Current Roster Evaluation

[texaschief]

I've seen a lot of posts stating vast overreactions to the state of the current roster. I've seen posts that state we need 3 new O-linemen, that we need 3 new WRs, and that we need 2 new safeties to go along with 2 or 3 new LBs, 2 new DTs and a new CB, a new RB and a new QB.

SO, basically, we don't have a SINGLE good player on this team. I think otherwise. So, I'm going to run down the roster and try to identify who stays, who goes and who currently on the roster can either keep their starting roles or step into a starting role. After this exercise and ensuing discussion, we should have a BETTER idea as to what positions ACTUALLY have to be filled thru free agency and the draft.

Let's start with the offense.

WR- Dwayne Bowe, Mark Bradley, Will Franklin, and Kevin Robinson

Dwayne Bowe is a legitimate #1 WR in the making and shouldn't be looked at as someone who needs to be replaced. He could very well turn into a #2 WR if the Chiefs get Boldin or Crabtree or Houshmandzadeh, but the Chiefs don't HAVE to go out and find that #1 WR. They would probably better served by finding a less expensive #2 WR. Mark Bradley was the #2 last season and he impressed a lot of people but he fell off dramatically during the second half of the season and could serve as a good #3 in the future. Will Franklin and Kevin Robinson still need time to develop as most late round WRs do and it's probably too soon to tell what they're going to become.

RB- Larry Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Kolby Smith, Jackie Battle

Who knows what the hell is going on with LJ. He's still talented enough to be a great back for a couple more seasons and would probably be more valuable to the team if the Chiefs kept him instead of trying to trade him. All the reasons we want to get rid of him are all the reasons why teams won't give us fair value in a trade. He serves the team better staying as the featured back. Jamaal Charles probably solidified his position as the 3rd down back and #2 back. Kolby Smith will serve this team well as the #3 back if one of the first two were to get hurt. Jackie Battle is probably going to find himself stuck on special teams or the practice squad.

TE- Tony Gonzalez, Brad Cottam, Michael Merritt, Jed Collins

Tony is staying. Again, his value to the team is more as a player than a trade chip. Chances are, he at the very least puts up an average Tony Gonzalez year. Brad Cottam gets another year to learn from TG before becoming the future at that position. The Chiefs are set at TE for the foreseeable future. Michael Merritt probably cost himself a roster spot "over a little weed." So look for the Chiefs to grab another TE at somepoint during the off season. I know NOTHING about Jed Collins. Perhaps he can step into Merritt's role on the team.

LT- Branden Albert, Herb Taylor, Andrew Carnahan

Branden Albert played beyond expectations for a rookie who missed the entire preseason. He has the talent to be the franchise's LT for the next decade or so. However, his versatility and college background gives the Chiefs to option to move him inside or to the other OT position and draft the best available LT at #3. Herb Taylor did enough during his time on the line this season to warrant a look at a starting spot somewhere on the line. I know nothing about Carnahan.

LG- Brian Waters, Wade Smith

Brian Waters is a Pro Bowl OG and will be back for at least another season and possibly two. The Chiefs should find a LG for the future at some point this off season or next. Wade Smith is a good backup guard and should have a roster spot locked down.

C- Rudy Niswanger, Wade Smith

Rudy Niswanger is too big for the C position. This position IS one of the positions on the line that should be upgraded this season. I'd expect the Chiefs to draft or sign a new Center. Wade Smith would probably lose his job as backup to Niswanger.

RG- Adrian Jones, Wade Smith, Tavares Washington

Another position that will change next season. Although, the replacement might be found on the current roster. I'd actually expect Niswanger to take a step to his right and fill this position. His size, build, and talent could be perfect for the guard spot. Wade Smith is a good backup and Washington is probably a non-factor.

RT- Damion McIntosh, Herb Taylor, Barry Richardson

This could actually be one of the deeper positions on the line. McIntosh really came on toward the end of the season and COULD keep his spot. Herb Talyor is knocking on the door and could push for a starting position. Barry Richardson was drafted last season with the thought in mind that HE could be the future at that position. Then, depending on what they want to do with Albert, HE could be at this spot to start the season. I'm not sure the Chiefs will be looking to bring in another player to compete here.

QB- Tyler Thigpen, Quinn Gray, Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard

Your guess is as good as mine here. If Pioli is as good of a talent evaluator as everyone says he is, he'll see that the value we'd have to give up for Cassel isn't nearly worth the difference between he and Thigpen. I doubt the Chiefs trade a pair of firsts for Cassel. Gray was a good back up and should be retained. Croyle would be a cheap, young and talented 3rd QB if no other QB were brought in to compete. Damon Huard probably doesn't have a spot next season.

Defense

LE- Tamba Hali, Wallace Gilberry, Turk McBride

Tamba Hali plays good at LE. I doubt they'll look to replace him. I can't see Turk McBride staying on the team. He just hasn't done enough. I know nothing about Gilberry.

LT- Tank Tyler, Alfonso Boone

Tank is developing nicely and I think the Chiefs got a steal in the 3rd, drafting this guy. Alfonso Boone is a good rotational player and he'll have a roster spot.

RT- Glenn Dorsey Ron Edwards, Derek Lokey

Everyone is freaking out about Dorsey and worrying that he could be Ryan Sims part Deux. That's not the case. Dorsey is going to be a great DT. The problem with him and Tyler going forward is that the Chiefs may not keep the 4-3 and that might spell doom for both players. Edwards is a good rotational player and should have a roster spot next season. I don't know much about Lokey other than he was above average at Texas.

RE- Jason Babin, Andy Studebaker, Brian Johnston

Jason Babin really surprised some people last season and may have won a roster spot going into next season. Although, I seriously doubt he'll be looked at as THE starting LDE. I don't know enough about Studebaker and Johnston to be able to give an informed opinion.

LOLB- Demarrio Williams, Curtis Gatewood

Williams needs to be a backup and the Chiefs need to fill their linebacking positions through free agency.

MLB- Pat Thomas Weston Dacus

See above

ROLB- Derrick Johnson

Johnson is the only good LB the Chiefs have on their team. Since being drafted 15th overall, he has underachieved. This season is going to be a huge year for him as it pertains to his future as a Chief.

LCB- Brandon Carr, Pat Surtain, Maurice Leggett

Brandon Carr and Maurice Leggett did enough last season to be considered for a starting position next season. Look for Pat Surtain to be released.

RCB- Brandon Flowers

Starter.... for a WHILE

SS- Bernard Pollard, DaJuan Morgan

Personally, I like Pollard. His mistakes seem to be basic. If he can figure out how to wrap up, I think we've got a SS for a long time.

FS- Jarrad Page, DaJuan Morgan, Jon McGraw

I wouldn't be surprised to see Page come back. But, I also wouldn't be surprised to see Morgan become the new FS.


The way I see it, the Chiefs NEED only a few players from free agency and the draft, while any other players they bring in would be considered upgrades and would render the players they replace as depth... WHICH IS A GOOD THING!!

This is how I see the roster:

FA/D= Free Agent/Draft

Offense
QB- Thigpen
RB- Johnson
TE- Gonzalez
WR- Bowe, FA/D, Bradley
LT-Albert or D
LG-Waters
C-FA/D
RG-Niswanger/Albert
RT-Taylor/Albert/McIntosh

Defense
LDE-Tamba Hali/Jason Babin
LT-Tyler
RT-Dorsey
RDE-FA/D
ROLB-FA/D
MLB-FA/D
LOLB-Johnson
LCB-Carr/Leggett/FA/D
RCB-Flowers/FA/D
SS-Pollard
FS-Morgan

So, as far as in players the Chiefs NEED to bring in, they really just NEED five players to complete the starting squad (excluding depth). We need a RDE, ROLB, MLB, #2 WR and a Center. The rest of the team CAN be filled through players already on the team.

[SDChief09]

I question if he needs to even put on the full 30....he did 10 more reps in the press than Raji, his strength probably makes up for 10-15 pounds..

[Coach]

Chris Baker, Hampton
Height: 6-2. Weight: 326.
Projected 40 Time: 5.03.
Combine 40 Time: 5.02.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 35.5.

Is that right? 35.5" vertical for a 326 lb man. That is frightening.

For the other DE, an interesting prospect in the draft is Jarron Gilbert of SA Jose. He had a good workout at the combine and he's a youtube star. I would give the link, but I'm still learning.

If you have ever tried to jump in a pool, you understand the SICK amount of strength that it takes to do something like the video below. I am more amazed everytime I watch it. The second video is a scouting video that is very impressive as well.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXDSPbZ_OUw"]YouTube - Jarron Gilbert jumps out of pool[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXDSPbZ_OUw"]YouTube - Jarron Gilbert jumps out of pool[/ame]

[SDChief09]

Here is my win now scenario with Pace as posted in the pace thread.

Qb Cassel
RB LJ/Charles(3rd down back, speed guy)
WR Bowe/Bradley/Franklin
TE Gonzo/Cottam
LT Pace /LG Waters/ C Eric Wood(3rd round) /RG Niswanger or Herb Taylor/ RT Albert

DE's Dorsey/Turk
NT Tank
LB's Curry(3rd overall) DJ/Vrabel/Hali
CB's.: Flowers/Carr /Leggett and Daniels 3 and 4
S: Pollard/Page backups Morgan/Mcgraw
K Barth
P Colquitt
KR Kevin Robinson/Jamaal Charles
PR Kevin Robinson

[AussieChiefsFan]

Pretty nice choice there. I'd go with that too. Charles deserves to get a good go too.

[texaschief]

I think we're going to see more of a hybrid 3-4/4-3 anyway and we're not going to see a straight 3-4. Assuming we stay at #3, I'd be happy with either a LT or Curry. I've posted before that I would rather have the LT and think that pick would be the safest investment for the future of this franchise. But, there is a VERY distinct possibility that we could take Curry to anchor the defense for the next decade or so.

So, with that said, I wanted to look at this defense with the addition of Curry. Suddenly, with the additions of Vrabel and Curry to the LB corp, the defense has a surprisingly solid middle and secondary. You've got to think that the CB spots are rock solid with the play of Flowers, Carr and Leggett last season and now with the addition of Daniels to provide depth. Pollard has the SS spot locked down. From what I've seen thus far, Page has not been extended and that leaves Morgan or McGraw at FS if we don't draft or sign anyone else from this point.

Drafting THE BEST defensive prospect in back to back drafts will go a long way to helping this defense get back on its feet. Even with Curry's addition, that leaves at least 3 spots left to fill on the defensive side of the ball; FS, LB, RDE. This is where I think Jason Taylor would fill a HUGE hole for this team... at least for a year or two, until the Chiefs can draft/sign his replacement. He wouldn't factor into the "youth movement," but the addition of Vrabel suggests Pioli is looking for leadership for his young defense and Jason Taylor would only add to the leadership on that side of the ball. Other options for that DE spot could be Turk or a mid-round draft pick.

I just don't buy into the whole "Dorsey can't play NT" argument. He's a little undersized compared to some of the better NTs in the league, but it's not a drastic drop-off and its not like the guy can't gain a few lbs. Every discussion, quote or article I've seen about how Dorsey will relate to the 3-4, seems to have people talking about how he'll have "no problem" playing NT. There's ZERO discussion out there about him moving out to DE. The only place I've seen that even being mentioned is on THIS site. Tank and Dorsey will be fine at NT.

If you see the Chiefs sign/draft a LB or FS in the next few weeks, we COULD be completing our defense.

I see our defense like this:

FS- Morgan (I realize he's listed as a SS... but I've seen him play and he can play both S spots)
SS- Pollard
CB- Flowers, Carr
OLB- Johnson, ?
ILB- Vrabel, Curry
NT- Dorsey, Tank
DE- Hali, ?

At this point, (3/12) I'd like to sign Jason Taylor (DE) and Ray Lewis (ILB) to fill those two spots. I realize this could just be a pipe dream, but the Patriots are looking at Jason Taylor for their defense. If we're going to run the "same" kind of defense, he should work here as well. Ray Lewis, Mike Vrabel, Aaron Curry, and Derrick Johnson turns the worst LB corp in the NFL into one of the best in one off season. PLUS, we have the cap room and he's the best available option to upgrade the position.

[tornadospotter]

I belive that Ray Lewis is of the FA market, please correct me if I am wrong.

[jap1]

I think we're going to see more of a hybrid 3-4/4-3 anyway and we're not going to see a straight 3-4. Assuming we stay at #3, I'd be happy with either a LT or Curry. I've posted before that I would rather have the LT and think that pick would be the safest investment for the future of this franchise. But, there is a VERY distinct possibility that we could take Curry to anchor the defense for the next decade or so.

So, with that said, I wanted to look at this defense with the addition of Curry. Suddenly, with the additions of Vrabel and Curry to the LB corp, the defense has a surprisingly solid middle and secondary. You've got to think that the CB spots are rock solid with the play of Flowers, Carr and Leggett last season and now with the addition of Daniels to provide depth. Pollard has the SS spot locked down. From what I've seen thus far, Page has not been extended and that leaves Morgan or McGraw at FS if we don't draft or sign anyone else from this point.

Drafting THE BEST defensive prospect in back to back drafts will go a long way to helping this defense get back on its feet. Even with Curry's addition, that leaves at least 3 spots left to fill on the defensive side of the ball; FS, LB, RDE. This is where I think Jason Taylor would fill a HUGE hole for this team... at least for a year or two, until the Chiefs can draft/sign his replacement. He wouldn't factor into the "youth movement," but the addition of Vrabel suggests Pioli is looking for leadership for his young defense and Jason Taylor would only add to the leadership on that side of the ball. Other options for that DE spot could be Turk or a mid-round draft pick.

I just don't buy into the whole "Dorsey can't play NT" argument. He's a little undersized compared to some of the better NTs in the league, but it's not a drastic drop-off and its not like the guy can't gain a few lbs. Every discussion, quote or article I've seen about how Dorsey will relate to the 3-4, seems to have people talking about how he'll have "no problem" playing NT. There's ZERO discussion out there about him moving out to DE. The only place I've seen that even being mentioned is on THIS site. Tank and Dorsey will be fine at NT.

If you see the Chiefs sign/draft a LB or FS in the next few weeks, we COULD be completing our defense.

I see our defense like this:

FS- Morgan (I realize he's listed as a SS... but I've seen him play and he can play both S spots)
SS- Pollard
CB- Flowers, Carr
OLB- Johnson, ?
ILB- Vrabel, Curry
NT- Dorsey, Tank
DE- Hali, ?

At this point, (3/12) I'd like to sign Jason Taylor (DE) and Ray Lewis (ILB) to fill those two spots. I realize this could just be a pipe dream, but the Patriots are looking at Jason Taylor for their defense. If we're going to run the "same" kind of defense, he should work here as well. Ray Lewis, Mike Vrabel, Aaron Curry, and Derrick Johnson turns the worst LB corp in the NFL into one of the best in one off season. PLUS, we have the cap room and he's the best available option to upgrade the position.

My concern with Dorsey at NT is that he is not known for his strength. He was drafted for his ability to get upfield. Most 3-4 NTs are praised for their ability to eat up space and drive the OL back. Also, as far as the weight, he already put on #s last year to play DT and that made him a little slow and fatigued. Im concerned if he adds more weight it will slow his development.

As far as Ray Lewis, he was signed last week by the Ravens.

[tornadospotter]

I believe that Ray Lewis is of the FA market, please correct me if I am wrong.

typo I meant off

My concern with Dorsey at NT is that he is not known for his strength. He was drafted for his ability to get upfield. Most 3-4 NTs are praised for their ability to eat up space and drive the OL back. Also, as far as the weight, he already put on #s last year to play DT and that made him a little slow and fatigued. Im concerned if he adds more weight it will slow his development.

As far as Ray Lewis, he was signed last week by the Ravens.

I thought so.

[texaschief]

I've been workin my *** off this week. I didn't realize he was gone too. that blows.

Dorsey is going to be just fine. The Chiefs wouldn't even be thinking about switching if their #1 pick last year was just going to be thrown away and not able to contribute. That's an EXTREMELY inefficient utilization of resources and I think Pioli is a little smarter than that.

But, I could be wrong. He might be an idiot.

[Coach]

I've been workin my *** off this week. I didn't realize he was gone too. that blows.

Dorsey is going to be just fine. The Chiefs wouldn't even be thinking about switching if their #1 pick last year was just going to be thrown away and not able to contribute. That's an EXTREMELY inefficient utilization of resources and I think Pioli is a little smarter than that.

But, I could be wrong. He might be an idiot.

The knock on Dorsey at NT is that he is too short(he is) and that he is too light(by 20 lbs.). We'll see what they elect to do.

I have heard mention on NFL radio that Atlanta could be interested in his services. If they offered their 1st round pick(24), I think the Chiefs would have to take a long look at it if the Chiefs are planning to transition to a 3-4.

They would be able to get a NT like Ron Brace with that pick.