Chiefs Teicher: Chiefs say draft mission accomplished as team gains playmakers - Page 3

**Tribal Warfare** · 04-24-2010, 10:41 PM

Chiefs say draft mission accomplished as team gains playmakers
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

The draft hadn’t even concluded but Todd Haley and some of his offensive coaches were already tinkering with ways to use the Chiefs’ new offensive pieces. Some of the things they were drawing up included Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster all on the field at once.

That’s already a change from last year, when the Chiefs most times were struggling to find enough playmakers to line up and play at one time.

The Chiefs made finding playmakers, whether they’re on offense, defense or special teams, an emphasis in the draft. They cast the net wide and emerged with safety Eric Berry of Tennessee in the first round and running back/wide receiver McCluster of Mississippi and kick returner/nickel back Javier Arenas of Alabama in the second.

The Chiefs finished their draft Saturday by using their last two picks, both in the fifth round, on developmental players — safety Kendrick Lewis of Mississippi and outside linebacker Cameron Sheffield of Troy.

The emphasis on playmakers came at a cost. The Chiefs failed to add an offensive tackle, meaning Branden Albert and Ryan O’Callaghan will start again next season.

Their only major offseason player additions on defense were Berry and Arenas. They appeared content with that.

“We accomplished as much as we could this year,” general manager Scott Pioli said. “We made significant progress this offseason, this draft.”

The Chiefs already faced the prospect of a crowded backfield with Charles, who ran for more than 900 yards over the final eight games last year, and Jones, who rushed for more than 1,400 yards for the New York Jets in 2009.

To this, they added McCluster, who between rushing and receiving accumulated 1,700 yards and 11 touchdowns last year at Ole Miss. The Chiefs plan to use him in a variety of ways: as a wide receiver, slot receiver, traditional running back and perhaps even as a quarterback in the Wildcat formation.

McCluster is only 5 feet 8 and 165 pounds, so he’s hard for defenders to find and because of his quickness, he can be difficult for them to handle once they do. Then there’s Charles and his speed and the more conventional abilities of Jones.

“I think when you have unique ability guys that have some of those qualities, it’s an advantage to whoever has those players,” Haley said. “(McCluster) was one of the higher-rated running backs we’ve had on the board and he was one of the higher-rated receivers we had on the board. When you have a unique player like that, the number one thing you gain or you have a chance to utilize is matchups. He’s a player that you put at a number of different spots and pressure a defense in a sense.

“We have another guy in Jamaal Charles that proved last year he can do some things in addition to running the football. So I’m excited from an offensive standpoint to have a guy like that because our motto is the more you can do … he’s a great example of a player that can do a number of things.”

One of the Chiefs’ biggest offseason goals was to find a skilled kick return specialist. Their return game has been among the most lackluster in the league the last three seasons since the Chiefs traded Dante Hall.

“It was a must, in my opinion,” Haley said. “There are musts and then there are needs and that was a must.”

The Chiefs now potentially have two returners. Arenas scored seven touchdowns and averaged 14 yards per punt return over his four seasons in college. McCluster returned little at Ole Miss because his coaches wanted to preserve him for offense, but he has the ability.

“I know coach (Steve) Hoffman, our special teams coach, is as excited as I’ve seen him. I said, ‘We better not hear another word out of you.’ We got him two of the better returners in the league and now he’s got to put them to good use.

“Having a potential game-changer returner would be a nice addition to this team. In general, we just felt like we needed some difference-makers. At least on paper and how we came out of this weekend, I think we’re excited.”

As far as improvement on defense, the Chiefs will rely mainly on help from Berry, who will start at safety, and Arenas, who could be the nickel back.

The Chiefs are also counting on improvement from their younger defensive players, including ends Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson.

“Defense is a team game,” Haley said. “We’re developing the guys we have here that are already on campus. We’re all really excited about that process and where we are as we speak. Then adding the guys we have on defense to the mix, we expect them to have an impact on that.

“It’s important that some of these young guys take another step for us.”

DaWolf · 04-25-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I don't agree.

Given how much Weis loves to throw to his RBs and given that he loves to run multiple plays from the same formation, I can guarantee you that he's drooling at the thought of a guy who can line up in the backfield and motion into the slot based on where the mismatch is. I think he's going to see the field quite a bit as a receiver-version of Kevin Faulk, who saw a ton of reps when he was with Weis, particularly as a receiver.

Unless McCluster turns into this year's version of Kris Wilson, who was drooled over by Saunders pre-draft but never was utilized by him once he got on the team, I agree he should see lots of action as he provides on paper another explosive piece for the offense, which we desperately need.

But Pioli was mentioning the thought process they used with Arenas, saying that even though he probably was going to come in as nickel, in this day and age, a nickel back actually gets a helluva lot of snaps on defense with all the passing out there. He's almost like a 3rd starter. In this division, you have to be able to stop the forward pass.

Of course that still leaves the question of how to generate pressure on the QB. Since we didn't really find the LB or a dynamic NT that will dominate up front, we're still going to have to be creative in terms of how we get to the QB. And if Arenas is as good as advertised in terms of blitz ability, he at least should add a piece there...

Basileus777 · 04-25-2010, 10:57 AM

Nicklebacks aren't really part-time players in today's NFL. If Arenas plays nickle and returns kicks, he isn't a part-time player. He could be on the field a lot and help fix not only our return game, but also our completely inability to guard slot receivers. And we are hardly set at corner to begin with. Flowers is the only proven player we have.

**DaneMcCloud** · 04-25-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

It didn't have to be Clausen, or Kindle, or Cody, or Tate.

But we needed starters in the second round, not part time players.

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.

Deberg_1990 · 04-25-2010, 10:59 AM

I often wonder if people argued like this about the draft 20 years ago....

"fuck you Carl!! How could you draft Dave Szott when Marvcus Patton and Shannon Sharpe were still on the board!!!!"

KCDC · 04-25-2010, 11:15 AM

Quote:

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.

An excellent analysis. I think it is true that fat NTs and decent ILB are able to be found on cut down days. The likes of Cody and Cam Thomas can be found in any draft or in free agency. They come and go from the game with little notice. Even solid WRs like Benn might be good, but are they really "special game changers?" Having a guy return a kick for a touchdown is a game changer. Having a RB/WR that causes a defense to make mistakes can be a game changer. These guys you just cannot get, except in the draft. No one wants to trade them, or let them go, until they are old and broken. You can trade for a Cam Thomas any day.

/rep

Otis Day · 04-25-2010, 11:46 AM

I think we would all view this draft a little differently had they chosen Cam Thomas in the 5th. Then we could have lived with some of the odd choices earlier.

chiefzilla1501 · 04-25-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

No question that Faulk is a weapon in the Pats offense, but the Pats won those SBs with defense and Tom Brady.

Even at his best, I'd be surprised if Faulk was used more than 60% of the Pats snaps, a part time weapon, and the Pats have never had anyone as dynamic as Charles.

I can see him being a hybrid between Faulk/Edelman (I don't want to use Welker, because I think Welker's much better). I think when you add up all the ways he can be used, he'll be on the field every bit as much as a guy like Cody. He's a slot receiver they currently don't have, he's a RB on downs that they don't want Charles/Jones on the field anyway.

And in the long-term view (2-3 years from now), he could easily become a complement back to Charles.

Add in that I could see him returning kicks while Arenas returns punts.

I disagree that he's a part-time player.

Frankie · 04-25-2010, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Chiefs say draft mission accomplished as team gains playmakers

I could buy into that somewhat if we had brought in a few stud O linemen and front 7 players during the FA weeks. We didn't, and this draft did not address those needs.

go bo · 04-25-2010, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I think I have this whole thing figured out.

* * *

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.

* * *

yep, if we can endure another season of losing almost all our games, we'll get that franchise qb that everyone wants so bad in next year's draft...

and a stud wr would be nice as well...

CarlPeterson_fan · 04-25-2010, 02:51 PM

So are you guys missing me yet? I would have taken Kindle with 36, traded up for Clausen, and taken Cam Thomas in the fourth instead of trading it away for a TE that I could have had later. I hope Fatlock is choking on his bad words about me right now.

R&GHomer · 04-25-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

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.

I agree completely. I for one think Pioli has done a pretty damn good job this offseason. Someone should create a thread analyzing all the changes and additions that have been made thus far. This team will be better no doubt, none whatsoever, "more" imho than most think.

They have a plan and they are sticking to it. More importantly, if you take off the hate glasses, you can see it taking form right in front of your eyes. I'm excited.

Chris Meck · 04-25-2010, 05:13 PM

It really, really pains me to agree it Dane.

But there it is. I do.

Brock · 04-25-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlPeterson

So are you guys missing me yet? I would have taken Kindle with 36, traded up for Clausen, and taken Cam Thomas in the fourth instead of trading it away for a TE that I could have had later. I hope Fatlock is choking on his bad words about me right now.

Go polish your USFL championship ring.

CarlPeterson_fan · 04-25-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Go polish your USFL championship ring.

I would have had a Superbowl ring too if I could have just completed my 25 year plan.

04-24-2010, 10:41 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3087187	Teicher: Chiefs say draft mission accomplished as team gains playmakers Chiefs say draft mission accomplished as team gains playmakers By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The draft hadn’t even concluded but Todd Haley and some of his offensive coaches were already tinkering with ways to use the Chiefs’ new offensive pieces. Some of the things they were drawing up included Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster all on the field at once. That’s already a change from last year, when the Chiefs most times were struggling to find enough playmakers to line up and play at one time. The Chiefs made finding playmakers, whether they’re on offense, defense or special teams, an emphasis in the draft. They cast the net wide and emerged with safety Eric Berry of Tennessee in the first round and running back/wide receiver McCluster of Mississippi and kick returner/nickel back Javier Arenas of Alabama in the second. The Chiefs finished their draft Saturday by using their last two picks, both in the fifth round, on developmental players — safety Kendrick Lewis of Mississippi and outside linebacker Cameron Sheffield of Troy. The emphasis on playmakers came at a cost. The Chiefs failed to add an offensive tackle, meaning Branden Albert and Ryan O’Callaghan will start again next season. Their only major offseason player additions on defense were Berry and Arenas. They appeared content with that. “We accomplished as much as we could this year,” general manager Scott Pioli said. “We made significant progress this offseason, this draft.” The Chiefs already faced the prospect of a crowded backfield with Charles, who ran for more than 900 yards over the final eight games last year, and Jones, who rushed for more than 1,400 yards for the New York Jets in 2009. To this, they added McCluster, who between rushing and receiving accumulated 1,700 yards and 11 touchdowns last year at Ole Miss. The Chiefs plan to use him in a variety of ways: as a wide receiver, slot receiver, traditional running back and perhaps even as a quarterback in the Wildcat formation. McCluster is only 5 feet 8 and 165 pounds, so he’s hard for defenders to find and because of his quickness, he can be difficult for them to handle once they do. Then there’s Charles and his speed and the more conventional abilities of Jones. “I think when you have unique ability guys that have some of those qualities, it’s an advantage to whoever has those players,” Haley said. “(McCluster) was one of the higher-rated running backs we’ve had on the board and he was one of the higher-rated receivers we had on the board. When you have a unique player like that, the number one thing you gain or you have a chance to utilize is matchups. He’s a player that you put at a number of different spots and pressure a defense in a sense. “We have another guy in Jamaal Charles that proved last year he can do some things in addition to running the football. So I’m excited from an offensive standpoint to have a guy like that because our motto is the more you can do … he’s a great example of a player that can do a number of things.” One of the Chiefs’ biggest offseason goals was to find a skilled kick return specialist. Their return game has been among the most lackluster in the league the last three seasons since the Chiefs traded Dante Hall. “It was a must, in my opinion,” Haley said. “There are musts and then there are needs and that was a must.” The Chiefs now potentially have two returners. Arenas scored seven touchdowns and averaged 14 yards per punt return over his four seasons in college. McCluster returned little at Ole Miss because his coaches wanted to preserve him for offense, but he has the ability. “I know coach (Steve) Hoffman, our special teams coach, is as excited as I’ve seen him. I said, ‘We better not hear another word out of you.’ We got him two of the better returners in the league and now he’s got to put them to good use. “Having a potential game-changer returner would be a nice addition to this team. In general, we just felt like we needed some difference-makers. At least on paper and how we came out of this weekend, I think we’re excited.” As far as improvement on defense, the Chiefs will rely mainly on help from Berry, who will start at safety, and Arenas, who could be the nickel back. The Chiefs are also counting on improvement from their younger defensive players, including ends Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. “Defense is a team game,” Haley said. “We’re developing the guys we have here that are already on campus. We’re all really excited about that process and where we are as we speak. Then adding the guys we have on defense to the mix, we expect them to have an impact on that. “It’s important that some of these young guys take another step for us.”
Posts: 43,464

04-25-2010, 10:57 AM	#32
Basileus777 MVP Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Jersey Casino cash: $2135958	Nicklebacks aren't really part-time players in today's NFL. If Arenas plays nickle and returns kicks, he isn't a part-time player. He could be on the field a lot and help fix not only our return game, but also our completely inability to guard slot receivers. And we are hardly set at corner to begin with. Flowers is the only proven player we have. Last edited by Basileus777; 04-25-2010 at 11:05 AM..
Posts: 9,420

04-25-2010, 10:59 AM	#34
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $14454	I often wonder if people argued like this about the draft 20 years ago.... "fuck you Carl!! How could you draft Dave Szott when Marvcus Patton and Shannon Sharpe were still on the board!!!!"
Posts: 68,759

04-25-2010, 11:46 AM	#36
Otis Day Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Oregon Casino cash: $1701274	I think we would all view this draft a little differently had they chosen Cam Thomas in the 5th. Then we could have lived with some of the odd choices earlier.
Posts: 99

04-25-2010, 02:51 PM	#40
CarlPeterson_fan Banned Join Date: Apr 2010 Casino cash: $10006490	So are you guys missing me yet? I would have taken Kindle with 36, traded up for Clausen, and taken Cam Thomas in the fourth instead of trading it away for a TE that I could have had later. I hope Fatlock is choking on his bad words about me right now.
Posts: 84

04-25-2010, 05:13 PM	#42
Chris Meck MVP Join Date: May 2001 Location: midtown KC Casino cash: $-1465090	It really, really pains me to agree it Dane. But there it is. I do.
Posts: 19,489