Chiefs roster: GM’s view of upgrading
By Ryan Tracy
Aug 21, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Robert Turbin (32) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyvon Branch (27) and linebacker Josh Martin (95) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 14-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Tyvon Branch
Branch is the most compelling trade possibility. Safety is a position of strength for the Chiefs while it’s a growing need across the league. Some, like CBS’s Jason La Canfora, feel there is enough interest in Branch to make it worth moving him. It that situation, Dorsey would appear to be in the driver seat.
However, Branch is versatile. He can fill multiple roles in Sutton’s defense. Given that three safeties are on the field for Sutton with regularity, any injury to any starter in the secondary could make Branch invaluable. Although, he has growing value; trading Branch wouldn’t be worth the risk for the Chiefs.
Paul Fanaika
Fanaika has not been able to help Reid’s line. He hasn’t been able to win a job, even as a backup. The truth is that he is a power-blocking guard. He’s simply not athletic enough to play in a zone-block scheme like Reid’s. His struggles in this offense are not too shocking, especially when you consider Fanaika and Fulton graded out nearly identically in 2014.
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But, not every team in the league runs zone-blocking. For a man-block power-run team with injuries, he could have value. Trading him could net a mid-late round pick or even a scheme-fit target like a run-stopping inside linebacker or another veteran upgrade at guard.
Marcus Cooper & Kelcie McCray
These defensive backs are on the bubble. Cooper is likely to be edged out by rookie Steven Nelson for the fifth cornerback spot when Sean Smith returns from suspension. In the mean time, he looks like he’ll make the roster. McCray is stuck behind the top four safeties. Though he has excelled as a special teams’ performer, he is competing with Daniel Sorenson for any chance at a roster spot. One of them could be a sweetener for a potential deal on another player.
Next: Biggest interest in a QB?