[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Funny, I specifically recall you being in the group of people that expected a playoff caliber team by the 3rd year.

That group generally was expecting 4-12, 8-8, then a playoff run.

If you're backing down from that, fine. But make sure you explain why you're doing so.

My guess is because Scott Pioli hasn't done his job to the level he was expected.

No, I explained here, just in case you missed it:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I think I have this whole thing figured out.

I had no idea what Pioli was doing last year. He drafted guys for the 3-4 and brought in 40 players off the street that were mostly familiar with the "system", their way of doing things. I didn't agree with it, but I'm beginning to understand their philosophy.

First and foremost, they're looking for leaders, smart instinctive football players and guys that will be at the core of this team for a decade. Guys that will be willing to take a little less when free agency comes around, just to be part of the "system" that will be in place. I think this draft solidifies this notion.

I also believe that Pioli knows he can't find playmakers in free agency, so he drafted playmakers this year. Berry, McClusters, Arenas and Moeaki all have the potential to be explosive, game changing playmakers. Asamoah could be a 10 year starter, maybe longer. Lewis plays much faster on film than his 40 time indicates because he's got natural football instincts, same with Sheffield.

I think the Chiefs passed on fat**** Cody and broke Kindle (along with a few other defensive players) because they honestly believe that Jackson, Magee, Dorsey, Mays, Belcher and Studebaker make a big leap from year one in their defense to year two. Personally, I don't disagree.

I also think that it will be much easier for them to grab an NT and a few linebackers at cutdown than for them to find a dynamic WR/RB, CB/Returner and a TE in the mold of Dallas Clark.

What's become extremely clear is that Pioli has five full years in which to build this franchise in his image and that he's under no pressure to win now. With that being the case, he's going to build it exactly as he sees fit, regardless of what anyone else thinks or believes.

Only time will tell if he's successful or not, but I for one am in no way, shape or form, disappointed with this draft because he got playmakers and instinctual, productive football players that will help this team for a long time.