Kansas City Chiefs Free Agency: Predicting the First 6 UDFAs the Chiefs Sign

Kansas City fans agree that the 2011 NFL draft looks like a successful one with the Chiefs drafting eight solid players including potential future stars Jonathan Baldwin and Justin Houston.

While these players fill in several important gaps on the field, there are many other rookies that can give the Chiefs more depth in 2011 and replace aging starters.

If the Chiefs hope to build on their 2010 success, they will need to add talent to this young team and with a coach like Todd Haley, the Chiefs would be well served to allow him to develop young players to the team’s needs.

When free agency kicks off, the Chiefs are sure to look at several undrafted free agents to fill these roles.

Here are six they will definitely pay a great deal of attention to.

Mark Herzlich, Linebacker

The Chiefs’ defense has been an area of much scrutiny. Rumors about Mike Vrabel’s retirement surrounding the Chiefs and a lack of production from the linebackers in 2010 have made the linebacker position a specific area of interest for the Kansas City front office.

The Chiefs grabbed two good linebackers in the draft, picking up Justin Houston in the third round and Gabe Miller in the fifth round. While these two are great pickups, another good young linebacker could benefit the Chiefs.

Kansas City could look at Mark Herzlich.

Herzlich is a former ACC defensive player of the year from Boston College. While his abilities were unquestionable, Herzlich slipped off of the draft board because of a cancer diagnosis in 2009 despite being pronounced cancer-free and returning to the field in 2010, ending the season with two forced fumbles, four interceptions and 65 tackles.

Herzlich could fill a role as a linebacker who can drop back and guard against the pass up the middle. This ability could easily open up a spot for Herzlich on a squad with several young linebackers.

Jeff Maehl, Wide Receiver

Kansas City drafted Jonathan Baldwin with their first pick which is sure to help the passing game, but that doesn’t answer all of the questions that Chiefs fans have. With several people reporting that the Chiefs’ coaching staff will move Dexter McCluster from wide receiver to a full time running back, the Chiefs are on the lookout for a good slot receiver.

That player could be Jeff Maehl.

At the University of Oregon, Maehl finished his senior year with over 1,000 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. While he may not be the most talented player physically, his ability up the middle could make him very effective in the slot. Some teams have doubted his speed, but at the 2010 NFL combine, Maehl clocked in with the fastest 3-cone drill time in the last six years.

These skills could provide Matt Cassel a good option up the middle who is able to get a few extra yards after the catch, giving the Chiefs another way to gain some much needed first downs.

David Mims, Tackle

With only two tackles currently under contract, the Chiefs severely need an offensive tackle or two.

With David Mims, the Chiefs would get an offensive tackle who can do exactly what they need him to do.

Mims is a great run blocker, a tackle who can help the Chiefs’ running attack retain the punch it showed in 2010. His 6’8” 337 pound frame is very difficult for a defender to move, making it nearly impossible for opponents to get into the backfield. With a bit of coaching, Mims could be great on the end of the Chiefs’ offensive line.

John Clay, Running Back

The two-pronged running attack the Chiefs’ operated with in 2010 was very successful with Thomas Jones running style complementing Jamaal Charles quick runs. Jones age began to show down the stretch, slowing down his production at the end of the season.

With the Chiefs’ schedule pitting them against the Packers, Patriots, Steelers, Jets and Bears in the second half of the season, Kansas City will need some more talent in the backfield if they hope to keep their running attack up to par.

The Chiefs need John Clay.

Clay is powerful running back who is able to power through the defense as well as breakaway in the open field. This running style would complement Charles well, providing him a yin to his yang. More importantly, with Clay, the Chiefs would have a running back who will not fade down the stretch, giving the Chiefs a much needed boost when the difficult section of the schedule hits.

Tim Barnes, Center

With center Casey Wiegmann rumored to retire before the 2011 seasons starts, the Chiefs have already begun the search for a new center, drafting Rodney Hudson in the second round.

While Hudson could become the new starter at center, it is always good to have multiple options. Tim Barnes would be a good option to consider.

From the nearby University of Missouri, Barnes is a strong center who blocks well. He is athletic, possibly making him able to move over to guard if Hudson were to win the starting job over him. With a little bit of work, Barnes could be a very good center. For now, he has the tools to make the move to the next level, providing the Chiefs with another solid option to fill the middle of their line.

Ray Dominguez, Tackle

The Chiefs would benefit from signing two young tackles in the offseason and Ray Dominguez would be another good choice.

Dominguez is already a skilled run and pass blocker who is a great anchor for an offensive line. While he may never become a hall of fame caliber tackle, he will get the job done for the Chiefs and help give quarterback Matt Cassel more time in the pocket.