Chiefs Paylor: Five things to watch at the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp - Page 3

**Tribal Warfare** · 05-23-2014, 09:16 PM

Five things to watch at the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp
The Kansas City Star

1. How healthy is Aaron Murray? This is perhaps the biggest story of camp. The Chiefs didn’t let a torn ACL prevent them taking the prolific ex-Georgia quarterback in the fifth round, and the obvious hope is that he’s quality developmental prospect with a high ceiling. Murray declared himself healthy immediately following his selection, saying he’s currently doing everything — running, jumping, dropbacks, rollouts — to prepare for the upcoming season. Chiefs general manager John Dorsey was a little more cautious, however, saying Murray may not be “full go” until training camp.

That said, it will be interesting to see how many restrictions the Chiefs place on Murray, who will battle with Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray for the top backup jobs, at least for this season.

2. Where will De’Anthony Thomas line up? The Chiefs currently list their dynamic fourth-round pick as a running back, which is a tad curious considering he checks in as a lightweight at 5 feet 9 and 174 pounds and will be playing behind established contributors in Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis. Thomas played running back his senior year at Oregon, but he scored 46 touchdowns over his career in a variety of roles, including slot receiver, kick returner and punt returner. It’s practically a given the Chiefs will use Thomas in the latter roles, but given the sizable hole at slot receiver left by Dexter McCluster, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in the offseason, it would be a mild surprise if Thomas didn’t log the majority of his snaps there this season. It will also be interesting to see what jersey number Thomas ends up with, as he is the only member of the draft class to not be assigned his digits.

3. Dee Ford’s juice. The Chiefs felt strong enough about the Auburn pass-rusher’s potential to take him at No. 23 overall in the draft, despite the fact that they have two very good players at outside linebacker in Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. This is a long-term play for the Chiefs, who know the best way to compete in today’s pass-happy NFL is by hitting the quarterback early and often.

For this year, at least, he will rotate in and provide insurance in case Houston and Hali get hurt, as they did late last season. But with Hali turning 31 this year and boasting a large cap number next year, a strong season by Ford could speed the veteran’s departure, considering the club stands to save about $9 million by cutting him in 2015. That said, it will be interesting to see how much of Ford’s speed around the corner on his college tape translates when watching him in person.

4. Phillip Gaines’ press-coverage technique. After watching his secondary get eviscerated the second half of last season, Dorsey took the lanky, long-armed corner with 4.38 speed in the third round to give his cornerback group a dose of athleticism. Gaines primarily played press-man coverage at Rice, which is the Chiefs’ coverage of choice. It will be interesting to see how natural he looks when trying to play physically at the line of scrimmage and defending the rub and pick routes that tortured the secondary late last year.

5. Can any non-drafted rookies stick? The Chiefs have brought in a handful of intriguing undrafted rookies, including Brigham Young safety Daniel Sorensen and Georgia State receiver/return man Albert Wilson, who were pegged by some to be drafted.

The Chiefs’ free safety play was poor toward the end of last season, and they didn’t bring in any new bodies in the offseason, instead preferring to give Husain Abdullah (who played well when given an opportunity) and Sanders Commings (a 2013 fifth-rounder whose rookie year was all but wiped out because of injuries) a shot at the job. If Sorensen, who was productive at BYU, has a productive camp, he could stick for a while.

The same can be said for Wilson, who had a profilic return career at Georgia State and could help a team that lost its starting punt and kick returners from last season.

Discuss Thrower · 05-25-2014, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

Will probably be cut.

I'm not so sure.

He's just a few seasons removed from being a player with back-to-back 1,000+ yard returner.

It's a long shot and my guess is probably ill-informed and incorrect, but I think if he can prove as adequate as Cyrus Gray as an all-around STer and emergency RB, he'll stick on the roster primarily for his KR skill, because that can limit Knile's exposure to injury and fatigue.

Think of these skill players:

RB: JC, Knile Davis, Cyrus Gray, Joe McKnight

FB: Anthony Sherman.

WR: Bowe, Avery, Jenkins, Hemingway, DAT, Weston Dressler, Kyle Williams,

TE: Fasano, McGrath, Kelce, Demetrius Harris

Last season, the Chiefs carried three RBs, one FB, five WRs and two, sometimes three, TEs on the 46-man.

That's 11 guys, tops 12. The WR depth chart will probably be the first five I've listed and pretty much unchanged from last year, aside from switching McCluster with Jenkins and Jenkins with DAT. Until Kelce proves that his knee isn't swiss cheese like it probably is, those will be the three tight ends on the roster. Sherman's a shoo-in at fullback since he can catch the ball.

Really, what does KC get out of keeping Gray on the roster as a special teamer if McKnight can do the same things and is better at getting KR yardage? If the offense ever does get body bagged like it did against Indy, well, they're screwed anyway and it's not like the Chiefs acquired any better of an all-around RB in the offseason to warrant keeping on the active roster.

Going out of their way to sign McKnight while still in the 2013 season feels like it was more than a move to get camp bodies than what it appears to be.

**Easy 6** · 05-25-2014, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Messier

Sure, say that now with the benefit of hindsight. I mean now that we know he sucks.

**Easy 6** · 05-25-2014, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

All of this is especially true when it comes to pass rushers.
Anyone who watched what happened last season should have been wishing for them.
Both the scheme, and the players look solid when our guys are getting there.
Now, let's hope Poe gets some snaps off too.

Yep, agreed with all... but we can afford a gassed Poe more than we can afford only one good OLB.

Dee Ford, even if he's somewhat one dimensional at the beginning, will be worth his weight in gold as the season goes on... he's a Chiefs 1st rounder who actually deserves it and may actually live up to it.

Pass rushers you bitches, never can have enough of them...

**Bowser** · 05-25-2014, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

DAT will be the 3rd RB on the depth chart which will allow us to keep another WR. Charles and Davis are just fine to carry the season long load.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Discuss Thrower

McKnight..

I think McKnight is a dark horse in this scenario. He's been with the team since January learning the offense and special teams plays. Thomas is your punt returner and McKnight is your kick returner. Plus, I think McKnight can be a weapon in this offense. The Jets have been an absolute dumpster fire on O and have misutilized him basically since he's been there, or just flat haven't given him enough opportunities. Add to that McKnight can actually pick up the blitz, and you've got yourself a hell of a backfield.

Jamaal
Knile
McKnight
Thomas
Sherman
??

I think Knile starts the year on PUP and Joe will be the primary backup. DAT will see work on third downs. The question is will they start the year with only 5 backs, or add another FB/HB (Gray makes the squad while Davis rehabs)?

**RealSNR** · 05-25-2014, 05:34 PM

We have no clue if McKnight is what he used to be, and it's not like he was a big deal anyway.

And I'd really prefer to keep Thomas at WR full time. I worry we're going to Dexter McCluster him and make him a worthless pile of crap like Haley did.

milkman · 05-25-2014, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

We have no clue if McKnight is what he used to be, and it's not like he was a big deal anyway.

And I'd really prefer to keep Thomas at WR full time. I worry we're going to Dexter McCluster him and make him a worthless pile of crap like Haley did.

I don't think it was going to make any difference how McCluster was used.

He was what he was, though I don't think he was a worthless pile of crap.

He was, and is, never going to be the playmaker that Pioli believed he was selecting.

**Bowser** · 05-25-2014, 05:38 PM

To be sure - McKnight is a low risk/high reward signing, the kind that Dorsey seemed to excel at last season. He's enough of a vet to come in and be a reliable backup if Davis isn't ready to go. And like I said, I encouraged that he has been here basically the entire offseason getting familiar with our guys and what we do. We'll see with him.

As far as Thomas goes - I want them to use him where he will create the biggest matchup problems for the opposing defense. Out wide, in the slot, the wing, H-Back, split set....wherever. Just get him the ball where he can use that speed and do the most damage.

**RealSNR** · 05-25-2014, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I don't think it was going to make any difference how McCluster was used.

He was what he was, though I don't think he was a worthless pile of crap.

He was, and is, never going to be the playmaker that Pioli believed he was selecting.

Agreed, although I would assert that it wasn't until he was playing at WR full time that he was anything more than a valuable kick/punt returner to this team.

While he wasn't completely ineffective at RB like some guys we've had (Mike Cloud-type worthless shitsacks) the issue was we ran DESIGNED plays for him that took away chances to get the ball in the hands of far more valuable playmakers. And those designed plays were ineffective and horrific nightmares, considering they usually involved getting McCluster the ball several yards in the backfield either on a shotgun handoff or a delayed bubble screen. The whole Haley mindset was to "just get him the ball in space, and he'll totally break it!" Haley, Old Fart Muir, and Dumb**** Daboll never learned that McCluster isn't that kind of player. He lacked the speed, agility, and strength to be that guy. Jamaal Charles is that guy. McCluster was not.

milkman · 05-25-2014, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Agreed, although I would assert that it wasn't until he was playing at WR full time that he was anything more than a valuable kick/punt returner to this team.

While he wasn't completely ineffective at RB like some guys we've had (Mike Cloud-type worthless shitsacks) the issue was we ran DESIGNED plays for him that took away chances to get the ball in the hands of far more valuable playmakers. And those designed plays were ineffective and horrific nightmares, considering they usually involved getting McCluster the ball several yards in the backfield either on a shotgun handoff or a delayed bubble screen. The whole Haley mindset was to "just get him the ball in space, and he'll totally break it!" Haley, Old Fart Muir, and Dumb**** Daboll never learned that McCluster isn't that kind of player. He lacked the speed, agility, and strength to be that guy. Jamaal Charles is that guy. McCluster was not.

I would assert that it Dave Toub's special teams.

McCluster lacked speed, elusiveness, and the strength to break tackles.

His only real assets was he could catch the ball and follow blocks.

He wasn't a plow horse, but neither was he a stud.

Solid contributor.

Nothing more.
Nothing less.

05-23-2014, 09:16 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $922813	Paylor: Five things to watch at the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp Five things to watch at the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp The Kansas City Star 1. How healthy is Aaron Murray? This is perhaps the biggest story of camp. The Chiefs didn’t let a torn ACL prevent them taking the prolific ex-Georgia quarterback in the fifth round, and the obvious hope is that he’s quality developmental prospect with a high ceiling. Murray declared himself healthy immediately following his selection, saying he’s currently doing everything — running, jumping, dropbacks, rollouts — to prepare for the upcoming season. Chiefs general manager John Dorsey was a little more cautious, however, saying Murray may not be “full go” until training camp. That said, it will be interesting to see how many restrictions the Chiefs place on Murray, who will battle with Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray for the top backup jobs, at least for this season. 2. Where will De’Anthony Thomas line up? The Chiefs currently list their dynamic fourth-round pick as a running back, which is a tad curious considering he checks in as a lightweight at 5 feet 9 and 174 pounds and will be playing behind established contributors in Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis. Thomas played running back his senior year at Oregon, but he scored 46 touchdowns over his career in a variety of roles, including slot receiver, kick returner and punt returner. It’s practically a given the Chiefs will use Thomas in the latter roles, but given the sizable hole at slot receiver left by Dexter McCluster, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in the offseason, it would be a mild surprise if Thomas didn’t log the majority of his snaps there this season. It will also be interesting to see what jersey number Thomas ends up with, as he is the only member of the draft class to not be assigned his digits. 3. Dee Ford’s juice. The Chiefs felt strong enough about the Auburn pass-rusher’s potential to take him at No. 23 overall in the draft, despite the fact that they have two very good players at outside linebacker in Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. This is a long-term play for the Chiefs, who know the best way to compete in today’s pass-happy NFL is by hitting the quarterback early and often. For this year, at least, he will rotate in and provide insurance in case Houston and Hali get hurt, as they did late last season. But with Hali turning 31 this year and boasting a large cap number next year, a strong season by Ford could speed the veteran’s departure, considering the club stands to save about $9 million by cutting him in 2015. That said, it will be interesting to see how much of Ford’s speed around the corner on his college tape translates when watching him in person. 4. Phillip Gaines’ press-coverage technique. After watching his secondary get eviscerated the second half of last season, Dorsey took the lanky, long-armed corner with 4.38 speed in the third round to give his cornerback group a dose of athleticism. Gaines primarily played press-man coverage at Rice, which is the Chiefs’ coverage of choice. It will be interesting to see how natural he looks when trying to play physically at the line of scrimmage and defending the rub and pick routes that tortured the secondary late last year. 5. Can any non-drafted rookies stick? The Chiefs have brought in a handful of intriguing undrafted rookies, including Brigham Young safety Daniel Sorensen and Georgia State receiver/return man Albert Wilson, who were pegged by some to be drafted. The Chiefs’ free safety play was poor toward the end of last season, and they didn’t bring in any new bodies in the offseason, instead preferring to give Husain Abdullah (who played well when given an opportunity) and Sanders Commings (a 2013 fifth-rounder whose rookie year was all but wiped out because of injuries) a shot at the job. If Sorensen, who was productive at BYU, has a productive camp, he could stick for a while. The same can be said for Wilson, who had a profilic return career at Georgia State and could help a team that lost its starting punt and kick returners from last season.
Posts: 42,075

05-25-2014, 05:34 PM	#35
RealSNR Special Teams ACE!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Where the hell is SNR Casino cash: $2370208	We have no clue if McKnight is what he used to be, and it's not like he was a big deal anyway. And I'd really prefer to keep Thomas at WR full time. I worry we're going to Dexter McCluster him and make him a worthless pile of crap like Haley did.
Posts: 90,428

05-25-2014, 05:38 PM	#37
Bowser sorta mod-ish Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KC North Casino cash: $3451616	To be sure - McKnight is a low risk/high reward signing, the kind that Dorsey seemed to excel at last season. He's enough of a vet to come in and be a reliable backup if Davis isn't ready to go. And like I said, I encouraged that he has been here basically the entire offseason getting familiar with our guys and what we do. We'll see with him. As far as Thomas goes - I want them to use him where he will create the biggest matchup problems for the opposing defense. Out wide, in the slot, the wing, H-Back, split set....wherever. Just get him the ball where he can use that speed and do the most damage.
Posts: 100,637