2008-2009 Kansas City Chiefs
Land of the Free
&
Home of the CHIEEEEEFFFFSSS
After a disappointing 4-12 season, the Kansas City Chiefs found themselves missing the playoffs for the first time since 2000. Much of the reasons lie in injuries, a porous run defense, little OL/WR production outside of a few players, and shoddy special teams. Faced with being saddled down by heavy salaries and aging players, the dynamic Bruin front office duo made strides to maintain and improve existing levels of talent while boosting depth and creating a foundation for the future. We believe that with rivals Chargers and Broncos stagnant in the offseason, they could be serious contenders for an AFC West title or Wild-Card berth while building for the future.
1. Player Name (Salary) - Key Stats/Facts
Offense
Offensive Philosophy: West Coast Offense with emphasis on spread formations and power running.
Run: 55%
Pass: 45%
The Chiefs found themselves near the bottom in the major offensive categories and decided to go a new direction with the offense that will play to their team's strengths. Most passing plays will be mostly short-medium distance passing utilizing big WR's, a crafty slot WR, and TE's with heavy utilize of the play-action pass. This will be especially useful in the end-zone, where the Chiefs have had difficulties converting, by opening up the field to allow the running game to breathe. Some of the times, there will be throws downfield to speedsters Bowe and Jackson/Breazell to mix things up. The Chiefs anticipate on using the spread from time to time with so many talented WR's, which worked well for the Patriots. The majority of plays will revolve around the run. It will be mostly power with Alexander and Smith delivering poundings in rotation. Smith and Perry will also be responsible as quick dump-offs in the passing games and change of pace slashing running. H-Backs will be used often to help in both run and pass. The OL blocking scheme is power, power, power. The goal is to drive defensive linemen backwards while opening holes for the RB's and pushing the pile. With an intermediate, varying passing game, they won't be relied on to pass block for too long, minimizing any weaknesses. The key for the entire offense is balance between big (Walter/Gage, Alexander) and fast (Bowe/Jackson/Breazell, Smith).
Quarterback
1.
Joey Harrington ($300,000) -
77.2 QB rating (better than incumbents), 61% accuracy, was starter for 3 of Falcons 4 wins
Brings quality leadership, character, and experience. Efficient in the short-medium yardage game with an underrated ability to float one deep. Will have tools like Gonzalez, Bowe, and Stokley that he's never had before as well as much better OL blocking for him and solid D. Just needs do what he did Should be an adequate stopgap QB who will be expected to acclimate well to a WCO that takes advantage of his strengths and minimizes weaknesses. Manages to notch wins as seen with Dolphins and Falcons when given proper support and will be expected to hold the same caretaker role here.
2.
Brodie Croyle ($445,000) -
6-6 TD-Int ratio, 69.9% accuracy
Former starter who showed he could not lead a team last season. Was inconsistent during games and was at best so-so. Follows good plays with head-scratchers. Was soundly beaten by Huard's performance against a weak Lions D. Should be a quality backup but is unlikely to regain starters role unless the other QB's stumble.
3.
Brian Brohm ($500,000) -
[Rookie]
Rookie from Louisville will be thrust into the role of franchise QB prospect. Should have time in TC and preseason play to acclimate to the NFL and stay healthy. Has all the tools to be a franchise QB and great pedigree. Might have been the victim of over-evaluation and nit-picking by scouts. Has a quick release and puts lots of touch on his throws. Knows how to lead a team and pick a defense apart. Excellent character, IQ, and intangibles. Is a great fit for the Chiefs system. Can make all the throws needed. Will see familiar faces in Kolby Smith and Gary Barnidge to assist in the transitioning.
With Huard aging and ineffective plus Croyle languishing and equally ineffective as starters, the Chiefs need to add some insurance for the future and present. Cutting old and expensive Huard saved a lot for towards the cap. His replacement is a cheaper and younger Joey Harrington who filled in admirably as a starter for the Falcons (his QB rating and accuracy were tops for them). His can-do spirit and superb character are what we need on this squad. He will beat out turnover-prone and inconsistent Croyle for the starter's job and be an admirable stop-gap starter. Though the franchise won't give up on Croyle, it was evident change was needed as Croyle showed inconsistencies and inabilities to lead an offense. In response, the Chiefs made a draft day trade with the Buccaneers to select QB Brian Brohm, who was considered the #2 QB in the draft, a possible 1st rounder last year, and draws comparisons to a taller version of Drew Brees. He'll be ready sooner than other prospects and could be starting soon. In addition, familiarity breeds success as Brohm will gain his former RB and TE. Brohm took a hit in his stock with Louisville's performance but he's got the D-reading ability, arm, tremendous poise in the pocket, and pedigree to be a superb starter for the Chiefs in the future.
Halfback
1.
Shaun Alexander ($4.450,000) -
7 playoff games in 3 years, Career 79.2 rush ypg
Former rushing champ has declined with age and injury but can still be a solid starter with the right system. Here, he will not be needed to be the shifty back he once was but will be expected to use that power. Though the Chiefs gave up Larry Johnson in the Brohm/Buchanon trade, Alexander's level is not that far from Johnson's, who himself suffered from injury and declining levels of play. With Smith subbing in, won't find himself fatigued. Knows how to get in the end-zone and still showed signs of life late last season.
2.
Kolby Smith ($370,000) -
77.4 rush ypg as starter, 55 rec yrds in one game as starter
Second Louisville product will be expected to share reps with Alexander and audition himself for the starter in the future. Showed off good talent as LJ's injury replacement before himself succumbing to injury. Broke out with 150 yards and 2 TD's against the Raiders, which was better than LJ's performance against the same team. In fact, Smith looked a lot better than LJ last season. Hard nosed runner who also boasts soft hands, finds the lane, hits it fast, and has the agility plus speed (4.50 40 time) to make defenders miss. Solid overall in every category. Also has experience playing with Brohm.
3.
Chris Perry ($300,000) -
Avg 23.4 rec ypg as 3rd down back
Excellent backfield WR who will see time on 3rd down and passing situations. Good power and speed with excellent hands made him a 1st rounder until injury struck. As the 3rd string back, will be able to stay healthier and provide the 3rd down threat the team lacks. A good change-of-pace back and a dark horse candidate to start as well.
4.
Chauncey Washington ($350,000) -
[Rookie]
U$C starter who at one time was the favorite over LenDale White and Reggie Bush before academics and injury limited his capabilities. Yet, Washington was still a strong power back and showed soft hands. The Chiefs GM has intimate knowledge of Washington's talent after being dragged for 6 yards in high school practice. Once considered to be athletically deficient, recently, it seems Washington's speed and agility are finally coming back after 4.45 40 runs and impressive results in the vertical jump (36 inches), broad jump (9'11") and bench press (18 reps at 225 pounds) at Pro Day when the Chiefs GM made an obligatory trip to no-man's land. Washington is believed by many scouts and Packers GM Ted Thompson to be rising up the draft boards and the Chiefs were pleased to be able to nab him. Suddenly, a RB considered to be a one-dimensional power back is looking like a very well-rounded back who could be a sleeper.
With Larry Johnson gone in the Tampa trade, Chiefs will be platooning still-viable Shaun Alexander with standout Kolby Smith, who broke out during his brief stint as starter replacing LJ. Alexander held the same questionmarks as LJ, coming off injuries and troubled with wear and tear. He is still a competent back who showed bursts of his former self last season. With a full offseason to heal and get back in the groove, he should be a solid bet for 1000+ yrds and 10 TD's as a stop-gap RB. Rookie Kolby Smith had a breakout game against the Raiders with 150 yards and 2TD's and looked to be fully interchangable as a starter with Johnson last season. Smith will be given reps next to Alexander to gain more experience and has already shown hints that he can replace LJ considering they were almost equally efficient. He's also a viable receiving threat which will be good for the QB's. Together they should be more than enough to replace Johnson. In addition, Chiefs bolstered depth with former 1st rounder Chris Perry, who will see time on 3rd down because of his big-play ability and soft hands. The Chiefs also drafted USC RB Chauncey Washington, who has the bulk to be a short yardage specialist and hands to be a 3rd down receiver at the very least. He's a very strong interior runner and with a full year to stay healthy could regain the shiftiness he had in high school that made 8 defenders whiff on one play. Judging by Pro Day results, it just may happen.
Fullback
1.
Boomer Grigsby (850,000) -
Started one game after spending most snaps on special teams
Hard-nosed player who plays with heart and intensity. Solid strength and awareness. Doesn't have too much experience as FB but has the work ethic and frame to be a solid one.
Grigsby, a standout ST guy, will be given a chance to help block for Alexander and Smith. He's a strong, intense player who can just explode on a player. With time in the offseason to continue honing his FB abilities, he could be a dangerous blocker. Though he's the only one listed fully at FB, expect Dan Klecko and Robert Royal to get time as an H-Back. Both are experienced quality blockers and decent receivers.
Wide Receiver
1.
Dwayne Bowe ($370,000) -
995 yrds, 5 TD's
Breakout year for Bowe who showed a balance of speed and size and used it to break the club rookie record and lead all rookies in rec yards. Not a burner but showed elite breakaway ability on the field. Was exceptionally productive despite the QB woes. Is one of the best young WR's in the game and is still improving. Will be expected to take it to the next level with improvements in sidekicks and QB. Has the capability to be an elite WR along the lines of Terrell Owens and Randy Moss but without the character issues.
2.
Brandon Stokley ($1,700,000) -
635 yrds, 5 TD's.
Once called the best slot WR in the league by Peyton Manning. Managed to be a very valuable #2/#3 WR and important safety valve who was instrumental in Jay Cutler's progress. Is invaluable as a young quarterback's blitz detector, not to mention a dependable target with deceptive speed who is unafraid to sacrifice his body to make the catch. Just finds the seams and holes. Brandon "The Slot Machine" Stokley perfected the role of a slot WR well before Wes Welker came out and copied his example. He's also a clutch WR after nabbing a crucial 38 yard TD for the Ravens in SBXXXV. Stokley will be key in helping Harrington avoid mistakes and/or aiding Brohm's progression.
3.
Kevin Walter ($2,000,000) -
800 yrds, 4 TD's
Had a surprise year starting in place of Andre Johnson, stepped up big, and showed no drop-off in production even when Johnson returned. Is a very good big target for QB's and is a threat in the end zone. Showed he can be a solid #1 starter and a great #2/#3 WR partner for a #1 WR. Emerged as a clutch WR on 3rd downs who is unafraid to go in the middle or make TD grabs in the end-zone.
4.
Justin Gage($1,250,000) -
750 yrds, 2 TD's
Had success as Vince Young's go-to guy and will be expected to play the same role for another young QB. A true end-zone threat because of his size and creates matchup problems for opposing CB's. Is still improving. Is possibly the best #4 WR in the league right now.
5.
Brandon Breazell ($300,000) -
[UDFA Rookie]
UCLA Alum and speedster Breazell will be expected to take over return duties from an ineffective Eddie Drummond along with Dexter Jackson as well as be a deep pass threat for the team. Ran a 4.47 at the Combine and Pro Day. Can make real good circus catches. Managed to get 800 yards at UCLA despite poor QB play. Showcases amazing elusiveness and is a viable vertical threat. Is also a very capable trick play weapon.
6.
Dexter Jackson ($350,000) -
[Rookie]
Made a name for himself after stunning Michigan. Great vision, agility, and speed will help him be the best return man since Dante Hall. Ran a 4.37 40 at the Combine and plays as fast as he times on the field. Will be tough for opposing CB's to keep up with. Is an excellent athlete who can make pretty tough catches.
After years of toiling with just Eddie Kennison, the Chiefs needed to finally revamp their WR corps. Having standout Dwayne Bowe, who combines big-play ability with size, helps. Bowe managed almost 1000 yards despite having 0 help from the #2 WR's, poor QB play, and missing a game. But he could use some help to get to the next level (1200+, 6+TD's) and the Chiefs obliged. They added 3 FA WR's who racked up at least 600 yards each. Consider this, each of them racked up more yards individually than the entire Chiefs WR corps combined outside of Bowe. Now that's an upgrade. In addition, 2 of them, Gage and Walter, are big target WR's to help in the short-medium range to help in the red-zone but have the ability to go deep. Also, Chiefs have added one of the best slot WR's in the game, the best if you ask Peyton Manning, in Brandon Stokley, who played superbly for the rival Broncos. Chiefs are hoping Stokley becomes their version of Wes Welker and with reason since Stokley was the prototypical middle of the field WR. In addition, the Chiefs acquired two rookie speedsters who can help spread the field for our big targets to get holes and help in the return game with Breazell and Jackson. Jackson got knocks for coming from Division II but he showed in workouts and against Michigan he can play with the big boys. Breazell was an underrated WR who suffered from poor QB play yet racked up 800+ tough yards and has numerous return experience.
Tight End
1.
Tony Gonzalez ($1,000,000) -
1172 yards, 5 TD's
The quintessential TE and another Torrance native. Led all TE's in yardage. Still one of the best if not the best TE's in the league. Blocks well and catches almost anything. Will have some age issues but continues to play at an exceptional level. Tony-G is expected to be the weapon Harrington has been missing all his career and someone who can be a safety valve for young Brohm in the future. Will also be expected to be a mentor for Barnidge.
2.
Robert Royal ($300,000) -
248 yards, 3 TD's
Showcased his receiving abilities against the Dolphins and is well known throughout the league as a great run-blocker. Will be expected to aid the RB's in taking out edge LB's after performing similar role for Marshawn Lynch. An instant upgrade over aging TE Jason Dunn. Has prototypical size and strength for a blocking TE. One of the better #2 TE's in the league will be a good complement for Gonzalez.
3.
Gary Barnidge ($500,000) -
[Rookie]
Third Louisville alum on the team. Barnidge is a true sleeper pick because of his size and hands. Isn't a solid blocker but showed strides after strong performances in the Combine and consistent efforts in Pro Day after ranking in the top 10 in every drill for tight ends. Will have plenty of time to bulk up and learn under Tony Gonzalez and Robert Royal. Has instant chemistry with Brohm and the trust factor between the two you just can't teach.
Likewise, Tony Gonzalez is now surrounded by much better talent. Little needs to be said about what Tony G brings to the table and he shows no signs of slowing down. This will help the growing pains of Harrington (who has never had a TE of Gonzalez's caliber), Brohm, and Croyle tremendously to have such a superb safety valve. Chiefs added Bills FA Robert Royal, a very good blocker and underrated catcher (2 TD's against Miami), who replaces expensive Dunn. The Chiefs were surprised to get Gary Barnidge, who they thought would be gone by 6th or 7th round. Barnidge is an excellent and prolific pass catching TE. His only knock coming into the Combine was his lack of athletic ability and blocking skills. He came out of the Combine notching top 7 finishes in all categories for all TE's. It's evident his offseason workouts with Brian Brohm have paid off as he's shown he can physically hang in the pros. Speaking of Brohm, Barnidge will bring instant chemistry with the fellow alum and this rapport can pay dividends down the line. With Tony G and Royal manning the fort, Barnidge will have ample time to work on blocking and continuing getting better physically. Also expect to see Dan Klecko see some snaps in the end-zone as he always has.
Left Tackle
1.
Jake Long ($750,000) -
[ROOKIE]
Strong run-blocker who is very underrated in terms of pass blocking. Has a non-stop motor and intensity you want from an OT. Will instantly help the running game with his strength, size, and solid technique. Very mobile for his size and gets to the 2nd level with ease. Can also be the leader of the line as he once was in Michigan. Very versatile and could easily start at RT if he's unable to play LT. Comes from a program that has yielded great linemen with experience and success against top competition. An instant upgrade.
2.
Jon Scott ($750,000) -
Was Lions starting RT before injury
Former Lions starter has the tools you look for at LT and had been considered a top LT prospect in the draft. He will be backing up Long, which allows him to stay healthier with limited reps. Very mobile and has a perfect frame. When healthy, exhibits superb footwork and technique that you'd want out of a top pass-blocking LT.
Left Guard
1.
Brian Waters ($2,085,000) - F
ormer Pro Bowler continued solid play
Veteran guard is a solid all-around blocker. Production dropped last season because of the need to compensate for poor play on both sides of him. Had to really extend himself to cover all the leaks his teammates let through and did a very admirable job until teams caught up to it. With an improved line, should be much better focusing on one or two defenders. A solid leader on the OL and still exhibits Pro Bowl level of play.
2.
Joe Toledo ($300,000) -
Former 4th rounder was on IR last season but showed flashes in preseason
Backup will be given a shot to replace Waters in the future. For now, he will be continuing to get stronger and healthier. Recent offseason workouts and private conversations with the GM suggest he may be the healthiest he's ever been. Regardless, he will have time behind Waters to stay healthy and improve.
Center
1.
Jeremy Newberry ($300,000) -
Former Raiders starter who helped Raiders RB's Fargas and Rhodes' multiple 100 yard+ games
Former Pro Bowler as key cog on an offensive line that helped Fargas become a 1000 yard rusher and made the Raiders 6th in the league in rushing. Really gets in the defender's grill and exhibits strength to open holes for the RB. Tough, tenacious blocker with great technique in both run and pass protection. Older C's like him still manage to fare exceptionally well in this league. Led the way for the team’s 299 rushing yards and Daunte Culpepper’s 3 rushing touchdowns against Miami. Has some age issues but didn't seem to lose a step last season. An excellent leader who can make all the line calls after so much experience. An instant upgrade over the former C from last season.
2.
John Sullivan ($350,000) -
[Rookie]
Experienced C will need to bulk up for the pros and will be Newberry's understudy. Shows smart play, great technique, good strength, and great awareness. Non-stop motor who's intense and blocks with a fury. With his great work ethic, he should be able to get stronger and bigger in the coming weeks. Comes from a good program.
Right Guard
1.
John Welbourn ($2,000,000) -
Former backup played decently and picked it up towards the end of the season
Another Torrance native and solid starting guard had some issues but will look to improve on his next year as starter with more time alongside the other linemen. Got better as the season progressed which is a good sign. Most note his struggles could be due to poor C play.
2.
Shannon Tevaga ($350,000) -
[Rookie]
Second Bruin alum on the roster is an underrated talent at G. Is a superb run blocker because of his size, initial punch, and strength. Will be expected to replace Welbourn in the near future. Was a pivotal factor in the Bruins running game and his absence due to injury was a huge reason the run game stalled. Was considered a 3rd round pick before his injury and seems to be fully healed right now.
Right Tackle
1.
Damion McIntosh ($1,150,000) -
Former starter at LT
So-so LT moves to a much favorable position at RT. A very strong run-blocker. Will see his deficiencies in the passing game lessened with move to RT. A consummate team player who is willing to accept his role and play hard every game. Will be a much better replacement for undersized Kyle Turley and Will Taylor. Was ok at LT but will be expected to shine at RT.
2.
Geoff Schwartz ($300,000) -
[Rookie]
Underrated UDFA has the strength, frame, and toughness to be a good RT in the future. Will be developing under McIntosh and could be a valuable asset in the run game. Was very productive in Oregon and has very intriguing upside.
With an overall decline in OL production, stemming from issues at OT and age, the Chiefs acted quickly to bolster it with youngsters. Key to this is versatility as many of these O-Linemen can sub at multiple positions. Damion McIntosh will move to a more natural RT spot provided Long is able to man the left. With rookie LT Joe Thomas and Marcus McNeill's recent successes, Jake Long should be able to continue to add to rookie LT success stories. At the very least, he should be much better than McNeill who was a two time Pro Bowl alternate. He's a real road-grader with underrated agility who fits well with the OL philosophy of big and strong. With veterans surrounding him, he'll have an easier time making a good transition. Backing him up is former draft stud LT Jon Scott. With Scott healing from injuries, he'll be a great backup for Long and won't be asked to put too much out there, limiting injuries. When healthy, Scott himself is a solid LT/RT starter so with Long starting, Scott will be given more time to heal on the bench. The solid run-blocking guards Welbourn and Waters will continue to hold the positions while youngsters Toledo and Tevaga develop. And with the two capable of giving the vets a breather, Welbourn and Waters will continue to stay fresh and at the top of their game throughout the season. At C, the Chiefs added a tough hard-nosed guy in Newberry, who will be a cheap stop-gap and superb OL leader until draft pick John Sullivan is ready. Newberry brings toughness and strength that this OL needs. Sullivan has good size for a C with great experience and who should be a solid starter in the future. As a whole, the OL gains young talented depth to complement experience in the starters.
Defense
Defensive Philosophy: Hybrid 4-3/3-4
The Chiefs were 5th in passing defense but 28th in run defense. And at times, offenses had an easy time picking apart the defensive play-calling. A hybrid 4-3/3-4 will change all that. This year, the Chiefs will experiment with the hybrid but a majority of the plays will continue to be a Cover 2 to ease the transition. Bruce Davis, Quentin Moses, and Tamba Hali will be expected to confuse QB's by lining up either as 4-3 DE's or 3-4 OLB's in the future. Like on offense, the Chiefs aim to achieve balance between big hulking rushers and swift coverage guys. There will be even splits between blitzing/zone and man-to-man.
Left End
1.
Tamba Hali ($650,000) -
7.5 sacks, 2 FF, 59 tackles
Very strong DE who exhibits great leadership. Has very good technique and is solid against the run. Is a complete DE who is a workhorse and consistent rusher. Non-stop motor and has the size to go up against bigger linemen yet exhibits enough speed to chase down QB's. Is very versatile and will continue to improve lining up next to Jared Allen. Could legitimately be the #1 DE on many teams and has Pro Bowl caliber talent.
2.
Turk McBride ($370,000) -
1 sack as a backup
Came off a decent rookie year and spent time at DT. Had pretty good stints substituting on several snaps. Very quick and agile. Will spend time on the bench bulking up. Still improving. Hard to keep up with step for step. Could start on some teams.
Right End
1.
Jared Allen ($8,900,000) (franchise tag) -
15.5 sacks, 3 FF, 10 Passes defended
Led the league in sacks and was sought after by many clubs as was Tamba Hali. But will remain on the Chiefs to continue leading a unit that was 9th in the league in sacks and pressures. Excellent size, speed, and strength. Is also a stout against the run and disrupts offenses from the point of snap. Commands double teams. 43 sacks in 4 years in the league and a true playmaker. Allen is a bona-fide Pro Bowler, elite DE, and someone who has a legitimate shot at the HOF.
2.
Quentin Moses ($600,000) -
1.5 sacks
Played well in 7 games as a backup. Was an excellent midseason pickup for the Dolphins and excellent FA addition for the Chiefs. Could be a future OLB/DE hybrid and showcases excellent ability to get to the QB. A very good physical specimen. Will be a very good backup for Jared Allen and that will give him ample time to refine his game and technique. Could be a solid future starter.
Franchise player Jared Allen was tops among DE's in sacks and will continue to be complemented by another good DE Tamba Hali. These two are one of the best 1-2 pass-rushing punches in the league right now. And they'll be backed up by quality young talent in Moses, McBride, and even Bruce Davis. McBride will also spend time at DT. Moses performed well in brief stints with the Dolphins and should easily be a good understudy with Allen. This is the strength of the defense. As the Giants have shown, that's just enough to far.
Defensive Tackle
1.
Jason Ferguson ($3,600,000) -
Injured last season
Despite going on IR early last season, Ferguson looks healthy this season and ready to bring his game to a Chiefs DT spot that has had trouble plugging the run. A very stout DT who will bring an instant boost to the run D. Can be versatile but is much better in the 4-3. Can apply lots of pressure on the QB. Was acquired late in FA at a very reasonable price for an defensive line anchor. Easily the best DT the Chiefs have had in years.
2.
Damione Lewis ($650,000) -
3.5 sacks
Standout backup DT and eventual starter for the Panthers last season. Very underrated DT with starting playoff experience. Really gets in the backfield and disrupts plays. Adept at collapsing the pocket and solid in defending the run. Did an excellent job plugging blockers for LB Jon Beason to roam freely and will be expected to do the same here. Very good work ethic and speed to combine with his size and strength. Was expected to replace Kris Jenkins before hitting FA.
3.
Alfonso Boone ($1,200,000) -
1 sack, 5 knockdowns
Played solidly in 1st half of season. Uncanny ability to tip passes at the line and a solid run-stuffer. Looked worn out in the second half of the season but will be rotating with Lewis/Ferguson to keep fresh this season. From Peter King: "Kansas City defensive tackle Alfonso Boone is a load. His very slight deflection of Favre’s late first-half pass led to an interception by Benny Sapp, which the Chiefs converted into a rushing touchdown with 15 second left in the half."
4.
DeMarcus Tyler -
11 tackles
Draft pick flashed some potential as a backup. A solid all-around DT who will continue his progress behind 3 good DT's. Has much promise and incredible upside. Showed ability to shed blockers late in the season.
5.
Dan Klecko -
Played in 8 games on special teams
Very good special teamer and a versatile player. Consummate team player who is willing and very able to learn new positions. Very explosive with incredible football intelligence and great hands. Not a bad defensive player but will make his mark catching end-zone passes and blocking in short yardage situations. Was on two championship different championship teams and brings the demeanor of a champion.
The one weak point on the defense was the DT position and the Chiefs aimed to fix it with two FA's in Ferguson and Lewis. Jason Ferguson is expected to be fully recovered at least by the start of the season and will be counted on to anchor the run D. Ferguson did well as a 3-4 NT but he just shines as a 4-3 DT. This versatility will be especially useful for the hybrid. This move also reunites him with Herm Edwards, who he has great respect for and rapport with. He replaces inefficient journeyman Ron Edwards and instantly upgrades the defense against the rush. Pairing with him is former Panthers DT Damione Lewis, who performed admirably as a backup and was tabbed as their starter on the depth chart by the end of the season, replacing Kris Jenkins. He notched 3.5 sacks for their team lead and was one of the league leaders among DT's last season. He'll be a pivotal part of the pass rush to complement the DE's and LB's. Lewis will be rotating with veteran Alfonso Boone, a very underrated DT, who played very well before hitting fatigue issues. With the rotation, Boone will get the necessary breathers to keep him fresh. Backing them up is young DeMarcus Tyler, who continues his development, this time learning from the one of the best in the league. Joining the group is former Colts and Patriot DT Dan Klecko, the human Swiss-Army knife. Klecko will not only provide depth for the DT's but will also be the starting long-snapper and H-Back. Because of his football smarts and versatility, he is listed as a backup at every position (yes, including QB!).
Left Outside Linebacker
1.
Derrick Johnson ($745,000) -
94 total tackles, 4 sacks, 2 ints, 3 FF
Explosive LB and dynamic playmaker. One of the best young LB's in the league. A legitimate Pro Bowl caliber talent. Exhibited great coverage skills in addition to established pass rushing ability. Showed great range and ability to shed blocks. Outstanding size and speed. Still improving and will have a much easier time with better push from the DL up front.
2.
Jeff Ulbrich ($300,000) -
38 tackles
Started 2 games, finishing with 7 tackles each game. Named captain of the special teams unit in SF. Ulbrich is a former starter from the 49ers who has had some injury issues. Played productively at starter before injury. Will be a very solid backup LB. Exhibits great leadership qualities and nose for the ball. Can be a good playmaker and shows great range.
Middle Linebacker
1.
Napoleon Harris ($950,000) -
116 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 int, 1 FF
Was outstanding in his first year with the Chiefs with a Pro Bowl caliber season. Got to the ballcarrier often and took care of runners up the middle. Was a great fit for the system and exhibited good range. Broke out as one of the top young LB's in the league. Can also rush the passer and drop back in coverage. Excellent size and speed.
2.
Jon McGraw ($645,000) -
10
Special teams ace and former safety now converted to LB. When playing at safety was criticized for playing too much like a LB and will get to showcase his play style at the position. Has the size and frame to be a good middle LB. Has great coverage skills and a strong tackler. Is a special teams ace who has
a lot of intensity and consistency.
Right Outside Linebacker
1.
Donnie Edwards ($3,250,000) -
106 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 int
Another UCLA product and one of the best LB's of recent years. Still has a lot of stuff left in the tank and will rotate with Bruce Davis to keep fresh. Very well-rounded because he can cover TE's, rush the passer, and plug running holes. Always in the right position and has decent size to take down anyone on the field. Very polished technique and awareness. Also a very good leader in the LB corps and will be an asset in mentoring fellow Bruin in the pros.
2.
Bruce Davis ($350,000) -
[Rookie]
Dynamic pass-rusher with great motor. Is lightning quick and speeds past offensive linemen. A very intense player who exhibits unparalleled leadership, work-ethic, and energy off and on the field. Will even get fired up about football in the lecture halls and makes rabid dogs look lethargic. Great pedigree whose father was an 11 year vet for the Raiders. Very active and athletic. Has very good range and is excellent in pursuit. Davis will need to finetune his game to play OLB but will have one of the best teachers in Edwards.
If the DE position was the #1 unit on the squad, then LB is a close second. This was a unit who had 2 LB's acquire 100+ total tackles and one who was 6 shy but had 4.5 sacks. And if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But do improve depth by leaps and bounds. Napoleon Harris fit in well in his first year and will look to improve his game. He is the unit's top coverage LB. Backing him up is former safety and converted linebacker McGraw who will also be relyed on for ST play and coverage duties. Derrick Johnson had another great year and is a proven playmaker and pass-rusher on D. Behind him is former starter and ST ace Jeff Ulbrich, a FA acquisition formerly of the 49ers. Ulbrich will be expected to provide leadership for a poor ST unit as well as be an excellent and capable backup. This is someone who could've started for some teams. Donnie Edwards showed he still has stuff left in the tank and will hold onto the job while sack machine Bruce Davis is groomed. Both are UCLA alums who make smart plays on the field with uncanny leadership skills, determination, and work ethic. Davis is a spitting image of OLB Jason Taylor in almost every aspect and will be pivotal for the team's move to a hybrid 4-3/3-4.
Cornerback
1.
Phillip Buchanon ($1,905,000) -
3 ints, 61 tackles, 10 passes defensed, 1 FF
Had a rejuvenated season as starter for the Buccaneers in 15 games for the #1 pass defense. Showcased excellent closing speed and uncanny playmaking ability. Was very good in run support. Looked like the Buchanon of 2003, the one that notched 6 ints with 2 returned for a TD. Did a superb job covering WR's and making open field tackles. Will be expected to be the top cover corner on the squad. Could be a dark-horse Pro Bowl CB if he keeps this up.
2.
Hank Poteat ($300,000) -
2 ints, 37 tackles
Was part-time starter for the Jets #9 pass defense. Showed he can start and was a solid dependable starter for them. Will be a very good #2 starter for the Chiefs and as a stop-gap for Cason. Became a fan favorite for the Jets as an all-around corner. An improvement over the aging Ty Law. Really broke out last season and will look to continue his improvement. Is a reliable, bend but don't break CB who can take advantage of a great pass rush. Was pivotal in mentoring Darrelle Revis and will look to do the same for Cason.
3.
Antoine Cason ($500,000) -
[Rookie]
One of the top 3 CB's in the draft. Cason has immense starting experience and is the most polished CB in the draft. Excellent character. Possesses top notch intangibles and playmaking ability to go along with his excellent instincts, athleticism, and technique. Plays much faster than his 40 time would suggest though his time was not too bad. Can be one of the best blanket corners in the league to come.
4.
Jason Webster ($300,000) -
Played one game before injury
Was a former starter but suffered due to injury. Still a very underrated corner and can be an excellent nickel and dime back. Still has excellent speed and playmaking ability. Lots of untapped talent and experience. Can be a solid contributor to the secondary and can be one of the best #4 CB's in the league.
5.
Orlando Scandrick ($350,000) -
[Rookie]
Developmental project who exhibits exceptional speed (4.32 40) for his size and agility in a CB. There's a reason QB's threw away from him while at Boise State. Can excel in man coverage and will have ample time to hone his technique. Has starting potential and just might be a steal. Can also find time as a return man and is uncanny in blocking FG's.
With Ty Law and Patrick Surtain already declining with age and being a burden on the salary cap, the Chiefs unloaded them and acquired cheaper, better or at least equal talent in FA and two key prospects for the future. This was a roster that fielded mostly undrafted FA's and practice squad players as subs and starters. So Chiefs GM and former CB himself, tabbed this position as one that needed a total makeover. Philip Buchanon rediscovered that spark that made him such a threat in the secondary for the Raiders. He showcased the outstanding playmaking ability and shutdown performance that made him a top pick out of Miami U. And he will be a perfect fit here in Tampa as our #1 corner. Buchanon was an instrumental cog for the league's #1 pass defense and will be a huge upgrade in the future over the aging Surtain. Chiefs were hoping to keep Surtain around to mentor Cason but it was too good a deal to pass up to get a currently better CB and a 2nd rounder. Lining opposite him will be FA Hank Poteat, who was a solid starter for a top Jets passing D. He'll take over the mentoring duties for Surtain now as well as be a competent and reliable #2 corner. Poteat gains the edge over Webster because of his consistency and reliability, which is everything you look for in a #2 corner. Jets fans were favorable towards Poteat and so too was the FO. He's also a valuable mentor and was pivotal in the development of Revis. Poteat was easily the 2nd best corner on that team and has more in the tank than Ty Law right now. The Chiefs drafted Antoine Cason, who silenced critics about his speed. Cason has had valuable experience against top WR's in the Pac-10 and was generally considered the most experienced and polished corner in the draft. His intangibles are off the charts as well as his character and playmaking ability. In the dime spot is FA Jason Webster, who had suffered injury issues and is a former starter with quality playmaking ability. Rounding out the revamp of the CB spot is a developmental project in Orlando Scandrick of Boise State. Scandrick is a sleeper who's the yin to Cason's yang. He has insane physical ability as evidenced in the Combine (3rd among CB's in 40 time, 5th in 3-cone drill) but little polish. Scandrick was not targeted much at Boise State and there's a reason for it. With proper honing, he could be a draft-day steal.
Free Safety
1.
Jarrad Page ($445,000) -
3 ints, 59 tackles, 1 FF
Another Bruin player and a very good one at that. Very solid starter at FS and was steal in the draft. Very good at coverage and shows great awareness and aggressiveness. Could be more helpful against the run but is still an a player who don't want to throw to. Was a very good playmaker in the secondary and really clamped down on the speedy WR's that eluded old men Surtain and Law. Has exceptional physical skills and talent. A real hard-hitting safety who also exhibits great cover skills. He's someone who can have a Pro Bowl career in the future. Was a real surprise for the Chiefs.
2.
Deke Cooper ($300,000) -
3 ints, 59 tackles, 1 FF
Solid starter and great backup. A true cover safety who can make plays in the secondary and lock down on WR's. Was very productive in limited time and will be expected to be equally productive here. Pretty solid in run support as well. A great value FA safety who was nabbed early and cheap before the sudden drought in quality safeties. Is someone who could start for many teams.
Strong Safety
1.
Bernard Pollard ($445,000) -
90 tackles, 2 ints, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 safety
Had a breakout Pro Bowl caliber season and showcased great ability to get to the ball carrier. Can pass-rush as well. Plays like a LB but has the quickness and instincts you want in a safety. Great speed and intangibles. Blocked a punt last season as well for a safety (the 2 point kind). Combines with Page to form a nasty safety combo for years to come. Still improving his game.
2.
Jamar Adams ($350,000) -
[Rookie]
Low draft pick will provide quality depth at the safety position while he progresses. Excellent physical abilities with great speed, strength, and awareness. Excellent against the run because of his ability to fight through traffic. Is a solid tackler with great intangibles. Very well rounded with great work ethic and leadership. Will be a very good ST contributor.
The young safety duo played solidly last season and look to improve on those gains to become one of the better tandems in the league. The two P's, Page and Pollard, now stand for Prevent and Pressure as both managed to make plays and harass opposing offenses. Now, they're accompanied by talented backups in Cooper and Adams. No that's not a typo, Cooper and Page yielded almost the exact same production. Former Bruin Page was a good consistent playmaker and the defense won't miss a beat if Cooper has to step in. Pollard had a breakout season and seemed to be everywhere in addition to helping rush the QB and pick him off. Draftee Jamar Adams will look to provide solid ST support and give Pollard a breather once in a while.
Special Teams
Kicker
1.
Taylor Mehlhaff ($300,000) -
[Rookie]
Punter
1.
Colquitt, Dustin ($850,000) -
45.5 average, including one 81 yard punt.
Long Snapper
1.
Dan Klecko
2.
Gary Barnidge
Kick Return
1.
Brandon Breazell
2.
Dexter Jackson
3.
Philip Buchanon
Punt Return
1.
Dexter Jackson
2.
Brandon Breazell
3.
Philip Buchanon
Special teams was another weakpoint on the roster but has received a huge retooling. A steal and UDFA from Wisconsin, Taylor Mehlhaff will be starting as a rookie and will be intensely retooling his approach to make it faster. He's an automatic lefty from 40 and in, has real power in his legs, and has experience in bad weather conditions. With his excellent work ethic, unlike drunkard Justin Medlock, he can easily fine-tune his game and develop chemistry with his LS and won't be getting in drunk driving accidents with female golf player in tow. Colquitt is one of the best punters out there and will continue to perform at a high level. Klecko's versatility brings him to long-snap along with Gary Barnidge, who himself has experience. The return game gets a facelift with two speedy and elusive WR's who were top-notch return men in college. Jackson and Breazell share the duties. Both are quick, agile, dynamic, and dependable guys with uncanny playmaking ability. Philip Buchanon, a very capable return man himself with playmaking ability, will provide experience to this group.
Total Players: 53
Team Salary: $52,665,000.00
Cap Space: $9,335,000
Chiefs Starting Lineup
Offense
QB - Joey Harrington
RB - Shaun Alexander / Kolby Smith
FB - Boomer Grigsby
WR - Dwyane Bowe
WR- Kevin Walter
WR - Brandon Stokely (slot)
TE - Tony Gonzalez
LT - Jake Long
LG - Brian Waters
C - Jeremy Newberry
RG - John Welbourn
RT - Damion McIntosh
LE - Tamba Hali
DT - Jason Ferguson
DT - Damione Lewis
RE - Jared Allen
OLB - Derrick Johnson
MLB - Napoleon Harris
OLB - Donnie Edwards
CB - Philip Buchanon
CB - Hank Poteat
FS - Jarrad Page
SS - Bernard Pollard
K - Taylor Mehlhaff
P - Dustin Colquitt
LS- Dan Klecko
KR - Brandon Breazell
PR - Dexter Jackson
Chiefs 2008 Projected Depth Chart (alternate positions in parenthesis)
QB - Joey Harrington / Brodie Croyle / Brian Brohm
RB - Shaun Alexander / Kolby Smith / Chris Perry / Chauncey Washington (FB)
FB - Boomer Grigsby
WR - Dwyane Bowe / Kevin Walter / Dexter Jackson
WR - Brandon Stokely / Justin Gage/ Brandon Breazell
TE - Tony Gonzalez / Robert Royal / Gary Barnidge
LT - Jake Long (RT) / Jon Scott (RT)
LG - Brian Waters (C) / Joe Toledo (RT) /
C - Jeremy Newberry (RG) / John Sullivan /
RG - John Welbourn / Shannon Tevaga (LG)
RT - Damion McIntosh (LT) / Geoff Schwartz (LG)
LE - Tamba Hali / Turk McBride (DT)
DT - Jason Ferguson / Alfonso Boone /
DT - Damione Lewis / DeMarcus Tyler / Dan Klecko (TE, FB, DT, DE, LT, LG, C, RG, RT, LB, QB, RB, CB, SS, WR, K, P, KR, PR)
RE - Jared Allen / Quentin Moses
OLB - Derrick Johnson / Jeff Ulbrich
MLB - Napoleon Harris / Jon McGraw (SS)
OLB - Donnie Edwards / Bruce Davis(DE)
CB - Philip Buchanon / Jason Webster / Orlando Scandrick
CB - Hank Poteat / Antoine Cason
FS - Jarrad Page / Jamar Adams (SS)
SS - Bernard Pollard / Deke Cooper (FS)
K - Taylor Mehlhaff
P - Dustin Colquitt
LS- Dan Klecko
KR - Brandon Breazell (PR)
PR - Dexter Jackson (KR)
Trades
With Raiders
Law, Tajuan CB for
4th round pick (#126)
5th round pick (#159)
A good trade for both sides as Chiefs unloaded salary and a declining player for two key draft picks. Raiders got a decent veteran starter.
With Buccaneers
Surtain, Patrick CB, Johnson, Larry RB, 3rd round pick (#67) for
2nd round pick (#53)
Alexander, Shaun
Buchanan, Philip
Another well-balanced trade that allowed Chiefs to acquire a franchise QB prospect, a more talented, productive and younger CB, and a solid veteran RB. Lost an experienced CB, talented though worn out RB, and a 3rd rounder. But Bucs did improve their RB corps with the deal and unloading Alexander's hefty salary.
2008 Draft Picks
(Round) (#) POSITION Name - (Mortenson draft grade)
(1)5. OT Jake Long - A
(2)36. CB Antoine Cason - A
(2)53. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville (from Tampa) - A
(4)101. DE/OLB Bruce Davis - A-
(4)126. CB Orlando Scandrick - B+
(5)129. C John Sullivan - B+
(5)132. WR Dexter Jackson - B+
(5)159. S Jamar Adams - A-
(6)163. OG Shannon Tevaga - B+
(7)197. RB Chauncey Washington - A-
Draft salary totals: $4,100,000
Overall - A-
Conclusion
So after much deliberation, the Chiefs, disappointed with their worst season in years, had a little powwow and set forth to correct our ills. We pinpointed deficiencies that plagued us last year as well as deficiencies that may plague us in the future. Last year, overall, we found we had troubles when players got winded or injured and depth just wasn't good enough to cover it. So, in response, every position has received incredible improvement in terms of depth ranging from youngsters with potential to hardy vets who could even start elsewhere. Versatility is key as many of our players can now perform well in multiple positions. Familiarity breeds success as the saying goes and we've added guys who can or already have instant camaraderie and chemistry. Three important positions on offense field talented Louisville alums (Brohm, Smith, Barnidge) and four important positions on offense and defense field exceptionally talented UCLA alums (Edwards, Davis, Page, Tevaga). Three hail from the same hometown of Torrance. With this kind of bond, we've readily fixed the disjointed and sometimes contentious roster that played like a chicken with two heads. In addition, we found ourselves in trouble with the salary cap. At one point even being over by almost $5 million. Now, we've trimmed it to being under $9 million while even improving the talent level. We've set ourselves up to be major players in FA next year, a luxury we hadn't been able to afford in a long time.
On the offensive side, the Chiefs had issues with an OL specifically at LT and C, which trickled down to the other positions. With the signing of hard-nosed veteran C Newberry pool and the drafting of a promising LT in Jake Long, we feel we've done the best we can in those areas. Age was expected to be a factor soon and we responded by filling each position with a youngster to groom much the same way we groomed out safeties. The C pool in FA and the draft was relatively weak but we found very good diamonds in the rough. Next was the perennial issue with WR talent. The Chiefs have never had more than one decent WR at a time for many years. This year, to complement rising star Dwyane Bowe, we acquired 3 productive and talented veterans to replace the undrafted rookie pool that had comprised our WR charts. Each of the three are worthy starters but "The Slot Machine" won out for the #2 spot while the other two each nabbed 700+ yards last season. With so much talent across the board, we may finally be able to give our RB and TE the help they need. Joey Harrington's a QB who needs a good support group to succeed and we have it. We also set out to establish a foundation for the future by selecting franchise QB prospect Brohm to pair with several projects (two from his alma mater). Everywhere across the board, depth and youth were added. With actual WR threats, an improved OL, and better QB play, the offense and especially the running game is instantly made better. Now defenses can't stack the box or double cover just Tony Gonzalez and/or Dwayne Bowe. And the team is so balanced, there's not one area where most defenses can easily match up.
On defense, we made sure to keep all that was good and maybe add a few more sandbags to bolster each spot. The unbelievably stupendous pass-rushing duo of Allen and Hali will now have even younger talented help in McBride and Moses rather than the undrafted unknowns who preceded them. We had a lot of issues containing the run, which is why we brought in stud DT Jason Ferguson and hardy vet Damione Lewis to keep blockers off our incredible group of LB's. Our LB crew stayed relatively the same, which is a good thing when it boasts 3 90+ tackle starters. But we added very qualified talent to back them up. We really anticipate Bruce Davis to eventually replace Edwards and he's got that intensity we need. With the secondary starting to turn grey, the Chiefs made moves that replaced talent with younger and most importantly, equal or better talent. Law and Surtain really dropped off in production and often had to be bailed out by our very good young safety crew. Now, comeback kid Buchanon and reliable Poteat hold the spots and we feel we've actually improved. We drafted Cason and Scandrick, two yin and yang corners in terms of style, to be the future of the secondary. Depth-wise, we had fielded lots of unknowns and undrafted FA's last season. Now, we not only added these fine draftees, but also signed a very experienced and talented CB in Jason Webster. And even our already superb starting safeties have been bolstered with depth. Deke Cooper could start for many teams and Jamar Adams is a project with major upside.
Special teams outside of punting was absolutely horrible for us. This time, we added a very good rookie K with a lot of promise and the work ethic to improve himself. Colquitt as always is one of the elite punters of the league. Special teams coverage improved greatly with the signing of ace Jeff Ulbrich and talent across the board. Our anemic return game now features two elusive and speedy WR's with an experienced return man in Buchanon for backup.
All in all, with solid drafting and key FA pickups, it was a great offseason for us. Kept existing talent and added more pieces to them. We finally made improvements on offense and we manage to improve our already great pass defense by also making it a solid run defense starting on the DL. In a division where neither the Chargers nor the Broncos made strides to improve themselves, we believe we've leapfrogged over them and have more than enough talent and depth to win it. Not bad for a team coming off a 4-12 season that was loaded with aging over-the-hill players and 1st year undrafted FA's. And indeed, we find a lot of parallels between us and the Super Bowl winning Giants: a much-maligned and average QB, a RB committee taking over the loss of a great starter, a revamped WR corps that features youthful speed combined with big-sized WR's, a talented TE corps, a solid OL, great pass-rushing DE's and DT's, rangy LB's, faster and deeper secondary, and top-notch safeties.
As a reward for having to read all that, please enjoy the following:
