Merlin's Magic: Core Players Edition

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This year is marked by the current regime trying to identify their core players. So, I thought I would give it my shot and toss it out to everyone for comments.

What is a core player? I am defining a core player as a player that will be a very good player that should be around for the next five years.

Offense:

Matt Cassel: He has proven to have leadership and enough ability to be a solid starter in the NFL. I do worry about the mental beating he is taking being this offensive line. We don’t need him to start getting happy feet or go into a shell.

Dwayne Bowe: If he had a QB with time to throw, he could be an elite WR.

Branden Albert: I am not sure what position he will end up playing, but he should be a fixture on the offensive line for years to come.

I like a player like Jamaal Charles, but I see him as a nice complementary part, not a core player.

Defense:

Glenn Dorsey: He looks like he is emerging as a good lineman in a scheme that is not ideal for him.

Tamba Hali: He is not an elite player at a position where I would love to have an elite player. He has played well and deserves this designation.

Brandon Flowers: While he is not a shutdown corner (an overused designation anyway) He is our best corner.

Brandon Carr: Should be a nice compliment to Flowers for years to come.

It’s way to early to judge Tyson Jackson and Jarrad Page has taken a step backwards.

Special Teams:

Dustin Colquitt and Ryan Succop: While punters and kickers are not usually core players, these two deserve a mention here. These two positions should be filled for the next ten years.

That all I see. Hopefully, a young player like Tyson Jackson can be part of the core group. Another receiving threat is needed. We also need another offensive lineman and a inside linebacker to emerge. I really like Jovan Belcher, but I don’t see another offensive lineman on this roster that would fit my core group definition.

OK, have at it. Who are your core players? How do you define a core player?

hmills110

I think the Chiefs have pretty solid core at LB, and can just keep modestly upgrading it over time. Most bang for the buck would be perimeter players who can win more one-on-one's, and allow the LBs we have (or will add) to play downhill more.

Offense is hard to tell. Could've been nicks and bruises that cost Ndukwe and Alleman and O'Callaghan starting jobs in Mia/NE. See how many minutes they're getting towards the end of the season and how well they're doing with them. Might be some core OL players already on the roster, who just haven't emerged, yet.

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Carr needs to get better inside leverage, and not give up the middle of the field so easily. This looks like coaching, to me. Even without inside help, all our corners play as though there IS inside help. Carr, in particular, should use position to deny the middle and his size and athleticism to foil anything over the top. See SD game versus Vincent Jackson. He definitely has the tools, but needs work on technique that he doesn't appear to be getting.

Flowers presents obvious mismatches. Almost rather see Flowers at FS. Flowers is a zone player or FS type of player, but he can't single up.

If DJ can stay healthy, he's a core player. It's his nicks that set him back, and, in Haley's system, you have to earn your way back onto the field.

Hali's most productive season was on the strong side opposite Jared Allen, and he still seemed to get lost in the wash of bodies on running plays. Maybe SOLB or free-roamer, with 4 down linemen or 3 linemen plus Studebaker on the WOLB post (or vice-versa - I kinda like Studebaker at SOLB, with Hali at his (now-) usual WOLB slot.

Double D

Good work Merlin - as always.

I think DJ might be considered a core player for a lot of teams; just not this one apparently.

Randy5k

I agree with all of this Merlin, a much needed emotional boost.

Robb

I agree with this list but would hope to have Corey Mays here for quite some time. He seems to have found a nice home and is playing REALLY hard.

Also, is it just me or is it really sad to see that Derrick Johnson is not on this list. . . I'd like him to be - but he'll probably not survive the off season.

short list, very sad and short list.

shane.smith

5' 11" at 186lbs. 24 year old kid with great speed.

How tall is Lance Long?

Jeremy Hanson

Yeah Merlin, I agree. It is troubling that out of 22 starters we have so few core players.

Tamba Hali is playing is butt off, but sadly, he still is not dominating anyone. I love him though.

I definately agree with your opinion of a core player and the core players on this team. I find it troublesome that there are so few. One long shot that gave me my only true excitement last Sunday was Lance Long. The guy totally reminded me of Wes Welker. If he stays healthy, he definately may be a core player and contribute nicely to our offensive scheme. Other than that, I have no names to add. If I could speak to Pioli & the boys I would beg them to start first with the O-line in the draft and in free agency. Heal that open wound first, and then address the rest of the open wounds/holes on our team!