The Blueprint 3: The Hard Call
After two previous editions of “The Blueprint,” here is the scenario I laid out for “The Blueprint 3.” Keep in mind that trades are very hard to pull off in the top five, so a no-trade stipulation is also part of the scenario:
Now, some of you have suggested that this scenario is simply an exercise and is all but impossible. Not true. Judging from both the draft’s recent past and the needs of the top four teams, this could be one of the wildest drafts yet…
Not too long ago, Glenn Dorsey was the trendy pick for the Dolphins, not Chris Long. And after Jake Long’s monster NFL Combine performance, who’s to say he’s not the top guy on The Tuna’s Big Board at this point? After all, the Dolphins offensive line was an absolute albatross of a unit last year. What about Dorsey once again now that he’s basically put those injury issues to bed? He could go first as well. Most scouts believe those two players to be the best bets in the draft, so let’s assume they go one-two, regardless of order, in the draft. The pundits in the STL are clamoring for Dorsey, too, so this isn’t at all farfetched. Again, the Rams have met with both players.
That leaves the Falcons sitting there at three with Matt Ryan likely atop their board. I think the Falcons would probably take Dorsey or Long ahead of Ryan if they fell, at least that’s what I’ve read and heard, but Ryan is the guy if they are both gone. The Falcons would have the chance to completely change the face of their franchise with Michael Turner and Ryan, and in the post-Vick era where attendance is lacking that is definitely something owner Arthur Blank will want to do. Because of how many early picks the Falcons have, I do not see them trading the third pick. Their franchise desperately needs to walk away from the draft with a new star.
Next, here comes the Raiders. I laugh a little when either fans or pundits claim they know what the Raiders will do for sure. I doubt Al Davis himself can even predict what he’s going to do only hours prior to the draft. Two years ago they absolutely reached on Michael Huff, passing on Jay Cutler and Matt Leinart. Last year they screwed up royally again. They should have drafted Megatron, kept Randy Moss, left Dominic Rhodes and Mike Williams in the scrap heap and signed Daunte Culpepper. This is the franchise that spent a zillion bucks on DeAngelo Hall after franchise tagging Nnamdi Asomugha. Don’t tell me they won’t take a long hard look at Sedrick Ellis with Lane Kiffin’s USC ties and Warren Sapp’s retirement, just because of Tommy Kelly.
The Raiders obviously aren’t logical. Could they pick Darren McFadden even with Justin Fargas, Michael Bush and 70 other running backs? Sure. What about Chris Long, Howie’s son, even though they are stocked at defensive end? You bet. But don’t tell me there’s no way they’ll take Ellis. Hell, the Raiders could take just about anybody. The Silver and Black are unconventional. If I know anything, I at least definitely know that.
We’re finally to the Chiefs‘ pick, which is a good thing considering that this is a Chiefs site. Since there are seven elite players in this draft, four already taken under this scenario, that means we have our choice of three players: Chris Long, Darren McFadden or Vernon Gholsten. When you finish 4-12 you need to walk away from that season with a star. That’s the only possible silver lining from the agony both the Chiefs’ franchise and its fans went through during the 2007 season. Reaching would be a ginormous mistake.
So, which player should it be: Gholsten, Long or McFadden?
Without any hesitation, I say Run DMC. He’s sitting atop Mel Kiper’s Big Board for a reason–a playmaker like him comes along once a year, if that. He might not be quite as good as Adrian Peterson, but he’s more versatile. He might not have the hype that Reggie Bush had coming out of Southern Cal, but I believe he’s the better all-around player. And look at what both Purple Jesus and Reg did for their respective teams as rookies. The Saints went from the worst team in the NFL to the NFC Championship game. The Vikings went .500 and damn near made the playoffs despite having the worst quarterback situation in the league.
The keys to those resurgences? A dynamically versatile rushing attack.
I hear the argument about how stout the Vikings’ line was last year, but what about the Saints’ offensive line? The Vikings don’t have Dwayne Bowe or Tony Gonzalez to open things up either. Besides, once again, we can get a good offensive tackle like Sam Baker in round two. Having two running talented running backs–think thunder and lightning–is the wave of the future. Think Jacksonville. Fred Taylor is the bruiser who softens them up, Maurice Jones-Drew is the slasher who comes in and cuts defenses up once they’re weakened. It’s a perfect one-two punch that allows David Garrard to play safe, ball-control football. It’s worked for Garrard and Jags’ offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, I’m pretty sure it would work for Brodie Croyle and Chan Gailey.
As I’ve said before, McFadden can play on third down, he can take a couple of series or half-series each game, we can line him up wide, we can play him and Larry Johnson in the same backfield, he can return kicks, etc…he would get 15 touches a game, dangerous touches at that. Meanwhile, he would protect our biggest investment by keeping the mileage on L.J.’s odometer low. Kolby Smith is a nice back-up or part-time back, but you lose a lot when L.J. steps off the field and he steps on it. Besides, I still think Kolby has a future playing some fullback, a la Kimble Anders. The addition of McFadden would essentially cause there to be no drop off between our top two backs, while keeping both fresh all the time. That paired with the versatility the duo would provide would make the rest of the offense–from Brodie to the bigs up front–better all the time.
As for drafting one of the defensive ends, it just doesn’t make sense. First off, Jared Allen isn’t going anywhere, just like L.J. before him. He’s twice as popular as L.J., and he’s the second best free agent out there. Only Randy Moss was a better option this offseason, and even that’s debatable. We’re not going to let him slip through our fingers. Second, Tamba Hali struggles to some degree with the run and doesn’t have the size to move inside. Third, Turk McBride is more suited to play DE first, pass-rushing DT second, not the other way around. Think Justin Tuck. All that being said, we are stocked at the DE position. Defensive tackles we can use. Defensive ends? Can’t get ‘em on the field enough to warrant the pick.
Then there’s the thought about playing Gholsten at outside linebacker, or even Long. Really? When we have Derrick Johnson and Donnie Edwards already performing well outside, not to mention us just adding Demorrio Williams.
Gholsten or Long in Red and Gold just doesn’t make sense.
The other thing I want to address is the king-of-wishful-thinking “blueprint” of most Chiefs fans. You know what I’m talking about, the thought prayer that Jake Long will fall to five in round one and Brian Brohm will fall to 36 in round two. Let’s end that pipe dream right now–not going to happen. I think that’s why so many Chiefs fans like Brohm, because they think they can get a similar player to Matt Ryan 30 picks later. Well, he’s not as good, and he’s not going to be there. If Long miraculously slips, Brohm still will not be there. I actually fully expect him to eventually rise back into the first round. Somebody is going to trade up and get him. With all our holes are we really going to trade up into the first to get him when Chad Henne and Joe Flacco will still be around later, or even super project Josh Johnson. I highly doubt it.
We also can’t just count on trading down. Any Chiefs fan automatically assuming that we definitely can will likely end up discouraged on draft day. Teams just don’t trade up into the top ten very often, mostly because of the cost–both salary cap-wise and draft pick-wise.
That’s why I came up with “The Blueprint” series. I devised this series to give us alternative looks, because the draft never shapes up quite the way we want it to. If we look at all the scenarios, then we won’t be disappointed, or as disappointed at least. Plus, from my perspective I want to keep floating out there that the Chiefs have to walk away with one of the non-defensive end elites from this draft. We can’t reach. We would pay handsomely for that mistake, and for a long time. Even if the Chiefs don’t read or listen to anyone, at least I’ll sleep easier at night knowing I wrote what needed to be said.
What a mouthful, or a blogful, whatever. At this point let’s recap the series:
The Blueprint:
- First Round: DT Sedrick Ellis
- Second Round: Best OT Available
- Second Round Via Trade: Best QB Available
The Blueprint 2:
- First Round: QB Matt Ryan
- Second Round: Best OT Available
The Blueprint 3:
- First Round: RB/RS Darren McFadden
- Second Round: Best OT Available
- Second-Third Round: Best QB Available
All three have a common set of rules, which I’ll outline now:
- If Jake Long is gone, don’t reach on the next best tackle. Wait until round two when at least a few of the eight great OT prospects will still be there.
- Walk away with one of the five non-defensive end elites.
- Pick an offensive tackle no later than round two. Pick a QB no later than round three, even if you have to trade up into round two or three to get him. The Chiefs future demands an insurence policy on Brodie Croyle.
- CB, G and WR will be there later in the draft.
If we follow those rules, I guaran-damn-tee that we’ll have a fantastic draft.
What are your “Blueprints,” Chiefs fans? Use the comment section to let us know by mapping out your own favorite draft-day scenarios. We’ll feature the best in our “The Blueprint: Fan Edition.”
This is an amazing blueprint, the best one so far. It was well thought out and I agree with pretty much all of what he said. Nice job
March 29th, 2008 at 10:58 pmI’m coming out of my Jake Long hallucinations finally and am thinking he won’t be there as well. I find it strange that all these ESPN people are saying he can’t play tackle and will have to be a guard in the NFL. They are just now figuring this out?
No mention of Tank Tyler in the D section? I’m not big on McBride meeself.
Moss re-signed to a 3 yr. deal with the Pats for $27m.
I bet the BEARS would like to trade up to us to get Ryan, I wonder what they would be willing to part with. I’d take Hester off their hands. Brohm won’t be there by the time we get to Round two, but Flacco and Henne will be. Henne started what seems like forever at Michigan so he’s definitely capable- but he’s not a winner. We won’t draft RunDMC, it would be cool, but there is no way it will happen. It would be cool to see him in the red though, maybe we could create a new Bo Jackson and get him to play for the Royals too. DH? Base stealer? Can you bust a bat over your thigh/head? Oh, yeah, the Raiders got that guy too.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:09 amCrane, Moss did sign, but he was the only free agent out there who was better than Allen. Then again, he’s older and has issues, so…
No Tank mention because I didn’t get into defensive tackles. That being said, T-N-T and Alfonso could be improved upon.
I like Flacco and maybe even Booty more than Henne. I want a winner, and that’s the same reason why I’m tough on Brohm. If you can’t lead your team to victories in college, then how the hell will you manage the same feat at the next level? Going to the BCS and winning championships is determined by surrounding talent, but all franchise QBs should be able to muster out nine or 10 wins as a senior.
I just don’t think we’ll trade, or even be able to. Jerry Jones just said that he won’t trade into the top ten, so…
I really don’t want to see Run DMC in Silver and Black, by the way. What a nightmare. Then again, they are going to get a great player no matter what. Well, unless Al happens.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:58 amThanks, Taylor. Glad to see that this series is making some sense to others.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:58 amNice Adam… Guys, I’ve BEEN saying this possibility for quite some time already. And A while back I actually plugged Nick Athan’s (from WPI)article called “Why not McFadden?” where he says, “Imagine Run DMC taking the opening kickoff of the regular season all the way back for a touchdown. In the same game midway through the third quarter, he could take a short, third-down swing pass from quarterback Brodie Croyle and jet 60 or 70 yards for another score.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Chiefs needing to seal a victory, McFadden could take a pitch from Croyle, fake a run and throw a perfect strike to TE Tony Gonzalez for a touchdown.” … You cant tell me that THAT doesnt sound great. DMC is such a threat. With DMC, LJ, Gonzo, and D.Bowe on the field, defenders wont know what to do. Plus, with Chan Gailey at OC, he’s gonna be looking at DMC for the versatility factor and what he can do with the guy in our new offense… Now, Adam, sorry but I’m and Koooool-Aaaid Punch Drunk. I love Jake Long and sorry bud, but the hope is there. It makes all the sense in the world to me why Jake Long COULD POSSIBLY be there at 5. It makes all the sense to me that the first 4 teams COULD POSSIBLY pass on Jake Long. Just as it makes all the sense to me that any one of those teams would take him. all of these 5 teams have needs. Just the same way that we could use Dorsey/Ellis, Long/Gholston, and Jake Long… those teams could suprise us and pass on the big guy. THAT is my hope. If you dont like how I FEEL, sorry guys… but no one is gonna mold my thinking. Cause not one of us KNOWS what the hell is going to happen in the draft. Hate to break it to you… Now, if we miss out on Jake Long, I would love to take Dorsey (of not Ellis) next… But if theyre both gone (as shown in Adam’s mock), I would LOVE to take a luxury pick like DMC, but I dont think that we pass on a guy like Chris Long. I dont know why. And I’m taking ANY comers ready to bite my head off for this observation, but my god the guy is just way too good. I dont know. I dont know.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:36 amYeah it would be pretty awesome to see him out there, but with our line he’d be mistakenly labeled a “bust”, maybe get hurt and we’d have to get rid of him a la a Trent Green late round pick to Miami and the Tuna’s fat pelvis makes another trip to the SuperBowl in a few years.
It just sucks that the Chiefs are in this dammed if we do-dammed if we don’t situation. There’s really no clear #1 pick any way you cut it, we could really use any of these guys to equal benefit and trading down won’t help too much unless a team “has” to get Run DMC at our spot and makes us an offer we can’t refuse. But at what cost, fans…at what cost. Seeing DMC destroy people next season(s) would leave a bitter taste in our mouths for years; one we would trade in a second for a running back controversy (if had we drafted him). At minimum- we get a speed demon KR PR and offensive threat. If I was G.M. I would also consider the visibility of the player to sell tickets/jersey’s etc. Run DMC has the edge there.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:16 amAdam: Well, you are nothing if not persisent. Run DMC makes very little sense for the Chiefs for a number of reasons.
1} Too much money at the RB postion 2] He is the wrong style for our attack. He needs to play in space, we are more of a run between the tackles scheme 3] LJ is the type of back who needs to be a feature back and get 25 carries a game. 4] We need more of an impact than 15 touches a game from someone we draft at #5. Beyond that, your logic escapes me. You want Run DMC even though we have LJ and Kolby, BUT, you do not want Gholston because we have a 35 yo Donnie Edwards (who is more suited to MLB at this stage in his career) and Demorrio Williams? Explain that to me. You are stuck on drafting skill players high. We need major help at O-line and CB, not RB and QB. I hope the Chiefs do not follow your blueprint because I think it is a blueprint to disaster.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:41 amIf we take McFadden, we put ourselves in a bind for the rest of the draft… I would love to have him but I just wonder if Herm is going to take him when we have so many other more glaring needs. I would almost rather reach for a cb like McKelvin, Jenkins, or DRC or even take Clady.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:22 amIn general I think that RB’s can be found at any time in the draft, or even after the draft (Willy Parker)… one other point is that no matter how good your RB is, if your line sucks he sucks. Look at LJ last year, he sucked, and on numerous occasions he said it was like trying to run through a brick wall. If we bring in DMAC I think people will be saying the same things about him as they are Reggie Bush… point being, a QB or RB is only as good as his O-Line. The teams that win in the NFL have great O-Lines and D-Lines.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:28 amIf we traded down who would be the most likely candidate that we would trade with???? What would we get in return??????
March 30th, 2008 at 9:43 amCisp: Well said, very welll said.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:46 amok…only the 2 elite ends and run DMC
can’t trade up or down
hmmmm
make sure you are sitting down…
1st Brian Brohm
2nd Sam Baker
Its a huge reach. But as the man says, desperate times call for desperate situation.
We have done the whole 2 killer RB plan before in Priest Holmes/Lary Johnson. And, I dont see any superbowl rings on our fingers.
Clark Hunt, Herm Edwards, Carl Peterson say they want to rebuild the team around a franchise QB. I don’t think they are kidding about that. I think if we are put in dire straits, with the above scinereo, Herm will pull the trigger on Brohm.
Its a gamble, QBs are always a gamble (including Matt Ryan). But like I said before, I think in every draft you have a 50/50 on the top guy being a franchise and a 50/50 on 1 of the the next 4 guys outa the gate being a franchise. I think that 1 in 4 guy is Brohm and I wouldnt mind rolling 50/50 dice in this situation on a franchise QB for the next 10+ years.
We have tried awesome defenses in the 80s and early 90s…that didn’t work. We have tried RB mega combos in Priest/Johnson…that didn’t work. You know the only time the Chiefs worked?……Len Dawson, nuf said.
BTW, someone exhume Hank Stram and see if they can get any DNA outa him so we can grow a clone in a lab.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:46 am1-DRC
March 30th, 2008 at 9:51 am2-BAKER T USC
3-JOSH JOHNSON QB SD ST
4-OWEN SCHMITT FB WV
5-TOP G LEFT
5-TOP c LEFT
6-TOP WR LEFT
6-TOP DB LEFT
7-T
7-T
that helps with almost all of our holes i dont expect all to start or even play BUT at least it helps with depth. also we could put together our 3 and 5 to get back into 2 to get flacco?? maybe
March 30th, 2008 at 9:54 amalso might be able to move the guard to 3 and johnson and schmitt to 4 and 5 respectively
March 30th, 2008 at 10:01 amMasterBlaster: OK, I will take you up on the Len Dawson thing. The funny thing is that….. Len was not drafted by the Chiefs. He was a twice failed WB with Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Now, tell me, how do you compare the Chiefs drafting a QB in the first round with finding a franchise QB on the NFL scrapheap? If we follow your blueprint, you need to locate a QB who was drafted in the first round, failed and failed with a second team. Who do you suggest we get?
March 30th, 2008 at 10:06 amMerrlinj, you pretty much said what I was thinking. Adam, I definately respect how you explore these senarios, put some thought into them and then share them with all of us. Takes some balls. However on this topic I can not agree with your opinion. I don’t think the Reggie Bush arguement is too convincing based on the fact that I think if anyone, it was Drew Breese who turned that team around. Reggie Bush may star in a lot of commercials, but he sure hasn’t stared in many big plays on the football field lately. As crazy as that Marrio Williams pick was, it’s looking like the right move. Props to the Texans. My biggest issue is picking DMC ahead of C.Long or Gholston when we will actualy need a linebacker and maybe a DE next year. DMC would be a luxtury pick for us and all we can afford right now is a Sunfire. If we do not pick someone who we need to start at there position this year then we at least need some one who will be starting next year. Not 15 plays a game until LJ retires.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:08 amALSO guys the faiders signed ANOTHER DL FA yesterday
March 30th, 2008 at 10:11 amhe might’ve played for the vikes
For the record it was merrlin’s #7 comment I was reffering to.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:11 amnfl network has KC SD ON at noon today from sept 30
March 30th, 2008 at 11:03 amLet’s not forget that Herm says he’s looking for “Chiefs players” which we all know means “Herm’s style of players”. I don’t think McFadden is Herm’s style of player because of McFadden’s so-called character issues. This scenario makes some sense to me, but I think Herm scares away from it.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:04 amKCMizzou, that makes some sense. But remember, this is what I think the Chiefs should do, not necessarily what I think they will do. That way I can say I told you so when the Chiefs reach on Clady or Otah and royally screw this up.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:45 amBC13, Reggie had an off year last year because he was expected to be Deuce and Reggie after Deuce went down. Unlike Run DMC, I don’t think Reggie is built to be an every-down back. Still, it was absolutely Reggie that opened everything up for Colsten and Brees and made the huge plays down the stretch two years ago for the Saints. You must not have watched non-Chiefs football very often. Bush was the biggest difference maker who opened that offense completely up. Defenses were petrified of his gamebreaking ability.
The good thing about DMC, also, is that he is used to a time share.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:49 amAnd we don’t need DEs or OLBs. Those are the two positions we are the most stocked at. Period. That is one thing I am flabbergasted that people disagree with, especially after adding Demorrio.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:54 amI understand. I just hate it. We’ve finally got a Top 5 pick, but the only players I’m sold on are Long (who won’t be there), and two DT’s, and I’m terrified of failing on another DT pick. If I were the Chiefs, and Long isn’t there, I’d probably pull another Minnesota incident.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:05 pmAdam:
I like that you continue to compare Run DMC to Reggie Bush, the most overrated back in the NFL today. You state “Bush was the biggest difference maker who opened that offense completely up. Defenses were petrified of his gamebreaking ability.” Unfortunately for you, NFL defensive coordinators have a different opinion.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:08 pmThis is from 9/27/07 article “Freeman wrote that Reggie Bush is turning into this era’s Tony Mandarich (the classic over-hyped draft bust) and that defensive coordinators tell him that they never worry too much about game-planning against Bush–LBs can cover Bush one-on-one and he doesn’t rush for tough yards.”
Isn’t anyone else concerned that LJ was a 1-year wonder? I wish we hadn’t given him his chest of gold, but not much we can do about that now. I know LJ was at a disadvantage all year long, don’t get me wrong…but in reality…we just don’t know how he’ll be this year.
I’ve been saying draft Run DMC for a long time…that is if he’s around. I’ll be bummed if BOTH Jake Long and Run DMC are gone, at which point, the Chiefs must seriously try to trade down.
Can’t wait!
March 30th, 2008 at 12:56 pmDavid: I am not that concerned about LJ. LJ is a battering ram type of back. He needs a bit of a hole and some distance to get up to speed. Once he gets that, he can take a crack of a hole and blast through it. What he is not good at is dancing and creating holes. Kolby is better at that. This is why you saw him more effective than LJ for a couple of games. With our O-line, you could bring in a young Jim Brown and things would not be that different. Don’t get hung up on the skill players, we have enough right now (crossing my fingers on Brody) to compete. What we do not have is anything close to a decent O-line. Fix that and LJ will be fine.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:21 pmL.J. is not a one-year wonder. Lmao…
Even if he never did anything else again he would still be a two-and-a-half-year wonder. Ah, Chiefs fans and L.J.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:21 pmMerlin, one quote from the start of the 2007 season (when Reg was struggling a bit) isn’t going to change my mind. Anyone can pull quotes out of their ass. I’d actually compare him more to Adrian Peterson. Is he overrated, too? Run DMC is like a cross between the two.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:29 pmWhat did Bush even do last year? Once teams caught on to the way the Saints used him, he was virualy ineffective.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:41 pmAdam:
Bush is like Peterson? Well, I guess any fish egg could be considered caviar, but I digress. Last year, AP’s stats were:
ATT YDS AVG LNG TD
238 1341 5.6 73 12
Versus Reggie Bush
ATT YDS AVG LNG TD
157 581 3.7 22 4
Let me see, almost 2 yards less per carry. a long of 73 yards versus 22 yards. 22 yards was his longest run? Where is the game changing back you talk about?
March 30th, 2008 at 1:42 pmmerlinnj
Doesn’t matter where the guy comes from. Franchise QB is the common denominator im looking for. Hell, I wouldnt care if we started thighpen and found out he was the next Tom Brady . The point im trying to make is that the Chiefs success will come with a franchise QB. Like the Colts, like the Cowboys, like the Pats, like the Giants, hell, even like the Browns. I know football teams can be successful other ways. But we have never been able to pull off those other ways. And if we pull another Livingston, Fuller, Kenny!!!, Blackledge!!!, DeBerg, Krieg, Joe Montana (in his declinging years),Bono,Grbac,Gannon,Green!!!,Huard,Croyle……im gona take up watching cricket on BBC America!
March 30th, 2008 at 1:51 pmYah know, Blackedge is a good example.
What if this is the 83 draft all over again
1st John Elway (like your Matt Ryan)
7th Todd Blackledge
14th Jim Kelly
15th Tony Eason
24th Ken Obrian
27th Dan Marino
28th Darrell Green
Ask yourself, who is your Jim Kelly/Dan Marino, and who is your Blackledge. Again, my money is on Brohm. Let the flaming begin;)
March 30th, 2008 at 2:06 pmI think you guys are missing Adam’s point. He’s not making a DIRECT comparison between Bush and McFadden. He’s comparing certain components of each of the running backs styles and abilites.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:10 pmin this scenario..i dont think you pass on run dmc..there is noway in hell you pass on him..you can utilize him in so many diifferent ways..you dont pass on that kind of talent when what you want or need is gone..
March 30th, 2008 at 2:11 pmMerlin, you would use last year’s stats. Argh…I already pointed out why he struggled last year. Argh…
March 30th, 2008 at 2:30 pmAdam,
I am quite shocked to see you implying that we should take run DMC. You are the professed LJ lover, so why would you want someone drafted that would essentially take him out of the game. If we took McFadden, he would end up a better back than LJ. As you said, DMC is highly versatile! I like the pick if he is there, but I am pretty sure the ding a ling in charge of the traiders would be chomping at the bit to get DMC. I hate and despise the thought of him in that damn raider uniform, but Insane Al would take him in a heartbeat I think. Of course you are right, who can predict what that old cronie is going to do. Here is a thought. If DMC does fall to us, and we take him, how would you feel about us trading LJ to Dallas for one of thier two first round draft picks. Or better yet, pick DMC and trade him immediately to Dallas for one of thier 1st rounders. I really don’t want to lose LJ, but drafting DMC…..how could we really afford both on the roster. Some other position would surely suffer from that scenario, if not now then in the very near future as a salary cap hit.
I say trade the 5th if JL is gone and try to get another last first round pick (maybe two from Dallas) and a second rounder. Get one of the other stellar OT’s in this years draft, Otah or Clady. Draft a CB in the second, especially since we no longer have Ty and Sapp just jumped ship. Of course I am not sure who would be a good CB in the second round. Most of the elite ones will likely be gone before our second round pick. If we have another second I say we get JD Booty. I have seen him in action and like his toughness. I think he would be a good fit to run the new offense Chan will be installing this year. I like Brody, when he is healthy. I think he can be a good, maybe great QB, IF he can stay healthy. Adding Booty is a better second option than Damon. The the rest of the draft we get that burning returner we need, another CB, a G and another OT. What do you think?
March 30th, 2008 at 3:10 pmAdam:
Ok, let’s use the 2006 stats for Reggie Bush:
ATT YDS AVG LNG TD
155 565 3.6 18 6
Adam, the stats are virtually identical. Take 2006 or 2007, I don’t care. You need alot more out Bush considering where he was taken in the draft.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:16 pmMerlin, I’m just not going to convince meat-and-potatoes Chiefs fans like you that Jake Long isn’t going to be there. If a well-thought-out 1,700-word opus won’t do it, nothing will. You and other fans are extremely selective in the way you view and combat my arguments. I hear a lot about Bush, but not a lot about Peterson. When I do here about Adrian, all I hear is about that line. What about the Vikings’ atrocious passing game. They had no D-Bo, no Tony G.
Agree to disgaree. Love ya, but we see differently on this one.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:27 pmAdam,
I do agree about our LB corp. We have an awesome set and adding Williams just makes it even better. Can’t wait to see him in action.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:30 pmMichael, Run DMC is not better than L.J., he’s simply different, which is great. In today’s NFL, if you are a ball-control team you have to possess a one-two punch. We can easily afford both, too–we have more money than any team in the league!
The Vikings afford their two backs. Same with the Saints. Same with the Jags.
As far as trading down or trading L.J., both scenarios are very unlikely. Jerry has said he won’t trade into the top ten just recently, and L.J. is untradeable with his contract this year. Besides, why would you trade the best bruiser back in the league when you just brought in Chan “Run, Run, Run” Gailey?
Booty is OK, but I prefer Flacco. As for Clady, don’t like him. The guy played against suspect competition and essential a retard mentally. He’s a project. I like Chris Williams a lot better than Otah, too. Chris Williams reminds me of Roaf. He even looks like him.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:32 pmI disagree with Cisp, too. Great players have been found in every round at every position, even undrafted. But pulling it off at any position–yes, even RB–is like finding a needle in a haystack. Jason Whitlock and everyone else who subscribes to the running-backs-grow-on-trees theory is dead wrong.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pmother than maybe a CB i dont think we touch the defence..it was much improved from the yr before and i think we need to focus on our offence..we go from averaging what 30 points a game…to like 7..cmon…we need work bad on O
March 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pmsoory…offense and defense
March 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pmmaybe i need tim as my own personal assistant today..cant spell at all
March 30th, 2008 at 3:38 pmAdam, good point. I guess we could afford both. Like I said I don’t think DMC will make it past Al dipshit davis. I will have to research Flacco more. I have not seen him play. The same with Williams. Where did he play? If he reminds you of Roaf, that might be enough for me to say take the chance on him at 5. Roaf was one of the best OT’s in the League’s history. I also think JJ would trade us for the chance to get DMC. He is another owner that likes franchise RB’s. He has been looking for another Emmitt since he left the team.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:39 pmTwo more quick notes:
A.) We can’t be just a North-South Solari-type “O.” Chan is more versatile than everyone realizes, and could use a guy who can get out in space to open up the middle and mix things up.
B.) WE CAN AFFORD RUN DMC. Especially with our league-leading cap room and how many jerseys and tickets he’d sell. Marketing is part of this, too. The Chiefs remember not selling very many Ryan Simms jerseys.
C.) Demorrio is a good player, and I think Gholsten would be misplaced at OLB.
D.) Skill players can make the offensive line better. Players like Darren McFadden stretch the field and keep the defense honest. Our biggest problem last year was facing 8-9 guys in the box every down, sometimes more.
It doesn’t matter how many solid points I make. Chiefs fans want Jake Long. I’m almost going to be happy when we don’t get him so I can come on here and say I told you so. I’m typically not that kind of guy, but I’ve just exhausted myself trying to beat into everyone’s head that he isn’t going to be there and that we also can’t reach.
The debate is good, though. We all love the Red and Gold and all get to voice our opinions. History will tell us who’s right.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:41 pmMichael, I’m just relying what Jones came out and said the other day–that he would not trade into the top ten. He still could, easily, but I wouldn’t count on it.
Williams played at Vandy, against great competition. But let me make this clear, no OT other than Jake Long should be taken in the top 10-15. The other 6-7 are almost identical, and I actually like Baker, Collins and Williams better than Clady and Otah.
Flacco played at Deleware, and I think he could be a first-round pick who is being penalized for where he played. DRC isn’t, but he’s a corner. DRC also only has one kidney, which is another reason not to reach on him.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:45 pmThat’s it for me for the day…going to watch Davidson make “Curry Chicken” out of the Beakers!
I’ll check in tomorrow and probably have some kind of reply post soon. The Blueprint has really sparked some great conversation. Hey, maybe some of you will even change my mind. I doubt it
. but it’s possible.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:46 pmDoes anybody think that Jerry Jones is just saying he wont trade into the top 5 for McFadden to try to not act as desperate when it comes to draft day. Maybe he feels he can get away with trading just the two first rounders and a late rounder or something because he “doesnt want to the make the trade”? Does this make sense to anybody?
March 30th, 2008 at 4:58 pmalonzo mourning played b-ball at like 40 with only one kidney.so what!!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:25 pmflacco is also being penalized for running away from competitiion at pitt. Palko anyone?
March 30th, 2008 at 5:45 pmAdam, great blueprint. I don’t necessarily agree with all your opinions, but this series has given me one thing at least – a more positive outlook on the draft.
Just a couple weeks ago, there were a few players that I would have been very disappointed with. Now I can see some potential in each of the situations.
Good work.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:44 pmClinton, that could be the case.
Jason, Zo was never the same after the whole kidney thing happened. He went from David Robinson to Frank Brickowski. He was still a solid contributor, but…just not sure about a small college CB with one kidney in the first round. Seems like a big gamble to me. I know you love him, though. That much is clear. And it looks like Flacco made the right choice.
Thanks, Scott.
The Beakers won, so I’m going to go into seclusion and mope for the night. Thanks for reading and all the insightful comments!
March 30th, 2008 at 6:51 pmthis is a lot off subject sorry, but does anyone think we might try to trade for lito sheppard? hes younger 27 i think. might be the answer at cb
March 30th, 2008 at 7:55 pmThat is exactly the kind of topic that should be discussed on our new forums:
http://fansided.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=37
March 30th, 2008 at 8:17 pmI think that most of us know that J. Long won’t be there, but of coarse we still have to put him #1 on the wish list. Anything can happen. Still not sold on DMC. WE don’t need LB’s? We will next year and if someone like C.Long or Gholston are there I do think it would be smart to take them. Edwards is ancient. When he’s gone we have Derrick Johnson. Harris and Williams havn’t done a thing for us yet. Keep in mind, Harris was pretty soft last year and Williams didn’t exactly kick a load of ass for the dirty birds. Also in the event that Allen is not back, who better than Long or Gholston to fill his shoes? Allen has stated publicly that he will not be here next year. I hate the sound of that but it’s true.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:23 pmAllen is playing negotiations hardball. And I believe Harris led the team in tackles last year. Point is, we can worry about DE/OLB next year, if we even need to. Personally, I think we are set up at both positions for several years minimum.
March 31st, 2008 at 12:41 ameveryone is talking trash on harris but was he really that bad??? i didnt think so. maybe people watch different games. and donnie is ancient?? last i heard the pats starters at lb were more like 37 to 40 and they were in the sb. donnie will be fine for at least the remainder of his contract(2 yrs.) i dont see how anyone wasnt excited about him coming back. watch games hes always around the ball. same with harris.i think both will be fine this yr and with demmorrio
March 31st, 2008 at 7:47 amsorry, with demmorrio we just got even better at the position. EVERYONE just needs to remember that our defense was on the field for it seemed like forever last year. it seems like they played 3/4ths of the games. those guys were worn out. boone tired out also. the play of the d went downhill the more they were on the field.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:51 amYa, he led the team in tackles, but someone had to. I watched every game last year, and I did not see what I was hoping to see when we signed him. If you guys say he looked good, you are looking at last season through rose tinted glasses. He had a handfull of good tackles behind the line but what else? I don’t think the coaching staff was that impressed with his play either. As for Edwards being 35, that is old no matter how you look at it. Regarding the Chiefs being able to afford LJ and DMC, I don’t think Chester Taylor, Duece, Fred Tayor, or MOJO make even close to as much as LJ. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes more than Jacksonville’s enite backfield. We can’t afford LJ and DMC with all of our holes. I don’t see the “Cheaps” doing it.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:57 amHeres what I see happening. 1st Carl is waiting to see if Gohlston is available at #5, if he is then Jared Allen is off to Philly for there 1st pick and Lito Shepard. Then we pick Gholston with the #5 and then Branden Albert (A Will Shields clone) with the 1st that we aquired from Philly. In the 2nd we take Early Doucett (praying that he is still there). In the 3rd round finaly address Tackle or center and get a good one with Collins if he is still there but if not take Sullivan.
1.Vernon Gohlston (DE)aka one bad ass brother
2.(via trade with Philly) 19th pick Branden Albert (G)+ acquiring Lito Shepard (DB)at corner
3.(2nd round) Early Doucett (WR)(Bowe and Doucett-WOW!)
4.(3rd round) John Sullivan (C)(Tim Grunhard clone)
5.(4th round) Oneil Cousins (T)
6.(5th round) Owen Schmitt (FB)bad ass full back
Im not one to put all my money on tackles in the first round, this draft has so many. We need star power on this team badly, and with the names ive put up there we would be well on our way with the best draft ever!!
March 31st, 2008 at 1:49 pmcome on big chief, that “someone” could have been someone else. donnie or dj could have led us but it was harris. now maybe he wasnt the impact player they thought he was but he was solid if not spectacular
March 31st, 2008 at 3:08 pmthe raiders signed both kalimba edwards and A.B.G on friday..this is startin to get to me now…they might actually do alright this yr and we’re still gonna be outside lookin in
March 31st, 2008 at 4:24 pmYou can’t say you watched all the games and tell me Harris was spectacular. I’d maybe give you solid if he showed any once of consistency.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:38 pmAdam,
“D.) Skill players can make the offensive line better. Players like Darren McFadden stretch the field and keep the defense honest. Our biggest problem last year was facing 8-9 guys in the box every down, sometimes more.”
That’s your best argument yet.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:33 amAdam,
I generally like where you’re going with this, I understand your arguments and you do make several good points in defense of it. Where I part company is with you is with your persistent assumption that a high caliber offensive tackle will be fall into our laps with the 2nd pick.
I consider that a dangerous if not terrible assumption.
Twelve teams, not counting the Chiefs, now have offensive tackle as a high priority (#1 or #2) need. To make matters worse, 4 of those teams badly need TWO tackles, not one. The mock draft that you put up to preface this blueprint, had the Ravens taking a tackle – they’re not even among those 12. The Giants, another team not on the list, have shown strong interest in Cherilus. There’s a 50-50 chance the Pats will go OT with their 1st pick. I can go on and on listing off teams facing a similar decision in the 1st round and continuing on into the top of the 2nd.
So here’s a twist to your scenario that I would like for you and other readers to consider – let’s say that the Chiefs do not “reach” (whatever that means) for the best tackle available with their 1st pick. And then suppose that only 6 of the 18 tackles needed are selected before the Chiefs have their 2nd pick. Branden Albert is also gone btw.
At that point, do the Chiefs reach for a tackle or take the BPA? If they do not reach badly for a tackle in the 2nd round, then how do the Chiefs use the remainder of the draft to address their needs for offensive tackle, guard, and center?
There WILL be a run on offensive tackles, we will have DMC and we will win the award for worst NFL draft.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:05 pmSorry about the dyslexic grammar/typos. Hopefully you get the point in spite.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:07 pm