Gretz article on the final 53

[O.city]

I'm on my phone so all you're getting is a link, sorry.

http://www.chiefsdigest.com/four-players-flying-under-the-radar-for-spots-on-chiefs-roster/

[mdchiefsfan]

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – There are 90 players on the Chiefs roster fighting for 53 spots, and then 10 jobs on the club’s practice squad.

Even the casual fan can fill the first 30-35 of those slots based on returning players, 2015 draft choices and those added in the offseason for big-dollar contracts.

The fight for the remaining 18 jobs is an every-day constant for those dreaming of an opportunity to play in the NFL regular season. Every year undrafted rookies and free agents off the street seemingly come out of nowhere to land in the opening 53-man group.

Here are four current Chiefs that are flying under the radar, with little public attention from fans and the media. These players still face long odds and must have other factors fall in their favor for roster success.

When it comes to the decision makers that will shape the roster, they are very much on the radar screen.

Tight end Ryan Taylor: A veteran of four previous seasons in the NFL, Taylor was signed on May 21, about 10 days after he was released by the Miami Dolphins. The North Carolina native spent 54 regular season and postseason games with the Green Bay Packers (2011-14). Last season, he was claimed on waivers by both Baltimore, and then Cleveland, where he played eight games with the Browns. Over his career, he has eight catches for 45 yards and one touchdown, all with the Packers.

The Chiefs have their third tight end spot open for competition with Taylor, Richard Gordon and Adam Schiltz. On the PUP list is Demetrius Harris, who continues to rehab from foot surgery back in May. Gordon and Schiltz were with the Chiefs at various times last season, so they have a step up on Taylor when it comes to understanding the offense.

But it’s been Taylor who has gained noticed for his catching ability, as he’s been able to pull down throws in the intermediate routes in coach Andy Reid’s offense. The only thing that’s slowed him down was a quadriceps contusion he suffered when linebacker Derrick Johnson hit him in the thigh as he was running after making a catch. That cost him three days of practice.

“Ryan is another guy that’s improving,” Reid said. “He got banged up early; he’s come back out and he’s made improvements. He’s a tough kid and we understand that. I think it’s a matter of just continuing to get reps in this offense. This is new to him, so the more he gets, the better he’s going to be.”

Offensive lineman Jarrod Pughsley: There’s no question Pughsley caught the attention of a lot of folks in the preseason opener against Arizona and he stood as the No. 3 tackle in Monday’s practice at Missouri Western State University. When left tackle Eric Fisher went down with a sprained ankle, right tackle Donald Stephenson moved to the other side and Pughsley replaced him at right tackle. Then with the second offensive line, Pughsley played left tackle.

Throughout the offseason work, Pughsley spent the large majority of his time at guard. But he’s been almost exclusively a tackle since the start of training camp and he’s displayed good footwork and quickness playing on the edge. He’s 6-4, 310 pounds, and entered the league in 2014 as a college free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. Released at the start of training camp, he was signed by the Chiefs last October for the practice squad.

“We saw good things in the game and good things today; he had a lot of reps,” Reid said. “He’s not short on opportunities out here. He got a lot of reps in the game and then we asked him to come out here and take a lot of reps today. I’m sure he’s a little bit tired and sore, but he did a nice job of pushing through it.”

Any young player that is getting a lot of opportunities from the coaching staff in training camp is evidence enough that he’s on the radar screen for the 53-man consideration.

Linebacker Dezman Moses: He joined the Chiefs on Sept. 1, 2013 when he was claimed on waivers after he was released by Green Bay. Moses played 13 games with the Chiefs that season, but produced just four tackles on special teams. Last year, he was on the injured-reserve list due to an elbow injury.

At Tulane University, Moses was a defensive end and in the transition to outside linebacker, and he’s always shown the ability to provide an explosive pass rush. What he has never gotten, not in one year with the Packers or in 13 games with the Chiefs, is a real opportunity for snaps to show his ability.

In this camp, Moses has very quickly displayed athletic skills with his 6-2, 245-pound frame. In one-on-one situations in the pass rush, tackles have struggled to stop him. Plus, he’s had snaps at inside linebacker as well.

It’s a crowded field at linebacker with the Chiefs right now, but if he can stay healthy, Moses had a very good chance to be among the final players selected.

Defensive lineman David Irving: Two arrests while he was at Iowa State University knocked Irving out of consideration for the 2015 NFL Draft. That was too bad for him, but it has turned out to be a good thing for the Chiefs who signed him as an undrafted free agent in May. In training camp, it’s hard to miss the athletic ability Irving has displayed during drills, practices and the preseason opener against the Cardinals. At 6-7¾ and a lanky 272 pounds, he calls to mind the late-Pittsburgh defensive end L.C. Greenwood (6-6, but only 245 pounds.)

Irving has long arms and he does a good job of using those limbs and his hands against blockers. On his Pro-Day workout back in March, he was timed in 4.84 seconds in the 40-yard dash, with a 38-inch vertical jump. He has a wingspan of 87¾ inches. On top of all that, he has not yet turned 22 years old; his birthday is on Tuesday.

“He’s got to continue to grow,” said Reid. “He’s got to do better on the line against the run and the pass. He’s working, so you give him the credit of that and he’s improving.”

In November 2013, Irving was charged with domestic assault in Ames, Iowa, after an incident with the mother of his child. He was suspended for a game, but charges were eventually dropped two months later. In April 2014, he took part in Veishea which is annually the largest student-run festival in the nation, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors to the ISU campus each year. But last year, a riot ensued among those taking part in the 92-year old tradition and a picture of Irving holding a stop sign that had been ripped from the ground made its way to social media. He was charged with fifth-degree theft, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief, and was dismissed from the team.

Based on his physical tools and skills, it’s hard to believe Irving won’t make the final 53-man roster. He may face an NFL redshirt season with little actual game experience, but if this young man can control himself off the field, he has a future on the field in the NFL.

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Bob Gretz is the senior editor for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @BobGretzcom.



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Tags: David Irving, Dezman Moses, Jarrod Pughsley, Ryan Taylor

[ThaVirus]

How does a guy that's 6'7" have an 7'3" wingspan? I'd heard of Julius Peppers at 6'6" having a 7' wingspan and that's pretty incredible.

[ThaVirus]

And Irving is only 21? Holy balls, keep that fucker around.

[mdchiefsfan]

How does a guy that's 6'7" have an 7'3" wingspan? I'd heard of Julius Peppers at 6'6" having a 7' wingspan and that's pretty incredible.

Had not one clue. The issue I have with the wingspan is there will be more for OL to grab ahold of and more motion required to fight of blocks.

Look out if he gets his chest into you, though.

[mdchiefsfan]

If he would've gone for basketball, he'd have freakish length at the SF position.

[ThaVirus]

I think arm length is an absolute plus for a lineman. If he can master hand-fighting, no lineman will be able to get a hold of him and then he'll be a fucking nightmare.

He is pretty long in the body, though. I wonder if he can consistently gain the upper hand in the leverage department at 3-4 end with his height and "slim" build.

[mdchiefsfan]

I know this is focused on sleepers, but I was quite pleased with Broen's performance. Avant will be feeling some heat if Williams and Brown turn out another quality showing against Seattle.

[mdchiefsfan]

I think arm length is an absolute plus for a lineman. If he can master hand-fighting, no lineman will be able to get a hold of him and then he'll be a fucking nightmare.

He is pretty long in the body, though. I wonder if he can consistently gain the upper hand in the leverage department at 3-4 end with his height and "slim" build.

I could see that translation. I guess I'm seeing it as more movement needed = slower response times. Could be wrong.

[MotherfuckerJones]

I'm excited for this kid. These unknown players/under the radar guys are how GMs make their money.

[Rudy tossed tigger's salad]

I just want the right 53

[mdchiefsfan]

I'm excited for this kid. These unknown players/under the radar guys are how GMs make their money.

Without a doubt. With the salary cap set up as is in the NFL, you have to find the bottled lightning, though I will say the change in rookie pay has benefitted the league tremendously.

[MotherfuckerJones]

I just want the best 53

FYP every time I hear "right 53" I think about Egoli

[MotherfuckerJones]

Without a doubt. With the salary cap set up as is in the NFL, you have to find the bottled lightning, though I will say the change in rookie pay has benefitted the league tremendously.

Yup. Just imagine if we hit on West and Irving. The only resources in them is money. Draft is a crap shoot. There will be hits and misses.

[mdchiefsfan]

I'm pulling for Pughsley. He's a long shot, but about as long of a shot as hoping Stephenson pans out in his final contractual year.

[mdchiefsfan]

Yup. Just imagine if we hit on West and Irving. The only resources in them is money. Draft is a crap shoot. There will be hits and misses.

I think we hit on West. If Davis' injury hampers him too long he could be getting plenty of time to rest his injury.

That is no knock on Davis. I do think he is a quality backup, I just think West is way more versatile. Davis' lack of vision is quite apparent and it pains me to see what could be a bully with the ball, ducking and dodging to gain 3.

[O.city]

That length will allow Irving to (hopefully) keep defenders away from his body.

[staylor26]

That length will allow Irving to (hopefully) keep defenders away from his body.

This. Give this guy a couple offseasons to max out that frame and this guy can be dangerous. Also, saw he was working out with Hali after practice. You know Tamba is teaching him how to use those hands/long arms.

[MotherfuckerJones]

That length will allow Irving to (hopefully) keep defenders away from his body.

I love his FG blocking potential too. It showed in the AZ game.

[ChiefGator]

I love his FG blocking potential too. It showed in the AZ game.

And now extra point blocking

[mdchiefsfan]

This. Give this guy a couple offseasons to max out that frame and this guy can be dangerous. Also, saw he was working out with Hali after practice. You know Tamba is teaching him how to use those hands/long arms.

If there is one man to learn it from, it would be Tamba. Justin Houston was wide to pay attention and look at him now. I really hope we can retain Hali as a coach once he hangs them up

[ChiefGator]

Yup. Just imagine if we hit on West and Irving.

March is in that conversation also.

[mdchiefsfan]

I love his FG blocking potential too. It showed in the AZ game.

I missed that... Time to rewatch.

[MotherfuckerJones]

March is in that conversation.
Yup. Forgot him.
I missed that... Time to rewatch.

Absolutely. He blocked AZs FG during the 3rd or 4th Q.

[mdchiefsfan]

March is in that conversation.

Williams as well. Top it off with what Cooper and McGrath were able to do in 2013, what Ron Parker did in 2014, hell, Jaye Howard, And Dezman Moses are still on the team from those waiver pick ups.

That is some quality scouting by Dorsey and Co.

[The Franchise]

They really need to keep Irving.

[O.city]

He can play now.

[RealSNR]

Keep Irving around even if you only ever use him as the field goal block specialist.

If he can block even 2 or 3 on a season, I think that roster spot might be worth it.

[O.city]

He can be a pass rush specialist now, beef him up to play de

[Dunerdr]

hell, third and long specialist get those ****ing arms up son

thanks for posting. i like hearing about these guys i avoided the megacamp thread mostly.

[jonzie04]

How does a guy that's 6'7" have an 7'3" wingspan? I'd heard of Julius Peppers at 6'6" having a 7' wingspan and that's pretty incredible.

Sonny Liston was 6 foot tall and had a 7 foot wingspan. pretty ridiculous

[thabear04]

hell, third and long specialist get those ****ing arms up son

thanks for posting. i like hearing about these guys i avoided the megacamp thread mostly.

Yeah he had a block punt during the cards game.

[MotherfuckerJones]

Yeah he had a block field goal during the cards game.

FYP

[MotherfuckerJones]

Some have gotten on Dorsey for his drafts but he's done well since being hired IMO. He may not be the best but he's solid. He's finding good players anywhere. I'm happy with our front office and I have faith they can find us a future QB also.

[Hoover]

Go watch the tape of Irving playing the Hawkeyes a few years ago. He's a beast. Steal for a undrafted free agent in my book. We need to find a way to keep a kid like that.

[DaneMcCloud]

I'm pulling for Pughsley. He's a long shot, but about as long of a shot as hoping Stephenson pans out in his final contractual year.

Pughsley is a lock to make the roster, IMO.

Stephenson played well at both tackle positions Saturday night.

The odd tackle out, IMO, is Allen.

[Hoover]

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[Hoover]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CpaHc8BqPP4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Buehler445]

Pughsley is a lock to make the roster, IMO.

Stephenson played well at both tackle positions Saturday night.

The odd tackle out, IMO, is Allen.

Who is now injured.

I don't get why Moses is on the list. He got huge snaps along with ZOMBO (what up SR? :))when Houston and Hali went down and provided 0 passrush.

[DaneMcCloud]

Who is now injured.

I don't get why Moses is on the list. He got huge snaps along with ZOMBO (what up SR? :))when Houston and Hali went down and provided 0 passrush.

I'm guessing you didn't watch Saturday's game?

:D

While I agree, he was a disaster in 2013, he spent 2014 on IR. Something happened between then and now and he looks like a beast. Super fast, great angles, good tackling.

He looks far better than Dee Ford, IMO.

[Saccopoo]

I'm guessing you didn't watch Saturday's game?

:D

While I agree, he was a disaster in 2013, he spent 2014 on IR. Something happened between then and now and he looks like a beast. Super fast, great angles, good tackling.

He looks far better than Dee Ford, IMO.

A ham sandwich looks far better than Dee Ford right now.

[Buehler445]

I'm guessing you didn't watch Saturday's game?

:D

While I agree, he was a disaster in 2013, he spent 2014 on IR. Something happened between then and now and he looks like a beast. Super fast, great angles, good tackling.

He looks far better than Dee Ford, IMO.

I didn't catch it. I was at the Royals game (w00t). I posted a postgame observation thread and it never came up.

[MotherfuckerJones]

Pughsley is a lock to make the roster, IMO.

Stephenson played well at both tackle positions Saturday night.

The odd tackle out, IMO, is Allen.

Someone's gotta be the surprise cut right? Plus Allen seems hurt a lot.

[MotherfuckerJones]

I'm guessing you didn't watch Saturday's game?

:D

While I agree, he was a disaster in 2013, he spent 2014 on IR. Something happened between then and now and he looks like a beast. Super fast, great angles, good tackling.

He looks far better than Dee Ford, IMO.

My guess would be since he was hurt all last season he really got the playbook down and is just reacting and not thinking.