Taking Stock: Chiefs midseason scouting report

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley (17) catches a pass during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chiefs 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Skill players

Jeremy Maclin has walked into Arrowhead and has been as advertised. Four young pass-catchers have stepped up in rotation. Travis Kelce, Albert Wilson, De’Anthony Thomas and Chris Conley have contributed to the offense. They make up the future of the pass catching corps. the backfield is another story. With Jamaal Charles hurt and Knile Davis losing effectiveness, Charcandrick West has stepped into the lead back role and performed well. Just in time for West, he is due to become a free agent this off-season.

Bottom line for future:

There are two schools of thought going forward. Re-sign West to be the heir-apparent or let him walk and draft another young runner to replace him. West has significant talent. If he can be successful down the stretch, he will likely price himself out of Kansas City. Its been proven that quality running backs can be had on day three of the draft and Spencer Ware has shown some promise too. The decision on West will come down to dollars.

The Linebackers

Oct 25, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) celebrates with outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) after Hali caused a fumble during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Johnson has returned to form following his injury in 2014. Ramik Wilson, drafted to eventually replace Johnson, has developed and surpassed Josh Mauga.  The two veterans are the concern here. Johnson could be re-signed to a short-term contract. Mauga is playing on a new contract. One that pays him far too much to be a backup. The interesting wrinkle here is related to the future of Bob Sutton.

Sutton has not performed well as the defensive coordinator in 2015 and could be replaced at season’s end. There are a number of defensive coaches that could be on the market.  Chuck Pagano and at least one of the Ryan brothers could be available. A change to a hybrid 4-3 defense could be on the way if one of them were brought in. Re-signing Johnson would round out he linebacker group well and keep the best of the front seven on the field together. Until the decision on Sutton’s future is made, there will be no bottom line.

Enjoy the bye weekend Addicts!

I’ll have my mid-season “Chief Things I Think” next week!