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.
3 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Detroit Sports Fan 11 months ago
KC could surprise people this year. If Larry Johnson stays healthy, we all now he'll be outstanding, Tont Gonzalez is great, and if the D-fence plays well, KC could be a top team.
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Chad Hogan 11 months ago
You have no idea what you are talking about. You are focusing on what happened last season. Billy Cundiff was cut and Kicker Connor Barth is likely to be the one starting. Croyle is known for his cannon arm and IS accurate. Hali is taking Allens spot(RE), Boone is taking Hali's old spot(LE), and Glenn Dorsey and Ron Edwards will be the DT's. You forgot to mintion Donnie Edwards(line backer). Last year the Chiefs secondary was 5th in the league and Ty Law was the weak spot(thats why he was cut) you just messed up big on that one. Charles will most likely be the 2nd string RB. B.J. Sams, Kevin Robinson, or Dantrell Savage will be the return men. I'll bring you my article.
O-LINE: Last year the Chiefs had no o-line except Brian Waters. Will Svitek played LT(Croyle's blind side) last year and and did terrible(understatement). Casey Wiegmann used to be good back in 05' and was OK in 06' but in 07' he just plain got old. Now the Chiefs drafted one of the best o-linemen in the draft to play LT the biggest weak spot on the Chiefs o-line last year. A new face in Rudy Niswanger will see action in the center position. He's tall for a center but uses that to his advantage a great improvement from Casey Wiegmann. The Chiefs o-line is improved right there and proved my point in the Chiefs vs Bears pre-season game(Albert didn't even play).
Brodie Croyle: People look past the fact that Croyle never took a snap with LJ in the backfield last season. With only 2 weapons last year in Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe and no LJ its alot harder for a QB to show his stuff, especially with his blind side usually unprotected. He looked pretty good in the Chiefs vs Bears pre-season game this year against the great Bears D. He has the confidence now that he was named the starter instead of fighting Huard for the starting position.
Dwayne Bowe: This year he will have LJ for other teams to worry about along with Tony. With a improved O-line and his QB's blind side protected he will get more passes now that his QB isn't in the dirt half the time. Bowe has also lived with Croyle during training camp and has formed a bond with his young QB. Look for Bowe to have a even better year this season.
DEFENSE: Last year the Chiefs D could not stop the run. Luckily Glen Dorsey fell to the Chiefs at the 5th overall pick in the draft. Dorsey will help anchor the Chief D-line to stop the run. Dorsey didn't play in the Chiefs vs Bears game because of a sprained knee but he is expected to play in the next pre-season game vs the Cardinals. Look for Dorsey to have a great year and possible take the title rookie of the year. Last year the Chiefs were 5th over all against the pass. With the addition of Brandon Flowers at the top CB position look for the Chiefs secondary improve if Flowers lives up to his hype. He will be better then Ty Law, the number one CB last season. Ty Law last season gave up alot of big plays and just like Casey Wiegmann he just plain got old. Don't base what you saw from the Chiefs D on the pre-season game vs the Bears because vet Donnie Edwards and run stopping rookie Glen Dorsey had minor injury's and did not play. Look for the Chiefs D to be a top 10 defense this season.
Chan Gailey: The new offensive coordinator, probably the biggest addition to the Chiefs. Last year Mike Solari was the offensive coordinator and did a horrible job. He would run on 1st and 2nd down about 60-70% of the time with the worst O-line in football and in the second half of the season no LJ. Solari would also run the ball on 3rd and very long many times as well. Chan has came in here and made it very simple for the young players and focuses on the players ability's. Another thing the QB's couldn't do last year but can do this year because of Chan is audibles. If Croyle sees the play they are about to run isn't going to work he can change that.
Larry Johnson: Last but certainly not least LJ. This year Larry will have an upgraded O-line to set up blocks for him and he is 100% healthy. He also has rookie Jamaal Charles and one year pro Kolby Smith to share runs. This way the Chiefs will have fresh legs in the 4th quarter and a talented stocked backfield.
Now no more talking about a team you know nothing about. Thank you.
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Chiefs_5627 11 months ago
Croyle has 2nd rate arm strength?!?!?!?! Ooooooook.
Never watched him, huh?
Billy Cundiff?!?! He's not even on the team.
Ty Law NEEDED to go bye-bye.
Jeff Webb will not be returning kicks this year, that will more than likely go to BJ Sams because Keving Robinson is out with a knee injury.
Not trying to dog ya here but there's a LOT of holes in this article.
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