A Closer Look at the Roster - Defense

[KC_Guy]

Part 2 of my roster evaluation - Defense this time.

Defensive Linemen

DE - DeVito, Bailey
NT - Poe, Toribio, Powe
DE - T. Jackson, XXXX

The overall picture here will heavily depend on the defensive system. From what we hear the Chiefs' posture will be much more aggressive - so pass rushing ability will be a fairly new factor for the DEs. Barring a huge surprise I consider the first team set - Bailey's role is something to watch: will he break out of the doghouse the former regime put him in? Toribio is obviously taking snaps at DE as well - so there's a chance he moves outside or comes in for the Nickel package. I've heard the name Lohr as someone to watch.

My overall take: With the exception of DeVito replacing Dorsey we have last year's crew returning. However, the system change will have a heavy impact. I think the personnel available is ok, especially if Jackson continues to improve. How they adjust to the new system will determine whether they will succeed or not.

Wild Cards: Lohr

Linebackers

WOLB - Hali, Jones
WILB - D. Johnson, XXXX
SILB - Jordan, N. Johnson
SOLB - Houston, XXXX

Wild Card: Martin

Huge shake-up here at the back end of the depth chart. Hali, D. Johnson, and Houston provide the same core as last year, with the SILB still in limbo. However, whether it's Jordan or the other Johnson - at least on paper it looks like an improvement. The two open backup slot are WIDE open, none of the other guys on the roster left an impression elsewhere before. While the departure of Studebaker clearly was a cap move, the release of Greenwood may backfire over the season. A name I heard mentioned in various places is Martin as an option on the outside.

My overall take: Again a strong starting group with suspect depth behind them in at least two positions. Wouildn't be surprised if another veteran back-up is brought in.

Cornerbacks

CB - S. Smith, Robinson
NB - XXXX
CB - Flowers, Brown

Wild Card: Commings

Now this is an interesting group. With Robinson, Smith, and Flowers they have three staring caliber CB available - and obviously are experimenting how to line them up in three CB packages. The departure of arenas deprived the Chiefs of a dedicated slot man - and other than the three depth appears more than shaky. Brown did not convince me last year - however, he's probably the #4 if Commings stays at Safety. Anyone else is an absolute unknown for me.

My overall take: Other than the three starters a weak group. Let's pray noone gets injured. It's probably a good thing for UDFA DBs to be on the Chiefs' roster this year.

Safeties

FS - Lewis, Commings
SS - Berry, XXXX

Wild Card: Commings

Similar to the Cornerback situation the Chiefs seem to have a starting solution at hand while the situation at depth is completely up in the air. Questionable veterans (Abdullah, Demps) are competing with last year's UDFA (Hartman, Thorpe) and a bunch of new unknowns. Commings taking snaps primarily at FS may be an indication that the brass sees the S situation even shakier than CB.

My overall take: Hope the starters remain healthy. Similar to the CB squad this situation provides a good chance for an UDFA to make the team.


Summary:

On defense, especially at DB, the current situation is much more fluid than on offense. Depth is a critical issue there unless some of the no-names really step up. Looking at the other players on the roster more than one UDFA may have a chance to make the last 53. On the other hand I would not be surprised if the Chiefs make some roster moves between OTA and camp and bring in another veteran or two.

Final remarks:

Above I assigned 24 slots to the defense. With 24 slots assigned to offense and 3 for special teams that leaves the Chiefs with 2 slots to play around with. Special teams capability, injury concerns, and waiver wire considerations (remember the Lilja case?) may determine how the Chiefs use them. An eighth OL, a fifth RB or an additional DB (someone like Thorpe or Hartman who are no longer PS eligible) would be my guess.
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Be it known that this day, January 4, be known as Reid Friday from now until ... well, as long as it lasts ...

[jimmydee]

Good job, Pard, and I think your spot on with the lack of depth, OR lack of performance which may show itself in a new system. I think Reid/Sutton is setting this D up to be a more attacking D and in that case, moving folks around to create packages and confusing looks may serve them well.

All indications are that the guys love the new attitude and schemes, and are ready to lay their ears back and get it. And yes, I think we'll see a vet or two brought in for a security blanket type thing.
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season ticket holder from 1977-92. Personal friends with many retired chiefs. Great times.

[ArrowheadRage58]

Looking back...another failure of the previous regime was drafting Bailey to play in a scheme that didn't fit his skills (and Poe for that matter) Did they have any clue as to what direction they were heading or ever talk things through...it seems as though they were all chickens with their heads cut off, just aimlessly walking around with their own agendas, weather it was candy wrappers, bending not breaking, tinkering with the PS, inventing their own preseason theory, hell bent on either himself or a nobody calling plays, making sure only 1 QB had a chance, drafting WR's without first having a QB that can use them, using PS WR's because the proven guy "may or may not" know the playbook, going for the bargain at CB, etc...

I'm confused on your take that losing Greenwood could hurt us...he looked awful replacing DJ in games last year. Jordan/Johnson loser is a big upgrade for depth. I agree CB depth could be an issue with Arenas gone, still despise that move. The concern for S depth is unfounded...Lewis or Commings will start, the other will backup and Demps/Abdullah is plenty good for #4.
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[starbarkc]

[onejayhawk]

[ArrowheadRage58]

hmmm...not sure what to make of that. Poe is awesome and I always liked the pick. But Bailey and to a lesser extent Poe, would never reach their potential in Romeo's scheme. Can't wait to see what both of them can do in an attacking system.
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[onejayhawk]

[KC_Guy]

Obviously the Chiefs share my concerns wrt depth at DB - so they brought in three try-out CB for mini-camp: Vince Agnew, LeQuan Lewis and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. Obviously they ran with the no. 2s ...
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Be it known that this day, January 4, be known as Reid Friday from now until ... well, as long as it lasts ...