Justin Houston, Aldon Smith, Ryan Kerrigan

[nicfre2006]

Originally Posted by milkman

Good first post.

Who ya got at NT, WR and along the O-Line?

Thanks.
The answer to those positions for me is really a combination of the draft and free agency. As far as nose tackle goes, personally, I like Phil Taylor. I think when it is all said and done he will have the talent and potential to warrant a first round pick. The key will be if he can show teams that he has matured and is ready to take his opportunity in the NFL seriously. Whenever a player has some character concerns (however small they may seem to most), it always is an issue to look into because you never know how a player will react when he has an NFL contract and NFL notoriety. If we added Phil Taylor in the first round (preferrably after trading down a couple of spots) I wouldn't have a problem at all because it would mean that Pioli and company would feel comfortable enough that Taylor has turned the corner so-to-speak and put his off-field issues behind him to commit first round money to him.

As for wide receiver, I really like the idea of adding a veteran opposite Dwayne Bowe. In the Baltimore game it was pretty obvious to me that our receivers could get absolutely no separation from the coverage - and the defensive scheme could roll to Bowe in coverage. Breaston has experience with Todd Haley, and although we obviously don't know what type of working relationship they had, the familiarity could be a positive for the Chiefs if Breaston hits the market. If he checks out medically, I think he would be an excellent free agent addition. His experience would be a definite plus and his consistency would be much needed - he just knows how to get open. I wouldn't expect Breaston to explode statistically, but his ability to get open over the middle and in the intermediate passing game could take some pressure off of Bowe and combine with Tony Meoaki to give us another reliable target. The next target in upgrading the passing game would be to find a deep threat to further open things up in the middle of the field. I would look at finding a middle to late round developmental wide receiver to try and fill this role.

On the offensive line, I would look to find a long term solution in the draft at the center position. I don't think Ryan Kalil of the Panthers or Lyle Sendlein of the Cardinals will hit the free agent market. A player I like in round 3 (round 4 might be too late by the time we pick) is Tim Barnes from Missouri. From what I have heard he is a hard worker and has a good reputation as a solid teammate. This is just from what I have read in various places.

I would like to see us re-sign Barry Richardson at right tackle, but to bring in some competition. A player I like to fill the role of competition/depth at right tackle is Tyler Polumbus. An undrafted rookie free agent originally signed by the Broncos, he has experience in the zone blocking scheme during his time with the Broncos. I have inquired about Polumbus to Seahawks fans and while they admit he isn't necessarily someone you want starting a full season at right tackle, he does bring value for the depth he provides.

Another possible mid-level free agent I would really like to see the Chiefs show interest in is Miami Dolphin defensive end Tony McDaniel. They have a log jam at the defensive end position, but when McDaniel has played, he has been solid. He is noted on their NFL.com roster as a nose tackle and when I asked some Miami fans, they mentioned he has rotated at both defensive end and nose tackle when needed due to injury, although they admitted what I suspected - he is much better suited to play defensive end. Because of the situation in Miami with several players vying for playing time, I do think McDaniel will be the odd man out, but not because they don't want him, but because combined with the depth at that position, they also have to consider retaining nose tackle Paul Soliai. I really would like to see the Chiefs bring in someone to compete with Tyson Jackson. I am not a big fan of Jackson, but having someone on the roster who will compete with him could light a fire. And there is one thing that I will definitely credit Pioli and Haley with - if a player performs in practice and works hard, he will have a shot to get playing time and start regardless of who they are. Another name I like as a possibility at defensive end is Ray McDonald. I prefer McDaniel, but either way, I would like someone to add to the rotation, provide depth, and help motivate Jackson to step it up.

I didn't mean to hijack this thread.....sorry.