My offseason plan (Jan. 4, 2012)

[texaschief]

If you haven't been around long, then you probably don't know... I try to do one of these "offseason plans" at the end of each offseason. I usually do a mock free agency along with a mock draft based on the assumption that I get the guys I want.

A little about my philosophy: In free agency, I want younger talent. I'm looking for guys who are coming off their rookie contract or looking for their 3rd contract at the most... anyone older than 28 has to be a special talent with proven longevity, a good locker room presence, and willing to be a mentor.

In the draft, I use the first 2-4 rounds as an extension of free agency. Any holes I haven't plugged in free agency, I try to address in the first 3 rounds of the draft. After the 3rd round, I'm usually looking for the best player on the board... someone with raw ability who can be groomed to be a starter in the future.

So, let's get started.

Starting with our own free agents:

Re-signed UFA:
Kyle Orton- Has shown to be a better QB than Matt Cassel and if nothing else, will provide Cassel some healthy competition going into camp. Doubt there's another team out there willing to hand the keys over to Orton, but you never know.

La'Ron McClain-We need a good FB with some running ability with the kind of run game the Chiefs expect to have. I thought he was a great sign in 2011 and didn't get to show what he brings to the table as a FB with the early loss of Charles. Probably could've been a pro bowl option for the AFC if he was properly utilized in front of Charles.

Wallace Gilberry- Probably won't cost too much to keep in the OLB/DE rotation. Gilberry is a depth guy the Chiefs should hold on to.

Jon McGraw-Another good depth guy that provides a lot on special teams as well.

Brandon Carr- (*franchise tag if needed) the guy is on his way to elite status and locking him up opposite Flowers on the other side, the Chiefs will be 3/4 set in their primary defensive secondary.

Letting Walk:
Thomas Jones- Didn't provide much in 2012 and another year older won't help his cause.

Dwayne Bowe- While he has all the tools to be an elite WR, to me, he just hasn't put it all together... whether it be a poor OC, HC, or QB play, he just doesn't scream ELITE to me and although it is a tough decision, I'd prefer to spend money elsewhere.

Free Agents Signed:
OG-Carl Nicks/Ben Grubbs- One way or another, we need to replace Wiegman in 2012 and Lilja in 13. Signing one of the top OGs on the market would go a long way in helping to solidify this young, talented Oline... just need a RT after that.

S-LaRon Landry-I don't think I'm the only one who was disgusted with our safety play in 2011. A lot of that had to do with injuries. However, there's no one on this roster capable of playing FS at a high level. Sticking Landry in a defensive backfield with the killer Bs would be the perfect fit for another ball hawk who can rely on his all-pro teammates to do their jobs. (others include Brandon Meriweather who was drafted by Pioli, Michael Griffin, Reggie Nelson)

WR-Reggie Wayne- Who better to show Baldwin how to be a pro? Wayne still has a few elite seasons left in him and that should be more than enough for the Chiefs to draft and groom his replacement sometime in the future. I'd rather spend money on Wayne and draft another WR than spend "elite WR" money on Bowe and his persona.

TE-Mercedes Lewis- Elite TE talent. If he isn't slapped with the franchise tag, he should be a top priority for this team. I really like Moeaki, but he came into the league with concerns about his health and 2011 showed those concerns to be valid. Lewis is 27 and has missed 3 games in 6 seasons... The lack of depth on this team was painfully obvious in 2011 and an upgrade at the #2 TE is warranted... whether it be Moeaki or Lewis.

NT-Paul Soliai- Is there any question that the Chiefs need to address their NT position? Gregg isn't the long-term answer there... and neither is Soliai... but he's a much better stop-gap until one can be drafted and groomed than Gregg.

Keeping an eye on:
LB Jon Beason
OG Jeremy Zuttah

Trade Glenn Dorsey to New England for pick #30.

Now, the draft:
1-ILB- Vontaze Burfict- The Chiefs have Hali, Johnson, and now the impressive rookie Justin Houston in their LB corp... add the extremely talented, nasty, and sometimes TOO aggressive Burfict to the group and you could have a top 5 group to go along with a top 5 secondary.

1-NT- Dontari Poe- FINALLY the Chiefs get a NT to anchor their D-line. There's nothing Pioli is going to do with Tyson Jackson. He's on the DL for better or worse. He can do something about the miscast Glenn Dorsey who he traded to NE for this pick who will utilize Dorsey better in a 4-3 system.

2-OT- Zebrie Sanders- Played both LT and RT at FSU and will immediately be capable of replacing Richardson at RT.

3-RB- Cyrus Gray- An injury during his senior campaign allows us to grab him with our fourth pick in the draft. This guy has elite capabilities and if he does, indeed fall this far, the Chiefs will be in the running for "steal of the draft."

4-WR- Jeff Fuller- Not sure why he's predicted to fall this far. He'd be higher on my draft board than just the 4th round, but here's where I start taking the best available players. I see inconsistencies and a couple minor injuries as the excuse, but this guy is the real deal and could blossom at the next level.

5-RB- LaMichael James- Probably a little small to be featured as the primary ball carrier, but my feeling toward players in the draft is that if they are making plays and names for themselves at the college level, they're at least worth a look in the latter rounds of the draft. With Battle doing very little to prove himself to be capable of carrying the load and the expected exit of Thomas Jones, getting Gray and James to come in and back up Charles would provide some great depth for this team that is expected to have an elite running game.

5(trade up from round 6)-WR Ryan Swope- The Chiefs are still looking for that true slot receiver and Swope is this year's annual "second coming of Wes Welker."

7-FB- Cody Johnson- McClain probably won't be here forever and this guy is a freakin tank who doesn't know how to lose yardage. Hand this guy the ball and the pile moves at least 2-3 yards. A PHENOMENAL short-yardage back that can help drives continue and solve those pesky red zone issues.

*quick note... I HATE Texas A&M... not sure why I have 3 of their players in my mock... however, if we could get them in those spots, I'd pull the trigger asap.

Recap:
QB-Orton, Cassel, Stanzi
RB-Charles, Gray, James
FB-McClain, Johnson
WR-Wayne, Baldwin, Breaston, Fuller, Swope
TE-Lewis, Moeaki
LT-Albert
LG-Nicks
C-Hudson
RG-Lilja
RT-Sanders

SS-Berry
FS-Landry
CB-Flowers, Carr
ILB-Burfict, Johnson
OLB-Hali, Houston
NT-Paul Soliai, Poe, Powe,
DE-Jackson, Gilberry, Bailey, Gordon



In summation, I don't think targeting a select few free agents is out of the question. I picked 5 and the team could probably get by just fine without the additions of Lewis and Wayne and could even get by without Soliai if they were able to get a NT early in the draft. However, a Nicks/Grubbs type interior OL is absolutely necessary this spring IMO. Both Baltimore and New Orleans have some big names up for free agency this season... namely Drew Brees and Ray Rice that will prevent them from franchising these two guys. Go hard and heavy after both of them and take whoever signs first.

I know there's gonna be some gnashing of teeth over the Bowe decision, but I think Brandon Carr is more important and would rather reserve the franchise tag for him. The Chiefs have the cap room to sign Bowe and will probably do everything they can to keep him. I just don't know that I would put so many eggs in his basket. Is he REALLY going to be that elite guy you can count on to make that big catch? Don't get me wrong, he's talented and makes some great catches... but he also makes some really poor mistakes and seems to let his ego get in his way at times. Not sure that's the guy I want Baldwin emulating.

I'm excited by what I've seen from Gordon, Bailey, Gilberry, and Powe this season... not to mention Houston. This 2011 draft class for the Chiefs is going to be one we look back on and say "we need more of that kind of draft class." I was thrilled with the draft in April and even more excited after seeing so many of them perform at an above average level during their rookie seasons. I'm a BIG "defense first" kind of guy. Getting a guy like Burfict who could be our Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher... our unquestioned leader and QB of the defense is something I've been desperate for the Chiefs to bring on for the past decade. Getting a bonafide NT to anchor the D-Line is something else I've been screaming for since the decision was made clear that the Chiefs were headed in a 3-4 direction... and here I am again... 4th offseason in a row and saying the same thing.

It's nice to finally be in position with this franchise where we can start talking about depth instead of trying to just purely plug holes with warm bodies.

Hope y'all enjoyed the read.

[Ryfo18]

Great job, very insightful texaschief.

A few comments:

1.) I don't think there's any chance Dorsey gets traded to New England. They love their draft picks, and aren't going to spend a first rounder on him. That said, I think it would be a foolish trade anyway. Profootballfocus.com graded Dorsey as the #2 best 3-4 DE when it comes to run stopping this year. At only 26, his best days are still ahead of him.

2.) As Jrudi mentioned, Landry is a strong safety, a position we really don't have a need for another big name once Berry is back. I've been happy with Kendrick Lewis as well as a free safety. That guy continues to improve each and every year.

3.) I just don't like the first round pick of an ILB. Siler will return next year from IR. I'd also like to see them retain Belcher. He's a thumper in the middle and is only 24 years of age. I would rather see a RT taken here.

4.) Difference of opinion, but I'd rather see them tag Bowe, resign Carr (ideally), and stay away from Wayne. There is plenty of cap room to make way for Bowe and Carr. Wayne will be 34 next year, and his best days are clearly over. Bowe is much more physical, and would be a better fit across from Breaston than another possession receiver in Wayne. I am frustrated with the inconsistency Bowe has shown at times, but he's still a lock to hit 1000+ yards and flirt with double digit TDs. A lot of Bowe's inconsistency I would pin on the quarterback play as well. He was really starting to show great rapport with Orton.

5.) As far as the Fox Sports pick of Trenton Richardson, I think it's a waste. No doubt a great talent, I just feel like the biggest waste of a first round draft pick is spent on a running back. They are a dime a dozen. In my opinion if you're considering taking a running back in the first round, your pick would be better spent addressing the O-line and grabbing a running back in the middle rounds.

Great stuff though, as always.

[Jrudi]

Well I don't know about Burfict he has a lot against him. He predicted to be 2nd-3rd round so why take in the 11/12th pick?
Must improve: Burfict must do a better job of taking on blockers with better leverage and use of his hands. He must focus on wrapping up and making tackles and cut down on sloppy misses. Burfict also must keep his emotions under control because he'll get tested by opponents trying to frustrate him and get him to snap.
He's also a liability covering tight ends in man-to-man and struggles to get deep — a requirement for middle linebackers in most 4-3 schemes.


Projected draft position: Burfict has been rumored to be a late first-round pick. While that is possible, we believe hes most likely will be a second- or third-round pick by a team that has a history of handling players who come into the NFL with baggage


Read the full report on him.

I've also heard Bufict is a mouthy player. Thought I read something where he had an unusual amount of personal foul penalties against him this season for stupid mistakes like late hits, mouthing off to the refs/opponents, etc.

I know Justin Houston had that rap, but we also took in him in the 3rd round (not in the 1st like most predicted)

Pioli is big on making sure the guys he takes in the 1st round can handle the pressure of being a 1st round pick, and the big money that comes along with it, I think if you see us take Burfict, it will be in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Fox Sports mock has us taking RB Trent Richardson which sound good to me.

11. Kansas City Chiefs*: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: The Chiefs lost Jamaal Charles in the second week of the 2011 NFL season, and the offense never rebounded. Charles should be back and healthy next season, but Richardson is the rare running back talent who can completely change an offense. The way this mock draft has unfolded, he’ll be slipping out of the Top 10 — something few scouts or experts expect. A different type of back from Charles, the two could work together to form a dynamic duo in the Kansas City backfield. Though Charles signed a five-year, $32 million extension in 2010, he’s not making the Adrian Peterson/Chris Johnson money you might expect. Richardson, a between-the-tackles grinder, is viewed as a much better pro prospect than his former teammate, Mark Ingram. In the rough-and-tumble AFC West, I love the thought of a Charles-Richardson platoon.

This actually would be Bad A**, I think this could happen and I wouldn't complain. I'm leaning towards our 1st rounder being Him, Decastro, one of the OT's (Martin or Reiff) or Hightower.

would love any of them!

[matthewschiefs]

I think you could see Wayne wind up in New England. He is a talents WR who unlike Ochocinco has proven he can handle a complicated system (with Peyton Manning)

I think Wayne would more likely go to a NE because of the idea that he would feel he could contend for another SB rather than looking for the big contract.

I think the Chiefs will be a competitive team next year, but I'm not sure that they are view yet as a playoff contender across the league. (Although I think we will make it to the playoffs)

Yeah I don't really think Wayne would be a Chief but it would be really nice to see.

I could see him as a pat. They have a history of bringing in guys like him to be a part of there team.

[N TX Dave]

I've also heard Bufict is a mouthy player. Thought I read something where he had an unusual amount of personal foul penalties against him this season for stupid mistakes like late hits, mouthing off to the refs/opponents, etc.

I know Justin Houston had that rap, but we also took in him in the 3rd round (not in the 1st like most predicted)

Pioli is big on making sure the guys he takes in the 1st round can handle the pressure of being a 1st round pick, and the big money that comes along with it, I think if you see us take Burfict, it will be in the 2nd or 3rd round.

This actually would be Bad A**, I think this could happen and I wouldn't complain. I'm leaning towards our 1st rounder being Him, Decastro, one of the OT's (Martin or Reiff) or Hightower.

would love any of them!

I agree taking Burfict in the 2nd or 3rd round would be okay but not first round. The problem with Houston was he failed the drug test (pot) at the combine and that is why he fell in the draft.

I think TR would be great if we had him just maybe we could score more in the Red Zone because the D would have to watch for him up the middle or JC around the end. Fake to either or both of them and toss it to a TE or WR.

[texaschief]

There is absolutely no way we get a 1st round pick for Dorsey. If we could I'd trade him away in a heart beat. One of the problems I have with the draft is that you have us letting go of Bowe because of inconsistencies but then want to draft a guy that should have gone earlier in the draft but dropped due to injuries and....inconsistency. We're trading a guy that might blossom and is a rookie for one that we know what we have.

My only other problem with the draft is picking Burfict. He's had personal foul problems, under achieved in 2011 which questions his work ethic, had academic problems his entire sophomore year. It seems like the guy has lived off his athletic talent and isn't willing to put in the work. If we pick up Burfict in the draft I'll be extremely disappointed.

Overall its an interesting scenario and a good read! Thx for putting it together.

Dorsey was #5 overall... he's got a few years of NFL experience and is a GOOD 3-4 DE... he's miscast in a 3-4 and was drafted for a 4-3... he's ABSOLUTELY worth a late first round pick... if not more.

The difference in drafting Fuller who has elite talent but had inconsistencies and Dwayne Bowe who has elite talent and STILL has inconsistencies after four years of NFL experience is that we won't have to pay Fuller elite WR money and it frees up cap space to spend somewhere else while coming close to replacing his productivity.

Like the wish list, but seems a little far fetched. We have cap space, but I just think it's highly unlikely to land all of the big name free agents you have listed.

Would love to land Grubbs or Nicks for LG, to be honest, if we land one of these guys, it will warrant a big contract, I thikn Nicks is more likely to leave his current team, because the Saints have already locked up their other OG Jahari Evans to big money, and probably can't afford to pay both OG's big dollars.

Landry doesn't seem likely, plus he is a Strong Saftey, not a Free Safetry (BIG Difference as far as body build, speed and mentality) Landry will want to start wherever he goes, Berry is our SS for the forseable Future, so I think that leaves little room to give a big contract (which it will take) to one of the top SS's in the league, I think Merriweather (Which is a Free Saftey), is a possibility because of the Pioli connection, and the fact that he was in a rotational/backup role in Chicago and might not have the issue with not being the "starter".

Not sure I like the idea of getting rid of Dorsey instead of Jackson, to be honest, I think both are still here next year, and both don't get enough credit for their improved play over the last 2 seasons. With that said, I think it would be more likely to see us land a NT in the draft rather than a Soliai.

Basically I'm just thinking that I do agree we will be active in Free agency this offseason, but almost every acquisition you have in this list would take a lot of cash to bring in. Just not sure we could afford it. I think you can count on us landing at least 1 impact Free agent on either side of the ball that is capable of coming in and starting, and then the other free agents will be role player/depth signings.

In 2007, Landry was THE BEST FREE SAFETY in the nation heading into the draft. Go look at his draft profiles. He is the definition of a free safety... "great ball hawking skills, plays a good center field, slighter frame... the guy is a PERFECT free safety. Just because he's currently playing strong safety right now, doesn't mean he doesn't have the skill set to be an elite FREE safety. Washington had a GREAT free safety already in Sean Taylor who was killed in 2008. Landry is the kind of safety who is a great fit at either position and would give the Chiefs GREAT depth at the safety position. His ability to play the strong safety position as well as he plays the free safety position is just another reason why the Chiefs should do everything they can to get this guy.

As far as Burfict is concerned... y'all have to be kidding me. You're afraid to take an ILB because of his rage and tenacity?? The guy is prototypical ILB material. There are 2 position on a football team where I'd like someone who you think is literally capable of killing someone... ILB and Center. Ray Lewis DID kill someone (allegedly) and had all these same issues in college. For every reason y'all have brought up about him playing out of control and letting his emotions run wild is EXACTLY the reason I want to bring him in.

Coming into the league, players will already be tempered... some are almost neutered. Watch this Chiefs defense... there isn't a whole lot of emotion on that side of the ball. You can't tell me who the absolute emotional leader on that team is. This team is desperate for an emotional leader and Burfict is PERFECT. (see what I did there? ;) oh... and Siler isn't the answer at ILB. He is a career backup good for depth and special teams.

As far as him being a 2nd or 3rd round pick, I don't agree with that at all... however, if that's where he ends up falling to, GREAT. That just opens up the first round pick for something else (not a RT) Perhaps another 3-4 DE if we were to trade Dorsey. Burfict compares to Ray Lewis. Enough said.

The Chiefs have a ton of cap space that they HAVE to spend to get just to the minimum. Wayne won't take much room up and neither will Soliai. Carr will take up space, as would Nicks/Grubbs and Landry... but even after all those guys are signed they're STILL going to need to spend more money... which may allow for them to keep Bowe as well, which would remove the need for Wayne.

Anyway, thanks for bringing those points up... hope I did a good job of clarifying a few things.

[Ryfo18]

Here's a read on Burfict from CBS's Rob Rang. It's one man's opinion obviously, but he calls him "as overrated a prospect as there is in the country."

Updated: ASU ILB Burfict declares early for NFL - CBSSports.com

[OPLookn]

Dorsey was #5 overall... he's got a few years of NFL experience and is a GOOD 3-4 DE... he's miscast in a 3-4 and was drafted for a 4-3... he's ABSOLUTELY worth a late first round pick... if not more.

The difference in drafting Fuller who has elite talent but had inconsistencies and Dwayne Bowe who has elite talent and STILL has inconsistencies after four years of NFL experience is that we won't have to pay Fuller elite WR money and it frees up cap space to spend somewhere else while coming close to replacing his productivity.

I just don't see the Patriots trading away a first round draft pick. They are always known for accumulating picks and getting guys on the cheap. Giving up a first rounder is not a cheap price.

The only consistency is that Bowe will keep having 1000+ yard seasons. He's almost averaged a 1000 yards per year. We've both seen Baldwin struggle in his rookie year and we both know that Baldwin will probably struggle for another year if not two. This is a first rounder that was suppose to be a lock. Fuller won't be able to step in and we'll be talking about who we should drafting at WR or complaining that we let go of Bowe. To me Bowe is to valuable to let go and it seems we'll just have to disagree on that.

As far as Burfict is concerned... y'all have to be kidding me. You're afraid to take an ILB because of his rage and tenacity?? The guy is prototypical ILB material. There are 2 position on a football team where I'd like someone who you think is literally capable of killing someone... ILB and Center. Ray Lewis DID kill someone (allegedly) and had all these same issues in college. For every reason y'all have brought up about him playing out of control and letting his emotions run wild is EXACTLY the reason I want to bring him in.

Coming into the league, players will already be tempered... some are almost neutered. Watch this Chiefs defense... there isn't a whole lot of emotion on that side of the ball. You can't tell me who the absolute emotional leader on that team is. This team is desperate for an emotional leader and Burfict is PERFECT. (see what I did there? ;) oh... and Siler isn't the answer at ILB. He is a career backup good for depth and special teams.

As far as him being a 2nd or 3rd round pick, I don't agree with that at all... however, if that's where he ends up falling to, GREAT. That just opens up the first round pick for something else (not a RT) Perhaps another 3-4 DE if we were to trade Dorsey. Burfict compares to Ray Lewis. Enough said.

The Chiefs have a ton of cap space that they HAVE to spend to get just to the minimum. Wayne won't take much room up and neither will Soliai. Carr will take up space, as would Nicks/Grubbs and Landry... but even after all those guys are signed they're STILL going to need to spend more money... which may allow for them to keep Bowe as well, which would remove the need for Wayne.

Anyway, thanks for bringing those points up... hope I did a good job of clarifying a few things.

Burfict can't keep a lid on his emotions at a college level and now we want to bring him in and let him rack up the penalty yards here? No thanks. We've seen that formula and it's called Oakland. I'm all about passionate leaders but the Chiefs philosophy is all about every man playing their role, the right 53 or whatever you want to call it. Having a guy that's a loose cannon doesn't fit into that role.

The only way I see Wayne being brought in is as a mentor/backup role. He'll be cheap but without Manning he had 400 yards less this year. Either he's declining or he needs a QB that has been working with him for years. Either way I don't see Wayne coming in and getting as many yards or TD's as Bowe. That's just me though.

I do have to admit though like you we have a LOT of money to spend and the off season moves that Pioli will be making should be very exciting. Almost makes you wonder if he's been stock piling money for a time just like this?

[texaschief]

Form your own opinion:








Don't worry about who he's playing... look at his skill set... watch his instincts and the way he plows through people and does everything he can... he plays every second with an amazing tenacity. You can't teach natural ability and instincts. Veteran leadership from guys like Derrick Johnson will teach the kid how to be a pro.

[Jrudi]

Couple of things..

As for Bowe being inconsistent... He has averaged close to 1000 yards in nearly every season since he has been here. The only seasons he didn't reach that mark was his rookie year (only 5 yds short @ 995) and in 2009 (Haley's First year) He only had 9 starts that season because of Haley's tough love tactic, he notched 589 yards and 4 tds in 9 games, average that out, its 66 yards per game, which over a full 16 game season is projected out at 1,056 yards (another 1000 yard season if given the chance)

Truth is, Bowe has been as consistent as you could hope out of a WR. He has however not had consistency at the QB position (Croyle, Huard, Thigpen, Cassel, Palko, Orton) Although the most Consistent of those has been Cassel.

Bowe and Carr are both Important parts of this team and I hope to see both back. I think both sides of the ball take a big hit if either don't return.

The Free agent wish list...
I'm not saying we aren't going to sign any of these guys, I'm just saying that when Pioli made the statement that gave me the impression that we will be more active in Free agency his quote was something more along the lines of "I take full responsibility for the lack of depth on this roster" which gives me the idea that he is looking for role player/depth in FA. I think you can see us plan to land at least 1 player on each side of the ball that will be an impact player (because I think we are to the point where it would be beneficial to add a player like this) and the rest will be focused on depth.

A majority of the players listed on this list are going to warrant bigger contracts, and a guaranteed starting role. (Landry, Soliai, Grubbs/Nicks, Wayne) they are all considered arguably the "top" FA's at their respective positions, I just think it is highly unlikely for all of the top level free agents to land on one team, and that team to be able to afford to pay them. Especially when 2 of those positions are not in dire need of starting talent (safety and WR) I think we could be fine just adding depth, and use the money we would have used to add them to fill other positions in need of an immediate upgrade.

and Burfict...

I don't think anyone would argue that they wouldn't want a fiery emotional leader on a defense like Ray Lewis, but one thing Ray Lewis possesses is a leadership presence and intelligence of the game.

I think the knock on Burfict is his lack of control of those emotions, and gets hit with unnecessary penalties that could hurt his team (similar to the reference to the raiders in an earlier post) Ray Lewis doesn't have this problem.

I would love a beast linebacker, but I would want to make sure he has the smarts to keep his cool when it is needed to.

[texaschief]

Bowe is probably the prize at the WR position... not Wayne. Grubbs and Nicks are at the top of the OG list, but Soliai isn't. Landry is in the top 5 probably, but not at the top. I'm not suggesting we sign the best free agent at every position... just the ones that make sense for this team. Signing 2 or 3 top FAs isn't out of the question considering the amount of money we NEED to spend in order to be NFL compliant.

Try looking up some of the positives about Burfict instead of all the negatives. You can complain about personal fouls all you want but there isn't a person on this board who wouldn't take Jerome Harrison or Ndamukong Suh for this team. I'll take a guy who plays balls to the wall every snap and who can be a one man wrecking crew over the smart Xs and Os player who does everything right but doesn't strike fear into the opposing offense every day of the week.

Give me a guy who the opposing offense needs to account for. THAT is what this defense needs. Type in "Ray Lewis and Vontaze Burfict" into your google bar and see what comes out.

My favorite quote about the guy is "(Burfict) is what you get when you kick Ray Lewis' dog."... HELL FREAKIN YES!!! THAT'S MY GUY EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!! The guy idolizes Ray Lewis and Dick Butkus... what more could you possibly want from your ILB?? I LOVE that he gets personal foul penalties... MAKE THEM SCARED OF YOU... keep them guessing about what you're capable of!! I'm not saying the entire defense should be made of players like this... yes... that would be the Oakland Raiders... but having ONE of those kinds of players is ABSOLUTELY necessary to have a dominant defense like the one the Chiefs are trying to build.

Look at the top defenses in the league and you'll find one of those guys one that team... Suh, Harrison, Lewis, Willis, etc etc. The Chiefs don't have that ONE GUY that offenses need to game plan for... Burfict is that kind of player.

Read this article: http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-foo...ontaze-burfict