Originally Posted by
Jrudi
I thin I can give Pioli the Benefit of the doubt with his first draft... Pioli was hired mid January 2009, and he Hired Haley the 2nd week of February 2009, They then began to fill the coaching staff, and the beginning of march now brought Free Agency.
So within 3 months he had to come into a completely new organization and asses it from top to bottom, side to side (yes the GM's manage more than just the football operations, I work for the Official Printer of the Chiefs, and he even has to sign off on certain marketing materials before they are produced) He then has to set the tone for how he is going to run this operation, get a feel for who he can trust within the organization to help him out while he build relationships within the new organization, conduct a head coaching search, hire that coach, fill that coaches staff, asses the entire roster top to bottom to determine a plan of action and what positions are in need of help, target free agents, bring them in for visits, sign free agents, and oh wait.... There's a draft in April?? He just got here.
Fact of the matter is, Pioli took Jackson for 1 big reason.. HIS CHARACTER! (Pioli was actually attempting to trade back into the teens and planned on taking Tyson there, but the deal fell through)Pioli knew and has stated that he trusted the type of person Tyson was, and wanted to be sure to select someone that could handle the large contract they were about to receive. The last thing Pioli would have wanted to happen, was to take a guy with character issues, and the money go to the guys head, it would have set him back even further. From Day 1, Pioli said he was building this team with players that possess high character, and a passion for the game, and that's what TJ is. He also said the day after he picked Tyson that "He is the type of player that will allow us to build a defense the way we want to, he may not ever become a stat machine, but he is the type of player that will allow us to implement a system that will allow the players around him to be able to easily do what they are supposed to do, and hopefully be more successful because of him." (hmmm...coincidence that DJ had a career year?)
Just saying the 2009 draft class AS A WHOLE produced little talent, and I'm glad to have one of the players that are producing for their teams. TJ is better than he gets credit for.
As for the Grade I give him a B...
Free Agents/Trades: Jones, Lilja, Vrabel, Breaston, Cassel (all played significant roles on this team)
Not to mention Blecher in 2009 as an Undrafted FA now starting 2 full seasons for us at ILB, and notching 100+ tckl season this year.
2010 Draft: Berry, McCluster, Arenas, Asamoah, Moeaki, Lewis... Are you kidding me 6 significant contributors out of 1 draft! the only one not contributing is Cammeron Scheffield, who unfortunatly was injured in the pre-season last year and placed on IR, we have since draft Justin Houston who seems to be working out.
2011 Draft:
1. Baldwin (Shown lots of Flashes, Injured first couple of weeks,needs consistent QB, but will help this team)
2. Hudson, (started games this year, will take over for Wieggman Next)
3a. Houston (1st round talent, for 1/3 the price, he is our answer oposite Hali)
3b. Bailey (Dude came on the 2nd half of the season, and is our answer to our Pass rush at the DE position)
4. Jalil Brown (Not alot to go off of, but has shown promis on special teams and in sub pkgs)
5. Stanzi (Jury is out, but did show promise in pre-season)
So in 2 drafts we have 9 SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTORS to this team (and about 3-4 that could become). I'm sure any NFL owner would be happy with that.
I'm happy with what Pioli is doing, and I think he is really close to making that splash that the Patriots used to do, that puts them over the top to compete for a championship