BossChief
09-01-2016, 11:39 AM
I'm going to attempt to evaluate how I see each position group going from last year to this year. I'm sure there will be plenty in agreement and disagreement with the way I see things, but I'm going to try to be as realistic as I can.
Get ready for a long read.
Ok?...lets get going with the QBs.
Starting with Alex Smith, I think we've seen a player over the last 3 seasons that has steadily improved and grown in the offense. He has looked as sharp as he ever has during this preseason (I know, preseason, but he has gotten the ball out with more zip and accuracy IMO) and upgrading the OL is going to pay huge dividends in allowing him to use more of his "gigabytes" at the line and after the ball is snapped. It's not only the OL, either...the upgrades at WR (we'll get to that in a little bit) are giving Alex more options on where to go with the ball. It seems that all these additions will have a good chance to open this offense up more and more and I expect Alex to have another career year. I see a slight improvement from Alex and I can see a big improvement from him by years end.
Moving on to the primary backup, KC went from Chse Daniel to the newly acquired Nick Foles who has a big upside and comes with a year of seasoning in the offense under Andy. We take a step back in experience in the offense from Chase at 3 years to Nick at 1, but the physical upside is a sizable upgrade. Foles has a little mobility, but has a big arm. He can make throws with a lot of zip that Chase simply couldn't. He has also shown that when coached correctly, he can be very productive and effecient. I see this as a slight improvement.
At the third QB spot, it's almost a certainty that KC releases Murray and Bray unless one does enough to have some trade value. I know some don't think so, but the writing is on the wall. Neither guy will be on the 53 man roster, maybe they get to sneak one of them onto IR...but they haven't done enough to earn a roster spot on such a deep roster that will probably cut much better players than them at other positions. Kevin Hogan will probably be the developmental guy.
I'm really excited about this teams offensive line, so let's talk about them.
The group is as deep as it gets in today's NFL. We will probably cut at least one guy from this position group that starts on another team. Crazy to think, but watch how it plays out.
Let's start with Eric Fisher, being he is so polarizing to us as a fanbase. Towards the end of last season and into the playoffs, Fisher started to resemble a very good LT after a couple of very unimpressive years and has carried that into this preseason. He looks stronger, more confident and his technique has improved. That has lead to him not needing to lunge as much to prevent defenders from turning the corner on him and thats a good sign. He's also starting to show some of that nastiness some of us really liked during senior bowl week. He seems like a guy that has gotten his strength where it needs to be at this level and doesn't need to overcompensate with his athleticism and it's helping him reach the next level at his position. His backup is rookie Zach Sterup and he's a rookie that's 11 feet tall, but plays with good technique and balance. Hopefully, Fisher doesn't have an early injury while the kid is suspended.
Next up is the rookie Parker Ehinger that has very impressive technique and intelligence. He already identifies different blitzes and makes the correct switch to get his mitts on the right guy. He does lack the brute strength you'd like to see from a starting guard, but once the strength and conditioning program does its job with this kid, he's gonna have a real chance to be the total package...but that's gonna take time. He's an upgrade over the revolving door at LG KC fielded last year, for sure. The primary backup is Jerrod Pughsley who is a sleeper guy that just hasn't been given a chance to play much because of the quality of the teams OL as a unit...but has played very well when given the opportunity and shows a lot of promise.
At center, KC has its center position locked down for the next 10 years with Mitch Morse. He's highly intelligent, gritty, thinks quickly on his feet, moves very well and is a leader in the locker room and the weight room. I see the kid as a top 5 center already and has a chance to be a pro bowler if he continues to improve and stays healthy (the concussions are a concern). His primary backup, Fulton, might be the best backup center in the game and would start for a dozen or more teams. When called upon, he has been impressive with the 1s. I see center as slightly improved due to attrition and cohesiveness.
At RG, LDT has looked much improved and has flashed more and more as the guy we hope he develops into. A guy with elite measurables that is as smart as they come. He showed that upside against the best DT combo in the league of the Rams and held his own against them. Fulton has a year of starting experience at RG if LDT gets dinged up. I see the improvement from LDT as a BIGTIME plus for this OL and offense as a whole from last year, especially when the guys on either side of him are very good.
Last but not least we have a huge upgrade at RT, going from Donald Stephenson and Jah Reid to Mitchell Schwartz. Possibly the best RT in the league and at minimum top 5. He finishes off a line from left to right that is very solid and as they develop cohesion as a unit, has the potential to be a top 5 OL in the NFL and be in consideration for the best line in football, including Dallas.
I think it's very arguable that the OL has been upgraded by player addition and player development at every position, including the backups. This group is going to open huge holes for the four headed monster we have at RB (more on this in a minute...) and give Alex enough protection to be able to find that second receiver and TE more, instead of needing to dump it off so much. That's gonna be important because of the speed we have at receiver...they are going to have more time to get open and that's gonna make the offense fun to watch.
Ok, enough talking about the fatties.
Let's get to the skill position guys.
On to the RBs
I know normally we would be getting excited to watch another year of Jamaal Charles highlight reel runs and while I am sold he will be the old Jamaal, he's not the RB I'm excited to watch....lets get to it, shall we?
Spencer Ware is going to be an absolute MONSTER in this offense. What this kid was able to do last year behind a craptastic OL was beyond impressive. He has enough speed to break deep runs, he's good in pass pro, has good hands and is a straight up BULLDOZER with rare physical core strength. With the line being upgraded, this kid is going to break big plays and brings a physical element to the offense that it desperately needs. His running style combined with this OL is going to wear down even the best front 7s in football and open up everything for the deep passing game, Travis Kelce...and even for Jamaal Charles as a change of pace back (that's crazy to type that out. Jamaal Charles as a change of pace back). Defensive coordinators are going to need to devote a lot of "field resources" to stopping the running game of the Chiefs and that's gonna mean a lot of 1on1 opportunities for the playmakers on the perimeter.
Jamaal Charles as a change of pace back. That feels weird, but depending on opposing defenses weaknesses that's gonna be a reality. One of my favorite players ever that does things the right way and has just as good vision, quickness and speed as anyone, pre injury. He has also never had a OL like this one. Charles might average 6.5 per carry in his role. That's probably a realistic goal.
Charcandrick West and Darrin Reaves are both guys with starter qualities that should also shine in their opportunities, but those opportunities might be very limited with the overall talent KC has st RB this year. Reid will be wise to rotate all 4 guys to keep them all fresh, but to give the majority of the carries to Ware. JMO.
This group will be vastly improved due to getting Charles back, but more so with the improvements they made to the OL. KC should be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and that's gonna give the backs open running lanes and lots of opportunities for big plays.
On to the WRs...another very exciting group to talk about.
Jeremy Maclin is Jeremy Maclin. The guy has great hands, runs crisp routes and is one of the BIGTIME leaders of this team. Invaluable to the success of the 2016 Chiefs. I don't see a lot of change in how Maclin plays, but the attention he demands is going to do wonders for the other guys...and vice versa. The upgrades they've made on the OL are going to help everybody...and the WRs might have the biggest advantage.
The next guy I want to talk about is Chris Conley. What he did to one of the better corners in the league (Trumaine Johnson of the Rams) was impressive. He beat him with speed, quickness and ability to fight for the ball. He put in the work living at Maclins house this offseason and learning what it takes to be a successful NFL receiver and it's showing up in games. Conley is going to be the guy I'd say is going to get an advantage because of guys around him the most on offense because Alex should have more time to find him and coversges are going to be focusing on how to stop Maclin/Kelce/the running game. As the #2 WR, Conley has a chance to have a big year. I don't see a way Conley isn't an upgrade over Albert Wilson from last year and I think we're starting to see his crazy "upside" start to get realized.
Which brings me to one of the hot button topics around here. Tyreek Hill. I can't say enough about how impressed I was seeing this kid in person. He has "next level" type speed. That has translated to the field in PS and I don't see how it won't translate to Sunday's. His speed, route running, quickness, hands, vision and ability to "go get the ball" instead of letting it get to him are all high level skills and some are already elite level. The best part about him is that defenses won't be able to double him AT ALL. He's going to be the guy you MUST account for, but can't do anything about without giving up on stopping the ground game. I'm not going to be one bit surprised if he has a rookie year like Desean Jackson did. He has that level of talent. Hopefully the kid learned from his mistake and never goes down that road again, because he's gonna be a star.
Albert Wilson is dead to me. He never extends to make the catch, he gives up on routes, he's an inconsistent hands catcher and he doesn't deserve to have much playing time unless KC has injuries. Hopefully Dorsey trades him.
I've got to be honest...Deanthony Thomas lost me last year. We needed playmakers in the postseason and Thomas sat down. That said, I don't know everything about his situation...just that the team said he passed the tests and he made a decision NOT to play. Moving forward, the kid can get open and make plays so hopefully we can get something for him or find a way to showcase his talent even with all the playmakers the offense already has.
Rod Streater is a guy I have high hopes for, too...but he looks like solid depth at this point...if we need him, I'm sure he will produce.
All in all, I see the WRs as vastly improved from top to bottom. The fact we haven't even seen much of Robinson says a lot about the depth of talent at the position.
On to the defense
Where better to start off than the trenches?
To the DL
If we're gonna talk about the trenches...where better to start than with what might be our best defensive linemen. Chris Jones has been an absolute monster and has disrupted almost every play and has shut down runs and gotten to qbs. Extremely rare player that looks like an immediate hit.
Next up is Dontari Poe and I've got to say he doesn't look like a guy that looks to demand a huge FA deal after this year. Maybe the back is bothering him. Maybe he's just waiting to turn that switch on, but outside of a couple plays, he just doesn't look like a guy that's going to change games and gets washed out by the double.
Howard looks ready to build on what he did last year and force his way onto the field as much as possible.
Bailey seems the same as last year, which was impressive.
Roches looks improved.
King looks ready and deserving of an increased role.
This DL is going to be improved by the impact Chris Jones will make...no doubt...with other guys also stepping up, this unit has a good chance to be one of, if not the best DLs in the league.
Next group were gonna talk about is very hard to evaluate due to uncertainty of injuries...but I'll give it a shot.
Next up are the LBs
It all starts with Derrick Johnson in the middle and he looks like he's ready for another great year, but is close to the age where the end is near. I'm sure that won't happen this year, though.
Starting next to him will be a very talented second year guy in Justin March...huge question mark. Dorsey LOVES this kid, but who knows how he will respond to the situation. If he performs to his hype level, the defense should benefit from an upgrade from Mauga, but that's yet to be seen.
Can't say much about Houston or Hali. So those spots are a downgrade till proven otherwise.
Dadi looks like a good talent, but is probably a year out.
Can't look at the LBers without seeing them taking 2 steps back, unfortunately.
On to the secondary...
We return a quality secondary that will have some new faces, but for the most part is intact.
The unit is headlines by 2 all pro players in Marcus Peters and Eric Berry.
Let's start with Marcus Peters...this kid is just nasty and has otherworldly instincts, vision, ball skills and preparation...very fun to watch. I'm a little worried that he might have a sophomore slump with the possible lack of pass rush and his gambling personality. Should be fun to watch him match up, though.
Eric Berry and Ron Parker look to be as effective as years past, no real surprises.
Then we get to a bunch of question marks with the rookies and the kid we got from SF.
Losing a player like Sean Smith is going to hurt and therefore I need to look at the secondary as taking a step back without him, but with Gaines looking impressive and a very talented group of rookies stepping in, I can see us cushioning the blow.
As a defense, everything depends on the health of the edge guys.
If they return to being highly disruptive guys, the defense should be flat out nasty...if Houston and Hali don't return to form, we're gonna struggle and have a lot of high scoring games. That's not really our style as a team, but it should be fun to see how it all plays out.
Get ready for a long read.
Ok?...lets get going with the QBs.
Starting with Alex Smith, I think we've seen a player over the last 3 seasons that has steadily improved and grown in the offense. He has looked as sharp as he ever has during this preseason (I know, preseason, but he has gotten the ball out with more zip and accuracy IMO) and upgrading the OL is going to pay huge dividends in allowing him to use more of his "gigabytes" at the line and after the ball is snapped. It's not only the OL, either...the upgrades at WR (we'll get to that in a little bit) are giving Alex more options on where to go with the ball. It seems that all these additions will have a good chance to open this offense up more and more and I expect Alex to have another career year. I see a slight improvement from Alex and I can see a big improvement from him by years end.
Moving on to the primary backup, KC went from Chse Daniel to the newly acquired Nick Foles who has a big upside and comes with a year of seasoning in the offense under Andy. We take a step back in experience in the offense from Chase at 3 years to Nick at 1, but the physical upside is a sizable upgrade. Foles has a little mobility, but has a big arm. He can make throws with a lot of zip that Chase simply couldn't. He has also shown that when coached correctly, he can be very productive and effecient. I see this as a slight improvement.
At the third QB spot, it's almost a certainty that KC releases Murray and Bray unless one does enough to have some trade value. I know some don't think so, but the writing is on the wall. Neither guy will be on the 53 man roster, maybe they get to sneak one of them onto IR...but they haven't done enough to earn a roster spot on such a deep roster that will probably cut much better players than them at other positions. Kevin Hogan will probably be the developmental guy.
I'm really excited about this teams offensive line, so let's talk about them.
The group is as deep as it gets in today's NFL. We will probably cut at least one guy from this position group that starts on another team. Crazy to think, but watch how it plays out.
Let's start with Eric Fisher, being he is so polarizing to us as a fanbase. Towards the end of last season and into the playoffs, Fisher started to resemble a very good LT after a couple of very unimpressive years and has carried that into this preseason. He looks stronger, more confident and his technique has improved. That has lead to him not needing to lunge as much to prevent defenders from turning the corner on him and thats a good sign. He's also starting to show some of that nastiness some of us really liked during senior bowl week. He seems like a guy that has gotten his strength where it needs to be at this level and doesn't need to overcompensate with his athleticism and it's helping him reach the next level at his position. His backup is rookie Zach Sterup and he's a rookie that's 11 feet tall, but plays with good technique and balance. Hopefully, Fisher doesn't have an early injury while the kid is suspended.
Next up is the rookie Parker Ehinger that has very impressive technique and intelligence. He already identifies different blitzes and makes the correct switch to get his mitts on the right guy. He does lack the brute strength you'd like to see from a starting guard, but once the strength and conditioning program does its job with this kid, he's gonna have a real chance to be the total package...but that's gonna take time. He's an upgrade over the revolving door at LG KC fielded last year, for sure. The primary backup is Jerrod Pughsley who is a sleeper guy that just hasn't been given a chance to play much because of the quality of the teams OL as a unit...but has played very well when given the opportunity and shows a lot of promise.
At center, KC has its center position locked down for the next 10 years with Mitch Morse. He's highly intelligent, gritty, thinks quickly on his feet, moves very well and is a leader in the locker room and the weight room. I see the kid as a top 5 center already and has a chance to be a pro bowler if he continues to improve and stays healthy (the concussions are a concern). His primary backup, Fulton, might be the best backup center in the game and would start for a dozen or more teams. When called upon, he has been impressive with the 1s. I see center as slightly improved due to attrition and cohesiveness.
At RG, LDT has looked much improved and has flashed more and more as the guy we hope he develops into. A guy with elite measurables that is as smart as they come. He showed that upside against the best DT combo in the league of the Rams and held his own against them. Fulton has a year of starting experience at RG if LDT gets dinged up. I see the improvement from LDT as a BIGTIME plus for this OL and offense as a whole from last year, especially when the guys on either side of him are very good.
Last but not least we have a huge upgrade at RT, going from Donald Stephenson and Jah Reid to Mitchell Schwartz. Possibly the best RT in the league and at minimum top 5. He finishes off a line from left to right that is very solid and as they develop cohesion as a unit, has the potential to be a top 5 OL in the NFL and be in consideration for the best line in football, including Dallas.
I think it's very arguable that the OL has been upgraded by player addition and player development at every position, including the backups. This group is going to open huge holes for the four headed monster we have at RB (more on this in a minute...) and give Alex enough protection to be able to find that second receiver and TE more, instead of needing to dump it off so much. That's gonna be important because of the speed we have at receiver...they are going to have more time to get open and that's gonna make the offense fun to watch.
Ok, enough talking about the fatties.
Let's get to the skill position guys.
On to the RBs
I know normally we would be getting excited to watch another year of Jamaal Charles highlight reel runs and while I am sold he will be the old Jamaal, he's not the RB I'm excited to watch....lets get to it, shall we?
Spencer Ware is going to be an absolute MONSTER in this offense. What this kid was able to do last year behind a craptastic OL was beyond impressive. He has enough speed to break deep runs, he's good in pass pro, has good hands and is a straight up BULLDOZER with rare physical core strength. With the line being upgraded, this kid is going to break big plays and brings a physical element to the offense that it desperately needs. His running style combined with this OL is going to wear down even the best front 7s in football and open up everything for the deep passing game, Travis Kelce...and even for Jamaal Charles as a change of pace back (that's crazy to type that out. Jamaal Charles as a change of pace back). Defensive coordinators are going to need to devote a lot of "field resources" to stopping the running game of the Chiefs and that's gonna mean a lot of 1on1 opportunities for the playmakers on the perimeter.
Jamaal Charles as a change of pace back. That feels weird, but depending on opposing defenses weaknesses that's gonna be a reality. One of my favorite players ever that does things the right way and has just as good vision, quickness and speed as anyone, pre injury. He has also never had a OL like this one. Charles might average 6.5 per carry in his role. That's probably a realistic goal.
Charcandrick West and Darrin Reaves are both guys with starter qualities that should also shine in their opportunities, but those opportunities might be very limited with the overall talent KC has st RB this year. Reid will be wise to rotate all 4 guys to keep them all fresh, but to give the majority of the carries to Ware. JMO.
This group will be vastly improved due to getting Charles back, but more so with the improvements they made to the OL. KC should be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and that's gonna give the backs open running lanes and lots of opportunities for big plays.
On to the WRs...another very exciting group to talk about.
Jeremy Maclin is Jeremy Maclin. The guy has great hands, runs crisp routes and is one of the BIGTIME leaders of this team. Invaluable to the success of the 2016 Chiefs. I don't see a lot of change in how Maclin plays, but the attention he demands is going to do wonders for the other guys...and vice versa. The upgrades they've made on the OL are going to help everybody...and the WRs might have the biggest advantage.
The next guy I want to talk about is Chris Conley. What he did to one of the better corners in the league (Trumaine Johnson of the Rams) was impressive. He beat him with speed, quickness and ability to fight for the ball. He put in the work living at Maclins house this offseason and learning what it takes to be a successful NFL receiver and it's showing up in games. Conley is going to be the guy I'd say is going to get an advantage because of guys around him the most on offense because Alex should have more time to find him and coversges are going to be focusing on how to stop Maclin/Kelce/the running game. As the #2 WR, Conley has a chance to have a big year. I don't see a way Conley isn't an upgrade over Albert Wilson from last year and I think we're starting to see his crazy "upside" start to get realized.
Which brings me to one of the hot button topics around here. Tyreek Hill. I can't say enough about how impressed I was seeing this kid in person. He has "next level" type speed. That has translated to the field in PS and I don't see how it won't translate to Sunday's. His speed, route running, quickness, hands, vision and ability to "go get the ball" instead of letting it get to him are all high level skills and some are already elite level. The best part about him is that defenses won't be able to double him AT ALL. He's going to be the guy you MUST account for, but can't do anything about without giving up on stopping the ground game. I'm not going to be one bit surprised if he has a rookie year like Desean Jackson did. He has that level of talent. Hopefully the kid learned from his mistake and never goes down that road again, because he's gonna be a star.
Albert Wilson is dead to me. He never extends to make the catch, he gives up on routes, he's an inconsistent hands catcher and he doesn't deserve to have much playing time unless KC has injuries. Hopefully Dorsey trades him.
I've got to be honest...Deanthony Thomas lost me last year. We needed playmakers in the postseason and Thomas sat down. That said, I don't know everything about his situation...just that the team said he passed the tests and he made a decision NOT to play. Moving forward, the kid can get open and make plays so hopefully we can get something for him or find a way to showcase his talent even with all the playmakers the offense already has.
Rod Streater is a guy I have high hopes for, too...but he looks like solid depth at this point...if we need him, I'm sure he will produce.
All in all, I see the WRs as vastly improved from top to bottom. The fact we haven't even seen much of Robinson says a lot about the depth of talent at the position.
On to the defense
Where better to start off than the trenches?
To the DL
If we're gonna talk about the trenches...where better to start than with what might be our best defensive linemen. Chris Jones has been an absolute monster and has disrupted almost every play and has shut down runs and gotten to qbs. Extremely rare player that looks like an immediate hit.
Next up is Dontari Poe and I've got to say he doesn't look like a guy that looks to demand a huge FA deal after this year. Maybe the back is bothering him. Maybe he's just waiting to turn that switch on, but outside of a couple plays, he just doesn't look like a guy that's going to change games and gets washed out by the double.
Howard looks ready to build on what he did last year and force his way onto the field as much as possible.
Bailey seems the same as last year, which was impressive.
Roches looks improved.
King looks ready and deserving of an increased role.
This DL is going to be improved by the impact Chris Jones will make...no doubt...with other guys also stepping up, this unit has a good chance to be one of, if not the best DLs in the league.
Next group were gonna talk about is very hard to evaluate due to uncertainty of injuries...but I'll give it a shot.
Next up are the LBs
It all starts with Derrick Johnson in the middle and he looks like he's ready for another great year, but is close to the age where the end is near. I'm sure that won't happen this year, though.
Starting next to him will be a very talented second year guy in Justin March...huge question mark. Dorsey LOVES this kid, but who knows how he will respond to the situation. If he performs to his hype level, the defense should benefit from an upgrade from Mauga, but that's yet to be seen.
Can't say much about Houston or Hali. So those spots are a downgrade till proven otherwise.
Dadi looks like a good talent, but is probably a year out.
Can't look at the LBers without seeing them taking 2 steps back, unfortunately.
On to the secondary...
We return a quality secondary that will have some new faces, but for the most part is intact.
The unit is headlines by 2 all pro players in Marcus Peters and Eric Berry.
Let's start with Marcus Peters...this kid is just nasty and has otherworldly instincts, vision, ball skills and preparation...very fun to watch. I'm a little worried that he might have a sophomore slump with the possible lack of pass rush and his gambling personality. Should be fun to watch him match up, though.
Eric Berry and Ron Parker look to be as effective as years past, no real surprises.
Then we get to a bunch of question marks with the rookies and the kid we got from SF.
Losing a player like Sean Smith is going to hurt and therefore I need to look at the secondary as taking a step back without him, but with Gaines looking impressive and a very talented group of rookies stepping in, I can see us cushioning the blow.
As a defense, everything depends on the health of the edge guys.
If they return to being highly disruptive guys, the defense should be flat out nasty...if Houston and Hali don't return to form, we're gonna struggle and have a lot of high scoring games. That's not really our style as a team, but it should be fun to see how it all plays out.