NFLDC Chiefs Draft Review - Page 2

Archie Bunker · 07:54 AM

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/rev...itychiefs.html

Kansas City Chiefs '08 Draft Review
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scott Wright
President, NFL Draft Countdown

The pre-Draft trade of star defensive end Jared Allen signaled the beginning of a new era and the start of a major rebuilding process in Kansas City. The Chiefs wound up making six selections in the first three rounds alone and twelve over all but even that wasn't enough to plug all of their holes and it will likely take at least one more great draft before this franchise is ready to contend for a playoff spot. With that said this draft class was a huge step in the right direction and while there is still a long road ahead all journeys must begin somewhere.

Throughout most of the draft process all of the talk about the #5 pick centered on an offensive tackle, and for obvious reasons, but after picking up an extra first rounder courtesy of the Jared Allen deal the Chiefs were freed up to go in a different direction with their first choice. In the days leading up to the draft it looked like a mortal lock that L.S.U.'s Glenn Dorsey would either go #2 overall to the Rams or #3 overall to the Falcons but when he fell into Kansas City's laps on Draft Day they just couldn't resist taking the guy who 3/4 of the teams in the league had rated as the top player in the entire draft, regardless of position. Sure defensive tackle wasn't necessarily their #1 priority but they needed an elite defensive lineman and that is exactly what Dorsey has a chance to be. Not only will Dorsey be an immediate starter for the Chiefs but he should be the type of impact player that Ryan Sims was supposed to be. After taking Dorsey with their first choice there was no doubt that Kansas City had to use their next pick on an offensive lineman and when Virginia's Branden Albert inexplicably began to slip they made a deal to move up a couple of slots to land him. A college guard who most teams were looking at as a left tackle, Albert was one of the drafts hottest prospects in the weeks leading up to the big day and the Chiefs were seriously considering him at #5 overall so to land him at #15 was a coup. Albert will probably get a shot outside at tackle but even if things don't work out there he can be a Pro Bowl-caliber guard and one way or another he will be an immediate starter for the Chiefs. With their final choice of the first day Kansas City filled a gaping hole at cornerback when they selected Brandon Flowers of Virginia Tech, a player who most had going late in the first round. A physical cover guy who some scouts felt was the best corner in this draft based on game tape alone, Flowers saw his stock dip after a poor showing at the Scouting Combine but he was still considered a good value at #35 overall. With the release of Ty Law the cupboard at cornerback was bare so you might as well just pencil Flowers in as a starter right now. For those of you counting at home that is three picks and three instant starters. Talk about a phenomenal start!

Armed with three third round picks the Chiefs were in great position to really do some damage and while they did come away with some good players I have to downgrade them slightly for not addressing needs. With the first of those three picks the Chiefs went with Texas running back Jamaal Charles, who was viewed as a second round pick by many. A big play threat with elite speed, Charles is coming off of a great junior season and still has a lot of upside but with Larry Johnson signing a huge new contract less than a year ago Charles will be limited to a backup / situational role. With their next pick Kansas City opted for Tennessee tight end Brad Cottam, who battled an assortment of injuries and was not very productive in college. With that said Cottam has rare size and is a pretty good athlete and after strong showings at both the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine teams were willing to take a chance on his potential in the 3rd-4th round area. However, even though he may be getting a little older Tony Gonzalez is still one of the best tight end's in the league so Cottam probably won't have many opportunities to make an impact. With their third and final pick of round three the Chiefs chose North Carolina St. safety DaJuan Morgan, who some had rated as the top player available at his position. After coming out as a junior Morgan is still raw but he is just beginning to fulfill his potential and with the right development could be a steal. Didn't they already have a couple of young safeties they liked though? Look for Morgan to start out as a backup and eventually push Jarrad Page for a starting job. As I said, Charles, Cottam and Morgan are three very good players and at least a couple of them could've gone a round earlier but you can have all the talent in the world but it doesn't do you much good standing on the sidelines. The bottom line is with all of their needs the Chiefs essentially used a couple of valuable draft choices to select backups for their two best players. I just don't see how that makes sense for a team in their position.

In round four the Chiefs added a wide receiver in Missouri's William Franklin, a player the team was said to really like. Outside of Dwayne Bowe the Chiefs really didn't have another starting-caliber wideout on the roster so there will be ample opportunity for Franklin to get on the field as a rookie and at 6-0 and 214 lbs. with 4.37 speed he certainly has the physical tools to take advantage. Don't underestimate Franklin's blocking prowess either because that skill alone could go a long way towards earning him significant early playing time. In round five Kansas City added some more help at cornerback by selecting Brandon Carr of Grand Valley St. Even though he wasn't expected to go as early as he did Carr is a height/weight/speed prospect who was extremely productive at the Division II level (50 career passes defensed) and since the Chiefs are in such tough shape at corner he could compete for the nickel job right away. After selecting Branden Albert early it took the Chiefs five rounds to grab another offensive lineman, which was way too long in my opinion, but they did land a very intriguing prospect in Clemson's Barry Richardson. A mountain of a man who really looks the part, the problem with Richardson is that he does not always played up to his talent level. Still, Richardson has early round ability so in round six he was certainly worth the risk and if the light ever does come on he has the tools to be a starter. Richardson will either be a steal or a bust, nothing in between.

With their next pick the Chiefs added another wide receiver when they chose Kevin Robinson of Utah St., who probably doesn't profile as a starter in the NFL but could be a good #3 or #4 option while also providing value as a return specialist. In the weeks leading up to the draft I touted Gardner-Webb defensive end Brian Johnston as one of the most underrated players in the draft and said on many occasions that he could turn out to be the next Jared Allen. Well low and behold look who goes and picks him in the seventh round but the Kansas City Chiefs. I absolutely love the Johnston pick for Kansas City and in my mind he was a late 3rd or early 4th round value. The guy was dominant at his level, has good size, worked out well and performed well in the Hula Bowl. What more do you want??? Mark my words: Brian Johnston is going to be a steal. With their final pick of the '08 Draft the Chiefs chose yet another tight end, Central Florida's Mike Merritt. Another surprise pick, Merritt is a long-shot to make the roster and at best he will battle last year's 7th round pick Michael Allan for the third string job. On one hand it was a late seventh round pick but still...

All in all the Chiefs did a very good job, but then again with all those picks they should have come away with a lot of talent. Now I understand that they couldn't plug all of their holes with just one draft class but in my opinion they could have done a little better than they did, especially in round three. Still, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who did a better job in the first two rounds than Kansas City and Dorsey, Albert and Flowers should all be in the starting lineup come Week One. It's going to be a while before the Chiefs are relevant again and the next couple of years will be difficult but as rebuilding plans go this was a very good start. Now they just need to do it again a year from now. And in 2010...

GRADE: A-

**Buehler445** · 05-06-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

If you're smart, you draft a TE who can do both block and receive.

Amongst the four TEs we currently have, we have three TEs that can block adequately and three TEs that can receive well. That's a good problem to have.

So do you see Allan as the odd man out?

I hope not. Watching him in preseason last year, I was hoping they would give him a chance. But then again, I don't know how he progressed as the year passed.

milkman · 05-06-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

I to am concerned with the Cottam pick. It is very hard to view him as anything else besides a blocking TE because he only caught 20 passes in his entire collegiate career. Almost every TE in the draft caught more passes than that in two seasons, let alone a career.

If it were me, I would have drafted Jeremy Zuttah. He would have automatically started at OG, and God knows we need the help at O Line more than a backup TE that's going to play in two TE sets. IMO, there wasn't another team in the NFL that was going to draft Cottam in the third round.

All and all, I wished that KC would have gotten some immediate starters in round 3. All 3 third round picks are going to start out as backups. Some may be third string?? While I still like the picks, I would have like KC to get one sure fire starter in round 3....That didn't happen.

I think we'll see more of Charles than you may be expecting, and I'm betting Morgan is a starter by mid-season.

Cottom was the only questionable pick, because his production was limited by injuries.

This seemed to be the only early pick based on upside, rather than production.

Direckshun · 05-06-2008, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

So do you see Allan as the odd man out?

I hope not. Watching him in preseason last year, I was hoping they would give him a chance. But then again, I don't know how he progressed as the year passed.

If he gets his blocking up to speck, I think Merritt's the odd man out.

milkman · 05-06-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

If he gets his blocking up to speck, I think Merritt's the odd man out.

He's gonna be a bust!

Damnit Carl!

TRR · 05-06-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I think we'll see more of Charles than you may be expecting, and I'm betting Morgan is a starter by mid-season.

Cottom was the only questionable pick, because his production was limited by injuries.

This seemed to be the only early pick based on upside, rather than production.

You may be right, but I'll take the wait and see approach. Right now, it looks like Charles is going to have to beat out Kolby Smith to even be the third down RB, and Morgan will have to make some plays if he wants to unseat Page in the starting lineup....We shall see.

**Mr. Flopnuts** · 05-06-2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

And if he's as talented as we're led to believe, he'll become Tony G's replacement when he retires.

People need to quit looking at him as "just" a blocking TE.

JMO.

You're right. He's a rookie. How much do you expect from a rookie when Tony G. is your first option? He's a good blocker, fills an immediate need, and has the opportunity to blossom into a superstar.

It's a much better pick than people give it credit for. He's going to contribute significantly in the double tight end set Gailey loves to run so much while developing. Jamaal Charles, (which was a better pick IMO) won't contribute as much as Cottam will this year.

aturnis · 05-06-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I think we'll see more of Charles than you may be expecting, and I'm betting Morgan is a starter by mid-season.

I couldn't agree more. I think the Chiefs will definitely use Charles a lot, big play ability and the change of speed will benefit the offense.

As for Morgan, Bill said that he will be getting a lot of playing time this year due to the fact that Gunther has some 3 safety packages.

aturnis · 05-06-2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

If he gets his blocking up to speck, I think Merritt's the odd man out.

The team RAVED about his blocking ability. Do you think there's a chance of a conversion? Or maybe carrying an extra TE b/c of the heavy emphasis on 2 TE sets?

aturnis · 05-06-2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

Morgan will have to make some plays if he wants to unseat Page in the starting lineup....We shall see.

I think Wright is wrong in this instance. I think he will be a heavy contributor. He'll be a solid backup this year, and play extensively in 3 safety packages, but if anyone isn't coming along, it's Pollard, not Page. I'd expect Pollard to sit before Page.

TRR · 05-06-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aturnis

I think Wright is wrong in this instance. I think he will be a heavy contributor. He'll be a solid backup this year, and play extensively in 3 safety packages, but if anyone isn't coming along, it's Pollard, not Page. I'd expect Pollard to sit before Page.

I don't believe Morgan is a SS prospect in the NFL. I have always thought of him as a FS. He may be able to make the transition, but it may take him a bit, especially in a Cover 2 scheme like KC runs. I believe Morgan played a little bit of both SS and FS, but he only started one season at NC State, and it was at FS.

Basileus777 · 05-06-2008, 10:55 PM

Scott Wright isn't intimately familiar with the Chiefs roster. He has a passing knowledge of the Chiefs, which is why he doesn't know that we drafted Cottam to replace Dunn or the state of our safeties. He makes some interesting points, but its not a deep analysis.

I'm not completely satisfied with the Cottam pick either, but hopefully we actually use him and he doesn't end up the next Bigfoot. Still, he was good value where we took him, and Jason Dunn was so important to our offense that even if he just ends up as a blocking TE, it wasn't a wasted pick.

JohnnyV13 · 05-07-2008, 11:58 AM

Interesting that Scott Wright slobbers all over Brian Johnston's Johnson.

**The Franchise** · 05-07-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

I don't believe Morgan is a SS prospect in the NFL. I have always thought of him as a FS. He may be able to make the transition, but it may take him a bit, especially in a Cover 2 scheme like KC runs. I believe Morgan played a little bit of both SS and FS, but he only started one season at NC State, and it was at FS.

So what do we do with Page then?

Direckshun · 05-07-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyV13

Interesting that Scott Wright slobbers all over Brian Johnston's Johnson.

If Johnston becomes a stud, I propose all CP members change their penis euphemism from Johnson to Johnston.

CupidStunt · 05-07-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pestilenceaf23

So what do we do with Page then?

Have him come off the bench and play him as a nickel safety.

That's what he should be, and probably why Herm drafted Morgan.

Page's a nice kid but he's not a starting NFL safety. At least not a very good one at all.

05-06-2008, 07:47 AM
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $-701022	NFLDC Chiefs Draft Review http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/rev...itychiefs.html Kansas City Chiefs '08 Draft Review -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott Wright President, NFL Draft Countdown The pre-Draft trade of star defensive end Jared Allen signaled the beginning of a new era and the start of a major rebuilding process in Kansas City. The Chiefs wound up making six selections in the first three rounds alone and twelve over all but even that wasn't enough to plug all of their holes and it will likely take at least one more great draft before this franchise is ready to contend for a playoff spot. With that said this draft class was a huge step in the right direction and while there is still a long road ahead all journeys must begin somewhere. Throughout most of the draft process all of the talk about the #5 pick centered on an offensive tackle, and for obvious reasons, but after picking up an extra first rounder courtesy of the Jared Allen deal the Chiefs were freed up to go in a different direction with their first choice. In the days leading up to the draft it looked like a mortal lock that L.S.U.'s Glenn Dorsey would either go #2 overall to the Rams or #3 overall to the Falcons but when he fell into Kansas City's laps on Draft Day they just couldn't resist taking the guy who 3/4 of the teams in the league had rated as the top player in the entire draft, regardless of position. Sure defensive tackle wasn't necessarily their #1 priority but they needed an elite defensive lineman and that is exactly what Dorsey has a chance to be. Not only will Dorsey be an immediate starter for the Chiefs but he should be the type of impact player that Ryan Sims was supposed to be. After taking Dorsey with their first choice there was no doubt that Kansas City had to use their next pick on an offensive lineman and when Virginia's Branden Albert inexplicably began to slip they made a deal to move up a couple of slots to land him. A college guard who most teams were looking at as a left tackle, Albert was one of the drafts hottest prospects in the weeks leading up to the big day and the Chiefs were seriously considering him at #5 overall so to land him at #15 was a coup. Albert will probably get a shot outside at tackle but even if things don't work out there he can be a Pro Bowl-caliber guard and one way or another he will be an immediate starter for the Chiefs. With their final choice of the first day Kansas City filled a gaping hole at cornerback when they selected Brandon Flowers of Virginia Tech, a player who most had going late in the first round. A physical cover guy who some scouts felt was the best corner in this draft based on game tape alone, Flowers saw his stock dip after a poor showing at the Scouting Combine but he was still considered a good value at #35 overall. With the release of Ty Law the cupboard at cornerback was bare so you might as well just pencil Flowers in as a starter right now. For those of you counting at home that is three picks and three instant starters. Talk about a phenomenal start! Armed with three third round picks the Chiefs were in great position to really do some damage and while they did come away with some good players I have to downgrade them slightly for not addressing needs. With the first of those three picks the Chiefs went with Texas running back Jamaal Charles, who was viewed as a second round pick by many. A big play threat with elite speed, Charles is coming off of a great junior season and still has a lot of upside but with Larry Johnson signing a huge new contract less than a year ago Charles will be limited to a backup / situational role. With their next pick Kansas City opted for Tennessee tight end Brad Cottam, who battled an assortment of injuries and was not very productive in college. With that said Cottam has rare size and is a pretty good athlete and after strong showings at both the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine teams were willing to take a chance on his potential in the 3rd-4th round area. However, even though he may be getting a little older Tony Gonzalez is still one of the best tight end's in the league so Cottam probably won't have many opportunities to make an impact. With their third and final pick of round three the Chiefs chose North Carolina St. safety DaJuan Morgan, who some had rated as the top player available at his position. After coming out as a junior Morgan is still raw but he is just beginning to fulfill his potential and with the right development could be a steal. Didn't they already have a couple of young safeties they liked though? Look for Morgan to start out as a backup and eventually push Jarrad Page for a starting job. As I said, Charles, Cottam and Morgan are three very good players and at least a couple of them could've gone a round earlier but you can have all the talent in the world but it doesn't do you much good standing on the sidelines. The bottom line is with all of their needs the Chiefs essentially used a couple of valuable draft choices to select backups for their two best players. I just don't see how that makes sense for a team in their position. In round four the Chiefs added a wide receiver in Missouri's William Franklin, a player the team was said to really like. Outside of Dwayne Bowe the Chiefs really didn't have another starting-caliber wideout on the roster so there will be ample opportunity for Franklin to get on the field as a rookie and at 6-0 and 214 lbs. with 4.37 speed he certainly has the physical tools to take advantage. Don't underestimate Franklin's blocking prowess either because that skill alone could go a long way towards earning him significant early playing time. In round five Kansas City added some more help at cornerback by selecting Brandon Carr of Grand Valley St. Even though he wasn't expected to go as early as he did Carr is a height/weight/speed prospect who was extremely productive at the Division II level (50 career passes defensed) and since the Chiefs are in such tough shape at corner he could compete for the nickel job right away. After selecting Branden Albert early it took the Chiefs five rounds to grab another offensive lineman, which was way too long in my opinion, but they did land a very intriguing prospect in Clemson's Barry Richardson. A mountain of a man who really looks the part, the problem with Richardson is that he does not always played up to his talent level. Still, Richardson has early round ability so in round six he was certainly worth the risk and if the light ever does come on he has the tools to be a starter. Richardson will either be a steal or a bust, nothing in between. With their next pick the Chiefs added another wide receiver when they chose Kevin Robinson of Utah St., who probably doesn't profile as a starter in the NFL but could be a good #3 or #4 option while also providing value as a return specialist. In the weeks leading up to the draft I touted Gardner-Webb defensive end Brian Johnston as one of the most underrated players in the draft and said on many occasions that he could turn out to be the next Jared Allen. Well low and behold look who goes and picks him in the seventh round but the Kansas City Chiefs. I absolutely love the Johnston pick for Kansas City and in my mind he was a late 3rd or early 4th round value. The guy was dominant at his level, has good size, worked out well and performed well in the Hula Bowl. What more do you want??? Mark my words: Brian Johnston is going to be a steal. With their final pick of the '08 Draft the Chiefs chose yet another tight end, Central Florida's Mike Merritt. Another surprise pick, Merritt is a long-shot to make the roster and at best he will battle last year's 7th round pick Michael Allan for the third string job. On one hand it was a late seventh round pick but still... All in all the Chiefs did a very good job, but then again with all those picks they should have come away with a lot of talent. Now I understand that they couldn't plug all of their holes with just one draft class but in my opinion they could have done a little better than they did, especially in round three. Still, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who did a better job in the first two rounds than Kansas City and Dorsey, Albert and Flowers should all be in the starting lineup come Week One. It's going to be a while before the Chiefs are relevant again and the next couple of years will be difficult but as rebuilding plans go this was a very good start. Now they just need to do it again a year from now. And in 2010... GRADE: A- Last edited by Archie Bunker; 05-06-2008 at 07:54 AM..
Posts: 6,219

05-06-2008, 10:55 PM	#26
Basileus777 MVP Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Jersey Casino cash: $2175958	Scott Wright isn't intimately familiar with the Chiefs roster. He has a passing knowledge of the Chiefs, which is why he doesn't know that we drafted Cottam to replace Dunn or the state of our safeties. He makes some interesting points, but its not a deep analysis. I'm not completely satisfied with the Cottam pick either, but hopefully we actually use him and he doesn't end up the next Bigfoot. Still, he was good value where we took him, and Jason Dunn was so important to our offense that even if he just ends up as a blocking TE, it wasn't a wasted pick.
Posts: 9,420

05-07-2008, 11:58 AM	#27
JohnnyV13 Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tucson AZ Casino cash: $5385200	Interesting that Scott Wright slobbers all over Brian Johnston's Johnson.
Posts: 4,222