Read the article again true fan, it says Vrabel gets an outside slot and DJ and Thomas are on the inside.

So where does that leave your sweet baboo Curry?

On the bench?

Great spot for the third overall pick.

The possibility of Crabtree was never a possibility, and personally I believe we're gonna trade down come hell or high water which means we're gonna end up way past Curry and possibly Monroe. Still I wouldnt' mind getting Maluaga with the trade down pick and making sure he's on our team instead of San Diego or Denver.

I never said that we were going to take Curry, ever since we gave our second for Cassel I knew that Pioli was going to trade down to get it back, same as the rest of us pretty much knew. Stafford will probably be gone but Sanchez Curry and a better Olineman will still be there which is more than enough for trade bait.

Sooo we are lining up three ILB and one OLB?

You advocated it:

You really think that Thomas and Vrabel are going to play every down? It's called substitution. Curry is versatile he can play anywhere, he just needs work on his pass rushing skills.

You advocate ten million arguements a day on this forum, the possibility of us taking him is always there. If people on this forum are foolish enough to think we're going to draft Sanchez or Stafford and hold them hostage for picks then us getting Curry is always a possibility.

Also I guarantee you that Thomas won't play more than one or two more seasons and Vrabel not much more than that. Build for the future my friend.

ROFL

LB depth is just what we need with the #3 pick.

But the signing of Zach Thomas means we cant get Maualuga! Hes a linebacker too!

If I hear one more person say Curry can play outside linebacker I'm going to climb a clocktower.

No we need an olineman imo, it's not like I have a hardon for Curry, I'm just saying the possibility is always out there.

Maulaga has more pass rushing skills, in fact that's going to be his biggest thing in the NFL, that's why the Broncos and other 3-4 teams are wanting him.

He cant play outside linebacker because hes not versatile, has never played that position before and cant rush the passer.

So do I keep lying to you?

I wish we could get him, or any other linebacker in this draft. But since we signed Thomas it just cant happen. That ol' 35 year old man ruined our chances of drafting a linebacker. Darn.

You're doing such a fantastic job of lying to yourself, why in the merry, happy hell not?!

I'm sorry but I can't help but think this is a great signing.

Plugging some of these holes for a year makes sense. I would have rathered for us to track down another OLB to compliment Vrabel but this makes sense, too.

With this, I seriously doubt we even draft ILB this year. Our holes at DL, OL, and WR can be addressed.

No Holtzclaw, folks. Breaks my heart.

Yeah, well, you're their best-seller!

I agree, veteran leadership is just the thing we need after a year of failure and being the youngest team in the NFL.

Lets draft a LB #3 overall and ask him to do something he has never done before... Brilliant! Curry is basically Gholston except Curry doesn't posses the pass rushing skills needed to play OLB in the 3-4.

Signing Thomas has absolutely no bearing on who we draft. I don't know how someone could honestly think that signing a 35 year old player could affect who we take at #3. He will be a stopgap/mentor type player.

Great signing.
Thomas still has gas left in the tank and can serve as a great leader defensively.

We'll definitely still need to take 1-2 LB's in the Draft.
Gotta have someone to turn it over to when Thomas and Vrabel hang it up.

Depth is so much more important than starters at this point!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...mes&id=3463857

That's from last July. I'm assuming he's still smart. With the concussions, I guess you never know.

We have the smartest owner, GM, head coach, quarterback and middle linebacker.

Unfortunately we have the dumbest fan base.

is this legit or what? you would think this would break espn.com

So because you signed a 35-year old MLB you pass on a potential 10-year starter? Because Curry couldn't possibly learn anything from Vrabel and Thomas, could he? Nah, never happen....

I don't see how this could be construed as a bad thing in any way.

Considering ignorant people PAY to read your garbage on WPI, you make a good point. Instead of running every draft option in the ground, YOU tell us what the Chiefs will do on draft day and who you'de pick instead.

They'll trade down.

That's what I'd do. And everyone knows I'm smart.

More specific... Put yourself on the spot and tell me who they need to pick and at roughly what position in the draft.

BJ Raji at 12.

Everette Brown at 18.

That would be an ideal scenario.

But, who knows? They may not want to trade with the Donks. They may trade with some other team.

Smart enough to steal a better idea when you see one.

Wow, you are high.

If they still want Raji while trading down, then they are going to have to beat Green Bay to the punch. There is no way in hell that Raji, if he is still on the board, makes it past Green Bay.

If I could come away with Raji and Brown in doing so...
I wouldn't give a shit who I was trading with.
They'd have to toss in a third pick though. A 4th or 5th Rounder...
Hello Roscoe Parrish!

:spock: LMAO

This place has been infected by reerunation.

I don't think this negates any possibility of drafting Curry.

However, LB becomes less of a priority this year because of Varbel and Thomas.

Overboard much?

The lengths that people are going to prove Curry isn't any good is out of control.

Exactly.



PhilFree:arrow:

Wow. I started to read through the first couple of pages but I felt my inner Ted Bundy coming on and I had to stop for a few minutes at the stupidity.

To outline a few things.

This signing has nothing to do with whether or not we draft Curry. Thomas is 35 and might play here a year or two. I could easily take the path that Thomas was signed to show Curry how to play the position, something the Pats did a lot with their players.

Complaining about Zach Thomas' sack number makes about as much sense as complaining about Jenna Jameson's lack of a PhD. It's not what they are here for.

Zach's weight? When he came into the league as a rook he beat out Jack Del Rio for the starting job in Miami, put him out of the league, and he did it at 215 pounds or so. And I've never heard Zach complain about needing big blockers in front of him, even if he does from time to time (and what mike backer doesn't benefit from that anyway?)

Zach at this stage in his career is a two down player. His instincts are second to none of any linebacker I've ever watched in 30 years. Even better than Ray Lewis. Think about this. Zach had 94 tackles last year playing mostly on two downs in a defense where there were 3 other linebackers to share tackles with. Those 94 tackles were second on the team. He only started 14 games.

For those who don't know the position, have played the position or coached the position like I have, I can tell you that watching Zach run to where the ball is going to be going before it's snapped is a kick ass thing. Esp when you have been watching guys like Derrick Johnson flail all about the place when the ball is snapped, like he's in a ping pong battle with some guy from China.

Zach and Vrabel were brought in because we have the worst linebacking corps in the league, and the worst front 7. Not only will they help the young guys learn how to play at a high level they will actually improve the defense themselves.

I'm also still laughing at the people in here who keep going on and on about pass rushing skills at the outside linebacker position. It's not rocket science. It doesn't require the technique of a hand in the dirt defensive end. In a 30 front it's the ends job to occupy the tackle and the backers job to beat the extra protection like backs and tight ends. That's why guys like Merriman, who was no pass rushing demon at Maryland, can come in and rack up double digit sacks because they aren't matching up against tackles. They are being asked to beat backs and tight ends. Which most NFL linebackers can do. Greg Lloyd was a 5 time pro bowler (or more) at Pittsburgh. When he came out of Fort Valley State he was a 220 pound linebacker with no "pass rush skills", whatever the F that means.

Either way, the Thomas signing is a good one. He'll be asked to stuff the run, which he does really well, and help the young guys learn. This team just got a little better in the front 7, and they need all the help they can get.

I don't agree with this at all. 3-4 OLBs are handled by tackles all the time.

Branden Albert destroyed Joey Porter last year.

Merriman had his way with the Chiefs' tackles in years past.

I think Curry would get swallowed up against NFL offensive tackles.

Very nice post.


PhilFree:arrow:

Agreed. There's a lot of scenarios that would work out great. Maybin could be okay in the middle of the first. Maualuga is actually a terrific fit for 3-4 ILB. Maclin, Robert Ayers. These guys could be had there too. In order, I'd go with Raji, Brown, Ayers, Maybin, Maclin. If you get one of those guys plus picks, that's a hell of a lot better than Curry at #3. Arguably, given that Curry would play an ILB role where he's limited to more of a role player than a versatile LB, most of these guys play higher impact positions anyway.

You can make the argument that versatile LBs are worth top 5 picks. But I don't agree that's the case for 3-4 ILBs.

Good signing IMHO.

ROFL ROFL ROFL

tank tyler at end? and where does demorrio fit in? Biesel starts? You and the rest of us don't know shit about what they really plan to do, although tank at end and Biesel starting are two things they will not do unless there are some injuries.

I doubt we play that much 3\4 first of all. Zach Thomas probably is only going to see the field when we do, or if someone gets hurt. We probably will play a base 4\3 with DJ in the middle, Vrabel and Demorrio outside. Line would be Hali, Dorsey, Tyler, draft pick.

I think this is way more likely than going 3\4 full bore.

There's a few things wrong with that.

First, Tank at End isn't a reach. I think he's better suited as a backup nose if he puts up pounds, but DEs in a 3-4 fit more of the mold of a DT. The only concern might be that he's a little short for the position. Beisel starting is not a stretch either. He's experienced in this system--he started for a few games in New England as an ILB. DJ and Zach Thomas are coverage guys, Beisel is the DE converted into a LB. I don't know that Beisel starts, but I think he sees a lot of reps as the more stout, run-stopper than DJ or Zach Thomas.

But most importantly, Vrabel is not a guy you want to play OLB in a 4-3. He's not a great OLB in a pure OLB sense of the word. He's a pass rusher who can play OLB when called upon to mix things up. What's more likely is that Zach Thomas plays the middle and DJ and Demorrio play on the outside in a 4-3. But again, I believe that this hybrid defense is a stopgap until they have the resources to load up on 3-4 personnel. That's why you get stopgaps like Vrabel and Zach Thomas to hold a short-term defense until you can build the real one. I guarantee this team is full-blown 3-4 within the next 2-3 years.

I'm not as sure. They did just draft a 330 lb DT a ouple years ago, Justin Harrell. He has been injured too much to have an impact, but I'm not 100% sure they're ready to give up on him.

QFT....

The Guardian is quickly becoming my favorite poster... That's all

I don't think we have the personnel to run either, and vrabel would be outside in obvious passing situations regardless of which scheme was being run. Maybe we sub someone in for him and\or thomas when it's first down.

Tank is not agile enough to play end in any system, no matter what his weight. Think completely inneffective like alphonso Boone. Dorsey is just plain wrong for the 3\4.

We can't afford for Vrabel and Thomas to be only "situational' next year if we don't get some good meat for the lines.

nice post...welcome to the planet....and rep!

Maybe not, but I think Raji would be a nice security blanket in the middle since they are switching to the 3-4.

I feel almost compelled to give him neg rep just to counter the pos rep, just cause I'm an asshole.

Ask and ye shall receive http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4062170

Updated: April 12, 2009, 9:21 AM ET
Report: Chiefs, LB Thomas agree to dealComment Email Print Share ESPN.com news services

The Kansas City Chiefs and seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas have agreed to a contract, The Kansas City Star has reported.



Thomas

Thomas, 36, started 14 of 16 games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2008 during his 13th NFL season, recording 94 tackles, 65 of which came solo.

Thomas rounds out a linebacker corps that includes four-year veteran Derrick Johnson and Mike Vrabel.

The Chiefs acquired Vrabel from the New England Patriots in a February trade that brought quarterback Matt Cassel to Kansas City for a second-round draft pick.

Thomas spent the first 12 years of his career with the Miami Dolphins, with whom he was named to his last Pro Bowl in 2006 before missing 11 games with migraine headaches resulting from an auto accident in 2007.

Thomas made off-the-field news in March when he told The Dallas Morning News that his wife, Maritza, was handcuffed and spent about three hours in jail in July 2008 after Dallas police officer Robert Powell pulled her over for an illegal U-turn.

Powell, who has resigned, stopped Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats last month for running a red light on his way to the hospital to see his dying mother-in-law. Powell detained Moats for more than 10 minutes, in which time his mother-in-law died.

"We wanted to tell our story, not knowing how many others have been affected by Officer Powell," Thomas told the newspaper. "We know the vast majority of the Dallas police force are good and professional people, but this guy just seems excessive

What a monster.



PhilFree:arrow:

That picture reminded me of how damn stocky that cat is. I mean really now, his neck and his head are the same size.

I think this is a good move. He'll be able to teach our younger guys a few things before he gets a concussion.

http://www.epk.com/2009/03/maritza-t...ats-treatment/

Powell literally looks like a dick with ears.

:clap::clap: Very good analysis. Agree Zach Thomas good signing.

So because you signed a 26-year old QB who has less than 16 games of experience in college and the NFL combined, you pass on a potential 10-year starter?

LMAO

There's a chance Cassel could turn into an 8-10 year starter. Isn't there? I'm no different then most Chiefs fans in that I'd really like for the Chiefs to draft a QB who becomes our franchise QB but I try not to let that cloud my judgement of things that could or couldn't happen. Cassel for a 2nd was a good trade IMO but it did take away the chance for the Chiefs to draft that franchise QB. That doesn't mean Cassel can't be a franchise QB for the Chiefs. Will he? I don't know but the people who are running the Chiefs now will probably do a good job of setting him up to succeed.


PhilFree:arrow:

Yeah drafting a LB at #3 to be a backup and/or a major project, great thinking!

Hey Kettle; it's quite the familiar theme around these parts, ain't it?

Judging from these signings, you may be right. The Pioli Chiefs apparently have major wood for the Geritol set.

In 10 years Cassel will be 36... most QB's are still playing then.

Franchise QBs often play well into their 30s. If plays till he's 34 he'll have played 8 years for the Chiefs. And he does have low miles so I can easily see that happen.


PhilFree:arrow:

Good signing, we need guys in here that know how to win, and teach these young guys something too

FYP.

how soon till we sign Jason Taylor?

Zach Thomas Contract Details Revealed
Posted by Aaron Wilson on April 12, 2009, 3:43 p.m.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ one-year contract with veteran linebacker Zach Thomas is worth $2 million, according to a league source.

Mike Florio just texted us the details. He’s also reporting that Thomas is projected to start at inside linebacker.

Thomas, 35, is entering his 14th NFL season and started 14 games last season for the Dallas Cowboys.

He recorded 94 tackles and one sack last season.

According to NFL.com, the former Miami Dolphins star has registered 1,076 career tackles, 20 1/2 sacks and 17 interceptions with four touchdowns.


http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

He's old, but at least he knows how to read keys and fill holes against the run. I've never been a big Zach Thomas fan, but he'll look 10 times better than Pat Thomas.

I honestly can see it happening...

I've never personally thought this team was taking Curry at 3 regardless it just doesn't make any sense.

:LOL:

What's your gut tell you?

Is there any shot to trade down, period?

Take a redshirt senior in the draft who then takes two years to devolop and you'd have a QB Cassel's age.

Not saying he's a lock for our QBOTF but he's got age on his side, not age working against him.

He also hasn't taken a ton of punishment thus far in his career.