Embracing the Constant Force of Change: 2009 Kansas City Chiefs

(Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images)

Offensive Line

Branden Albert will enter is sophomore campaign as the undisputed left tackle and anchor of the offensive line, protecting Cassel's blind side.  Paired with a hopefully committed Brian Watters, the left side of the line appears solid.

The addition of Mike Goff will improve the right guard position, and the competition between Rudy Niswanger and newcomer Eric Ghiaciuc should provide a serviceable if not solid center. 

At this point, it appears the right tackle position is up for grabs.  Declining incumbent Damion McIntosh will likely be replaced by Herb Taylor or fifth round draft pick Colin Brown.  In my opinion, the Chiefs OL will be a much improved unit in 2009.  My grade - B+

Wide Receivers

Dwayne Bowe will assume the #1 option duties previously held by Gonzalez.  Behind him are a series of question marks.  Mark Bradley will likely be the second receiver and if healthy, can be an athletic field stretcher. 

Bobby Engram will likely function out of the slot, and if healthy, should provide a decent underneath option for Cassel.  Terrence Copper is an off-season addition and will attempt to fulfill his brief display of potential while in New Orleans.  My grade - C-

Defensive Line

What a mess!  At this point, I'm not sure anyone knows who will line up for the Chiefs on September 13.  My early guess is Glenn Dorsey/Alfonso Boone and Tyson Jackson to man the ends, with a rotation of Tank Tyler and Alex Magee in at Tackle.  Depending on the down and scheme, most of the players are likely to be interchangeable.  My grade - C-

Linebackers

Zach Thomas and Mike Vrabel are additions to the defense this season, as a switch from a base 4-3 to 3-4 is inevitable.  Derrick Johnson and Demorrio Williams will join them.  There is also the project of moving Tamba Hali and Turk McBride to LB.  Whew, another brain scratcher on how to mesh this corps in to a unit.  My grade - C

Defensive Backs

Promising youngsters Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr, Maurice Leggett as well as rookie draft pick Donald Washington will provide the Chiefs a solid group of corners, so long as they are given a modest pash rush from the line and backers.

Safeties Jarrad Page, Bernard Pollard and Jon McGraw also are solid, so long as they won't lead the team in tackles.  My grade - B+ 

With the exception of the defensive backfield, the Chiefs are unsettled in many areas heading to camp.  In a few short weeks, we'll see if the constant force of change will result in a brighter future.

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