NFL Camp Preview: Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have been in a downward spiral ever since Dick Vermeil re-retired and Trent Green suffered his last concussion. The Chiefs have descended from being an offensive juggernaut and perennial playoff contender to NFL bottom feeder in a matter of three years culminating with long time General Manager Carl Peterson stepping down and Head Coach Herm Edwards being fired this past offseason.
Former Patriots personnel guru Scott Pioli has been hired as the new General Manager and Todd Haley was lured away from the Arizona Cardinals to be the new head man. Pioli did not waste any time in trying to upgrade this team by sending a mere second round draft pick to the Patriots in exchange for Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel. The other major move Pioli made was by trading Tony Gonzalez, the long-time face of the franchise, to the Falcons for a second round draft pick in the 2010 draft.
Gonzalez is still arguably one of the top five tight ends in the league and his production and leadership will truly be missed in Kansas City this season. But the stark reality of it is that by the time the Chiefs are serious contenders again Gonzalez is likely not going to be playing close to the level he is now. The Chiefs have purged the roster of a lot of the old guard the past couple of years and are now in the process of rebuilding the roster with younger talent.
Key Veteran Additions – Monty Beisel (LB), Matt Cassel (QB), Bobby Engram (WR), Mike Goff (G), Zack Thomas (LB), Mike Vrabel (LB)
Matt Cassel was the biggest off season acquisition for the Chiefs. Cassel is fresh off his breakout season with the Patriots in which he stepped in for the injured Tom Brady and guided the Patriots to an 11-5 record. There are those who remain skeptical of Cassel and think he is more a product of the Pats system than an actual franchise QB and have been critical of the Chiefs decision to give him a six year deal worth more than $60 million before seeing how he is going to perform for them this fall.
With the anticipated switch to the 3-4 defensive front this summer the Chiefs went out and grabbed a couple of veteran linebackers who have experience playing in the 3-4 scheme. Veteran Mike Vrabel was acquired in the Cassel deal form the Patriots and while he is past his prime he will give the defense some needed leadership and toughness and help boost an abysmal pass rush that recorded a paltry 10 sacks last season.
The aging Zack Thomas was brought in from Dallas to sure up the inside run defense. Thomas does not have the range he once did but he is still a solid tackler and run defender.
Monty Beisel will provide some depth and veteran leadership and should see action spelling Thomas.
Bobby Engram is penciled in as the third receiver and could challenge Mark Bradley and Devard Darling for the other starting job at wide receiver.
The aging Mike Goff is expected to step in and start at right guard.
Key Rookie Additions – Tyson Jackson (DE), Alex Magee (DL), Donald Washington (CB)
Taking Tyson Jackson with the third overall pick was a bit of a surprise to some given the Chiefs overwhelming need for an elite pass rusher, offensive linemen, and linebackers. Although Jackson was considered the best natural 3-4 defensive end available in the draft so it is not a shock they went this route. Jackson is strong against the run and should occupy blockers the only major downside to him is he is not much of a pass rusher.
The Chiefs current plan of attack involves moving defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey to play one of the end positions in the new defensive front. Alex Magee is expected to back him up and if Dorsey falters Magee could see signficant playing time this fall.
Donald Washington is considered a steal in the fourth round by some and is expected to challenge for the nickel back job.
Key Position Battles
Despite having the makings of a pretty bad team the Chiefs seem to be pretty set on who their starters are going to be which is probably more a testament to just not having any quality depth on the roster more than anything else. One spot to keep an eye on will left end where Glenn Dorsey is trying to make the transition from defensive tackle. Rookie Alex Magee will be right there if Dorsey cannot do it.
Another position to keep an eye on will be tight end where Haley will be trying to figure out who will be replacing Tony Gonzalez. Brad Cottam is considered the front runner coming into camp but reports out of minicamps have him dropping a lot of passes thus giving Sean Ryan and Tony Curtis a shot to wrestle the job away from him.
A third key spot is at the wide receiver position opposite Dwayne Bowe. Devard Darling and Mark Bradley split time there last season but neither did enough to establish themselves as the starter coming into camp. Veteran Bobby Engram caught as many passes, 47, as Darling and Bradley did combined last season and he could push for the job in camp if neither Bradley or Darling looks to be significantly improved over last season.
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