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)