This is my response to Ben's previous blog post about how the Chiefs need to be "fixed."
The Chiefs do need help at quarterback, there is no doubt about it. But the Chiefs need help around the quarterback too. No quarterback is going to excel with a sub-par offensive line and no deep threat. So, here is what I would do if I got to sit in Carl Peterson’s chair this off-season.
#1 – Don’t give up on Brodie Croyle. Yeah, I know noboby will probably agree with this but there's a not a better option out there. He has talent and is getting better, but he’s definitely injury-prone. With that in mind, the Chiefs need to trade for or take a quarterback in the draft to be the back-up. This shouldn’t be a Damon Huard back-up. It needs to be a guy who can eventually take over if Croyle doesn’t improve with more help around him. It’s not like there is a sure-fire stud out there in the draft. Stafford might develop into the number one pick by the time the draft rolls around, but he’s not there yet.
Furthermore, the free agency class doesn't have the answer at quarterback like Ben pointed out. As for Alex Smith, the 49'ers won't cut him unless there is something seriously wrong with him mentally or physically. They have too much money invested in Smith to give him away ... especially when they are not tearing it up with O'sullivan.
As far as trade options go, Leinart and Anderson aren't going to cut it. Leinart won't be moved by the Cardinals. They know Warner isn't the long-term solution. Leinart will start sometime this year and will start next year. Anderson had one good year ... he has to show a lot more than that for me to want to deal for him. He is struggling this year and he would basically be stepping into an offense with the same weapons he has now in Cleveland.
#2 – Get some help for Croyle. Sign Jordan Gross to solidify the right tackle spot. Gross and Albert should help to form a fine offensive line in front of Croyle. I don't mind Ben's idea of adding a receiver like Houshmandzadeh or Williams (I'd prefer Williams), but why would a receiver like that want to come to Kansas City? We don't throw the ball a lot and we don't a quarterback that would lure a free agent wideout who will have plenty of options.
#3 – Help the offense in the draft. The defense is young and has a lot of potential. They need another linebacker, some help at safety and a pass-rush specialist, but the offense needs the injection of youth that the defense has recently received. Don’t change the plan and try to fix the offense with a bunch of free agents.
Here’s my thoughts on what the Chiefs could do in the draft
First Round – Michael Crabtree – WR – Texas Tech – Bowe is a good, big receiver but he doesn’t stretch the field and he drops too many footballs. On the other side of the field the Chiefs’ have Devard Darling who was easily tracked down on what should have been a game-tying touchdown against New England this year. Crabtree isn’t a 4.3 guy, but he has more speed than Bowe and Darling and will only continue to get better as he is still new to the position of wide receiver (high school QB).
Other options: Matt Stafford, Rey Maualuga, James Lauranitis, Michael Oher and Jeremy Maclin (I'm trying not be a homer by not picking him)
Second Round – Duke Robinson – OG – Oklahoma – Robinson is a large fellow at 6’4" 330 and has very quick feet. Robinson and Albert would give the Chiefs’ offensive-line two cornerstones to build around.
Other options: Taylor Mays, William Moore, Nic Harris, Percy Harvin, George Selvie
Third Round – Chase Daniel – QB – Missouri – Yeah, here's the homer pick ... He’s not big enough and doesn’t have Matt Stafford arm strength, but all the guy does is win. He will live in the film room and has NFL-caliber arm strength. I like Daniel to back-up Croyle and maybe take his spot down the line. Reminds many of another too small QB from Texas, Drew Brees.
Other options: Brian Orakpo, Phil Loadholt, Kevin Ellison, Hunter Cantwell
In the fourth through seventh rounds, the Chiefs need to add depth to their linebacking core, find help at safety if they don’t draft it in the first three rounds and find a dependable kicker (Woffert, Swank).
This general idea would give the Chiefs an offense of:
LT - Albert
LG - Waters
C - Niswanger
RG - Jones
RT - Gross
QB - Croyle, Daniel
RB - LJ, Charles
FB - Cox
WR - Bowe
WR - Crabtree
TE - Gonzalez
Third WR - Franklin
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2 comments:
Croyle is not the answer at QB even with options.
I say this because he has started in 7 games and has been injured in 3 or 4 of them. Now I understand part of that is the line being horrible and in transition, however even with a good line you're still going to get hit...a lot. He just cant stay healthy.
Now, I do think he has the abilities and the talent to be a good quarterback in the NFL. I have seen flashes, however I dont care if hes Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, or Dan Marino good if he cant stay healthy! The number one attribute to look for in a franchise QB is can they stay on the field.
The sad thing is I believe youre right in thinking there really is noone available in FA or the draft to fix this problem next year. We need to focus on LB and OL this season, and find someone capable of atleast managing the offense and not lose us games.
I dont know what I think about Crabtree though, we need a speed guy and while he has size hes not fast enough to be a speed guy.
Also, HELL NO on Chase Daniel...and HELL YES on Maclin.
Oh, and Mizzou sucks......at basketball.
Yeah, this year's injury doesn't bother me as much as the injuries in the past. I think most people would have been hurt by the hit he took this year - he landed perfectly on the AC joint with about 270 lbs. on top of him. Injuries are definitely my biggest concern with Croyle.
I'm not sure about Crabtree either, it was just the only receiver I could think of who was top-5 worthy and not an MU guy. Maclin might be a little injury prone in the NFL, but I would love to add him to Chiefs roster. We would have two of the fastest guys in the NFL with him and Charles.
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