Second Day Draft Review
Hello everyone. Please forgive me for my long hiatus. I did not forget about you guys J. I’ve been involved in OTA’s and mini-camps and I have interviewed players for my internet radio show and for an article I will write for 435 South Magazine. But on with that, I will be posting on here daily or every other day. But with all of that said, lets move on to the draft review.
Jamaal Charles—This is where things began to sky rocket for the Chiefs. Many talented football players were available on the draft board, and the Chiefs took advantage by taking Charles from Texas. Larry Johnson missed half of the season due to a severe foot injury. Now with Kolby Smith (drafted last year) and Jamaal Charles behind him, he won’t need to carry the load. There will be guys behind him to help carry the running game. Watch out for Charles this season. Expect Herm to use him in screen pass or third and long situations. Charles was the second fastest running back coming into the draft.
Brad Cottam—First the Chiefs get one of fastest players in the draft, now they receive the biggest blocker in the draft. When I interviewed Cottam, he said it’s a privilege to work with Tony Gonzalez his rookie year and get advice from him. When I asked Cottam how he thinks he will be developed in the NFL, he responded by saying, “Starting out in the NFL my primary role will be more blocking, but I think I’m capable of doing both.” Cottam at 6’8” may be doing a lot of blocking, but as he develops, he’ll be the key tight end in Kansas City once Tony Gonzalez begins stepping down.
DaJuan Morgan—Another talented football player available in the third round. Morgan is one hard hitter and has the speed to play the game of football. Third year safety Bernard Pollard says he has the all the abilities to play the safety position. Another third year safety, Jarred Page told me that he can play all three defensive back positions. Jarred Page and Bernard Pollard were the starting safeties last season and combined for five interceptions. Morgan will come in and try to help the Chiefs in the INT category (as well as Brandon Flowers.
Will Franklin—One of Chase Daniel’s favorite target last year in college. Franklin’s key role will be a reliever for guys like Dwayne Bowe and Devard Darling. Bowe was one of the best rookie receivers last year, so Franklin can digest a lot out of Bowe.
Brandon Carr—Carr is another good cornerback who was available in the fifth round on the board for Kansas City. Carr will be another relief player on this team as he may play the quarter position behind Surtain, Flowers and Brackenridge.
Barry Richardson—Richardson is possibly going to be a key player in the tackle position. The offensive line was the biggest concern for the Chiefs last year as they allowed fifty-four sacks. Larry Johnson loves attacking the outside, so the Chiefs will need their offensive tackles to stop up in the running game.
Kevin Robinson—Another wide receiver coming into Kansas City, however, Robinson may not see much playing time at the wide receiver spot. The Kansas City Chiefs return on special teams has not been the same the past couple of years with Dante Hall declining and Eddie Drummond coming off of a disappointing season. B.J. Sams was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs from Baltimore to come in to repair the special teams. It is likely that Sams and Robinson will battle for the kick return spot heading into river falls in July, but regardless of who wins the battle, both guys may get a decent amount of returns off of kick offs and punts. Robinson is similar to Hall when it comes to small size, but Robinson does have the height advantage, but the question will be is if he has the speed like Hall.
Brian Johnston—Despite Johnston being selected in the seventh round, there may be an opportunity for him to start at the defensive end position late in the season. He’ll be learning from third year veteran, Tamba Hali who’s had fifteen and a half sacks in his first two years will be teaching Johnston a lot. Defensive line coach Tim Krumrie loves to get on everyone and always works to make a player get better, so that will be another bonus for the former Gardner-Webb defensive end.
Mike Merritt—Merritt is the last of a dozen draft picks for the Kansas City Chiefs. Merritt will be developmental type of player in the NFL. He’ll be learning a lot from Tony Gonzalez just like Cottam. Merritt has not been the best receiving tight end, but he’ll make some big holes for running backs on the outside. Expect him to be involved in goal line plays to help the offensive tackles to allow the Chiefs to succeed on quarterback sneaks.
The Chiefs had quarterback as a position of need, however, head coach Herm Edwards feels Brodie Croyle is a skilled player and instead of having another quarterback to compete with him, Edwards chose to bring in weapons to help out the new starting quarterback. From my views, the point of this draft was not only to build for the future, but it was also used to help Croyle. Croyle now has a lot of talented players around him, now it’s up to him to take advantage of that and lead his squad in this rebuilding season.
Be sure you check out my internet radio show, “The Chiefs Endzone Show” featured on TheSportsStuff.com and on the itunes music store. Everyone have a good day, I’ll be back with another entry tomorrow.
