Kansas City Chiefs: Dexter McCluster Could See Expanded Role with Andy Reid Hire

With former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid reportedly close to assuming the same role (via the Washington Post) with the Kansas City Chiefs, it leaves to the imagination the potential domino effect within the Chiefs organization.

What is the next move with embattled general manager Scott Pioli?

Just who and how many of Reid’s former colleagues will become part of Kansas City’s staff?

How does this affect the Chiefs’ plans with the top pick in April’s NFL draft?

And the list goes on.

However—while admittedly the most crucial—the answers to those questions are accompanied by how other aspects of this move by the Chiefs fall into place. Some of the other pressing matters include how the Reid hire influences those that already have roles on this team.

Rewind to the 2010 draft.

The Eagles were prepared to select running back Dexter McCluster out of Ole Miss, but the Chiefs drafted him one pick ahead of Philadelphia at No. 36.

While hindsight seldom comes with flaws, Reid’s presence in Kansas City could shed some light on just how McCluster would have been used within the Eagles’ offensive scheme.

Reid is a West Coast offense (WCO) guy through and through.

The WCO operates under a quicker tempo while highlighting a short passing game that allows the ball-carrier to work in space—a system that the diminutive McCluster could thrive in.

While the Chiefs may have sought out deploying this approach with McCluster before, a full commitment by the coaching staff will help to accentuate more of what the wide receiver/running back is capable of in the NFL.

In 43 career games, McCluster has tallied 144 rushing attempts for 657 yards (a very good 4.6 yards per carry) and one touchdown, while catching another 119 passes for 989 yards and three scores.

Utilized on special teams often in his first two years, McCluster saw less time returning kicks and punts in 2012. Instead, his role in the passing game increased, resulting in a career-high 52 receptions and 452 receiving yards.

McCluster’s most successful season came in 2011 when he was relied upon to fill the void left in the backfield by an injured Jamaal Charles.

Though there may be more pressing items on Reid’s agenda upon his arrival in Kansas City, getting familiar with his players will come soon enough.

With plenty of say in how Philadelphia operated on draft day over the years, it is safe to assume that the head coach would like to finally meet McCluster.

However, finding the right quarterback to get him the ball is the top priority.

Follow Jeremy on Twitter @KCPopFlyBoy.