NFL Free Agency 2011: 5 Free Agents the Kansas City Chiefs Must Target
With the 2011 NFL draft over, the Kansas City Chiefs look to be headed in the right direction, scoring several position players that were necessary for the team to move forward.
The draft can only provide so much, though.
As the NFL lockout drags on, the Chiefs are left with time to look at and plan for the upcoming free agent signing period. As soon as the lockout ends, the free for all will begin.
With several position in need of a boost, the Chiefs will have a few targets on their radar.
Shaun Ellis, Defensive End
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In the 2008 and 2009 NFL drafts, the Chiefs looked at defensive ends early in the first round, picking up Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey. Although still young, the front office demonstrated a lack of faith during the 2011 NFL draft, picking up Allen Bailey in the third round.
With a free agent like Shaun Ellis available, the Chiefs would be able to get a veteran with experience on the defensive line, easing the pressure on all three young defensive ends.
Ellis’ steady performance throughout his career would be a big boost to the defensive side of the ball. Although his age would keep him from being a long term solution, the impact he would make now would be large.
Although Ellis has had trouble off of the field, his on the field abilities may be too great for the Chiefs to ignore.
Jammal Brown, Offensive Tackle
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A major issue for the Chiefs last season was their offensive line.
With only Branden Albert and Bobby Greenwood as the only two true offensive tackles, many experts thought the Chiefs would take a tackle in the draft. Instead, the only offensive lineman selected was Rodney Hudson, a role player at the guard or center position.
Jammal Brown would be a great player for the Chiefs.
With Brown at tackle, they would have a good run blocker to open up the outside for running back Jamaal Charles as well as a solid pass blocker who has gone to the Pro Bowl twice on his ability to protect the quarterback.
Cadillac Williams, Running Back
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With running back Thomas Jones nearing retirement, the Chiefs will look to continue their two-pronged running attack that proved successful last season.
Cadillac Williams proved to be a valuable third down back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. Williams also proved he would fit well into the Chiefs quick passing scheme they seem prone to run, grabbing 46 receptions last season as the third down back.
Furthermore, his prior injuries might scare off some teams despite the fact he played 16 games in 2009 and 2010. This would give the Chiefs a potential bargain in Williams.
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Steve Smith, Wide Receiver
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Although Jonathan Baldwin will provide a great deal of freedom for Dwayne Bowe by diverting some of the pass defense his way, another good receiver would help out significantly, particularly if Baldwin is unable to get the correct amount of preparation before the season due to the NFL lockout.
With Steve Smith, the Chiefs would get a proven receiver. Although he missed much of last season with a torn pectoral muscle, Smith has shown he is able to get open and get to the throw.
While Smith would eat up a bit more salary cap space then several of the other wide receivers on the market, his production would be worth it.
Willie Colon, Offensive Tackle
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The more the merrier when it comes to the Chiefs offensive line. There is no denying that this is a spot that needs a significant overhaul for the Chiefs to move to the next level.
Along with Jammal Brown, Colon would create solid bookends for the Kansas City offensive line, allowing the rush to go to either side while keeping quarterback Matt Cassel safe and allowing him to have the time to find the open receiver.
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