Checking Up On Rookies … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs
Evaluating a team’s NFL draft class in the hours after the selection meeting has ended ranks as one of the most stupefying actions in any given year by pundits in the media and NFL front offices.
Making decisions based on five games in the NFL is not as bad, but it certainly is not enough of a sample to make definitive judgment on these rookies.
That’s because every day is something new for these young men.
Take DE Alex Magee, the Chiefs third-round draft choice out of Purdue. One day after practice, Magee was asked what he learned that day. Magee pondered the question for a moment with a perplexed look on his face. With brow furrowed, he said:
“Learn? I learn something every day. That’s all it’s been day-after-day. I couldn’t give you one thing.”
No. 1 pick DE Tyson Jackson feels the same way.
“Every week is a new team, a new player across the line of scrimmage,” said Jackson. “These are all first time things for me.”
Jackson, Magee and other rookies find out that sometimes all the work they’ve done in preparation for an opponent goes out the window when the team does something different.
“Happens every week,” said Jackson. “You see something on tape, and then during the game do something different.”
Learning on the fly is what rookies must do, on and off the field. They find out very quickly that there really is no off-field. “By the time I get home, I just want to go to bed,” said Magee.
In the midst of all this learning and with the caveat that it’s too early to label any draft choice a good or bad pick, here’s what we’ve seen from the rookies on the Chiefs roster.
First-round LDE TYSON JACKSON – If you’ve watched the first five games of the Chiefs season, search your memory bank for any moment where Jackson did something that you would remember. If you can’t think of one, that’s OK, neither can I. The first five games of the No. 3 pick in the draft have been very pedestrian. He seldom gets near the quarterback; the coaching staff credits him with one pressure on the passer. He doesn’t really turn up on tackle from the backside. There are times he holds his ground well on that corner, and other times when he gets blasted out of the way. Five games and he’s been part of five tackles. I didn’t take math in college but that generally works out to one tackle per game.
That’s not good. Based on NFL stats, opponents have sent running plays far more to the left side of the defense, than the right side. So Jackson has seen a lot of action on that side. He hasn’t produced much to remember in his plays. He started the season being a pass rusher in the nickel defense, but he’s no longer on the field there – Glenn Dorsey is there now, playing with Ron Edwards.
Third-round RDE ALEX MAGEE – Just seeing Magee on the field has been a problem in the last few weeks as his playing time has dwindled. Magee started the season as one of the pass rushers in the nickel defense, but he was replaced long ago in that role. The Chiefs do very little rotation of their defensive ends, so Magee probably gets a half-dozen to 10 plays at the most per game.
In five games, he’s been involved in two tackles and one quarterback pressure.
Fourth-round CB DONALD WASHINGTON – When Maurice Leggett blew coverage in the Philadelphia game as the slot cornerback it was Washington who replaced him for the rest of the game. Even though he had multiple plays, he did not produce a statistic. Going into last Sunday’s game, Washington was back in the nickel-back role. At least he was for most of the first quarter. When Dallas WR Miles Austin beat him badly in one-on-one coverage, Washington had played his last down of nickel back. Austin could not hold onto the Tony Romo pass in the end zone, but the next time the nickel was on the field, Leggett was in that role.
Count this as a disturbing fact when it comes to Washington: he’s not been credited with a single tackle on special teams. He’s generally on the kickoff team and punt return team, but a young man with his athletic skills should be on the field for all four major kicking game units. That he’s not shows the coaching staff doesn’t think he’s ready or can handle the responsibility.
Sixth-round WR QUINTEN LAWRENCE – He’s played in two games and watched three others. He ran an end-around play for 16 yards and he returned one kickoff for 17 yards. He’s got one tackle on special teams. Now, for a sixth-rounder that’s about normal, but the Chiefs offense could really use Lawrence’s speed to open things up in the passing game.
One thing Lawrence showed throughout the off-season and pre-season was that he does not always get to where he is supposed to be, plus he’s inconsistent catching the football. His maturity level was lacking to be able to produce early in his rookie season. Right now, he can’t even get on the field, so based on what we know about Haley and his coaching staff, they aren’t seeing anything happening in practice that makes Lawrence a possible contributor.
Seventh-round TE JAKE O’CONNELL – Sometimes it’s hard to remember that O’Connell actually made the 53-man final roster, and now with four tight ends, it’s tougher and tougher to see him get on the field. He’s played in two of the five games, but didn’t dent the stat sheet in any fashion. There must be something that the football people around the Chiefs like about him, because he remains on the roster even with the glut of players ahead of him.
Seventh-round K RYAN SUCCOP – So far, he’s been a solid kicker. Succop is five of six on FGs, the only miss being last week’s blocked attempt from 53 yards. He’s hit all nine of his PAT kicks. His kickoffs have been fairly consistent and he’s the first kicker the team’s had in years who can regularly put a kickoff at the goal line or deeper with good hang time. Right now, Chiefs opponent average starting point after a kickoff is the 25.1-yard line. That’s better than the league average at 25.5/
Free agent ILB JOVAN BELCHER – For lack of another contender, this undrafted linebacker out of Maine has been the team’s best rookie of ‘09. He’s taken part in six tackles on defense and another four on special teams. Right now, Belcher is running as a LB in the nickel defense. He’s shown good burst, enjoys contact and has done a good enough job in coverage to get on the field for the nickel.
Free agent OLB PIERRE WALTERS – He passes the eye test, but hasn’t been able to get on the field in five games.
SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
- AFC – Broncos QB Kyle Orton named offensive player of the week, Steelers LB James Harrison named defensive player of the week and Browns P Dave Zastudil special teams player of the week.
- NFC – Cowboys WR Miles Austin named offensive player of the week, Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie named defensive player of the week and Panthers P Jason Baker named special teams player of the week.
- CHARGERS – released S Clinton Hart; signed DT Ian Scott.
- CHIEFS – placed RB Jackie Battle on the injured-reserve list (shoulder): signed OLB Justin Rogers.
- COLTS – signed K Matt Stover; announced that K Adam Vinatieri underwent surgery on his right knee and will miss four to eight weeks.
- LIONS – signed WR John Standeford; placed DB Eric King on the injured-reserve list.
- PATRIOTS – announced signing of LB Junior Seau; released DT Terdell Sands.
- RAIDERS – signed OT Langston Walker; released FB Oren O’Neal.
- STEELERS – placed DE Aaron Smith on the injured-reserve list (shoulder); signed DE Ra’Shon Harris off the Panthers practice squad.
- TEXANS – signed G Tutan Reyes; placed G Mike Brisiel on the injured-reserve list.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On October 15, 1961, the Dallas Texans lost to the Bills 27-24 at War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo. The man in the spotlight for the Texans was RB Abner Haynes. He scored three touchdowns in the game in three different ways. First, Haynes and QB Cotton Davidson connected on a 69-yard TD pass. Haynes then had a three-yard scoring run and capped it off with an 88-yard kickoff return for a TD. But it was a Haynes miscue that gave Buffalo the winning points; he fumbled a punt that was picked up by the Bills and returned for a TD. The Texans were able to run for just 29 yards against the Buffalo defense and Davidson was just nine of 26 for 166 yards passing with two interceptions.
On October 15, 1967, the Chiefs lost 45-31 to the Chargers at the new San Diego Stadium. The Chargers jumped out to a 14-0 lead on a 1-yard TD plunge by QB John Hadl and a 35-yard return on a fumble recovery by DB Speedy Duncan. Later, Duncan returned an interception 100 yards for a TD. WR Lance Alworth caught a pair of TD passes from Hadl and RB Dickie Post ran 67 yards for a score. The Chiefs got touchdowns on a 24-yard run by WR Otis Taylor, a 1-yard run by RB Mike Garrett, a 15-yard run by WR Frank Pitts and a 15-yard TD pass from QB Len Dawson to WR Chris Burford. Taylor ended up with nine catches for 134 yards.
On October 15, 1972, the Chiefs lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 23-16 in front of a crowd of 79,068 at Arrowhead Stadium. Second-year Bengals QB Ken Anderson enjoyed the biggest game of his young career against the Chiefs, and he completed 14 of 25 passes and a pair of touchdowns. Cincinnati scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to gain the lead and the victory. The Chiefs got a 14-yard TD pass from QB Len Dawson to WR Otis Taylor and three FGs by K Jan Stenerud. Taylor caught 10 passes for 149 yards. “We’ve been rinky dinks for five years,” said Bengals coach Paul Brown. “But they knew we were here today. Our guys don’t seem to realize they shouldn’t beat this team.”
On October 15, 1978, the Chiefs lost to the Raiders 28-6 at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. Oakland’s defense dominated the game, allowing the Chiefs just 255 yards on offense and only one score, a touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 16-yard pass from QB Tony Adams to WR Larry Dorsey. The Raiders got a pair of TD runs by RB Mark van Eeghen, a four-yard TD pass from QB Ken Stabler to TE Dave Casper and a 42-yard interception return for a TD by DB Charles Phillips. It was the sixth straight loss on the season for the Chiefs.
On October 15, 1989, the Chiefs lost to the Raiders 20-14 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Touchdown runs by Raiders RB Bo Jackson of 2 yards and Vance Mueller of 6 yards, along with a pair of Jeff Jaeger field goals gave the Raiders the victory. The Chiefs TDs came on a 1-yard run by RB Christian Okoye and an 11-yard pass from QB Steve DeBerg to WR Robb Thomas. The Chiefs were minus-two in turnovers. Jackson finished with 85 yards rushing on 11 carries. There was a crowd of just 40,453 at the Coliseum.
On October 15, 1995, the Chiefs beat the New England Patriots 31-26 at Arrowhead Stadium. A late rally by the Patriots offense behind QB Drew Bledsoe made this game close, but the Chiefs held the fort for a victory with 21 points in the second quarter. KC touchdowns came on a pair of QB Steve Bono touchdown throws of 18 yards to WR Willie Davis and 26 yards to WR Tamarick Vanover. Bono also scored on a two-yard run, and RB Greg Hill had a nine yard TD run. The Chiefs defense had an interception by CB Dale Carter and sacks from DE Pellom McDaniels, DT Dan Saleaumua and LB Derrick Thomas.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on October 15, 1961 in Long Beach, California was WR Stephone Paige. He joined the Chiefs as an undrafted college free agent out of Fresno State in 1983. Paige played nine seasons with the club (1983-91), appearing in 125 games, with 81 starts. He caught 377 passes for 6,341 yards and 49 TD catches. He also ran six times for 32 yards. Paige added 29 kickoff returns for a 20-yard average. Paige set an NFL record on December 22, 1985 when he caught eight passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns against San Diego at Arrowhead Stadium. He held the record for most receiving yardage in a game for several years, until it was broken by Rams receiver Flipper Anderson four years later. Paige’s 309 yards still ranks as the second most productive receiving yardage day in pro football history.
It’s a funny thing that “Mr. Irrelevant” is truely the only relevant player selected in our 09 draft this year. I sure hope that the rest become relevant in the years to come.
Go Chiefs!
This article is going to produce a whole lot of different views. We are stuck with these kids so here goes…..Why Jackson was the first pick is a 10million dollar question. Pioli and his advisors blew it. Not because Jackson is without tackles or continually gets tied up with one OL each play, no, we needed an impact player NOW not a kid who will one day develope (not just the team but the fans needed a guy to hang the future on while we waste the 09 season). Magee is on the roster because he was a 3rd rounder and management would look bad if he were cut and all they could point to was Jackson. The rest are just roster fillers except for the K. Why they drafted the TE and CB is a mystery to me, either spot on the roster could have been filled by guys off the street or herm’s leftovers for this year.
Basically Pioli blew his first draft. We needed a K but you do not waste the rest to fill that need. That is part of the “Patience” and “Precess” deal with the 09 Chiefs. They did not help themselves with this bunch.
I tend to agree with all the points made by el cid on Pioli’s first draft as GM of the Chiefs. Then, too, I’m reminded that a draft class cannot be fully evaluated until about 3 years down the road.
Still, one would expect to see glimmers of performance in his rookie season and thus far, as the article points out, we’ve seen little or none of those moments from anyone with the exception of Succop.
Failure to address the Oline is another strange move. It’s almost as if Pioli knew he had a honeymoon 2009, that the team would suck, that he wouldn’t be held accountable, so let’s reach for guys like TJackson and work on the defense for now.
How well has THAT been working out, giving up 500 yards per game a couple of times already? It’s early and all that but I’m seriously wondering if Pioli knows what the hell he’s doing? (I’ve already discerned that Haley is in over his head).
I disagree. If the Chiefs were a couple of players away from being good, then an “impact player” would be what they need. The needs are so many, though. They just need good, solid guys to fill all these positions of need. Then worry about adding an “impact player” or two to push them over the top. That’s how I see it, anyway. Besides, drafting an “impact player” is a crap shoot. Hit and miss. Sometimes you get lucky…and sometimes you don’t.
It’s still way too early to judge what kind of players these guys will eventually become. As long as they are learning and improving, they should be fine. I admit, though, that the improving part has yet to be seen.
Blew the first draft? WTF? 5 games in and calling it a bust? These guys will take at least a couple of years to develop. If you remember, Houston was told they “blew” the draft pick of Mario Williams instead of Reggie Bush. Who is better now?
Our DL was terrible so they solidified it with 2 picks. TE because TG was on his way out. CB because we had depth issues and those guys are usually good athletes for special teams. K was a no brainer.
Personally, I think this draft will pan out to be very good in 2-3 years. How about our draft 3 years ago? Hali, Croyle, and Page remain. I am betting we keep more than that over the next 3 years. They were looking for more than talent on the field. They were trying to establish a core of players who had all of the qualities they desire in players.
Magee and Jackson will be fine. Def. lineman just don’t make an impact in yr one sometimes even yr 2. That is the toughest postion in the NFL to come in and make an impact. Mainly because you’re a 21 or 22 year old facing grown men who are stronger and are alot better at their craft. We see the difference yr 2 has done for Dorsey along with getting in shape. Now that Dorsey is in yr 2 he’s making his presence felt. He’s getting more tackles I’ve even see him the last few games get after the Qb something you just don’t see from that position in a 3-4 defense.
As for O’Connell its a wait and see. Washington will get better with experiecne. I rather watch him get be then Leggett because he’s had a yr not to make the mistakes he’s making out there in coverage. Lawerence hopefully will show some signs next yr he can be a threat returning the ball if not we might need to release him.
Next yr in the draft this team just needs to go after o-lineman first foremost.Follwed by OLB. Tamba clearly needs someone else on the other side that can get after the qb to take the pressure off him getting doubled and triple teamed. Vrabel is solid but he’s no pass rusher something you need in a 3-4 defense at that position. Next would be receivers. We need receivers that can come in and make something happen.
You are joking, right? We don’t want no stink’n impact players. So we are not even going to try to find one in the draft. Look at what you are saying. Sorry but that is crazy.
WTF? 5 games? Look around the league, rookies are making their presence noticed by many teams. They solidified their DL with two picks? One does not play and when he does he has better stats than the starter draft pick. O’Connel was a replacement for Tony, joking, right? Looks like we still have depth issues in CB with Washington. I still say they are just guys, nothing special. Sort of sad because the team is 0-5 and if they were anything special they should be able to worm their way into playing time.
B in SC you are just what pro teams like, “Patience and give us 2 – 3 years to put a team on the field that is competitive (notice did not say winning team, just competitive). That is just sucker talk. In the NFL 3 years are a career for some players but you are looking for some pie in the sky to fall on you. Is not going to happen if the Chief just sit there and wait.
You do not have to live under a mushroom to see that after 5 games, the Chiefs have a long way to go and THIS DRAFT DID NOT HELP MAKE IT EASIER.
El cid totally disagree with your outlook on Jackson. You sound more like a media type without real evaluation for the position. NO defensive tackle or 3-4 def end makes an impact in yr one. Def lineman period for that matter. Sapp didn’t do it neither did Haynesworth. Use your logic not your emotions. If this were yr 2 or 3 then be critical. But you can’t be critical of him or Magee when great players like the ones i’ve mentioned haven’t had the sucess either in yr 1.
el cid,
One impact player is not going to help this team right now, unless there is a solid supporting cast. The Chiefs are trying to build a team. T-E-A-M. When you have a solid team, then you try to bring in a couple of impact players. That’s just how I see it. So no, I’m not joking…and I’m fairly sure I’m not crazy.
And once again, finding a superstar via the draft is hit and miss. Of course, EVERY team is LOOKING for one in the draft. But, how many actually find one? It’s almost like the lottery. You make your picks, and hope you get lucky.
I agree, ED. Pioli is trying to lay a foundation for this team.
You can be impatient and say “give me a winner, NOW”, but you will just keep wanting…ain’t gonna happen. They started this season with a bare cupboard in the NFL talent department. Yes, they do have a long way to go which is why they are taking the path they have. I don’t understand how you can say this draft didn’t make their path any easier. How do you know? If you have that good an eye for talent, you are apparently the missing link in the scouting department.
There were no “impact” players to draft that would have made any difference in our record. They drafted to fill needs, not seats. Many were clamouring for us to draft Crabtree, guess that was a good call to say no.
And, no, I was hardly saying that O’Connell would be a 1 for 1 replacement for Gonzalez. There won’t be another TE like him for years. There was a need for a TE however, and they drafted who they thought could fill the need.
Special group? No, probably not, but only time will tell. I hope they turn out to be a solid group that can stick around. I don’t think you will see a lot of stars around KC in the future. It will be much more along the lines of New England with a solid group of “good” players that know their role. If you are only interested in names, become a Redskins fan, they have lots of them. They suck, but they always get the big names.
ED, I would look at what Haynesworth and Sapp did in thier first years and then compare it to Jacksons stats. If you looked last year Dorsey’s stats were comparable to Haynesworth and Sapps first years stats, with that being said, I dont see how Jackson is going to be able to catch up to the stats of other first rounders, he might not even match Dorsey’s and he was playing as an interior lineman last year.
Baltimore Trevor Pryce’s stats rookie year LDE in a 3-4 in 8 games had 24 total tackles, 16 solo, 1 pass deflection and 2 sacks. Tyson has in 5 games 3 tackles, 2 solo and thats it so far…
Pioli is not going 2 go out and draft big name players, check his track record. He likes 2 gamble in the late rounds and try 2 find a gem. I believe Pioli hates taking the “sexy” pick so u can just get over that ever happening. But IMO we should make a strong push for some veteran FA who has proven something in this league. I will never understand why Pioli drafted Jackson at 3,emptied the bank for him, when he could have traded that pick 2 Carolina for Julius Peppers and signed him 2 a long term deal.
Just picture it our front line would be Dorsey,Edwards,Tank try 2 find a crease with those big bodies. Hali,DJ,Mays,Peppers as our LB’s…nothing but speed baby and all can drop in coverage expect for Mays. Carr,Page,Morgan,Flowers do I need 2 say more?
just wanted to say thanks for keeping the “dog” off of here…it has been…nice.
1 thing I’ve noticed about Jackson is he has no moves not even 1 he can go 2 in the clutch. In college he played the 4-3 and most of the time he would just speed rush off the edge and use his leverage. IMO opinion Pendergrast should allow Jackson 2 slant down and get skinny in the gaps, that way he will be able 2 use his power and be more disruptive.
its just way too early, especially for 3-4 DE’s….Ill hold judgement, especially after the “stars” we were supposed to have after rookie performances in the past..
lets face it, the rookie of the year for kc last season is quite possibly the biggest liability in the thing they need him for…pass coverage.
cant agree with the comments that the draft was a bust…I dont like a few of the picks, and I would have prefered a guard in the mid rounds etc…
BUT
its still too early to label even succop as a success…nugent is out of a job after thought to be the answer in new york, yes he started slowly but then picked it up etc so on. Do I have confidence in succop? yes, I think hes a future great kicker, BUT you never know, and its 5 games into their careers…
notice how Dorsey is now our best DL? its due to being his 2nd season…and realize the tank tylers and turk mcbrides werent productive year 2, 3…I expect Jackson to be productive next season…hes not a jared allen though that will get 16 sacks, hes a 5-8 sack guy in his prime.
I think if you want to evaluate at the end of the year, its STILL early, but at least you have 16 games…5 games? cmon.
Several are piling on “wait for Jackson in a few years”, I did not say he was garbage. I said the Chiefs are missing quality players at maybe 7 positions. I found it stupid to pick a guy who MAY be good in a FEW years. I say we needed a high quality (impact) guy with the FIRST PICK number 3 in the draft. Sorry nothing else makes sense to me, so Jackson, a fine young talent, was a wasted effort. Also I feel Magee is on the active roster because of the Jackson pick, it is not because of what he does on the field, he is seldom there.
Awww fiddlesticks, these guys didn’t even know what they really needed to replace yet when they went into draft day, except for possibly ‘everyone’. And it’s all well and good to talk about trading up and down in the draft, but it takes two to tango, and if the other teams don’t want to swap positions then there isn’t much you can do. (same for brining in ‘this free agent’ or ‘that free agent’, if they would rather be in New England, New York, or wherever, then everyone else is out of luck)
Draft picks are very rarely guarantees. I would suspect that your first year, immediate impact players out of the draft are as much of a surprise to the coaches and scouts as they are to the fans. All they can really do is scout the guy and hope that he might be a solid player in the NFL. I’m certain that there have been a lot of scouting careers made due to serendipity. Hell Carl rode the Derek Thomas pick for 20 years.
On the bright side, read an article about the worst teams in the NFL and the Chiefs were NOT the first team mentioned! It’ll come around, but it’s gonna take patience.
el cid says:
“I say we needed a high quality (impact) guy with the FIRST PICK number 3 in the draft.”
Which would have been…who? Keep in mind, this player would have been coming to the Chiefs…not their current team.
Hey, if you can pick high quality / impact players that are a sure thing…then Pioli should hire you handle the draft for him.
Sorry Mad Chief, I would have considered Sanchez or Curry as options. But what do I know. If you think this pick was Pioli’s shining moment, ok.
el cid,
I’m saying it’s too eary to tell.
Sanchez? We already had a QB. And who knew Sanchez would play as well as he has? Curry? I could see that one. Sure. That’s actually who I really wanted them to take. Only time will tell who turns out to be the better player. 5 games does not make a career.
I defer to Pioli’s judgement, because I know he knows a helluva lot more about it than I do…as I don’t follow College ball all that closely.
There are about 300 colleges that play some form of football. Figure 5 seniorsgraduate each year. That is 1500 kids. Say at least 1000 do not belong on an NFL field. That leaves 500. Drop another 100 for “issues”. Now you have 400 who might play in the NFL, if they find the correct team and things break right. If you will give me that, then you say that the 3rd BEST of those kids was Jackson. I just do not buy that. Pioli knows his job but I think he may have out thought himself on this one.
el cid,
I think Pioli looked at this team, and saw a team that was piss poor against the run last year. And that’s where he decided to start, the D-line. Jackson was just the guy he thought would be the best pick at that position.
Some may argue that we should have worked on the O-line first. But, I think he saw a team that DID manage to score some points last year. At times, anyway. It was the Defense that was losing games for us most of the time.
Listen, I hope Jackson develops into a run stuffin’ sumbitch. But there’s no guarantee.
Alexthe”GREAT” says
I will never understand why Pioli drafted Jackson at 3,emptied the bank for him, when he could have traded that pick 2 Carolina for Julius Peppers and signed him 2 a long term deal.
Because Peppers turns 30 at the end of this season and Jackson is 23. A long term and expensive deal for a 30 year old DE doesn’t get me excited.
” think Pioli looked at this team, and saw a team that was piss poor against the run last year.”
How about the last 7-8 years…We have needed a new DL since Marty left.
I agree with the guys who thinks Pioli is trying to build a solid team of “good players”. Let’s take a look at this
Defense:
DE: Jackson, probably the safest player in the draft, limited upside, but his job is being a run blocker.DE: Dorsey, he’s playing out of position, and yet he’s still our best D-Tackle. I hope he’s with the Chiefs for a long,long time. McGee is there to give dorsey a blow in nickel packages. McGee was looked at as a “boom or bust” prospect.
NT: Tank for now, but I think we target the plethora of NT’s in this years draft. Suggestions: Boo Robinson(projected second rounder) or Jamaal Williams or Wilfork.
OLB: Tamba’s career is being resurrected, which I’m glad(he’s always been one of my favorites) but imagine if you add a “playmaker” on the other side? Vrabel is more built for the inside, especially at his age.
Suggestions: Sergio Kindle(top ten pick), Brandon Grahmn(High Second rounder)some other FA besides Steriod Merriman(I hate that guy)
ILB: I’m assuming DJ is gone after this season(maybe sooner), He’s a guy that always has “potential” but four years in the league, he won’t blossom here. According to Haley, Demorrio is palying pretty good. I’m thinking draft a guy like Sean Lee out of Penn State, his injury should drop him to the early third.
Safety: Mike Brown’s performance has been blowing me away. He had like 12 tackles vs. the ravens and a fumble v. the cowboys. He probably won’t play up to that level or will get injured. I really think Dajuan morgan has been pushing him and will be his replacement. Dajuan was highly regarded in his draft class as the first or second best safety behind Kenny Phillips. Jared Page, what a stud!
Suggestions: FA Depth, possible gem in late rounds.
Corner: Carr and Flowrs will only improve. I think Donald Washington will eventually contribute(I didn’t know why we picked a corner that high, but the dude’s a big time athlete)
Draft Neesd on Defense:
1. OLB
2. NT
3. ILB
el cid said…
“Sorry Mad Chief, I would have considered Sanchez or Curry as options. But what do I know. If you think this pick was Pioli’s shining moment, ok.”
It may not be the shining moment. However, Sanchez is playing with an O-Line that are all first rounders. “You” could drop back and pass like him with that kind of protection. Curry…do you really think he would be that “impact” player on the Chiefs? It’s not going to be one draft or one guy. It’s going to be a process. If you dislike the way things are going than move on down the road. I’m sure the Bronco’s are looking for some new people to hop on the bandwagon.
Its laughable how fans just can consider a guy a bust after 5 games. Isn’t this the exact same thing that was said about Dorsey last year. And now this yr with a year under his belt and him in better condition you’re starting to see signs of what we saw from him in college. I’m willing to put the mortgage up the same thing will happen for Tjax next year this time and alot you will look foolish for even making this a topic. The same thing was said about Jared Allen 2 yrs into his career and we see how that turned out too.
Patience people. I know you’re not use to seeing us draft young guys and having to wait around for them to develop. Its funny because most of you are bashing a rookie def lineman a position where 98% of the time a rookie don’t make an impact at that position early in his career, but a guy like DJ who was also a 1st round pick who has been a huge disappointment with the expectations from him coming out of college. Some of you all are still defending him. When this guy has been in the league more than enough time to show if he’s a pro bowl backer or a bust. Looking more like the ladder if you ask me. Because he’s more average than anything.