This is the second post from 'J' who is doing a three-part series on what fate should hold for the Chiefs free agents. In case you missed it, here's Part 1.
50/50:
Kelly Gregg: Gregg a bowling ball of a NT was a nice pick up in last year’s Free Agency class. He gave the Chiefs a big-bodied presence in the middle which is essential in any 3-4 defense. The Chiefs particular system asks NT’s to play a 0 technique, or head up on the center. Their responsibility is to demand double teams, allowing the linebackers to make plays and stopping the run. Gregg did an admirable job this season and Derrick Johnson’s numbers reflect that. However the Chiefs were not a great run stopping team, ranking 26th in the league, allowing 132 yards per game. In this aspect Kelly Gregg did not do enough to help the defense. Gregg who may be considering retirement at the age of 35 would be welcomed back in a advisor/rotational NT role. However the Chiefs need to find an upgrade at this position in the offseason. Is that 2011 6th round draft pick Jerrell Powe or another FA pickup/draft selection?
Kyle Orton: Orton did a good job in the 3 games he started for the Chiefs this season. He led the team to wins over previously undefeated Green Bay and the Denver Broncos. He had the Chiefs in a position to win against Oakland before two blocked FG’s kept the Chiefs from winning and ultimately making the playoffs. While Orton is definitely not an elite quarterback it is plain to see that he gives the Chiefs a legitimate starting QB and is a much better thrower of the football than incumbent starter Matt Cassel. However Orton should have many suitors in Free Agency and have a chance to start somewhere else. If he elects to return to KC he will not only be battling against Cassel for the starting spot, but also GM Scott Pioli’s infatuation with the former Patriot.
Jackie Battle: The RB position needs to be upgraded this offseason. In the most action Battle has ever gotten at the NFL level he just looked average. A back with below-average vision, who is just content to lower his head rather than make a cut is worth keeping around as a 3rd back. Battle is a hard worker and is a good special teams player, but not much else. Battle is a solid contributor, but one that can be replaced rather easily.
Jon McGraw: McGraw is a hard worker, giving everything he has. However at 32 years old he has slowed down considerably. He knows angles and is a decent tackler, but his coverage days are over. With Eric Berry coming back and other safety options available McGraw could be expendable. However he brings a certain leadership and toughness welcomed to any NFL Roster.
Amon Gordon: Gordon, an NFL journeyman, played well for Kansas City this season. Gordon has the size (6-2 305) and strength to play anywhere on the defensive line. He brought energy to the defensive and made several plays. While Gordon should never be relied upon to play or get a majority of snaps he provides solid depth. However he may become expendable with the emergence of Allen Bailey, the youth of Wallace Gilberry, and the unknown in Brandon Bair.
Wallace Gilberry: Gilberry bulked up last season in an attempt to become an every down lineman rather than just a pass rushing specialist. That idea backfired and he wasn’t nearly as effective in 2011 has he was in 2010. What Gilberry does bring is some youth and solid depth to the Chiefs defensive line with proven results. If it comes down to re-signing him or Gordon I believe the Front Office will lean towards Gilberry.
Travis Daniels: Daniels played very well this season as the 4th corner behind the Brandon’s (Carr and Flowers) and Javier Arenas. As the old adage goes, you can never have too many corners. Daniels could probably be a #3 for a DB hungry team and could also step in and play a little safety if need be. However with lasts year’s draft pick Jalil Brown heading into his second season and Scott Pioli’s propensity to draft corners in the draft, it may spell the end of Daniels tenure in Kansas City.
Barry Richardson: I am probably going to catch a lot of flak for putting B-Rich on this list, however the depth the Chiefs have along the OL is atrocious. Richardson should only be kept for depth purposes as a swing tackle. He can step in and play average football for you for slight stretches at a time, but should not be relied upon for anything else. The coaching staff may have big plans for 2011 UDFA David Mims and hopefully with the addition of an OT through the 2012 draft, B-Rich could be history.
Reshard Langford: Langford is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) which means the Chiefs control his future. There is absolutely no reason not to bring him back. At the very least he provides much needed safety depth and special teams ability.
Casey Wiegmann: At 38 years old Wiegmann may be considering retirement for the 3rd straight offseason. He has accumulated over 11,000 straight snaps and has been a solid player for the Chiefs OL. However his age is really becoming a factor and his play is starting to decline. With Rodney Hudson waiting in the wings and poised to take over the starting role, Wiegmann may decide to call it quits while he is still physically able too. The Chiefs currently have an opening for an Offensive Line Coach and who knows the system better the Wiegs?
That is all of the 50/50 type Free Agents that the Chiefs have this season. Obviously some will have to be kept because a team just cannot have that much turnover in one offseason. Coming soon will be the 3rd and final part of my free agency series. The Get Lost group is on its way.
-J
To see these and more thoughts from 'J,' check out his newly created blog Tomahawk Talk.
No comments:
Post a Comment