Kansas City Chiefs: Projecting how Each of the Team’s Rookies Will Fare

Last season was a remarkable year for Kansas City Chiefs rookies. Scott Pioli and Todd Haley succeeded in drafting impact players. In the past, Haley touched on how he and his staff will find the “right 53” that will get the job done. The Chiefs front office found 53 players who won the AFC West.

When the lockout is lifted, the reigning AFC West Champions hope the 2011 draft picks can step up and help the Chiefs repeat. The 2011 Chiefs draft class has big shoes to fill coming into the season. Which rookie can be an impact player and help the Chiefs repeat as division champions?

WR Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh: 1st Round, 26th Overall

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 05: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers catches a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Dwayne Bowe had no problem finding the end zone in 2010 when he and Matt Cassel hooked up for 15 touchdowns. Behind Bowe, the Chiefs received more production out of Tony Moeaki and Jamaal Charles than they did from Chris Chambers.

Chambers went into the 2010 season as the No. 2 receiver, but struggled to get receptions. He finished the season with 22 receptions for 213 yards and one touchdown.

It’s no surprise that Kansas City went with a wide receiver. The Chiefs have a lot of confidence in Jonathan Baldwin and feel he can produce and play at a high level.

It shouldn’t be a challenge for Baldwin to pass Chambers’ 213 receiving yard-mark during his rookie season. Baldwin will also have Bowe to look up to, who was the last Chiefs receiver to be taken in the first round.

During Bowe’s rookie season, he had 70 receptions for 995 yards and five touchdowns. Can Baldwin put up similar numbers during his rookie campaign?

Expect Baldwin to be the No. 2 receiver come opening day. If he lives up to the Chiefs’ expectations, then Baldwin will help the Chiefs improve the passing game, which was ranked 30th in 2010.

OG/C Rodney Hudson, Florida State: 2nd Round, 55th Overall

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Rodney Hudson #62 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Will Casey Wiegmann re-sign or retire?

Wiegmann signed a one-year contract to begin a second stint with the Chiefs. Although it was only one season, Wiegmann’s presence was a big factor in helping the Chiefs offensive line.

Will Rodney Hudson be able to make the same impact as Wiegmann?

Hudson shined at Florida State as an offensive guard, but will kickoff his career as a center with the Chiefs. Hudson came into the draft as one of the strongest interior linemen.

If Wiegmann, who turns 38 next month, decides to retire, then Hudson could be the next starting center for the Chiefs.

OLB Justin Houston, Georgia: 3rd Round, 70th Overall

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers breaks a tackle by Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Many football fans in Kansas City were thrilled to see Justin Houston fall down to the hands of the Chiefs in the third round. Houston’s collegiate career is similar to Tamba Hali’s professional career.

Houston started his career with the Bulldogs as a defensive end in the 4-3 defensive scheme. In 2010, Houston made the switch to outside linebacker while Georgia made the transition to the 3-4 defensive scheme. As a linebacker, Houston recorded career highs in tackles and sacks.

Kansas City only has one notable pass rusher in Hali. Houston will be part of a Chiefs team in a season where they’ll face elite quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers and Aaron Rogers next season.

If Hali and Houston can team up and apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, then it’s very likely that Kansas City will be in a position to win some of these challenging games.

It’s possible Mike Vrabel will remain on the team. If that is the case, you could see Vrabel and Houston rotate often. It would also benefit Houston, who can learn from a three-time Super Bowl champion and from the AFC sack champion during his rookie season.

DL Allen Bailey, Miami: 3rd Round, 86th Overall

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners is sacked by defensive lineman Allen Bailey #57 of the Miami Hurricanes knocked down a pass attempt at Land Shark Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Ron Edwards has struggled as a defensive tackle since joining the Chiefs in 2006. In 80 games with the Chiefs, Edwards has collected 8.5 sacks.

The Chiefs want to see consistency from their interior defensive line, and they hope Allen Bailey can do that.

The Chiefs have seen little production from their defensive line since switching to the 3-4 defensive scheme. Bailey may not start, but he could be very active with a defense that often rotates their players up front.

Bailey brings a lot of strength and versatility and could help the Chiefs improve in the 3-4 defensive scheme.

CB Jalil Brown, Colorado: 4th Round, 118th Overall

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DENVER - AUGUST 31: Running back Kyle Bell #34 of the Colorado State University Rams rushes and is tackled by Jalil Brown #23 of the University of Colorado Buffaloes at Invesco Field at Mile High on August 31, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Colorado defeated

After selecting three defensive backs in the 2010 draft, the Chiefs continue adding depth to their defensive backs by drafting Jalil Brown.

Brown isn’t looking to compete with Brandon Flowers for a starting job, but it’s likely he gets some face time as a nickel cornerback.

Brown will play a lot of special teams in Kansas City, which is where he excelled in Colorado. For his efforts and achievements on special teams, Brown was a recipient of the Bill McCartney Award.

QB Ricky Stanzi, Iowa, 5th Round, 135th Overall

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 05: Ricky Stanzi #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after their 24-14 win against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Land Shark Stadium on January 5, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Str

During his time in Iowa, Ricky Stanzi led Iowa to victory in three bowl games. Stanzi continued to improve each year as his numbers rose. During his senior year, Stanzi threw 25 touchdowns and six interceptions and finished third in the nation in passing efficiency.

Brodie Croyle is 0-10 in his career as a starting quarterback. It’s clear he can’t win. If the Chiefs decide to keep Croyle for training camp, he will have to compete with Stanzi to maintain a spot on the roster. Croyle has a lifetime QB rating of 67.8 since being drafted out of Alabama in the third round.

Although as of now Croyle’s contract is up, Pioli discussed the possibility of having him compete against Stanzi. But it’s doubtful that Croyle will return with the Chiefs during the 2011 regular season.

With Cassel as the starter, he’ll have a more reliable backup in Stanzi next season.

Stanzi will reunite with college teammate and roommate Moeaki. On October 10th, 2009, Stanzi threw two touchdown passes to Moeaki as Iowa defeated Michigan 30-28.

OLB Gabe Miller, Oregon State: 5th Round 140th Overall

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Verran Tucker #86 of the California Golden Bears is tackled by Gabe Miller #99 of the Oregon State Beavers at California Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

With Cameron Sheffield suffering a serious neck injury that forced him to miss the entire 2010 season, the Chiefs decided to seek a player to replace Sheffield.

Miller will join Andy Studebaker and help build depth at outside linebacker. A majority of Miller’s contributions will most likely come during special teams, as the Chiefs like to keep their linebackers active on special teams.

Like many players selected this late in the draft, Miller is a project player while his career is full of many uncertainties.

DT Jerrell Powe, Mississippi: 6th Round, 199th Overall

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Jerrell Powe #57 of the Ole Miss Rebels against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Chiefs decided to add another player to join the defensive front. Like Bailey, Jerrell Powe will do his best to help the Chiefs improve in their 3-4 defensive scheme. But in reality, he’ll most likely serve the Chiefs as a backup and get more recognition on special teams.

You never know with these late round draft picks. After all, Powe does have something in common with Tom Brady, believe it or not. Both Powe and Brady were selected with the 199th pick by Pioli. Powe will reunite with teammates Dexter McCluster and Kendrick Lewis.

FB Shane Bannon, Yale: 7th Round, 223rd Overall

Despite being a seventh round draft pick, Shane Bannon enters a situation where he could find himself as the starter. The Chiefs are seeking a long term solution at the fullback position and Bannon is a candidate to take that job.

Mike Cox and Tim Castille were the only fullbacks on the team last season and both players received significant amount of action on game day. Cox played in seven games last season while Castille played in 10.

Both fullbacks played a role in helping the Chiefs lead the league in rushing, but they were unable to stay with the team full time due to injuries.

The Chiefs want Bannon to stay injury-free so he can stay with the team all season long. If Bannon can do that he could be the starter, and that would result in Cox and Castille being released.