The Kansas City Chiefs arguably had the best draft out of any team this year. They turned six picks in the first three rounds into three immediate starters; DT Glenn Dorsey, OG Branden Albert, and CB Brandon Flowers.
This is the first step in Kansas City’s rebuilding process, which is far from done at this point. Their biggest weakness went untouched this off season: quarterback. Until there is a significant change at this position, the rebuilding process won’t be done.
So is there any fantasy value left in the rebuilding Chiefs squad? Some, but you should be cautious of how valuable it may be.
Quarterback
Brodie Croyle/Damon Huard
Let's start off by looking at the team's success last year with each quarterback. Huard won four of the ten games he started in, while Croyle lost all six games he started. According to head coach Herm Edwards, the starter this year is (drum roll please): Brodie Croyle! What?
I understand that Edwards would like to believe that Croyle is the future of this franchise, but the truth is that he isn't. He has second rate accuracy and arm strength, doesn't handle pressure well, and rarely throws the ball deep (and poorly when he does).
So should Croyle give up the thoughts of being a starter now? No, but he doesn't have long to prove that he can be a legitimate starter in the league. Too bad his horrible offensive line won't be helping him much, if at all. You would have to be pretty desperate and in a deep league if you are thinking of drafting him.
That isn't to say that Huard is the answer either. He is a competent NFL quarterback, but should not be anything more than a back-up. He definitely gives the team a better chance to win, but the Chiefs are more interested in winning two or three years from now, rather than this year.
He doesn't have much fantasy value either, and more than likely won't end up on a fantasy roster at any point this season.
Runningback
Larry Johnson/Kolby Smith
The running game is the focus of Kansas City's offense to say the least. Herm Edwards loves to ride his starting running backs. A great example would be Larry Johnson who had his number called 336 times in 2005 and 416 times in 2006 before breaking his foot last year after 158 carries in eight games. Look for more of the same this year.
Johnson may have the skill to continue as a top-ten fantasy running back, but he doesn't have the supporting cast. Defenses will focus on him and without an offensive line to properly protect him, the defense will get to him. That doesn't bode well for his fantasy value, and bumps him down to No.2 fantasy running back status in my eyes.
Smith is a solid back-up. He has the size and speed to be competitive in the NFL, and flashed some quickness to the hole last year. Too bad there won't be many holes for him to quickly get through this season.
He filled in decently when Johnson was injured last season, but showed nothing spectacular. He shouldn't be drafted unless you are in a big league and don't mind possibly wasting a pick.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Dwayne Bowe/Devard Darling/Tony Gonzalez
An unstable quarterback position shouldn't spell success for a receiver, especially not in his rookie year, but Bowe fought his way to 995 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
He was able to do this because he flew under opposing defensive coordinators' radars while they focused on Gonzalez and Johnson. Don't expect the same thing to happen this year.
He can fight through traffic with the best of them and makes leaping catches that render some defensive backs helpless, but he is not naturally a deep threat and will be getting a lot more attention this year. His numbers should decline, but he will remain as a great No.3 fantasy receiver.
The best thing that I can say about Darling is that he makes a pretty solid special teams player. The same can't be said about his ability to be a wide receiver. After all, there is a reason he has only caught 18 balls in the last three years (all coming last year).
He may be used as a downfield option for the Chiefs this year, but won't be effective enough to gain any fantasy attention.
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