We have several questions going into the 2008 season. With such a young team, player development is the most important aspect of this season. This is even more important than the wins and losses. Let’s take a look at some of the positions and young players whose development will be crucial this year. For the sake of discussion, assume that Dorsey, Albert and Flowers are all at least solid and show promise. OK, onto the position questions, in order of importance.
1] Quarterback
Brodie Croyle’s development is going to be probably the most important and talked about aspect of 2008. Can he develop into a good or better QB? Proponents point to his arm and poise, detractors point to his injury history, decision making and build.
Player to watch: Brodie Croyle
My take: I like him. His arm is NFL caliber. I like his poise. I see him as a leader. If he refines his decision making and stays healthy, he could be a very good QB in this league.
2] Offensive line
Did we do enough to put a solid O-line together? How well we play here goes a long way to creating the conditions for Croyle to develop and getting LJ back to his 1500 rushing yards a year production. Can someone outside of Albert, Waters and D-Mac step up?
Players to watch: Rudy Niswanger, Herb Taylor, Barry Richardson
My take: I am still nervous about this line. I expect Albert and Waters to be solid on the left side. D-Mac should be OK at RT, Niswanger is a question mark. I would like to see him develop into a solid center and see either Taylor or Richardson show that they can be a good Tackle in 2009. I still regret that we waited until round 6 to get another O-lineman after we took Albert in the first round.
3] Defensive line
How do we replace Jared’s sacks and disruptive force? Do we have a good DT rotation?
Players to watch: Tank Tyler, Turk McBride, Brian Johnson
My take: The rookie season of the TNT show was more like a dud bottle rocket. However, it often takes a year or so for D-lineman to develop. The move of Boone to LDE is a troubling sign. I expect Dorsey to really help everyone out by inside penetration and/or commanding double teams. A Dorsey/Tank combination inside could be very tough against the run. I am curious to see how Brian Johnson looks in preseason. He has my attention, that is very positive for a 7th round pick.
4] Cornerback
Who can replace Surtain in 2009? Can we get away from so much soft zone?
Players to watch: Brandon Carr, Tyrone Brackenridge, Maurice Leggett
My take: Right now in the NFL, you need three solid corners. I am cautiously optimistic on Carr. Surtain is on his last legs. I am not counting on him for 2009. We really need young players to step up here.
I would like to have a top five list for you. Five is a good number, so is ten. However, I see these four areas as far and away our big areas of concern. However, they are not the only areas. Lesser questions, in no particular order are as follows:
Can we find a reliable NFL Kicker? We need someone who is reliable, has good range and can produce consistent high kickoffs that land between the five yard line and the back of the end zone.
Can we find a decent blocking Fullback?
Is there a good second WR to compliment Bowe?
Do we have a good blocking TE?
Is there an heir apparent to Donnie Edwards at OLB?
Will someone step up as a KR/PR?
Right now, my ranking of needs for the Chiefs 2009 Draft are:
1] OL (Probably Guard)
2] DE
3] CB
4] LB (Probably OLB)
QB is obviously missing on the list. I expect Croyle to show enough this year for the Chiefs to believe he will be the QB for the next several years. Should he crap out, that would probably vault QB to number one on the list. Right now, I am expecting our O-line to be improved, but still not good. I think our left side will be good and our right side to be below average. I haven’t seen enough from our DE’s to give me a warm and fuzzy. We need three good corners. Right now, we have one we can count on after this season. Of course, that assumes that Flowers is good. This list is very fluid. Player development this year will certainly result in adjustments to the list.
OK Addicts, what do you think? Who do you expect to develop? Do you expect Surtain or Donnie Edwards to play well in 2009? What positions are you looking at for player development this year?
