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.

[Chiefster]

We're going to sign Ray Lewis to a one year, $30,000,000 deal.

It will be stated in his contract that he will only play against teams that will agree not to double team him.

[KristofLaw]

Regardless, we have 50 MILLION

Should I say it again 50 MILION

I do have another thread on the economic situation


we have thatt >>> 50) MILLION

[DT14PRIEST]

Regardless, we have 50 MILLION

Should I say it again 50 MILION

I do have another thread on the economic situation

we have thatt >>> 50) MILLION

Just wait until the second wave of Free Agency starts and you'll see a lot of names come to KC I bet. Maybe not house names but solid football players.

Dont forget we have to sign our draft picks as well.

[KristofLaw]

Just wait until the second wave of Free Agency starts and you'll see a lot of names come to KC I bet. Maybe not house names but solid football players.

Dont forget we have to sign our draft picks as well.

Whatever...
actualually 50 million

[hermhater]

Regardless, we have 50 MILLION

Should I say it again 50 MILION

I do have another thread on the economic situation


we have thatt >>> 50) MILLION

Let's see how we spend it.

[HokieChief 09]

How about some hardware on this O-Line, please...If waters goes, then one can only assume we go OT with our first pick? i dunno

[jap1]

Ive been thinking and I dont think our LB corps is nearly as horrible as we think it may be, even with a change to a 3-4.

Right now it would seem like DJ (ILB) and Vrabel (OLB) are locks for starting positions.

On our roster we have Demorrio Williams, Pat Thomas, and Rocky Boiman as people who have at one time held a starting spot. We also have Jason Babin who started at 3-4 OLB (and seemed to have decent stats) since his rookie season with Houston. Some people think that Hali can make the transition to OLB (I personally disagree).

After looking at the guys we have, I think we are only one guy away from a pretty solid LB corps. We need an OLB and an ILB. Jason Babin and Hali may be able to cover one of the OLB spots. Babin has experience at that spot in a 3-4. Hali has the skills to rush the QB. All the other guys (Williams, Thomas, Boiman) seemed to show enough skills to be good as backups and in rotation (and on special teams). Plus I think there Pioli knows how to plug in decent at best LBs to make a good LB corps (see Junior Seau ... who really should change his name to Senior ... and Tedy "Stroke" Bruschi).

The key to a good 3-4 (or any defense, whether it is Tampa 2, 4-3, regular cover 2, etc) is a good, strong DL. Right now we dont have the personnel that has proven they can be good and strong in a 3-4.

I think Dorsey is best suited at DE. He compares well in size to Chris Canty (except height) and in college his skills were at getting upfield. I think some combo of Tank, Boone, and Edwards can hold down the other DE spot. I think NT is our biggest weakness. The biggest guy on our roster (according to the roster listed on KCChiefs.com) is Ron Edwards at 315. That is about 15lbs too light for a dominant NT.

There arent any great NT available in FA.

This convinces me that we will probably not go after Curry. DL is a bigger need on defense. Also, with a new expensive QB, most GMs will want to protect them. It is either going to be BJ Raji or the best OL (Monroe or J. Smith). That is, if we dont trade down. I think Pioli will go OL to protect the investment in Cassel.

If we go OL in round 1, then I would hope that Ron Brace or Chris Baker are available when we pick in the 3rd round. Baker is really athletic, and Brace is one of the strongest DL this year.

Ron Brace, BC
Height: 6-3. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Combine 40 Time: 5.47.
Benchx225: 32.

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

[SDChief09]

I thought we didnt offer babin a contract? He signed a one year deal last season.

Personally I am glad, I really am one of the few who did not feel he was very good....Made a few plays, was also liable for giving up a lot of big plays.

[pbatrucker]

I agree with most of what you're saying BUT.
Tank was a highly regarded NT coming out of college at 330 lbs. He'll put the weight back on and be a beast in the middle.
Dorsey, with his quickness could be a very good DE.
WE still need LB help MIke Peterson and Angelo Crowell are still on the board.
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. Go to youtube.com, go to sports and search for Jarron Gilbert. He would probally be there in the #3rd round
OT Khalif Barnes is available( had issues with Jags, I don't recall what they were.
Jake Grove is available and could be a good pickup.

[jap1]

I agree with most of what you're saying BUT.
Tank was a highly regarded NT coming out of college at 330 lbs. He'll put the weight back on and be a beast in the middle.
Dorsey, with his quickness could be a very good DE.
WE still need LB help MIke Peterson and Angelo Crowell are still on the board.
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. Go to youtube.com, go to sports and search for Jarron Gilbert. He would probally be there in the #3rd round
OT Khalif Barnes is available( had issues with Jags, I don't recall what they were.
Jake Grove is available and could be a good pickup.

I have heard that about Tank from a few people, which was something I did not realize. My concern is that it is tough to put on 30 lbs in 5 months (by august when preseason starts) and stay in good shape endurance-wise. That gives me some hope though.

I agree about Dorsey. Im kinda anxious to see what he can do.

I agree that there are definitely a lot of good prospects for the DL in the draft. Im only concerned that we will only be able to get one DL guy and one OL guy on the first day. Hopefully we can trade down with someone who desperately wants Sanchez or Stafford and pick up at least another 2nd rounder.