Chiefs 30 FAs in 30 Days: King Dunlap

Mr_Tomahawk · 03-02-2012, 07:32 AM

30 FAs in 30 Days: King Dunlap

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...1-c5b6ac821a6d

NAME: King Dunlap
POSITION: Offensive Tackle

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-9, 330

COLLEGE: Auburn

GP/GS: 38/7

AGE/EXPEREINCE: 26/4 seasons

BACKGROUND: With a slim free agent market for offensive tackles boasting a number of aging veterans, Philadelphia’s King Dunlap is an intriguing option.

Though he has yet to break into the Eagles’ lineup as a regular starter, Dunlap is just 26 years old and has done a solid job the past two seasons in his role as Philly’s swing tackle. Dunlap is also a giant of a man, standing a 6’9” and weight 330 pounds. He’s put on 20 pounds since entering the league four years ago.

Originally a seventh-round pick of the Eagles in 2008, Dunlap was once considered a top NFL prospect. However, his draft stock fell after a poor senior season at Auburn saw him benched for inconsistency. In addition, the beginning to his professional career was derailed thanks to an ankle injury that wiped out his entire rookie season.

Dunlap regained his footing in 2009 and has served as Philadelphia’s swing tackle since 2010.

Dunlap made starts at left guard and left tackle last season and spent time as Philadelphia’s starting right tackle in 2010. In his seven career starts, three have come at left tackle, three at right tackle and one start occurred at left guard.

Last season, when Dunlap made his first career start at left guard, he became the tallest player in NFL history to play at guard in a regular season contest.

AVAILABILITY: The Eagles are set to pay starting right tackle Winston Justice $3.255 million next season. In addition, left tackle Jason Peters will earn $7.9 million in 2012 and guard/tackle Todd Herremans is set to make $2.2 million.

If a team wants to pony-up free agency cash for Dunlap, it might price the versatile lineman out of Philadelphia’s plans.

Dave Spadaro of PhiladelphiaEagles.com believes changes might be coming to the reserve ranks of the Eagles’ offensive line.

COACHING CONNECTIONS: There are no direct relationships connecting Dunlap to the Chiefs coaching staff.

WHY HE FITS: Dunlap is the type of free agent teams may take a long look at, especially if the team is thin at offensive tackle psition. Kansas City definitely fits that category with Branden Albertcurrently the only tackle with any starting experience signed for the 2012 season.

If Dunlap can compete for and secure a starting job this summer, he has the potential to be a real value player in this year’s free agent class. If not, he’s a proven swing player that can backup both tackle positions and even start at guard if an injury situation becomes dire.

The Chiefs will need to address offensive tackle in free agency unless multiple picks are used on the position in this year’s draft. Re-signing Barry Richardson is another option. So is adding a one-year stopgap on the downhill stride of his career.

Then there are a handful of free agent gambles like Dunlap, who may or may not be ready to take on a full-time gig.

More than a few teams are likely to take a flier.

suds79 · 03-02-2012, 08:08 AM

I remember this guy when he came out. Was skinny. He's really beefed up since then. Anybody seen him play? Was a swing tackle for Philly. So he can play some RT? Has the size (and I presume power) for it.

03-02-2012, 07:32 AM
Mr_Tomahawk Prestige Worldwide Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Spring Hill, KS Casino cash: $2790526	30 FAs in 30 Days: King Dunlap 30 FAs in 30 Days: King Dunlap http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...1-c5b6ac821a6d NAME: King Dunlap POSITION: Offensive Tackle HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-9, 330 COLLEGE: Auburn GP/GS: 38/7 AGE/EXPEREINCE: 26/4 seasons BACKGROUND: With a slim free agent market for offensive tackles boasting a number of aging veterans, Philadelphia’s King Dunlap is an intriguing option. Though he has yet to break into the Eagles’ lineup as a regular starter, Dunlap is just 26 years old and has done a solid job the past two seasons in his role as Philly’s swing tackle. Dunlap is also a giant of a man, standing a 6’9” and weight 330 pounds. He’s put on 20 pounds since entering the league four years ago. Originally a seventh-round pick of the Eagles in 2008, Dunlap was once considered a top NFL prospect. However, his draft stock fell after a poor senior season at Auburn saw him benched for inconsistency. In addition, the beginning to his professional career was derailed thanks to an ankle injury that wiped out his entire rookie season. Dunlap regained his footing in 2009 and has served as Philadelphia’s swing tackle since 2010. Dunlap made starts at left guard and left tackle last season and spent time as Philadelphia’s starting right tackle in 2010. In his seven career starts, three have come at left tackle, three at right tackle and one start occurred at left guard. Last season, when Dunlap made his first career start at left guard, he became the tallest player in NFL history to play at guard in a regular season contest. AVAILABILITY: The Eagles are set to pay starting right tackle Winston Justice $3.255 million next season. In addition, left tackle Jason Peters will earn $7.9 million in 2012 and guard/tackle Todd Herremans is set to make $2.2 million. If a team wants to pony-up free agency cash for Dunlap, it might price the versatile lineman out of Philadelphia’s plans. Dave Spadaro of PhiladelphiaEagles.com believes changes might be coming to the reserve ranks of the Eagles’ offensive line. COACHING CONNECTIONS: There are no direct relationships connecting Dunlap to the Chiefs coaching staff. WHY HE FITS: Dunlap is the type of free agent teams may take a long look at, especially if the team is thin at offensive tackle psition. Kansas City definitely fits that category with Branden Albertcurrently the only tackle with any starting experience signed for the 2012 season. If Dunlap can compete for and secure a starting job this summer, he has the potential to be a real value player in this year’s free agent class. If not, he’s a proven swing player that can backup both tackle positions and even start at guard if an injury situation becomes dire. The Chiefs will need to address offensive tackle in free agency unless multiple picks are used on the position in this year’s draft. Re-signing Barry Richardson is another option. So is adding a one-year stopgap on the downhill stride of his career. Then there are a handful of free agent gambles like Dunlap, who may or may not be ready to take on a full-time gig. More than a few teams are likely to take a flier.
Posts: 18,406

03-02-2012, 08:08 AM	#2
suds79 MVP Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $10005036	I remember this guy when he came out. Was skinny. He's really beefed up since then. Anybody seen him play? Was a swing tackle for Philly. So he can play some RT? Has the size (and I presume power) for it.
Posts: 5,747