2010 Free Agency Update; Kansas City Chiefs

by Josh Branco on Apr 18, 2010 1:20 PM PDT in 49ers Opponents

This will be my final article covering free agency prior to the draft. Hopefully this series has given you a better handle on the teams we will be facing in 2010. A lot has happened since the end of 2009, and we will continue to keep you up to date with these clubs as we get closer and closer to the regular season.

Today's post is covering the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have spent this off-season focusing on re-signing their own players and solidifying their depth chart, which suggests that the team is committed to building through the draft.

Defense seems to be the biggest Kansas City's biggest need. Thus far they have come to terms with two very talented linebackers: Andy Studebaker and Derrick Johnson. Johnson had been a starter his first four years with the team, but was relegated to a reserve role last season. He has signed a 1-year $2.6 million contract, and may get a chance to regain his starting job. Studebaker showed some potential in the second half of the regular season, but he is most likely headed towards a reserve role.

Nickel back Maurice Leggett has also resigned with the team, but he is on the roster bubble.

GM Scott Pioli has invested a lot of money in the Chiefs offensive line. C Rudy Niswanger, T Ryan O'Callaghan, T Barry Richardson, and G Ikechuku Ndukwe have all resigned with Kansas City. None of these players are guaranteed a starting job in 2010, but at the very least their familiarity with Todd Haley's system should make them capable back-ups. The club is rumored to have interest in selecting an offensive tackle with their first selection in the draft.

There will also be some familiar faces in the Chiefs backfield. FB Mike Cox has resigned with Kansas City, after originally joining the team as an undrafted free agent. Cox has made 15 starts with the Chiefs. Backup quarterback Brodie Croyle will also be back with the club in 2010.

Team needs and 2009 Draft results after the jump...

Team Needs

Offensive Tackle: The Chiefs should be able to find an upgrade over Branden Albert in the draft. That would allow them to slide Albert inside, improving two positions with one selection.
Offensive Guard: At 32, Brandon Waters is beginning to show signs of aging. Kansas City will likely need to add some more talent at this position during the draft.
Outside Linebacker: Studebaker is a solid contributor, but the Chiefs need to add a pass rusher opposite Tamba Hali. Look for the club to target one at some point in the draft.
Wide Receiver: The team has a few decent receivers, but nobody with the skills of a true number one. Their depth is also a bit lacking at this position. This could be an area they address later in the draft.
Nose Tackle: Ron Edwards is a consistent presence on the interior of the defensive, but an upgrade at this spot could help improve the whole defense. If there is a talented nose tackle there for the taking, expect Kansas City to pull the trigger.

2009 Draft Results

Round 1, Pick 3 - DE Tyson Jackson (LSU)
Round 3, Pick 67 - DT Alex Magee (Purdue)
Round 4, Pick 102 - CB Donald Washington (Ohio State)
Round 5, Pick 139 - OL Colin Brown (Missouri)
Round 6, Pick 175 - WR Quinten Lawrence (McNeese State)
Round 7, Pick 212 - RB Javarris Williams (Tennessee State)
Round 7, Pick 237 - WR Jake O'Connell (Miami of Ohio)
Round 7, Pick 256 - K Ryan Succop (South Carolina)

Tweet Comment 17 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Common theme of the chiefs needing to replace or "upgrade" Albert

Unfortunately it isn’t a need or at least a priority. Albert was extremely good the second half of the season after having to adjust to a new blocking scheme and new build that he was playing at. The idea of “improving two positions at once” is ludicrous especially when talking about the #5 overall pick because then you’re essentially drafting a guard there. Not to mention we have Brian Waters at LG already and Ryan Liljas natural position is also LG. To move Albert again would only be setting him back another season.

Linebacker I can agree is a need although I would say inside is more pressing then outside and NT is definetly a need and really should be the highest need on the board. It would also be great to stop the musical chairs at WR with someone who comes in and really owns that #2-3 WR.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Apr 18, 2010 1:29 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Good write up though.

Alot of good analysis here that I’ve noticed in other Chief-offseason-themed write ups on other sites have completely been missed.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Apr 18, 2010 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions

So you’d be OK with McClain at No.5?

What we've got here is a failure to communicate.

by SportsChicken on Apr 18, 2010 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions

At this point if we can't trade down...

Then I would be fine with McClain at 5 or Berry or almost anyone. The fact is if you can’t trade back to get the guy you want at the number he “should” go then to me you can no longer look at the pick as the 5th overall, you can only look at it as you first round pick and the only pick you have before you pick at 35.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Apr 19, 2010 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions

That's some solid reasoning

Although there is still the issue of $$$.

What we've got here is a failure to communicate.

by SportsChicken on Apr 19, 2010 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree with this

Albert deserves another year at LT rather than drafting another O-lineman with a high first round pick and messing with the line again. I’d go with Berry or McClain if I were the Chiefs.

by Brendan Scolari on Apr 18, 2010 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Like GenericBrand said.

There is nothing wrong with Branden Albert. The only people who believe the Chiefs need an upgrade are the people who don’t pay attention to the Kansas City Chiefs, and only look at stats.

by ChiefsFan90s on Apr 18, 2010 3:29 PM PDT reply actions

Even the stats say Albert is fine.

Once the run game got going and he was more comfortable he gave up one sack in his last five games against the sack champ twice and and 2 other top 10 passing/sack defenses.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Apr 18, 2010 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Going to have to strongly disagree..

Actually the only people who feel the chiefs offensive line doesn’t need help are blind fans who are seeing through love goggles. It’s obvious to the entire league that Kansas City’s offensive line showed itself to be one of the top 5 absolute worst OL’s in 2009. Granted since then they’ve brought in Lilja from Indy and Weigman back from Denver.

Albert hasn’t developed like most had thought he would. He could easily be slid inside and replaced with a much more productive and reliable tackle who doesn’t always manage to give up several sacks a game. I read that the stats say Albert is fine. Well…it shouldn’t take 10 games to feel “comfortable” and reliable enough to protect a 60 million QB. Bravo, he quit giving up 2 sacks a game.

Anyone who thinks the chiefs o-line in general doesn’t need a major facelift from 2009 needs to watch more tape.

And that whole “only look at stats” thing is funny. I think what you meant to say is “Don’t look at that number that says the OL gave up almost 50 sacks”.

I think after the draft when Albert is either replaced or moved, we will be in much much better shape than 09. Good thing its a deep deep class of quality tackles.

by chiefnyc on Apr 20, 2010 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions

Chiefs Fans

One thing I’ve noticed from writing up these articles, is that the Chiefs fans seem to know the most about their team. I love that you come in here bearing the truth. Best of luck in the draft:)

by Josh Branco on Apr 18, 2010 7:06 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks

Good luck to you too.

Also, good post. The only thing wrong with your entire post was the part about the offensive tackle, but with the way the national media displays the Chiefs, you would think Albert was the next Robert Gallery.

Also. Were do you see the 49ers going in the first round?

by ChiefsFan90s on Apr 18, 2010 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Basically it is down to a couple of selections. We need a safety, RT and a LG maybe a pass rushing OLB. I don’t know where the idea came from that we need a CB our CBs our good.

by manraj7 on Apr 18, 2010 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions