*****The Khalen Saunders Thread*****

[bringbackmarty]

Yo Chris Meck, I told you Saunders sucks and we needed OL, Mecole is kinda a waste of a pick too. We could have had a 10 year starter on the OL, maybe two.

[bringbackmarty]

Should I leave the board now?

[Iowanian]

I watched him some today...he was slow off the snap and got no push.

He's not ready, and I'm not sure if he ever will be or not.

[Megatron96]

You guys are hilarious. Jerry Rice (among others) didn't play well in his first season; you guys would've canned the GOAT after just two games.

Maybe we can give the guy a decent chance to show what he can do before calling him a bust.

Like, oh I don't know, 5 games? The regular season?

I know, too much to ask in this moment of rampant desperation.

[Iowanian]

He's not readY now.

[ghak99]

It's not uncommon for a D lineman to need a full year or two to get into their groove.

Because Cheufs.

[Hammock Parties]

The Aaron Donald of FCS

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">..<a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chiefs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/khalenNOTkaylen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@khalenNOTkaylen</a> gave the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHIEFS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHIEFS</a> the best DT performance of the season last night. He did what they thought he could do. Maybe this porous run defense can get better with the Big Rook inside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BaldysBreakdowns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BaldysBreakdowns</a> <a href="https://t.co/DVrNwfbB4x">pic.twitter.com/DVrNwfbB4x</a></p>&mdash; Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1185178050264289280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

I saw both him and Nnadi just destroying double teams last night. Kid is gonna be great

[RealSNR]

He's not readY now.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylkHE1k64gs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Pitt Gorilla]

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XDfmdqCc6hy1prtANKgPDNfmwB4=/0x0:1000x750/1400x1050/filters:focal(381x227:541x387):format(gif)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63680399/FrankClark55.0.gifDamn, your takes are terrible.

[TimeForWasp]

Saunders is going to be a bad ass!!!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saunders has some quickness. Lindsay tries to cut outside after Saunders flashes inside, but he&#39;s able to get back there and just stops him in his tracks. <a href="https://t.co/ZPiK3ESnIp">pic.twitter.com/ZPiK3ESnIp</a></p>&mdash; Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMNchiefsfan/status/1186113144709701632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Megatron96]

He's definitely getting his feet under him. Starting to be productive.

[smithandrew051]

Who would’ve thought that Darwin Thompson would be our least productive draft pick at this point? Haven’t seen much from Allegretti either.

The rest of the draft looks stellar lately though.

Hardman
Thornhill
Saunders
Fenton

[Hoover]

I thought there was some viciousness in the inside on Thursday night, which is exactly what we needed.

[KChiefs1]

Is he better than Chris Jones?

[Chiefshrink]

The worst offensive line and offense in the NFL. But I will take it because you need to start somewhere.:rolleyes:

If they can be as nasty and physical against the Pack then maybe but I have my doubts.

[Chiefshrink]

I thought there was some viciousness in the inside on Thursday night, which is exactly what we needed.

Agreed but consider the team.

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

Have to get constant pressure on Rodgers to win

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

The worst offensive line and offense in the NFL. But I will take it because you need to start somewhere.:rolleyes:

If they can be as nasty and physical against the Pack then maybe but I have my doubts.

They blitzed the Donks 42% of the time. That’s not the same ole same ole.

[Chiefshrink]

He's definitely getting his feet under him. Starting to be productive.

Yes being able to land those backflips are important and getting your feet under you is essential.:p

[Chiefshrink]

They blitzed the Donks 42% of the time. That’s not the same ole same ole.

You think they are going to blitz Rogers 42% of the time?

[Pitt Gorilla]

Saunders is going to be a bad ass!!!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saunders has some quickness. Lindsay tries to cut outside after Saunders flashes inside, but he&#39;s able to get back there and just stops him in his tracks. <a href="https://t.co/ZPiK3ESnIp">pic.twitter.com/ZPiK3ESnIp</a></p>&mdash; Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMNchiefsfan/status/1186113144709701632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Damn.

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

You think they are going to blitz Rogers 42% of the time?

We gotta do something. If we get no pressure on him he will pick us apart. Davante Adams may be back. They have a good run game

[jerryaldini]

Saunders is going to be a bad ass!!!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saunders has some quickness. Lindsay tries to cut outside after Saunders flashes inside, but he&#39;s able to get back there and just stops him in his tracks. <a href="https://t.co/ZPiK3ESnIp">pic.twitter.com/ZPiK3ESnIp</a></p>&mdash; Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMNchiefsfan/status/1186113144709701632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Felton does a nice job shedding weak ass Hamilton too.

[Chiefshrink]

We gotta do something. If we get no pressure on him he will pick us apart. Davante Adams may be back. They have a good run game

Rogers IS THEE BEST in picking up blitzes. Without PM2 we cannot make this a track meet. We won't keep up. Rogers will burn our ass all game. I get your point about pressure and yes it is essential but it has to be schemed differently and at the right time. Disguising is HUGE against the great QBs. Denver was just too easy because they are that bad. Spags didn't care if telegraphed at all because their o-line was that bad knowing we would succeed most of the time and we did.

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

Felton does a nice job shedding weak ass Hamilton too.

Fenton is gonna be so good. Remember when Veach selected this guy and everyone was like this is terrible. Worst pick of the draft. Yea there is a reason why he’s the gm and we aren’t.

[Hammock Parties]

WOW

far ahead of nnadi as a rookie

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalen Saunders, too. I&#39;m not sure he could&#39;ve made this play in September. <a href="https://t.co/AoeVxCqucz">pic.twitter.com/AoeVxCqucz</a></p>&mdash; Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) <a href="https://twitter.com/mellinger/status/1197540118040592384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[DJ's left nut]

Nah - that's EXACTLY the kinds of plays Nnadi was making as a rookie and he was making them far earlier in the season.

Nnadi was a horse in the middle last year.

He's developing faster than Nnadi but I don't think he's even caught up to where Nnadi was at this point in the season just yet - he had a LOT further to go.

Too few people gave Nnadi enough credit for being the stalwart in the middle that he was, especially against the run.

Yeah, Saunders has shown immense growth and looks like a keeper, but he wasn't ahead of Nnadi at the same time. Nnadi was making those same plays but was also flashing greater consistency in the run game.

[Pitt Gorilla]

WOW

far ahead of nnadi as a rookie

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalen Saunders, too. I&#39;m not sure he could&#39;ve made this play in September. <a href="https://t.co/AoeVxCqucz">pic.twitter.com/AoeVxCqucz</a></p>&mdash; Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) <a href="https://twitter.com/mellinger/status/1197540118040592384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Sheds the double and makes the play. That’s incredible.

[The Franchise]

Saunders and Nnadi in the middle should be damn good for the future.

I like Jones but it’s getting hard to see a fit for him with the contract that he’s going to want.

[MahiMike]

Seems like a great kid.

[loochy]

Saunders and Nnadi in the middle should be damn good for the future.

I like Jones but it’s getting hard to see a fit for him with the contract that he’s going to want.

This is what good drafting allows a team to do

[The Franchise]

This is what good drafting allows a team to do

We’re good with 3rd round DTs then. Just keep doing that.

[BigCatDaddy]

I still need to see who the real Frank Clark is before getting rid of Jones.

[RunKC]

I still need to see who the real Frank Clark is before getting rid of Jones.

Do you like Ogbah? Bc if we don’t extend Jones, we should try to extend him at a lower price.

[loochy]

We’re good with 3rd round DTs then. Just keep doing that.

Well we're good there. Maybe get some 3rd round LBers too....

[BigCatDaddy]

Do you like Ogbah? Bc if we don’t extend Jones, we should try to extend him at a lower price.

You need a game changer on the line somewhere. Ogbah isn't that type of guy nor will he be.

[KChiefs1]

https://twitter.com/arrowheadaddict/status/1282342524984713216?s=21

https://arrowheadaddict.com/2020/07/12/khalen-saunders-chiefs-expectations-year-two-film-review/amp/


At the beginning of the 2019 season, Khalen Saunders was a development project along the defensive line. It appeared as if the Kansas City Chiefs planned for his rookie year to sit and develop, and through the first four weeks of the season, Saunders had zero snaps.

Injuries to Chris Jones and Xavier Williams sent Saunders onto the field for the first time in Week 5, and he would start the next four games before moving back to a rotational role. Initially, he played both as a nose tackle and a 3-tech. Once Mike Pennel was signed, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was able to put his rookie into position to have the most success. With Pennel and Derrick Nnadi as stout nose tackles, Saunders would start to get more work as a 3-tech.

On the field, Saunders showed his physical gifts, but his overall technique needed a massive overhaul—not surprising as he made the leap from Western Illinois. He doesn’t possess the elite size and length of Jones (who is six inches taller and only 15 lbs. lighter), so technique becomes even more vital for a player like Saunders. Processing blocking schemes, his timing off of the snap, his consistency with leverage and hand usage, and his pass rush counters were all areas that needed improvement.

[Kiimo]

I was starting to think he was the only bust in this draft class but by the end of the season I was cautiously optimistic. He's not ever going to be Chris Jones but:

Overall, consistency and developing technique will be what we need to keep an eye on in 2020. As of right now, Saunders looks to be a good run defender that can play early downs when needed. His pass rush has a lot left to be desired, but given Spagnuolo’s structure of bringing defensive ends to play the interior on obvious passing downs, there’s still time for him to work on that part of his game.

[In58men]

Khaulen Saunders has been Designated for Return from IR by the #Chiefs.

[Pitt Gorilla]

Khaulen Saunders has been Designated for Return from IR by the #Chiefs.

Nice. Nnadi could use a partner.

[Hammock Parties]

run D is about to get NASTY

Jones
Nnadi
Saunders
Pennel

FRESH FATBODIES

[In58men]

ROFL

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

Rankin has also returned to practice today. They have 3 weeks to take him off of the PUP

[Megatron96]

Khaulen Saunders has been Designated for Return from IR by the #Chiefs.

Yeah boy! Good news.

And Rankin coming back is another good piece of news. Just in time too.

[srvy]

run D is about to get NASTY

Jones
Nnadi
Saunders
Pennel

FRESH FATBODIES

Yep he is a big link in the chain.

[srvy]

Yeah boy! Good news.

And Rankin coming back is another good piece of news. Just in time too.

I'd be very careful with Rankin if they can. He seems to be made of breakable parts. Make sure he is at 100% as I am sure they will.

[Megatron96]

I'd be very careful with Rankin if they can. He seems to be made of breakable parts. Make sure he is at 100% as I am sure they will.

Other than blowing out his knee last season, has he had any other serious injuries? Just curious.

But I'm sure they won't bring him back unless he's actually ready to go. Not like they have to rush him back to service. Just good news to hear that he's able to practice and possibly even play in the near future.

[htismaqe]

Other than blowing out his knee last season, has he had any other serious injuries? Just curious.

But I'm sure they won't bring him back unless he's actually ready to go. Not like they have to rush him back to service. Just good news to hear that he's able to practice and possibly even play in the near future.

Hurt his ankle his senior season of college which led to a subpar season and caused his draft stock to drop.

He then hurt his foot (which required surgery) and missed his entire rookie training gamp.

[MahomesMagic]

DTs can take time and the NFL competition is a big step up from what he was doing in college. Would love to see him become a nice piece for us.

[TimeForWasp]

Vermeil said if he knew he'd be that dominant Jared would've beem drafted in the 1st and not the 4th. he originally replaced Vonnie Holliday due to injury.

I'm going to stake a claim on bragging up Jared. I don't know when I stated it, but he wasn't with the team very long and I stated that he is a Sack Monster. I was on his bandwagon from the beginning. If someone is into it to find this comment I made back when he was first brought it. Thank you in advance.

Hell, come on, I'm 61 and want something to brag about. LOL

[RealSNR]

I'm going to stake a claim on bragging up Jared. I don't know when I stated it, but he wasn't with the team very long and I stated that he is a Sack Monster. I was on his bandwagon from the beginning. If someone is into it to find this comment I made back when he was first brought it. Thank you in advance.

Hell, come on, I'm 61 and want something to brag about. LOL

No. Nobody fucking cares.

[TimeForWasp]

:deevee:No. Nobody ****ing cares.

[htismaqe]

No. Nobody fucking cares.

You seem nice.

[RealSNR]

You seem nice.

I'm fine if people want to crow about takes they had years ago that were unpopular at the time and were eventually proven to be right.

But I'm not going to do someone else's homework to dig them up.

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Few roster moves for Chiefs today:<br><br>WR Marcus Kemp and OL Danny Isidora elevated from practice squad for Sunday&#39;s game at Denver.<br><br>DT Khalen Saunders activated from injured reserve, back on the 53. DE Alex Okafor placed on injured reserve, means he&#39;s out at least three weeks.</p>&mdash; Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattderrick/status/1320104354892886018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[siberian khatru]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Few roster moves for Chiefs today:<br><br>WR Marcus Kemp and OL Danny Isidora elevated from practice squad for Sunday&#39;s game at Denver.<br><br>DT Khalen Saunders activated from injured reserve, back on the 53. DE Alex Okafor placed on injured reserve, means he&#39;s out at least three weeks.</p>&mdash; Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattderrick/status/1320104354892886018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Okafor must have a timeshare on IR, he lives there half the time

[KChiefs1]

Okafor must have a timeshare on IR, he lives there half the time


Yeah he’s worthless.

[Halfcan]

Okafor is so fragile. Time to cut this pussy.

[Chief Northman]

Fuck Okafor. Release this soft bitch. Should have kept Ogbah.

[DaneMcCloud]

Fuck Okafor. Release this soft bitch. Should have kept Ogbah.

The Chiefs didn’t have $15 million dollars in cap space to sign Ogbah.

[Chargem]

The Chiefs didn’t have $15 million dollars in cap space to sign Ogbah.

Shame though, he's looked pretty good for Miami this year.

[ThyKingdomCome15]

I'm curious to see if Kemp can bring something Pringle and Robinson doesn't. He's been hanging around for a while now.

[pugsnotdrugs19]

I'm curious to see if Kemp can bring something Pringle and Robinson doesn't. He's been hanging around for a while now.

No. He’s here for STs.

Pringle needs more playing time it seems to me like.

[Skyy God]

Shame though, he's looked pretty good for Miami this year.

5 sacks in 6 games is solid production for $7.5M.

Too bad we couldn’t re-sign him (likely due to the Hitchens and Okafor contracts).

[OKchiefs]

Hasn't Saunders been inactive the past 2 games? I'm kind of curious why he quickly was added to the active roster, played a game, and then hasn't really been seen since. I know he looked pretty fat in that first game back, not sure if he's always been that big or not.

[htismaqe]

5 sacks in 6 games is solid production for $7.5M.

Too bad we couldn’t re-sign him (likely due to the Hitchens and Okafor contracts).

Had nothing to with with Hitchens or Okafor. Had more to do with what they shelled out to Clark last year and Jones this year.

[saphojunkie]

No. He’s here for STs.

Pringle needs more playing time it seems to me like.

Mecole on the Covid 19 list, so you elevate Robinson & Pringle and Kemp covers his STs duties.

[htismaqe]

Mecole on the Covid 19 list, so you elevate Robinson & Pringle and Kemp covers his STs duties.

If Hardman is contact-only, he'll be back for the game I would think.

[Cosmos]

Hasn't Saunders been inactive the past 2 games? I'm kind of curious why he quickly was added to the active roster, played a game, and then hasn't really been seen since. I know he looked pretty fat in that first game back, not sure if he's always been that big or not.

He did seem to be a bit more pudgy.

[TRR]

Hasn't Saunders been inactive the past 2 games? I'm kind of curious why he quickly was added to the active roster, played a game, and then hasn't really been seen since. I know he looked pretty fat in that first game back, not sure if he's always been that big or not.

He’s always been soft in the middle. His inactivity is credit to Wharton playing so well...and you got to think Saunders needed a little more time to build strength back in that elbow. Those injuries are tricky.

[Dante84]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is a Khalen Saunders appreciation tweet. Watch him take a great pursuit angle and sprint to lay out Chris Godwin on the screen pass. Saunders is listed at 324 and he is bringing Dontari Poe energy out here. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JacobsEyeTheSky?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JacobsEyeTheSky</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs41?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs41</a> <a href="https://t.co/aa6G1axgN3">pic.twitter.com/aa6G1axgN3</a></p>&mdash; Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jacobs71/status/1577405022387589121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[staylor26]

Dude is earning a 2nd contract.

[Fish]

99 was throwing his glorious power gut all over the field last game. I like.

[DJ's left nut]

Dude is earning a 2nd contract.

Do it yesterday. These are the kinds of guys you want to keep around if for no other reason to serve as examples to future Danna's and Sneads that if you work your ass off and develop, the team will take care of their own.

And the kid can just flat play. I've been so impressed by him from pretty much the moment Shelton signed and Saunders proceeded to just outplay him.

[staylor26]

Do it yesterday. These are the kinds of guys you want to keep around if for no other reason to serve as examples to future Danna's and Sneads that if you work your ass off and develop, the team will take care of their own.

And the kid can just flat play. I've been so impressed by him from pretty much the moment Shelton signed and Saunders proceeded to just outplay him.

Yea he's basically looked good every time he's been on the field since then.

[RealSNR]

I've tried to predict him being good for like two consecutive seasons and came up short each time. This year I was like, "Meh, whatever" and he's awesome.

You're all welcome.

[suzzer99]

Please "Meh, whatever" Lucas Niang now.

[JPH83]

If we're keeping 1 of Saunders, Nnadi and Turk, I'd want Saunders.

[staylor26]

If we're keeping 1 of Saunders, Nnadi and Turk, I'd want Saunders.

Turk still has a year left on his deal FYI

[JPH83]

Turk still has a year left on his deal FYI

Ah my bad, thanks. I'd definitely prioritise Saunders over Nnadi. I think I remember seeing a decent collection of DTs in FA next year.

[Megatron96]

I've been a 99 fan since the day he was drafted, so no one is happier that he's playing as well as he is this season. He finally seems comfortable and Spags seems to be leaning on Khalen's strengths with some of these playcalls.

Though I miss seeing 99 in at MLB. That was good shit.

[JPH83]

I've been a 99 fan since the day he was drafted, so no one is happier that he's playing as well as he is this season. He finally seems comfortable and Spags seems to be leaning on Khalen's strengths with some of these playcalls.

Though I miss seeing 99 in at MLB. That was good shit.

His coverage is excellent. I'd probably still like to see more in the run stuffing and pass rushing but I've obviously been spoiled by Jones.

[Megatron96]

His coverage is excellent. I'd probably still like to see more in the run stuffing and pass rushing but I've obviously been spoiled by Jones.

Yeah, Saunders is never going to be a premier pass-rusher, I don't think. I think he might become effective in certain plays, but he's not going to just dominate like CJ does.

But he's got a decent feel for LB somehow. And pretty quick feet; he's deceptively quick and reads runs and screens pretty well.

And it's just a riot to see a 300-lb. LB standing behind the DL. That game, I think it was against LVR last season, when Spags put him in as MLB and he was so effective against the runs between the tackles that they stopped trying to run on us was just epic. Pretty sure he was just in because it was a blow out and Spags was trying to rest the starters, but 99 looked pretty good in that game.

[PHOG]

He's played well this season, and remained healthy which is the BIG improvement. May moar success be coming his way, about time.

[BigCatDaddy]

Anyone else notice the Raiders had much more trouble running when Saunders was in as opposed to Nnadi?

[Megatron96]

Anyone else notice the Raiders had much more trouble running when Saunders was in as opposed to Nnadi?

LVR was double teaming both our DTs when they ran the ball. Nnadi just got pushed backwards, while Saunders seems a lot more agile and tended to shed one of his blockers and then tried to make a play. But just being able to get off some of those double teams allowed him to fill the hole, usually forcing the runner outside.

Or so it seemed to me. But by the 2nd half I was 3 ranch waters in, so maybe I misremembered some of the 2nd half.

[smithandrew051]

I feel like Nnadi has always been solid but never made splash plays. I feel like Saunders is making those splash plays.

I don’t have a stat or anything to back that up. Just the eye test.

Really liking this big mother fucker.

[dlphg9]

Over the last 2 years it has seemed like Nnadi hasn't played as well as he did his first 3 years. He hasn't been terrible, but the way he played to start his career you'd hope he would take a big step forward, but that hasn't seemed to happen.

Saunders on the other hand is playing way better than I could have imagined. He's been JAG these last few years, but now he looks like a legit run stuffing DT.

[RunKC]

Over the last 2 years it has seemed like Nnadi hasn't played as well as he did his first 3 years. He hasn't been terrible, but the way he played to start his career you'd hope he would take a big step forward, but that hasn't seemed to happen.

Saunders on the other hand is playing way better than I could have imagined. He's been JAG these last few years, but now he looks like a legit run stuffing DT.

Nnadi is a great run stuffer. He would have been way more successful 20 years ago compared to today.

But Saunders is a way more athletic version of Nnadi. He’s just so quick for a guy that big. He really fills in nicely next to Chris Jones

[JPH83]

Nnadi is a great run stuffer. He would have been way more successful 20 years ago compared to today.

But Saunders is a way more athletic version of Nnadi. He’s just so quick for a guy that big. He really fills in nicely next to Chris Jones

I honestly don't think there's a single facet of the game that Nnadi excels at compared to Saunders now. 3 years ago I'd have agreed but now every time I see a guy get pushed yards off the line it's Nnadi.

I'd love to see the snap counts for Nnadi and Saunders flipped but I'm guessing with Wharton down we'll just see both loaded up a little more.

[dlphg9]

I honestly don't think there's a single facet of the game that Nnadi excels at compared to Saunders now. 3 years ago I'd have agreed but now every time I see a guy get pushed yards off the line it's Nnadi.

I'd love to see the snap counts for Nnadi and Saunders flipped but I'm guessing with Wharton down we'll just see both loaded up a little more.

This

Nnadi was really good in his first 2-3 years, but since then he's taken a big step back.

[tyreekthefreak]

Over the last 2 years it has seemed like Nnadi hasn't played as well as he did his first 3 years. He hasn't been terrible, but the way he played to start his career you'd hope he would take a big step forward, but that hasn't seemed to happen.

Saunders on the other hand is playing way better than I could have imagined. He's been JAG these last few years, but now he looks like a legit run stuffing DT.

This is the first season he hasn't been hurt!!!! He was always good....just always hurt!!!!!

[BigCatDaddy]

Anyone else notice the Raiders had much more trouble running when Saunders was in as opposed to Nnadi?

I feel this is still a thing.

[carcosa]

He's good!

[KC Hawks]

He's good!

I share the same opinion!

[TwistedChief]

He's good!

His closing speed is like a cheetah taking on an impala in the wild.

[RealSNR]

Saunders needs to start

[srvy]

He beasted out. Start him!

[Bump]

hope he gets a nice little contract

[Sofa King]

Keep him, let Nnadi go. Saunders is a beast.

[Pooch]

I heard he was almost cut after training camp. So great we kept him.

[dannybcaitlyn]

Sapp 2.0

[dannybcaitlyn]

New D-line coach seems to have paid dividends on him..

[carcosa]

I heard he was almost cut after training camp. So great we kept him.

He seems nice. I'm happy for him!

[MahomesMagic]

Just goes to show how DL can take time to develop.

The league was too fast for him early but he gets it now.

[Sassy Squatch]

LMAO Swear to God I heard him going "WHOOO" at least a few times while pumping his fist. Reminded me of this, even had the same octave.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gGw7gTve6cQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

Maybe I’m just on the hype train but during this game, the moment we inserted Saunders… Henry couldn’t run to save his life

[Pitt Gorilla]

https://media.tenor.com/SWGnPrSkGaQAAAAd/rounders-pay-that-man-his-money.gif

[Fish]

Great game tonight. Provided some defensive intensity.

[-King-]

Yeah he was really fucking good today. How much weight did he gain this off season? The broadcast never focused on him before this game so I didn't really know but holy shit he looked like he cloned himself and then ate his clone.

[dlphg9]

Why is this guy not playing more than Nnadi? He's developed into quite the player.

[louie aguiar]

Give credit to Saunders. He’s earned a second contract. He’ll get paid this off-season.

[Rain Man]

Yeah he was really ****ing good today. How much weight did he gain this off season? The broadcast never focused on him before this game so I didn't really know but holy shit he looked like he cloned himself and then ate his clone.

He's basically a big truck tire rolling down a steep hill. Unblockable.

[Wisconsin_Chief]

He's a must to resign, he finally built his frame up enough to pair with his freakish athleticism and has become a monster. He's just now scratching the surface, have to give him a second deal.

He's the type I would try to lock up before the season ends because he's going to have a lot of teams bidding for his services after people see his tape this year.

[jettio]

Over the last 2 years it has seemed like Nnadi hasn't played as well as he did his first 3 years. He hasn't been terrible, but the way he played to start his career you'd hope he would take a big step forward, but that hasn't seemed to happen.

Saunders on the other hand is playing way better than I could have imagined. He's been JAG these last few years, but now he looks like a legit run stuffing DT.

From Sportrac:

Derrick Nnadi signed a 1 year, $2,750,000 contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, including a $500,000 signing bonus, $2,495,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,750,000. In 2022, Nnadi will earn a base salary of $1,995,000, a signing bonus of $500,000 and a roster bonus of $255,000, while carrying a cap hit of $2,750,000 and a dead cap value of $2,495,000.

Nnadi is who he is and is not getting paid much for a 5th year guy drafted in the 3rd round.

As anal as salary cap worry warts get on chiefs planet is when it comes to paying elite players like they are elite players, there ought to be more appreciation for guys like Nnadi or Wylie, whose contributions earn the right to stay with the Chiefs and who want to stay and work out deals that are reasonable. You need guys like this to sustain a winning culture.

Saunders has somewhat underperformed his draft position until this year. Now he is showing why the Chiefs were interested in him after he showed unique agility for a guy with his build.

His play this year could get him offers after tender that Chiefs will have to think about. Chiefs might offer an extension late in the season if he sustains this play.

[ModSocks]

Why is this guy not playing more than Nnadi? He's developed into quite the player.

Based on what we saw in the 4th quarter i think we're about to see a lot more Saunders.

[tyreekthefreak]

Just goes to show how DL can take time to develop.

The league was too fast for him early but he gets it now.

He's always been good.....just always hurt!!!!!

[Hydrae]

LMAO Swear to God I heard him going "WHOOO" at least a few times while pumping his fist. Reminded me of this, even had the same octave.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gGw7gTve6cQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I know I heard him scream loudly enough to hear through the tv after he made that sack. I was impressed with not only the sack but the strength of his victory yell.

[dlphg9]

https://64.media.tumblr.com/abab96a31e2987766aafca766cf4b332/c853ab99bfabdf68-4c/s1280x1920/0b4e5f21a515ebc4e2c579c12bb1a855d39df03d.pnj

So this is Mr. Saunders fresh outta college going into his rookie year. At the combine he came in at 6', which seems pretty short for a D Lineman, and 324 lbs. He looks nowhere close to the player he was his rookie year. He looks substantially more round, but is still able to quickly get off the ball and wreak havoc. He looks like he spent all off-season playing video games and eating fast food lol, but he's better than ever.

I think we should be able to resign him this off-season for a fairly cheap contract. He's been injured a lot, but if he can stay healthy, then we will be set at DT. I'd sign him to a 4 yr deal that takes him to age 30 at $5-$6 mil/yr.

[dlphg9]

From Sportrac:

Derrick Nnadi signed a 1 year, $2,750,000 contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, including a $500,000 signing bonus, $2,495,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,750,000. In 2022, Nnadi will earn a base salary of $1,995,000, a signing bonus of $500,000 and a roster bonus of $255,000, while carrying a cap hit of $2,750,000 and a dead cap value of $2,495,000.

Nnadi is who he is and is not getting paid much for a 5th year guy drafted in the 3rd round.

As anal as salary cap worry warts get on chiefs planet is when it comes to paying elite players like they are elite players, there ought to be more appreciation for guys like Nnadi or Wylie, whose contributions earn the right to stay with the Chiefs and who want to stay and work out deals that are reasonable. You need guys like this to sustain a winning culture.

Saunders has somewhat underperformed his draft position until this year. Now he is showing why the Chiefs were interested in him after he showed unique agility for a guy with his build.

His play this year could get him offers after tender that Chiefs will have to think about. Chiefs might offer an extension late in the season if he sustains this play.

Andrew Wylie hasn't come remotely close to earning a spot on this team and he damn sure hasn't done anything worthy of earning fans appreciation. I'd rather start literally any other RT we possibly have over him. He's making $2.5 mil this year, but honestly that's too much.

[Megatron96]

So glad for Saunders. Liked him from the moment we drafted him. Just showed a lot of potential. Very raw, but his quickness and athleticism (guy did a gymnastics-style backflip during the combine, I think. Video of it somewhere) were very interesting to me.

He had a bit of a rocky beginning with KC, and a lot of people shit on him, called him a bust, but I (and others) saw a few flashes of play-making ability even then. Then I think it was last season i noticed Khalen was actually playing MLB! And he was doing a decent job of it, really showing off his athleticism, quickness and tackling abilities.

And now he's balling several times a game, nearly every game.

NIce job, Saunders.:clap:

[Chris Meck]

From Sportrac:

Derrick Nnadi signed a 1 year, $2,750,000 contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, including a $500,000 signing bonus, $2,495,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,750,000. In 2022, Nnadi will earn a base salary of $1,995,000, a signing bonus of $500,000 and a roster bonus of $255,000, while carrying a cap hit of $2,750,000 and a dead cap value of $2,495,000.

Nnadi is who he is and is not getting paid much for a 5th year guy drafted in the 3rd round.

As anal as salary cap worry warts get on chiefs planet is when it comes to paying elite players like they are elite players, there ought to be more appreciation for guys like Nnadi or Wylie, whose contributions earn the right to stay with the Chiefs and who want to stay and work out deals that are reasonable. You need guys like this to sustain a winning culture.

Saunders has somewhat underperformed his draft position until this year. Now he is showing why the Chiefs were interested in him after he showed unique agility for a guy with his build.

His play this year could get him offers after tender that Chiefs will have to think about. Chiefs might offer an extension late in the season if he sustains this play.

I was with you right up until you said..."Wylie".


I'm really sorry to tell you this, but...


Wylie blows goats.

Carry on.

[Hammock Parties]

almost big guy

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We were THIS close to another Mitch Holthus &quot;big man touchdown&quot; call. <a href="https://twitter.com/khalenNOTkaylen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@khalenNOTkaylen</a> is always open. <a href="https://t.co/lPrmcwPTRR">pic.twitter.com/lPrmcwPTRR</a></p>&mdash; 📽️ Red Tribe Cinema (@ClayWendler) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClayWendler/status/1611920208796467203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Megatron96]

Dude was WIDE OPEN

[Megatron96]

Though i really, really want to see the big guy actually run the ball. Should see that sometime in the playoffs. Just need to see a DB try and tackle that guy

[smithandrew051]

Though i really, really want to see the big guy actually run the ball. Should see that sometime in the playoffs. Just need to see a DB try and tackle that guy

If Reid can somehow scheme a screen to Saunders with blockers ahead of him on the outside, it might go for 40 yards and take about 45 seconds.

[lewdog]

almost big guy

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We were THIS close to another Mitch Holthus &quot;big man touchdown&quot; call. <a href="https://twitter.com/khalenNOTkaylen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@khalenNOTkaylen</a> is always open. <a href="https://t.co/lPrmcwPTRR">pic.twitter.com/lPrmcwPTRR</a></p>&mdash; 📽️ Red Tribe Cinema (@ClayWendler) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClayWendler/status/1611920208796467203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is actually the guy we want on short yardage instead of Burton.

[Hammock Parties]

I dunno, giving Saunders a touch in the postseason terrifies me.

That's a fumble waiting to happen.

[RealSNR]

I dunno, giving Saunders a touch in the postseason terrifies me.

That's a fumble waiting to happen.

You tweet out this guy's name and then talk shit about him behind his back?

[Hammock Parties]

You tweet out this guy's name and then talk shit about him behind his back?

what happens on CP, stays on CP :LOL:

[Hammock Parties]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FnvaDQ0WYBMoRXp?format=jpg&name=medium

[Dunerdr]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FnvaDQ0WYBMoRXp?format=jpg&name=medium

I love this!

[Tribal Warfare]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wH5_OVzDTcU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Sofa King]

I watched that Mic'd up last night, dude is hilarious. He's been a beast this year as well.

[tredadda]

I like him. He's a really good kid and seems to still have fun playing and is solid on the DLine.

[Megatron96]

Hope we can hang onto him. Some interest seems to be brewing around the league.

[Buehler445]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wH5_OVzDTcU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Holy shit that Patrick Mahomes walk...ROFL I'm fucking dying.

Hope we can hang onto him. Some interest seems to be brewing around the league.

Yeah, hopefully, but if he goes off and gets big money I'm not going to be mad at that. He seems like a legit good dude.

[Bl00dyBizkitz]

That Mic'd Up had me laughing and smiling the whole way. Saunders is such a likeable guy.

[Hydrae]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wH5_OVzDTcU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Why the 96 on his chain? I have never known him as anything other than 99. :shrug:

[Pitt Gorilla]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wH5_OVzDTcU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Man, hard not to absolutely love the guy.

[ghak99]

He's always just seemed like a genuine good dude. Hope he continues to get his.

[DJ's left nut]

Side note - man, what the hell happened to Derrick Nnadi?

How many guys can you think of that showed really steady growth through their first 3 years only to decline and then crater in years 4 and 5?

I really don't understand it. Did he just check out? He didn't need to change physically or mentally. He could've had an 8-10 year career playing exactly the way he played in 2020.

But there's a non-zero chance that he's a street free agent entering September next year. And there's nothing that really explains why.

[Munson]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> Khalen Saunders: &quot;I remember them saying the funky ass Bengals was going to beat us four times...I remember them saying we couldn&#39;t stop Jalen Hurts...&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/kshb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kshb</a> <a href="https://t.co/K4NBFFpEQl">pic.twitter.com/K4NBFFpEQl</a></p>&mdash; Aaron Ladd (@aaronladd0) <a href="https://twitter.com/aaronladd0/status/1624997214203576320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Pitt Gorilla]

Side note - man, what the hell happened to Derrick Nnadi?

How many guys can you think of that showed really steady growth through their first 3 years only to decline and then crater in years 4 and 5?

I really don't understand it. Did he just check out? He didn't need to change physically or mentally. He could've had an 8-10 year career playing exactly the way he played in 2020.

But there's a non-zero chance that he's a street free agent entering September next year. And there's nothing that really explains why.

Chris Jones was NOT happy with Nnadi tonight.

[Frosty]

Saunders ended up with the game's only sack, didn't he?

[Pitt Gorilla]

Saunders ended up with the game's only sack, didn't he?

He also chased down Hurts and forced him out of bounds when there really wasn't anyone else around. HUGE play.

[Buehler445]

Saunders ended up with the game's only sack, didn't he?

I think so on that run out of bounds for a loss.

He was set back on his haunches before the snap and I thought he was gassed. Then he straight up hauled ass to get to Jalen. I had no idea he could move like that.

Hats off.

Side note: I’m had his ginormous ass isn’t chasing me at that speed with ill intentions. ROFL

[kccrow]

If he didn't move at the speed of stone off the snap he'd probably be a decent football player. He gets his shit smashed in more than he doesn't. I mean, he's playing better than any other DT not named Chris Jones but that isn't saying a whole bunch. I think the DT position needs a serious revamping this season. Bringing Saunders back on a vet minimum deal is fine but more than that is questionable.

[New World Order]

He also chased down Hurts and forced him out of bounds when there really wasn't anyone else around. HUGE play.

I think that was the sack

[ChiefsFan63]

Saunders ended up with the game's only sack, didn't he?

Leo Chenal was also credited with a sack. Another rookie making a strong contribution.

[Pitt Gorilla]

I think that was the sack

You're probably correct. That was an outstanding play, though.

[Chiefspants]

He also chased down Hurts and forced him out of bounds when there really wasn't anyone else around. HUGE play.

Dude was trucking it to make it happen, I didn't think there was a chance he'd be able to close.

[Hammock Parties]

holthus was going on and on about how he was going to put saunders chasing hurts out of bounds as a legendary play

gonna have to go back and listen

1st & 10 at KC 19

(3:17 - 3rd) (Shotgun) J.Hurts sacked ob at KC 20 for -1 yards (K.Saunders).

but this set up them kicking a FG

[Hammock Parties]

yep, you can argue this was a highly underrated play

https://i.imgur.com/ArbNWGt.png

[Fish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> Khalen Saunders: &quot;I remember them saying the funky ass Bengals was going to beat us four times...I remember them saying we couldn&#39;t stop Jalen Hurts...&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/kshb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kshb</a> <a href="https://t.co/K4NBFFpEQl">pic.twitter.com/K4NBFFpEQl</a></p>&mdash; Aaron Ladd (@aaronladd0) <a href="https://twitter.com/aaronladd0/status/1624997214203576320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

:clap: Saunders provided a lot of unrecognized help this year. He plays tough. The kind of really hard working JAG that really makes a difference overall.

[Pitt Gorilla]

yep, you can argue this was a highly underrated play

https://i.imgur.com/ArbNWGt.png

Like I said, nobody else around him. It was one of the plays of the game.

[Hammock Parties]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mitch Holthus making sure the Kingdom never forgets <a href="https://twitter.com/khalenNOTkaylen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@khalenNOTkaylen</a> kicking off the comeback with biggest hustle play ever. <a href="https://t.co/ukiFbLuq1Y">pic.twitter.com/ukiFbLuq1Y</a></p>&mdash; ��️ Red Tribe Cinema (@ClayWendler) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClayWendler/status/1625158650091261952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[liquidlounge]

Fastest bowling ball I have ever seen!

[The Franchise]

Saunders needs to be brought back.

[Hammock Parties]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/mitchholthus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mitchholthus</a> man i fucking LOVE YOU MITCH. Thank you brother, from the bottom of my heart. <a href="https://t.co/n5HzcJWCrZ">https://t.co/n5HzcJWCrZ</a></p>&mdash; Binky 2Times (@khalenNOTkaylen) <a href="https://twitter.com/khalenNOTkaylen/status/1625199441849495552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ghak99]

Look at Reid look at Saunders on the ground.

Even in the moment, Big Red knows. Mrs. Big Red might need to make Khalen some more cookies!

[suzzer99]

This has happened multiple times this year. QBs look at Saunders bulk coming at them and miscalculate, thinking they can easily outrun him.

[staylor26]

Considering the roles that Saunders and Nnadi played in our 2 SBs, that draft class wasn't as bad as it looks on paper.

[DJ's left nut]

Considering the roles that Saunders and Nnadi played in our 2 SBs, that draft class wasn't as bad as it looks on paper.

Those were different draft classes.

And the '18 class was EXACTLY as bad as it looks on paper. For the sake of maintaining positive vibes, I'd recommend you just not look it up.

Saunders was in the '19 class.

[Sassy Squatch]

Round 2 (46) LB Breeland Speaks.
Round 3 (75) DT Derrick Nnadi.
Round 3 (100) LB Dorian O' Daniel.
Round 4 (124) - S Armani Watts.
Round 6 (196) - CB Tremon Smith.
Round 6 (198) - OG Kahlil McKenzie.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/umDr0mPuyQc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Pitt Gorilla]

Round 2 (46) LB Breeland Speaks.
Round 3 (75) DT Derrick Nnadi.
Round 3 (100) LB Dorian O' Daniel.
Round 4 (124) - S Armani Watts.
Round 6 (196) - CB Tremon Smith.
Round 6 (198) - OG Kahlil McKenzie.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/umDr0mPuyQc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

That's brutal.

[staylor26]

Those were different draft classes.

And the '18 class was EXACTLY as bad as it looks on paper. For the sake of maintaining positive vibes, I'd recommend you just not look it up.

Saunders was in the '19 class.

You're right, my bad. Brain fart. For some reason I was thinking that we doubled down at DT, and I forgot Nnadi was brought back on a 1 year deal and not still on his rookie deal.

[Easy 6]

Side note - man, what the hell happened to Derrick Nnadi?

How many guys can you think of that showed really steady growth through their first 3 years only to decline and then crater in years 4 and 5?

I really don't understand it. Did he just check out? He didn't need to change physically or mentally. He could've had an 8-10 year career playing exactly the way he played in 2020.

But there's a non-zero chance that he's a street free agent entering September next year. And there's nothing that really explains why.

Some people just start mailing it in after reaching the pinnacle so to speak, we all see it in actors, musicians and our day to day lives all the time... success can bring on a softness, they lose the edge they once had and just quit trying

[DJ's left nut]

Round 2 (46) LB Breeland Speaks.
Round 3 (75) DT Derrick Nnadi.
Round 3 (100) LB Dorian O' Daniel.
Round 4 (124) - S Armani Watts.
Round 6 (196) - CB Tremon Smith.
Round 6 (198) - OG Kahlil McKenzie.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/umDr0mPuyQc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yeah - If anything that class has gotten WORSE over time with Nnadi flaming out so badly and DoD simply never developing at all.

But we gave up the '18 first to get Mahomes so if you figure even 30% of 'The Patrick Price' is plowed into the '18 draft, it's still a win...

[raybec 4]

Yeah - If anything that class has gotten WORSE over time with Nnadi flaming out so badly and DoD simply never developing at all.

But we gave up the '18 first to get Mahomes so if you figure even 30% of 'The Patrick Price' is plowed into the '18 draft, it's still a win...

I really thought DOD was going to develop into something. He had all the athletic tools to be a steady starter. He couldn't see the field from his corner of the bench. We got more playing time from UDFAs.

[Pitt Gorilla]

I really thought DOD was going to develop into something. He had all the athletic tools to be a steady starter. He couldn't see the field from his corner of the bench. We got more playing time from UDFAs.

So, the question is how did Bert go from THAT to where we are now? I know he learned, but damn.

[Coochie liquor]

So, the question is how did Bert go from THAT to where we are now? I know he learned, but damn.

Probably has a lot to do with the scouting department.

[Dunerdr]

Probably has a lot to do with the scouting department.

Year one was some left over Dorsey guys but several bailed or were let go if I remember right.

Also didn’t Nnadi have a back injury in training camp or something? Probably the decline cause.

[Hammock Parties]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalen Saunders with the effort play of the game. You don&#39;t see closing speed from guys this size but look at the back end. Receivers being passed off well, Hurts gets a little pressure off the right and trickles out allowing Saunders to engage thrusters <a href="https://t.co/QlTNp0n0O6">pic.twitter.com/QlTNp0n0O6</a></p>&mdash; Daniel Harms�� (@InHarmsWay19) <a href="https://twitter.com/InHarmsWay19/status/1625342367363473410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[RealSNR]

So, the question is how did Bert go from THAT to where we are now? I know he learned, but damn.

I think the Speaks fuckup kind of put Veach on tilt the rest of the draft. He wasted resources chasing after the last guy in a supposed top tier of pass rushers, he got him, but then couldn't really maneuver around the board successfully and made a couple of really really weird choices. Like taking a fucking perma special teamer in round 3.

Since then, he has yet to "chase" after tiers or give as much of a shit about positional needs in the first few rounds, which is why we've done way better in recent years. Yeah, he still has players he likes and if he wants them, he goes after them, but he doesn't let those pursuits fuck up how he wants to approach the rest of his board.

[DJ's left nut]

I think the Speaks fuckup kind of put Veach on tilt the rest of the draft. He wasted resources chasing after the last guy in a supposed top tier of pass rushers, he got him, but then couldn't really maneuver around the board successfully and made a couple of really really weird choices. Like taking a fucking perma special teamer in round 3.

Since then, he has yet to "chase" after tiers or give as much of a shit about positional needs in the first few rounds, which is why we've done way better in recent years. Yeah, he still has players he likes and if he wants them, he goes after them, but he doesn't let those pursuits fuck up how he wants to approach the rest of his board.

He did, by his own admission, with Moore.

He made the trade back from 50 to 54 and intended to take Cook at 54. Then 3 WRs went off the board in the next 4 picks and he was worried about missing out at WR so he pivoted and went with Moore over Cook.

Now if he'll admit that much, you know there are probably other similar situations that have played out as well. He just didn't get both guys he might have wanted there so without a 'happy ending', he just doesn't tell the story.

I think his approach is pretty similar to what it's always been - he's just executed it better. He understands better what he wants and what he's looking for. And frankly, the roster has just improved enough that he can be more targeted in what he pursues.

[Hammock Parties]

money shot

https://i.imgur.com/DfoXLgO.gif

[Hydrae]

money shot

https://i.imgur.com/DfoXLgO.gif

Dunlap flashing in front of Hurts caused him to scramble. Khalen just holding his block, looking to shed and chase as he did. Then, the switching coverage in the back end was the last piece to that play. Just great all around and great effort by Saunders.

[raybec 4]

money shot

https://i.imgur.com/DfoXLgO.gif

That's 100 percent effort. Maybe he can work with Frank

[Chris Meck]

I think the Speaks ****up kind of put Veach on tilt the rest of the draft. He wasted resources chasing after the last guy in a supposed top tier of pass rushers, he got him, but then couldn't really maneuver around the board successfully and made a couple of really really weird choices. Like taking a ****ing perma special teamer in round 3.


Well, I think there may well be truth to what both you and SNR are saying. But overall, I think it's partly just growing into the role, being comfortable with his scouting team, and maybe most importantly, he's had 100% consistency in both the offensive scheme and coaching staff and the defensive scheme and coaching staff.

So he can really pinpoint what is needed, specific skillsets, scheme fits, etc. There's just less guesswork 5 years into a consistent organization on all fronts.

[Sassy Squatch]

Jesus fucking Christ you really don't get a feel for how fast Saunders was actually moving until that angle.

[ThaVirus]

LMAO Saunders is probably like 6’1” 330 and could still beat 99.9% of CP in a foot race.

(I’m the .1%. Y’all stay safe, though)

[The Franchise]

Jesus fucking Christ you really don't get a feel for how fast Saunders was actually moving until that angle.

There shouldn't be any physical way that a dude that size can be that fucking quick. It's insane.

[smithandrew051]

LMAO Saunders is probably like 6’1” 330 and could still beat 99.9% of CP in a foot race.

(I’m the .1%. Y’all stay safe, though)

Tbf though, 99.9% is shorter, weighs more, has a goatee, and bald.

[staylor26]

LMAO Saunders is probably like 6’1” 330 and could still beat 99.9% of CP in a foot race.

(I’m the .1%. Y’all stay safe, though)

He ain't beating me, even at 34!

[carcosa]

It's just so much fun to watch a guy that big run that fast

[notorious]

You don't have to be faster than Saunders, you just have to be faster than the guy next to you.

[notorious]

Does anyone have the gif of Saunders destroying (either Burrow or Sunshine) head on?

[Chiefspants]

That play looks like the random defensive tackle you custom made in Madden with 99 speed.

[Buehler445]

money shot

https://i.imgur.com/DfoXLgO.gif

That shit is what nightmares are made of. Can you imagine this dude chasing you with ill intent?

Christ that’s a lot of man moving.

[Megatron96]

That shit is what nightmares are made of. Can you imagine this dude chasing you with ill intent?

Christ that’s a lot of man moving.

Saunders is chasing you, you better be in a car. He doesn't even have to punch you; he falls on you and you're going to the hospital or the morgue.

[JPH83]

He ain't beating me, even at 34!

I was about to say he ain't beating me pushing 40...but I'm not sure the old nitros are waht they used to be.

[dlphg9]

I legit love this dude. The year he put up this year would be the best season we've had from a DT since Poe, outside of Chris Jones of course.

[dlphg9]

We have to resign the dude and hopefully he can stay healthy and play closer to 55%-60% of snaps.

[ThaVirus]

Turns out Saunders ran a 5.01 40 yard dash at 6’ 324 lbs. Also a 30.5” vertical and 8’5” broad jump.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/khalen-saunders/32005341-5569-3939-9295-450ef4e2975c

Here’s his NFL.com draft profile. “Solid backup with potential to develop into a starter.” That’s actually spot on.

[Buehler445]

Saunders is chasing you, you better be in a car. He doesn't even have to punch you; he falls on you and you're going to the hospital or the morgue.

On my best day I would stupidly think I had a shot. I would be grossly incorrect get caught mid stride and suffer grave injury.

Today I just go fetal and push the emergency button on my phone. That might be better for my overall health.

[notorious]

Turns out Saunders ran a 5.01 40 yard dash at 6’ 324 lbs. Also a 30.5” vertical and 8’5” broad jump.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/khalen-saunders/32005341-5569-3939-9295-450ef4e2975c

Here’s his NFL.com draft profile. “Solid backup with potential to develop into a starter.” That’s actually spot on.

324 pounds and has a 30.5" vertical?

Holy shit! :eek:

[Hammock Parties]

i bet he's sub 5.0 now

[Rain Man]

324 pounds and has a 30.5" vertical?

Holy shit! :eek:

That's almost 10,000 inch-pounds.

[ghak99]

Dunlap flashing in front of Hurts caused him to scramble. Khalen just holding his block, looking to shed and chase as he did. Then, the switching coverage in the back end was the last piece to that play. Just great all around and great effort by Saunders.

Khalen didn't just spy and chase, he actually made the first step after realizing he became contain when Dunlap got washed inside. There's not many guys of that size in the league who could have even attempted to cover that edge containment. There's several who would have never even realized they became contain. We see their big asses just standing in the middle of the screen watching a 15 yard scramble nearly every week. A loss of 1 is just nuts in that scenario.

I really wish that gif would have caught Reid looking down at Khalen on the ground. Big Red noticed.

[Megatron96]

On my best day I would stupidly think I had a shot. I would be grossly incorrect get caught mid stride and suffer grave injury.

Today I just go fetal and push the emergency button on my phone. That might be better for my overall health.

Lol, what's crazy is just how quickly they can get moving. A friend of mine used to play DE for ATL back in the early 90s. He wasn't a starter, just rotational depth. By the time I met him in the mid-2000s, he'd been out of the league more than a decade. He's 6'8", 350-lbs, probably at least 50-lbs over his playing weight. But one time we ran a race for goofs, about 50 yards, iirc. Now I ran track, played soccer and a little football, and was always one of the 5 fastest runners on any team I played on. But Dan actually beat me off the line by at least 3-5yds, and it took me nearly 30 yards to pass him.

It was just shocking how fast a man that big could get all that mass moving that fast pretty much instantly. Really brought home to me just what kind of physical freaks NFL players really are. And like I said, he wasn't even a starter in his career.

[Hammock Parties]

A friend of mine used to play DE for ATL back in the early 90s. He wasn't a starter, just rotational depth. By the time I met him in the mid-2000s, he'd been out of the league more than a decade. He's 6'8", 350-lbs, probably at least 50-lbs over his playing weight....But Dan actually beat me off the line by at least 3-5yds, and it took me nearly 30 yards to pass him.


dude must have been a practice squad player, i don't see any "dans" on the falcons in the time period you referenced

[Megatron96]

dude must have been a practice squad player, i don't see any "dans" on the falcons in the time period you referenced

Give me a few. Just texted him. He's kind of a private person, need to make sure I can put his info or whatever out there. Though I could have the timeframe a little off. He's two years older than me, iirc, and I graduated college in 1991.

though, if you went to a Suns game in 2008-2009, you might've seen him; he worked security for them back then. Shaq used to call him Tiny; he didn't like that. lol.

[Pitt Gorilla]

Give me a few. Just texted him. He's kind of a private person, need to make sure I can put his info or whatever out there. Though I could have the timeframe a little off. He's two years older than me, iirc, and I graduated college in 1991.

though, if you went to a Suns game in 2008-2009, you might've seen him; he worked security for them back then. Shaq used to call him Tiny; he didn't like that. lol.
Did he get to play with Goldberg? That would be cool.

[Megatron96]

Did he get to play with Goldberg? That would be cool.

No idea. This is going to sound a little odd, but we never talked that much about his playing career. He never started, as I recall, may have even been just a PS guy that got called up for a few games? He showed me his rookie card once, and told me some funny stories about players he hung out with or played against, but we never really just sat around and talked football that much.

When I met him he was in charge of security at this big sports bar i used to go to here in PHX. So for years I just knew him as Big Dan at the sports bar.

But one night I got into a little scrape with four idiots (5, if you count myself), and the short version is he kept me from getting curb-stomped or worse. Shortly after that, my best friend kind of gave me Dan's back story.

But anyway, hanging around with Dan, I got a close-up look at just how freakish NFL players are or could be. And he wasn't even an elite NFL player. But he possessed a quickness and power that you just don't see in normal people his size. or even in people 100 lbs. lighter.

[ThaVirus]

324 pounds and has a 30.5" vertical?

Holy shit! :eek:

Yep, that is impressive. Thinking back on my high school football days, we had some milestones in the weight room that they’d set as sort of a gold star for certain activities (4.9 or better 40, 225 bench, 315 squat, etc.). One I remember was 24” or more vertical jump. There were a LOT of guys who did not have a 24” vertical.

I also remember hitting 8’6” broad jump in gym class in 10th grade. I probably weighed 120 pounds lol and this dude is matching that nearly triple my weight.

[Easy 6]

It took him a while to start making an impact, but yeah he's finally blossomed into a keeper

[Wisconsin_Chief]

It took him a while to start making an impact, but yeah he's finally blossomed into a keeper

Now that he’s due for a payday…

I doubt KC will be able to match what he’ll get on the market, sadly.