Let's hope Pioli's recent imports aren't clunkers.
While everyone in the USA focuses on the last days of Cash for Clunkers, our own Scott Pioli signs players who he hopes are not clunkers. Anyone who watched the film of Friday’s game came to a quick conclusion — the offensive line needed retooling. Pioli quickly went to work, landing a pair of offensive lineman from the Miami Dolphins.
Andy Alleman was born in Akron, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he was rewarded a scholarship to Pitt as a defensive end. After two relative unproductive years, he transferred to Akron where he switched positions to offensive guard. After a successful stint at Akron, Alleman was drafted in the third round by the Saints in 2007. He was placed on waivers in 2007 and was claimed by several teams, including the Chiefs, before winding up with the Dolphins. Only 25 years old, he remains young enough to be considered a prospect but mature enough to understand the pro game. At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds he is expected to bring strength to the center/guard position.
Ikechuku Ndukwe is teammate of Alleman who also comes over from the Dolphins. Like Alleman, he is an Ohio native born in Powell, Ohio on July 17, 1982. He attended Northwestern and was a free agent acquisition of the Saints in 2005. Since that time, he has spent time with the Redskins (2005-06), Ravens (2006-07) and Dolphins (last year). Although a classic journeyman at 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, he can play either right guard or tackle.
One of Pioli’s most successful Cash for Clunkers pick-ups was the acquisition of Corey Mays. A free agent out of Notre Dame, Mays spent 2006 initially on the practice squad for the Patriots before being activated in mid-season. In 2008, Mays spent the season with the Bengals. Born in Chicago on November 27, 1983, Mays had an outstanding game Friday sacking Favre and flying to the ball. Besides his physical attributes, Mays had a 4.2 GPA in high school and while at Notre Dame founded a youth support group in Chicago (Positive Concepts).
The above three Cash (waivers or draft choices) for Clunkers (or are they?) may be the beginning of Mr. Pioli’s rebuilding of the Chiefs
FanSided Sports Blog
Kings of Kauffman
NFL Mocks
Stock Car Spin
Bolt Beat
Just Blog Baby
Predominantly Orange
Ramblin' Fan
Loading ...
In an otherwise solid write up, I have just one tiny problem with your analysis OC. It’s your assertion that “Pioli quickly went to work.”
Check your calendar, this is not March, this is late August.
The Chiefs have experienced a serious talent deficit along its offensive line ever since Will Shields retired. It is the longstanding problem that set in motion the retirement of an otherwise productive Trent Green. It is the ongoing problem that last year exposed the frailty of Brodie Croyle, crumpled Damon Huard, neutered LJ, and made Tyler Thigpen our leading rusher.
Pioli is just now figuring all this out?
I don’t think he is just figuring it out. He started Mike Goff, who has started like 80 games in a row. He also likely wanted to take a long gander at some of our current offensive lineman, namely Niswanger and Richardson.
Anyway, the difference between Late Years Peterson and Pioli now is that it isn’t taking much “cash” for the “clunkers” the latter is bringing in.
Hmpph! So after this “long gander” Pioli finds himself reduced to calling his father-in-law and begging for a little chum from the Great Tuna? This coming from a guy who felt the relationship between Herm and Jeff Webb was a little too close?? Besides that, how on earth can we know at this point just how good of deal we got on this trade-in? Something isn’t quite clicking here for me.
Speaking of Richardson, nobody expected him to be any great shakes right off the bat. He’s what you call a “development project.”
Lovin’ Corey Mays though – so far anyway.
NDUKWE SMASH!!!!