Dexter McCluster: How the Kansas City Chiefs Will Use Him in 2011

There is not a lot about the Kansas City Chiefs that is certain. After the surprising success in 2010, the 2011 season brings with it a mixture of excitement and dread for many Chiefs fans unsure of what awaits them on the other side of the current work stoppage.

This has led to endless speculation by Chiefs fans and countless hours spent analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the current roster.

While much of Kansas City focuses their attention on the Chiefs’ incoming draft class, though, there are still players from the 2010 draft that have far from certain futures.

Dexter McCluster is one of those players.

Drafted in the second round of last year’s draft, McCluster was one of the best athletes available in the draft. At Ole Miss, McCluster was a double threat, using his speed to hurt opposing defenses on rushing and passing plays. His senior season saw him rush for over 1,100 yards while gaining 520 through the air.

This type of production was deemed valuable enough for the Chiefs to select him 36th overall, providing the Chiefs with a player who can line up at wide receiver or running back as well return kicks.

Unfortunately for McCluster and the Chiefs, a high ankle sprain kept him out of a handful of midseason games, hampering what began as a solid rookie campaign.

The speedy player made his presence known during the first week of the season, returning a punt for a Chiefs record 94 yards. At the end of the season, McCluster had a strong 20.3 yards per kick return average as well as leading the Chiefs with his average of 15.5 yards per punt return.

McCluster also proved himself helpful on the receiving end, averaging 10 yards per catch in the season.

With the Chiefs drafting wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin and several younger Kansas City players making a name for themselves, where could McCluster possibly fit in 2011?

If McCluster has put his injuries behind him, he can help the Chiefs in several ways.

Obviously, McCluster will be a difference maker on special teams. His speed makes him a threat for a big return and, paired up with Javier Arenas, the Chiefs have two solid return men who can set up a big drive on offense.

Another major possibility could have McCluster picking up carries to ease the workload on running backs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. If Jones’ production continues to suffer as it did late in 2010, this possibility could be even stronger.

The most likely spot for McCluster to make an impact on the field, though, is lined up as a receiver. McCluster’s speed allows him to get up field quickly after receiving one of the quick passes that the Chiefs seem so fond of.

In fact, in 2010, McCluster averaged 8.2 yards per catch on reception made behind the line of scrimmage. This was used mostly to move up field when Kansas City was in their own territory, with the Chiefs running plays designed to get McCluster the quick grab.

Only one McCluster reception was thrown farther than 10 yards all season, showing that Kansas City knows exactly what they have in McCluster.

Now, with Baldwin lining up next to Dwayne Bowe as deep receiving threats, opposing defenses will be forced towards more deep coverage, allowing McCluster to run the quick routes towards the sidelines much more freely.

Package McCluster’s ability to receive as well as run the ball with Jamaal Charles, and you have a backfield threat for the Chiefs as well, splitting the defense and opening up the field for big plays.

While McCluster is not likely to league the Chiefs in receiving yards, his presence could very well be one that is vital for the Chiefs success with a much more difficult 2011 schedule. His success could allow the Chiefs to use all of their weapons more effectively.

If he is able to avoid injuries, 2011 could be a very good year for Dexter McCluster and, in turn, for the Kansas City Chiefs.