I’m really excited about the Chiefs draft this year. We got so much VALUE in our picks. Brandon Flowers, Jamaal Charles, Barry Richardson, and DaJuan Morgan are all examples of players we probably got steals with.

For anyone worried about any off-field issues or character concerns, don’t. I don’t think Herm would look seriously at any straight up thugs (Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, etc.) and I think he deals well with the “troubled” players that have been selected (haven’t had any problems with Tank Tyler, have we?)

Anyway.. looking forward to this season.

Here is more confirmation from one of the better NFL writers-Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News-in his May 6 article grading the 32 team drafts. (He also describes his methodology, which most do not.)

Anyway, he gave the Chiefs the only A+ for 2008, the first A-range grade he has given us in 17 years. More important, he said that according to his 500-player board, developed through his extensive contacts with NFL teams themselves, the Chiefs:

1. Only had 1 minor reach, our R5 pick CB Brandon Carr, to whom he had given an R6 grade; and

2. The Chiefs had 7 picks to whom he had given R3 or higher grades. (Presumably, these 7 are our first 7, through WR Will Franklin in R4.)

“Just the facts ma’am; just the facts.” (Sergeant Joe Friday, Dragnet)

“The best thing they did was stay disciplined in the draft…They could have gone and drafted five offensive linemen right off the bat, but if they did that, maybe four of them can’t play. What good does that do for them.

“There was an elite group of offensive linemen in the draft this year. The Chiefs got one of them. That group went faster than anybody thought. So if they would have drafted an offensive in the second round, they would have been getting a third-or fourth-round offensive lineman. They didn’t do that, and they should be commended for that.”

Questions:

1.If only 3rd or 4th round-value OLs were available at pick #35, when the Chiefs drafted CB Flowers (a late R1 value), wonder what value OLs were available in R3 @#73, 76 and 82?–certainly NOT R3 value.

2.What round value did they actually get in R3?–arguably R2 value with at least 2 of their 3 picks–RB Charles and S Morgan.

3.Which approach is more likely to lead to a stronger, rebuilt Chiefs team in 2-3 years?–game, set and match to the Chiefs!

Agree to have you put on a mild sedative, Jay.

1. No flies at all on your quals. Hope you get to use your international law training whenever you choose.

2. I have no problems with poker; just never had the time or the inclination to master it. Just threw in the lottery comment, because I consider it “voluntary” taxation and I pay enough taxes as it is.

3. I don’t think the Chiefs were trying to maximize or minimize their number of 2008 wins. I think they are trying to build a sustainable championship calibre team over a somewhat longer time frame. With that as their goal, they have to take their BPAs. The cumulative 3-5 year difference in overall roster strength of taking their BPAs vs. drafting for the next season’s needs is huge, especially since they are now managing their roster in such a way as to increase their number of draft picks. I know I am getting old enough that my brain is getting all used up (as my youngest informed me nearly a decade ago), but the logic of deliberately drafting, either in whole or in part, to maximize the value of future year picks escapes me or strikes as me as too clever by half.

Otherwise, we just have to agree to disagree and drive on, as I promised xxxlp.

Good luck.

ps With respect to your proposed Middle East solution, perhaps you should stick to poker!

Lets see if this thread dies now. I’m game for 200! haha.