Kansas City Chiefs believe Dee Ford can make impact as rookie

Many believed that the Kansas City Chiefs would be looking to add an offensive weapon early in the 2014 NFL Draft, but they ultimately went with Auburn pass rusher Dee Ford. If Ford makes the impact that the team believes he can as a rookie, then there will be plenty of value in the selection.

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The current plan for the Chiefs, according to general manager John Dorsey, is to have Ford serve as a situational pass rusher in a number of different packages. He will not be playing every down, but he will still have an opportunity to make an impact and add to the Chiefs’ already impressive pass rushing attack.

“What he will do during the course of the game is spell guys,” Dorsey said, via FOX Sports. “That gives you the ability to have your guys fresh rushing the passer late in the game.

“We all understand you can’t have enough good pass-rushers because it’s going to make that back seven look better the quicker you get to the quarterback.”

When you consider the Chiefs stiffest competition in the AFC West comes from the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers who have Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers serving as their quarterbacks, there is no question that the team would benefit from being able to bring the pressure from the opening snap.

Kansas City’s defense slowed down during the final stretch last season, so perhaps having another body will allow them to keep their success rolling for the complete duration of the season.