I don't think Chiefs fans saw the 2011 season shaping up the way it did. But neither did anybody else. The injury bug bit hard in Kansas City, as within a two week span the organization saw its best offensive weapon (Jamaal Charles) and best defensive weapon (Eric Berry) both tear their ACLs. Not a pretty or comforting sight for Chiefs Nation. But maybe the Pro Bowlers will make it back to full strength for 2012.
Another major shift was the mid-season release of head coach Todd Haley. Which could fall into the history books as a good thing. It never seemed that Haley had a strong connection with his team, something new head-coach and former interim coach Romeo Crennel did. In Crennel's first game as head coach, the team beat the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers then to end the season shut down Tebowmania. Players praise their new head coach and GM Scott Pioli has always had a good relationship with Crennel since their days together in New England. The Broncos hit it big in 2011, could the Chiefs make a come back in 2012? My vote is yes.
Round 1.) Johnathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh (11 games/3 starts) Nagged by injuries all season, but flashed his skills against San Diego in Week 8 when he had five catches for 82 yards and a score. (B)
Round 2.) Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida St. (16/1) Versatile player, capable of playing guard and center. Was groomed in 2011 for a starting position possibly in 2012. (B-)
Round 3.) Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia (16/10) Earned team rookie of the year honors and came up big in the final game against the Denver Tebows, racking up 1.5 sacks. (B)
Round 3.) Allen Bailey, DE, Miami (16/0) Proved be a good reserve, can land a big hit on the ball carrier if he gets his shot. (C)
Round 4.) Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado (14/0) Didn't see much time with a talented corps of cornerbacks. (INC)
Round 5.) Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa (0/0) Was first activated in late November and then sat behind Kyle Orton. Could challenge Matt Cassel in training camp. (C+)
Round 5.) Gabe Miller, OLB, Oregon St. (0/0) Spent the season on IR. (INC)
Round 6.) Jerrell Powe, DT, Ole Miss (1/0) Had only one appearance but with Kelly Gregg as a free agent, Powe could see the field as a starter in 2012. (C)
Round 7.) Shane Bannon, FB, Yale (0/0) Sat behind starter LeRon McClain. (INC)
With GM Scott Pioli running the show since 2009, the Chiefs have made a good foundation to build on with finding players like Tyson Jackson, Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster, and Javier Arenas. And the building with continue in year three of the Pioli Era, perhaps with even better success as now Pioli has a coach who has a similar philosophy on how a team should be built.
- Running Back - There is virtually no telling how Jamaal Charles will bounce back from tearing his ACL. It took Wes Welker two years to get back to full playing strength and that was seen as a revelation. Backup Thomas Jones is aging and up for free agency. A bigger back could help Charles and steady the running game if he's not back to full speed.
- Tackle - It's no secret that the tackle positions in Kansas City are not exactly spectacular. Left tackle Brandon Albert is solid but is a natural guard. Right tackle Barry Richardson is inconsistent and is better as a backup. Right tackle specifically needs an upgrade, especially with the addition of Von Miller, Elvis Dummervil, and Shaun Phillips in the division.
- Tight End - Tony Moeaki is a legitimate NFL caliber player, except he missed his entire sophomore season with an ACL-tear (sound familiar). Injuries were a major concern about Moeaki when coming out of Iowa. Leonard Pope was a so-so backup but is a free agent. A tight-end to pair with Moeaki would not only add another dimension to the passing game but also add depth if Moeaki should get injured again.
- Defensive End - The Chiefs planned on building from the inside out, as a smart franchise would, however their picks haven't quite worked out. First it was Glenn Dorsey, who has mediocre success. Then came Tyson Jackson, Pioli's first draft pick for the Chiefs. At third overall you would like to see a lot more in return. Both are still young and Dorsey is slowly getting better but an addition here could be possible.
- Inside Linebacker - Former starter Jovan Belcher is a free-agent leaving no one to play alongside Pro Bowler Derrick Johnson. With the 11th or 12th overall selection, the Chiefs should take a long look at Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. He's a high prospect but with the Combine he could shoot up draft boards even higher.
- Wide Receiver - This should be an area of more concern than is noted. Pro Bowler Dwayne Bowe is a free-agent and he wants a long term deal. If sides can't be met Bowe could walk or holdout via over being franchise tagged. Even if the best case scenario happens, there is still virtually no depth. Baldwin was injured and after him there is only Steve Breaston. Then the talent pool thins out.
Nathan Rickard - Studied at Eastern Connecticut State University and Le Moyne College, Nate has been writing for years and all forms of it. Growing up next ...
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