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.

[jap1]

So we are stuck with the same group of lackluster QB's for 2010 season. That's two seasons that we won't be able to compete at a high level, because we have no QB. 2010 is a season when we should start competing for playoff contention, because of our cap space, the draft and progression of our young players.

I respectfully disagree. Teams have won the Superbowl with mediocre qbs if they have really good offensive lines and defenses. Look at this years crop of QBs in the playoffs: Tavaris Jackson/Gus Frerotte, Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, Chad Pennington, Kerry Collins. These guys didnt carry their teams to the playoffs. They got to the playoffs because they had great defenses and great offensive lines. The qbs had time to sit back and pick apart the defense. Flacco, Ryan, Pennington and Collins would all look horrible behind our o-line because they would have no time to throw.

And then look at some of the recent teams that made it to the superbowl: Bears with Grossman, Ravens with Dilfer.

What it comes down to is football is a TEAM sport. You are always going to have weak spots and strengths. If you have a well rounded team where all your baskets arent in one egg, you will probably do well. Strengthen the front 7 and OL, then decide if you need someone better back there.

[jmlamerson]

I respectfully disagree. Teams have won the Superbowl with mediocre qbs if they have really good offensive lines and defenses. Look at this years crop of QBs in the playoffs: Tavaris Jackson/Gus Frerotte, Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, Chad Pennington, Kerry Collins. These guys didnt carry their teams to the playoffs. They got to the playoffs because they had great defenses and great offensive lines. The qbs had time to sit back and pick apart the defense. Flacco, Ryan, Pennington and Collins would all look horrible behind our o-line because they would have no time to throw.

And then look at some of the recent teams that made it to the superbowl: Bears with Grossman, Ravens with Dilfer.

What it comes down to is football is a TEAM sport. You are always going to have weak spots and strengths. If you have a well rounded team where all your baskets arent in one egg, you will probably do well. Strengthen the front 7 and OL, then decide if you need someone better back there.

You know the funny thing. Of all the QBs you mentioned, all were 1st rounders except for Tavaris Jackson (2nd rounder) and Frotte (7th, I think).

I'm not disagreeing with your point overall, but if you look at this year's playoffs, you have nine 1st rounders, one 2nd rounder (Tavaris again), and two undrafted guys who have been to/won a SB (Warner and Delhomme).

The era of non-elite QBs winning the SB may be behind us.

[Coach]

I respectfully disagree. Teams have won the Superbowl with mediocre qbs if they have really good offensive lines and defenses. Look at this years crop of QBs in the playoffs: Tavaris Jackson/Gus Frerotte, Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, Chad Pennington, Kerry Collins. These guys didnt carry their teams to the playoffs. They got to the playoffs because they had great defenses and great offensive lines. The qbs had time to sit back and pick apart the defense. Flacco, Ryan, Pennington and Collins would all look horrible behind our o-line because they would have no time to throw.

And then look at some of the recent teams that made it to the superbowl: Bears with Grossman, Ravens with Dilfer.

What it comes down to is football is a TEAM sport. You are always going to have weak spots and strengths. If you have a well rounded team where all your baskets arent in one egg, you will probably do well. Strengthen the front 7 and OL, then decide if you need someone better back there.

Bingo!

Here is one mock draft that has us taking Sanchez in the 2nd rd.

College Football Master

If SF passes on Sanchez, we can probably land him in the 2nd rd. I would be happier with that scenario, but it still wouldn't be my choice. I think we need to improve the OL and DL. Everything starts in the trenches. Everything. A better DE makes our secondary even better. A better O-line makes our running game more effective, which makes our passing game better.

Bottom line, this team has a chance to fix the front 7 on D in free agency. IF they do that, and that is a big IF. Then they can take the best LT in the first round, get Mack or Unger (center) in the 2nd, and take a LB or Loadholt(RT) in the 3rd. If that were to happen, then many QB's would be servicable on this team. However, if we take a QB at #3, we are rolling the dice that he isn't a bust.

[Chief Tyler]

I don't think he would get past the Vikings if he happened to fall past SF.

[Chiefster]

Bingo!

Here is one mock draft that has us taking Sanchez in the 2nd rd.

College Football Master

If SF passes on Sanchez, we can probably land him in the 2nd rd. I would be happier with that scenario, but it still wouldn't be my choice. I think we need to improve the OL and DL. Everything starts in the trenches. Everything. A better DE makes our secondary even better. A better O-line makes our running game more effective, which makes our passing game better.

Bottom line, this team has a chance to fix the front 7 on D in free agency. IF they do that, and that is a big IF. Then they can take the best LT in the first round, get Mack or Unger (center) in the 2nd, and take a LB or Loadholt(RT) in the 3rd. If that were to happen, then many QB's would be servicable on this team. However, if we take a QB at #3, we are rolling the dice that he isn't a bust.

Exactly! That has been my mantra for the last two seasons. The offense only goes as far as the line will take them. A defensive secondary is only as good as the defensive pass rush.

[texaschief]

I've got some things to say about how HORRIBLE the decision would be to take Sanchez or even Stafford (to a lesser extent) at #3. I just don't have the time right now. I'll be posting around eleven CT.

[Chiefster]

I've got some things to say about how HORRIBLE the decision would be to take Sanchez or even Stafford (to a lesser extent) at #3. I just don't have the time right now. I'll be posting around eleven CT.

We await your pearls of wisdom.

[jmlamerson]

I don't think he would get past the Vikings if he happened to fall past SF.

Given the events of today, the Jets will scoop Sanchez up in a heartbeat if he drops to them. I think you can pencil either Sanchez or Josh Freeman to the Jets this draft.

Tell the truth, I see Stafford, Freeman, and Sanchez going in the first round to some mixture of 49ers, Bucs, Vikings, Jets, Detroit, and maybe even Panthers or Titans.

[theaxeeffect4311]

Given the events of today, the Jets will scoop Sanchez up in a heartbeat if he drops to them. I think you can pencil either Sanchez or Josh Freeman to the Jets this draft.

Tell the truth, I see Stafford, Freeman, and Sanchez going in the first round to some mixture of 49ers, Bucs, Vikings, Jets, Detroit, and maybe even Panthers or Titans.

That is ok. The Chiefs should not draft a QB early this year. They need to build the O-line like everyone is saying here. There are some good players worth grabbing in FA on the defense, but not many O-linemen worth taking. So unless a big name like Gross becomes a FA, the Chiefs should look to build the line through the draft.

[ChiefsFanFromNY]

I understand guys wanting to build the line first, but a team starts at o-line? That's crazy talk. The Steelers just won a super bowl with a horrid offensive line. The Cardinals O-line wasn't much to speak about either. A team starts with its QB period. It's the most important position in football. We can build our offensive line through FA and later rounds in the draft since we already have our LT.

We can also build our defense through FA and the draft the next 2 years. Has anyone looked at the prospects on defense for the draft next year? It's filled with studs. This year...not so much. This isn't a one year fix to try and win the Super Bowl next year. We need to to have patience, it's going to take a few years. That's why I don't have a problem developing Sanchez. He has potential to be a franchise guy that can lead us where we all wanna go.

You don't win Super Bowls with serviceable QB's anymore. The only exception being Dilfer, but that Ravens D is top 3 of all time. As Chiefs fans we should know that. In the 90's we had a above average defense and arguably the best offensive line in the league. But never had that franchise QB and it got us nowhere and very few playoff wins. I just think the fan base is petrified of drafting a QB high for some reason.