Why The Chiefs Should Draft Eric Berry

The Draft is almost here 16 days infact. Theres still alot of mystery and debate about who the Chiefs should draft. Pundits say the Chiefs need to fix the offensive line Russell Okung? Bryan Bulaga? Why would a team draft another left tackle with the 5th pick when there are other elite prospects still on the board? It should be pointed out this is the same offensive line that only gave up six sacks the last eight games. Branden Albert shutdown pro bowler and NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil the last game of the season. The reason why the Chiefs offensive line struggled last year at times is obvious, the first part of the season Branden Albert was playing at a smaller weight and was getting over powered. Toward the end of the year when Albert put on his orginal playing weight the line started to improve, also change at right guard, of course Jamaal Charles helped out the oline too.


The Chiefs have a plethora of other needs but no other position was as abysmal as the secondary position specifically the safety position which mostly looked old, slow, and medicore at best. What would help out the secondary? A good pass rush? There are no pass rushers in the draft worth the 5th pick. A dominating D-line? The Chiefs have spent plenty of picks on defensive linemen they need a nose tackle however there are none that can play the nose tackle position that are worth the 5th pick. How bout the safety position? Winner. Eric Berry a 5'11 203 ILB safety from Tennessee accumulated 241 tackles and 14 ints in just three seasons at Tennessee.
The Chiefs ranked 31st aginst the run last year alot of that can be credited to guys like Mike Brown who missed takcles or weren't in position to make tackles because lack of speed. Berry will help aginst the run game he's an elite tackler that can play in the box. Berry will also be effective aginst the pass he's got ball hawking skills and would be one of the few in the league who matches up well aginst the likes of Antoino Gates who had 12 catches and 2 touchdowns vs the Chiefs last year.

Another argument is safeties aren't worth a top 5 pick while that might have been true in years past the evolution of three and four wide recievers have changed that. Safeties that can cover and play aginst the run are essential to a good defense. Troy Polamlu, Darren Sharper, Ed Reed are all good examples of why the Chiefs should draft Eric Berry.

Updated Mock Draft

Heres my update mock draft.


It looks like the Rams will pick Bradford and the Lions will either draft Okung or Suh which means McCoy or Suh will be there at 3 so Berry will slide to when the Chiefs pick.


With the first pick the Chiefs Select Eric Berry Safety Tennessee. Berry is a ball hawk and a sure tackler who can play both safety positions. Probably the biggest play maker on the defensive side of the ball in this draft. Compared to Ed Reed.


The first Second Round Pick: If not traded for Jarred Gaither will provide plenty of options for the Chiefs. I think the Chiefs should select a much needed pass rusher who will be groomed to replace Mike Vrabel. Selection: Jerry Hughes Defensive End/Linebacker TCU


The second Secound Round Pick: This pick is a bit of a reach but Pioli values linemen and a player like Vladmair Ducasse could fill the role at right tackle or if he struggles at tackle you can play him at guard which makes Brian Waters whos play has been on the decline the last few years makes him expendable. Selection: Vladmair Ducasse.



Third round pick: The defense has alot of holes this pick will fill one at defensive tackle. Linval Joseph is 6-5 and 328. Played at East Carolina and record 3 sacks and 60 tackles 13 of those coming behind the line of scrimmage. Selection Linval Joseph Defensive Tackle East Carolina.



Fourth Round Pick: The fourth round you draft the best player available. The Chiefs secondary wasn't very good last year and i'm not convinced Brandon Carr is a starter. Maurice Leggett isn't very good and Donald Washington is a project. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is an intriguing with great ball skills. The only knock on him is he's from a small school. Selection: Akwasi Owusu-Ansah Corner Back Indiana (PA)


Fifth Round Pick: The Chiefs have three fifth round picks and honestly i'd try to trade back if I could.


First Fifth Round Pick: The Chiefs still need to fill the ILB and Jamar Chaney would do a nice job at that. Cheney will be a better player than Brandon Spikes quote me on that. Chaney didn't play last year because of a broken ankle but is 6-1, 245 and runs a 4.5. Speed and athleticism is much needed in the linebacker position of the Chiefs defense. Selection: Jamar Chaney Inside Linebacker Mississippi State


Second Fifth Round Pick: The Chiefs still need to address the slot position and who better to select than Freddie Barnes who caught 155 passes and led the NCAA in receiving touchdowns with 19. Selection: Freddie Barnes Wide Receiver Bowling Green


Third Fith Round Pick: The Chiefs need a tight end since it looks like Brad Cottam might be done. Jimmy Graham is about the same size as Leonard Pope and might be a better catch passer when it's all said and done. He's still a project. Selection: Jimmy Graham Tight End Miami.

Thomas Jones, Free Agency, The Draft, And Other Avenues

Finally some free agent action! For the first time since the new regime took over there is a clear direction this team is moving in. This week the Chiefs have signed 3players; Thomas Jones, Shaun Smith, and Jerheme This aint the hood just Urban. What do these players provide besides connections to the tree? Depth. I can't remember the last time this team has had depth, Infact the way this franchise has drafted it's probably never had any depth.

Lets look at the biggest signing of the 3 Thomas Jones. Jones will be 32 when the season starts however his most productive season last year was behind a stout Jets offensive line. The only thing Jones will be asked to do here is take some carries away from Jamal Charles. What I suggest doing is everytime the offense needs to convert 2 or less yards put him in and piss pound the rock then in 2 years dump him like the girlfriend you never really liked.


Free Agency

Earlier today the Broncos once again dumped a talented player Andra Davis. According to Profootballfocus.com Andra Davis was the 5th rated inside linebacker in the league. Davis would be a much needed upgrade at the position paired with DJ the Chiefs would have a decent tandom at inside linebacker. Also OJ Atogwe reminds out in the market with no offers. For those counting at home I'm saying the Chiefs should sign Davis & Atogwae then focus to the draft.

The Draft

The media is now reporting on what I wrote about in my February 16th blog. Clausen is a possibility and should be a welcomed possibility. I believe we will see the Chiefs trade down a few spots with Cleveland if Berry & Clausen are on the board. The Browns released Anderson earlier this week and are shopping Brady Quinn. The Chiefs could move back a few spots get an extra 3rd round pick and select Clausen, then trade the first second round pick and a third for Jarred Gaither who can play both Right Tackle & Left Tackle. At 23 years old Gaither is just as good as any tackle prospect in this draft and wouldn't cost a first round pick. This would leave the Chiefs with a 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 3 5th round picks. With the remaining second round pick I would Chad Jones from LSU. Paired with Atogwae and Flowers the Chiefs would have one of the best secondaries in the NFL. In round 3 I would look to draft a big nose tackle that could rotate with Shaun Smith and Ron Edwards. Round 4 draft a center to replace Rudy Niswanger. With the remaining three 5th round picks draft the best available player.

Recap of what the roster would look like

Offense:

WR: Bowe
WR: Chambers

LT: Albert
LG: Waters
C: Draft pick
RG: Collin Brown
RT: Gaither

FB: Castille
HB: Charles & Thomas Jones

QB: Cassel or Clausen


Defense:
DE: Glenn Dorsey
DE: Tyson Jackson
NT: Draft pick

OLB: Hali
OLB: Vrabel
ILB: Davis
IlB: Johnson

CB: Flowers
CB: Carr
SS: Chad Jones
FS: Oj Atogwe

P: Colquitt
K: Succop


That team could compete next year.

Chiefs front office where are you?

When Scott Pioli was hired last year he promised to build a strong, smart, physical football team. Last off season he signd old, slow, ineffective veterans such as Mike Brown, Bobby Engram, Mike Goff, Corey Mays, The list goes on. 60% of the roster was turned over and the only Pioli player that contributed anything positive was the field goal kicker.


I promised I would give Pioli another off season before I would give an assessment but only a few days into free agency I can tellyou that Chiefs fans were sold a bill of goods. I don't expect the Chiefs to sign alot of players infact I prefer to build through the draft. Kevin Walters should have been the #1 target for the Chiefs this off season. Walters is a 28 year old veteran whos 6'3 can run of the catch and has some of the best hands in the league. Instead he re-signs with Houston for about 4 million a year. The Chiefs are currently are at 41 million dollars in player salaries, with a rennovated stadium too. This team easily could have outspent to get Walters instead they're interested in signing Thomas Jones a 31 year old running back who was released by the Jets. Jones will command atleast 3-4 million per year. So they'll pay a back up RB who'll be good for another year maybe 2 but not the perfect fit at WR who will produce for 5 more seasons?


The next player on the list is OJ Atogwae the most underrated player in the NFL. Atogwae who's 28 made 74 tackles and 3 picks last season with the Rams. Atogwae was placed with the lowest tender meaning no compensation is needed if a team were to sign him. Rumors are Atogwae has an injured shoulder and couldn't pass a physical at the moment but will be ready by the time camp staarts. His price tag? Only a million and some change. The Patriots are a brilliant franchise because they roll the dice and Atogwae is that kind of player that you take a chance with.


Hopefully i'm proven wrong by Pioli and crew though I doubt it. It will take more than playing musical chairs with assistant coaches for this franchise to be a success at the end of the day it's talent that wins and this team has none. When will fans of Kansas City no loner accept mediocrity?

Chiefs making moves?

Sources say the Chiefs could be making moves for a QB. When Charlie Weis was asked about Matt Cassel he said " He's what we have". Thats not exactly a ringing endorsment. Rumor has it the Chiefs have contacted the Browns about Brady Quinn however the asking price is too high. The Browns want atleast a 2nd round pick and another pick. The Chiefs like Quinn because of his relationship with with former head coach Charlie Weis and think he will provide competiton for Matt Cassel. Meanwhile if Clausen falls to around the 20 spot the Chiefs could trade both of their 2nd round picks to re-enter the first round to select Clausen. Look for current Chiefs backup QB Brodie Croyle to be traded for a late round pick. Croyle would fit perfectly with his old Offensive Cordinator Chan Gailey who's now the Buffalo Bills head coach.

Mock it out: 1 through 3

This years draft has alot of talented prospects on the defensive side of the ball and only a few player makers on offense. The good thing for the Chiefs is there will be some good prospects in the middle rounds to address the right side of the offensive line.




Round 1:

The Chiefs need a playmaker either on defense or offense. The Chiefs already have Jamal Charles so it's unlikely Scott Pioli would select CJ Spiller aka the next Percy Harvin. Chiefs fans should hope Eric Berry will fall to #5 in the draft however thats unlikely as either the Lions or Bucs will draft him. Also Dan Williams will rise up teams draft boards with his size and ability, Williams played like a dominate D-tackle in the senior bowl.




The Pick: Taylor Mays 6'3 230 runs a 4.4

Mays is comprable to Troy Polamalu. He has good size and is a very physical safety who will be great aginst the run. There was questions of how good would he be in pass coverage, Mays answered those nicely with his play in the Senior Bowl. A starter for all 4 years at USC Mays had a career year in tackles with 96 this past season.



Round 2



The Pick: Terrance Cody 6'5 365

The 3-4 defense isn't successful without a good d tackle. Cody not only fills a need for the Chiefs with the first 2nd round pick but also provides great value. Cody is immovable object who will draw plenty of double teams and tie up blockers. Do not expect Cody to provide alot of pass rush however with Cody, Dorsey, and a improved Tyson Jackson the Chiefs will have one of the best d-lines in the league making teams on dimensional.


The Pick: Mardy Gilyard 6'1 180

Mardy Gilyard is a home run type player who again would give the Chiefs great value in the second round. Not only will Gilyard be a solid WR for years to come but also a good kickoff and punt returner something the Chiefs aren't set on. The only question will be how does Gilyard adjust from a spread offense to a NFL offense.



Round 3

This should be the round where the Chiefs have a few options to either address the right side of the offensive line, The Big Running Back, or even inside linebacker.


The Pick: Lagarrette Blount 6'2 235

Lagarrette Blount is a first round talent but do to character issues will drop to the 2nd or 3rd round. He's a big back the Chiefs need. Lagarrette Blount averaged 7.3 YPC and scored 17 touchdowns his junior season.





Next Blog will be the later round picks which are hard to project as players stock rises and falls. A good example would be Cam Thomas the defensive tackle from North Carolina. He was projected to be a mid to late pick but has great size and agility whos flashed alot of potential.

The Band is Back Together

A whole season without a blog entry is telling of how the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs season went and has been a tale of the franchise for years now.

Let's start off by revewing the season which was highlighted by both inconsistant play and coaching. The Chiefs made a step in the right direction by hiring two proven cordinators, Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis. Crennel will oversee one of the worst defenses in the NFL while Charlie Weis takes over a offense that averaged 410 yards a game thanks to the emergence of Jamal Charles and the improved play of the offensive line. Still there is work that needs to be done and Charlie Weis is one of the most QB friendly offensive cordinators in the game and Cassel still needs to improve the Chiefs passing game which ranked 25th overall. There are some rumors that current CFL head coach John Huffnagel could be the QB coach in Kansas City. Huffnagel worked with the likes of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Mark Brunell who threw for a career low 7 int's the year Huffnagel was the QB coach.

It will be the Chiefs defense that needs the most work though there were some improves in 2009. Glenn Dorsey was the most improved player on the Chiefs team, it's no coincidence that when Dorsey was out the Browns ran for over 300 yards on the Chiefs. Brandon Flowers is proving to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league despite there being a marginal pass rush and terrible safety play. Tamba Hali proved that he can still get to the Quarterback even in the 3-4 defense even though he is a below average player aginst the run and average at best in coverage. Theres no doubt Hali will be one to watch in 2010 which will be telling of how good the new coaching staff is. Romeo Crennel was the most coveted coach this offseason, a handful of teams were rumored to have interest in Crennel. The Chiefs will have to address the Nose Tackle, Linebackers, and Safety positons in free agency and the draft.


I'll post blogs throughout the offseason. Enjoy.