If you follow the Kansas City Chiefs, you know one of their biggest problems historically has been finding quarterbacks. To be more specific, we are talking about those that can actually play, well. The last franchise QB who resided in the heart of the country was Len Dawson (our hero) in the 60’s and 70’s, a player the Chiefs didn’t even draft.
The fan base has yearned for that next guy to take over, and while Alex Smith has come the closest to perhaps anyone in a while, it is always intriguing to us when the Chiefs draft somebody late and take a flyer on a guy. It was Ricky Stanzi years ago, then Aaron Murray, and now Kevin Hogan. The Seahawks made it look so easy with Russell Wilson, so why not the Chiefs?
The reality is the Chiefs do not need to find a hidden franchise quarterback right this minute. Besides from the fact this franchise has been cursed when it comes to drafting quarterbacks, KC needs to focus on getting some depth at the position more than ever. Chase Daniel took the money and ran all the way to Philadelphia, leaving the Chiefs very inexperienced behind Mr. Smith. Somebody has to step up, but in particular, someone. I’m looking at you Tyler Bray.
They saw a home that definitely needed a lot of work, but if everything came together under the right circumstances, it had a chance to be pretty special.
Undrafted out of Tennessee in 2013, Bray signed on with Kansas City to basically sit on the IR. After some preseason action in his first two years, he would go on to miss both the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Bray is now coming off a torn ACL acquired in a pickup basketball game.
I am surprised he is still on this roster due to the fact there is no room for patience in the NFL. But the Chiefs see something they like, and they always have with Tyler Bray. I am a supporter myself from his college days. There is some potential there that certainly could be harnessed. With that being said, the clock is ticking.
Bray is 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, a little skinny but with ideal height for an NFL quarterback. His most valuable trait is that rocket arm of his; he is a truly gifted thrower of the football. Arm talent and size are things you really can’t teach, but the mental side is a different story. That is the side Bray has always battled with, dating back to his college days. He has had tendencies of playing erratic in the past and being inaccurate with the football.
As we all know, Andy Reid is the quarterback whisperer. He has gotten the best out of guys like Kevin Kolb. He and Dorsey saw all the natural talent Bray brought to the table and wanted to build upon it. They saw a home that definitely needed a lot of work, but if everything came together under the right circumstances, it had a chance to be pretty special.
So far this has obviously not been the case with Bray, but it is not too late. His injuries have been unfortunate, but it is part of the game and it will not save his job. This just might be his last chance to stay on this team. He has to make a statement come next month.
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The rumors out of One Arrowhead Drive right now are that Bray has the early lead to backup Alex Smith. That is all fine and dandy, but when you haven’t played football in two years, you have to go out there and show something. It has to start at camp and continue throughout the preseason. Aaron Murray and Kevin Hogan are two smart, young signal callers who will give Bray a run for his money.
The former Volunteer must show he has matured and understands the game better as he enters his fourth season. His skillset can compete with any quarterback’s on the roster. Reid and Dorsey have gone to bat for Tyler Bray, and now he needs to return the favor this summer.