight playoff appearances. His ‘98 Cowboys squad won the NFC East with a 10-6 record and ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in total offense (eighth – 340.6 ypg), rushing (eighth –125.9 ypg), scoring (ninth – 23.8 ppg) and passing (ninth – 214.8 ypg). Dallas committed a league-low 15 turnovers in ‘98 and tied for third in the NFL with a +11 turnover differential.
The Cowboys were fifth in the NFL with a +10 turnover mark the following season. Dallas also scored 37 rushing TDs from ‘98-99, the fourth-highest total in the NFL over that timeframe. The Chiefs finalized their coaching staff Tuesday by hiring Texas-El Paso offensive coordinator Eric Price to work with wide receivers. Herm Edwards’ first choice as receivers coach was former UCLA coach Karl Dorrell, but Dorrell accepted a position with the Miami Dolphins instead. Price, who was on Edwards’ staff with the New York Jets, interviewed to be the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator. That job went instead to Chan Gailey. The other new offensive coaches are Bob Bicknell (offensive line) and Curtis Modkins (running backs).
| 16 January 2008 |
Chiefs Search for Offensive Coordinator
The Kansas City are on a search for their new OC and one could be hired this week. Chan Gailey was back in Kansas City on Tuesday for a second interview and looks to be the front runner. The Chiefs talked to Jim Fassel this week. Here are a list of possible OC for the Chiefs in 2008. Eric Price, the offensive coordinator at Texas-El Paso. Price, was once an offensive assistant for Edwards when he coached the New York Jets. Running a spread offense, UTEP averaged more than 30 points in three of Price’s four seasons as coordinator. Chan Gailey, is a coaching veteran. Gailey in his 34-year career has coordinated offenses for the Broncos, Steelers and Dolphins and been a head coach for the Cowboys and Georgia Tech. He was fired at Georgia Tech in November after six seasons.
Mike Shula, he was the offensive coordinator for Tampa Bay in the late 1990s while Edwards served as defensive-backs coach. He later became head coach at Alabama, where he worked with current Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle. Shula currently is quarterbacks coach for Jacksonville and look for the Chiefs to talk to him this week after Jacksonville was beat by New England last week.
Who ever it may be has a lot of work to do with a offense that was ranked 31st in total offense, an offense line that gave up 55 Sacks, tied for the NFL lead, and in 10 games in 2007 the Chiefs scored under 13 points in 9 games. But not all is bad in Chiefs Land. Returning will be RB Larry Johnson, All Pro Tony Gonzalez who had 99 Rec for 1,172 Yards and Dwayne Bowe who in his rookie campaign had 70 Rec for 995 Yards.
With the Draft and Free agency coming up, the Chiefs will look right at offensive line to protect the young gun slinger Brodie Croyle and to open up holes for Johnson.
| 8 January 2008 |
Chiefs Look Hard and LONG at Offensive Line
When the Kansas City Chiefs pick in the upcoming April 2008 NFL Draft look for the Chiefs to have their eyes on The Big Tackle from Michigan Jake Long. Despite a poor showing in the season finale against Ohio State, is without a doubt the top offensive lineman in this year's draft. Long is the centerpiece of an offensive line that has led Michigan to a 166.1 yard a game rushing average as a team. Besides being an absolutely mammoth tackle at 6'7" and 315lbs., Long possesses elite speed and footwork for an offensive lineman. The Michigan O-line has allowed just 25 sacks under his leadership in 12 games this season, even though their quarterbacks are not exactly fleet of foot. Jake Long is probably best known for his excellent pass blocking, but don't mistake Long for a finesse tackle. As good as people believe he is, his run blocking may still be underrated. He blocks with a real mean streak. Long does a terrific job of taking on (and running over) a D-lineman and moving into the next level to flatten a linebacker as well. Michigan is averaging 4.0 yards per carry this season and tends to find those tough yards behind Long on the left side. This 2 time All Big Ten performer is experienced on both the left and right side of the line, making a versatile option for an NFL team.
The Chiefs used 32 year old Kyle Turley Chris Terry, who the Chiefs let go during the season and Will Svitek this season at Tackle and the Result for the Chiefs was destrous for the Chiefs. The Chiefs gave up a record setting 54 Tackles in 2007. With only scoring 6 Rushing TD's a big Tackle in the Draft is a Must for the Chiefs. If Long is gone before the Chiefs will br looking at Sam Baker, USC. Baker has amazing feet for a player well over 300 pounds. Baker has long arms and big hands and does a great job keeping defenders at arms length. His pass blocking skills are near the best in the country at the tackle position. He is a better pass blocker than a run blocker and according to some, lacks the mean streak that coaches love in an offensive lineman. Baker has been a four year starter at one of the best college football programs in the nation: USC. He would be a great fit for a team who runs the zone blocking scheme using his superb footwork and ability to sustain blocks.
The Chiefs are set at one of the Guard spots with Brian Waters. John Wellbourn struggled this season and the Chiefs will look at an upgrade at the Guard spot but don't be suprised if the Chiefs take a look at Robert Felton from Arkansas or maybe Center Mike Pollak from Arizona State. Casey Wiegmann has held down the Center spot in KC since coming over from Chicago on March 2001. But at 35, a free agent, and his cap number of $3,635.00 in 2007, look for Wiegmann to look for work some place else. Another option at Center is the Chiefs back up Center Rudy Niswanger who was placed on Injured Reserve during the Season but to in a Free Agent to be.
| 3 January 2008 |
KC the City of Change for the Chiefs in 2008
After one of the most disappointed seasons in Chiefs History, look for major changes to happen in the off season and for the Chiefs to look a lot different in 2008. Change has all ready taken place as when four assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Mike Solari, were fired. The others fired were John Matsko (offensive line), Charlie Joiner (wide receivers) and James Saxon (running backs). The Chiefs had one the worst offensive showing it has had in team history. The offense ranked 31st in the NFL. with 276 yards a game and only averaged 14.1 ppg . One name that has been tossed out for a replacement for Solari is Paul Hackett who served as Chiefs offensive coordinator from 1993-97.
GM Carl Peterson has admitted the Chiefs are in a rebuilding mode that could take a couple of years to have any shot at being a playoff contender. With around 20 Million of Cap space in 2008, the Chiefs have the money to fill some of their many holes. One priority for the Chiefs is to sign DE Jarrod Allen, Allen led the NFL in sacks this past season with 15 and a half and will play in his 1st Pro Bowl. If a long term contact does not get worked out look for the Chiefs to Franchise Allen. The Chiefs have improved their defense the past 2 season by the way of the draft and will free agency and letting Allen go would only be a set back to the much improved defense. The most work the Chiefs need on Defense are at the CB position, where Patrick Surtain and Ty Law is getting up in age and don't be surprised if the Chiefs cut one or both of the former all pro players. Other players on the defense side of the ball that are probley on their way out are LB Kendrell Bell, Benny Sapp, and DT James Reed
As for the offense this is where the Chiefs are going to make many changes. The once great Offense Line and become the worst in the NFL. Out at Center is Casey Wiegmann who held down the OL for the past few years, but at 35 next season the Chiefs will give it over to 25 year old Rudy Niswanger, at 6'5 301 pounds, Niswanger gives the Chiefs just not youth on the OL, but great size to do what the Chiefs do best and that is run the football. Brian Waters is a All Pro at LG. The 3 big question marks will be at LT, RT, and LG. Damion McIntosh who the Chiefs signed last season from Miami was a disappointment at Left Tackle this season and will likely moved to Right Tackle. Kyle Turley and John Welbourn have been disappointments and will not be back in 2008. Look for the Chiefs to sign a Guard or Tackle in Free Agency and pick up both in Free Agency. The 2008 draft is loaded at the Tackle position and with names like Jordan Gross, Ryan Lilja, Max Starks, Jake Scott, and Travelle Wharton in Free Agency, look for the Chiefs to make a run at one or two of these young talented lineman.
Dwayne Bowe emerged as one of the bright spots for the offense this season racking up 995 yards and 5 TD catches this season but had little help from 35 year old Eddie Kennison who was hampered by injury this season. Look for Kennison, WR Sammy Parker, FB/TE Kris Wilson, TE Jason Dunn, KR Eddie Drummond to look for new work in 2008. The Chiefs have already named Brody Croyle the QB for next season, but must find an offensive line to protect him and a player maker to go a long side of Bowe, Gonzalez and Larry Johnson. A good candidate would be WR's Bernard Berrian or Bryant Johnson.
With the Chiefs likely drafting #5 in the up coming draft, their eyes have to be on Jake Long the OT from Michigan, The Chiefs have all their 7 picks in this upcoming draft and an extra 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks. The Chiefs could trade their 1st Round Pick to New Orleans Saints #14 The Saints need a DT and could move up to the Chiefs spot to grab DT Sedrick Ellis, USC. The Chiefs could Draft OT Gosder Cherilus from Boston College or CB Mike Jenkins South Florida and pick up a Extra 2nd and 3rd Round Pick.
One thing is certain in 2008 is that the Kansas City Chiefs will not look the same as it did in 2007. Many changes are coming in the next few months so let the rebuilding began.