SB Nation - Mike Cox

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 12/12

NJ Chiefs Fan — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:02:03 -0000

Happy weekend! Lots of parties and a short trip into Manhattan for me. Hope all is well with you and yours as we get ready for this Sunday's game. Also, Happy Hanukkah to those of you celebrating that.

Now your Chiefs News.

Buffalo Bills assistant head coach/special teams Bobby April (left) is one of those coaches. He arrives at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday with what some people in the league think are the best kicking game units in the game. April is a guy who always comes up with new fakes, new returns and previously unseen wrinkles.
And, he’s had 10 days to prepare for the Chiefs.

"They’re a well-coached group that will throw a lot at you and they’ve had a couple of extra days to prepare," said Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. "I’m sure they’ll have something for us and in a lot of different areas. He’s seen everything there is and you see it on the tape and through the years.

Special Special Teams … Saturday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz

Chiefs running back Tim Castille spent a long 10 weeks running and lifting and sweating and wondering whether he’d ever get a job.

Now, he’s got two of them.

Castille, who signed with the Chiefs in mid-November after spending the last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, fills the role of both backup fullback and halfback in addition to participating on special teams.

With starting halfback Jamaal Charles showing some signs of wear and tear, Castille could be next man up in that role in Sunday’s game against Buffalo. He’s also spelled Mike Cox at fullback as a blocker and as a short-yardage ball carrier.

Castille gives Chiefs double duty in the backfield from KC Star

The Chiefs have showed the tendency to disintegrate after making a bad play. Never has that been more obvious than in last week’s loss to Denver.

In an 11 1/2 -minute span of the third quarter, the Chiefs failed to convert on a fourth-down fake punt, threw two pass interceptions and lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.

In the process, they saw a 14-6 deficit balloon to 34-6.

"It’s just learning how to roll with the ebb and flow of the game," coach Todd Haley said. "It’s not going to go exactly the way you plan it. You’ve got to be able to adjust and overcome at times. It’s one of those things you don’t like to see happen.

"You see that all over the league. Once things turn and go south a little bit, it’s hard to pull it back together. The good teams do, and the teams that aren’t ready to be good don’t."

Chiefs notebook: Bad things tend to get worse from KC Star

There is no question about Matt Cassel's skills. He is good and in time, he will be better. At least that's the way the Kansas City Chiefs see it.

But when someone hands you a six-year, $63 million contract like the Chiefs did during the offseason you instantly become a franchise quarterback, even when you aren't ready. Another part of Cassel's continuing growth as an NFL quarterback will be tested this week, and it is something that cannot be measured by any statistic. How will he react to being benched?

Chiefs still believe in Cassel from The Buffalo News

Interim coach Perry Fewell said veteran Terrence McGee will start at cornerback for the Bills on Sunday at Kansas City.

McGee was active but limited in the Bills' last game against the New York Jets. He missed the past three games because of a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery during the bye week.

McGee didn't start against the Jets as Reggie Corner began the game but McGee has practiced all week.

"Terrence looked good and practiced real strong," Fewell said. "He will be the starter."

Bills notebook: Tolbert staying put; McGee ready to start from The Buffalo News

The hundreds of hours in the film room are paying off for Paul Posluszny. He plays with an intensity bordering on fury. He's decisive, aggressive and smart.

What coach Perry Fewell has is a linebacker who is sure of where he should be and what he should do. He can easily recite the Buffalo Bills defensive scheme and is willing to pay almost any price for success, whether it be in the weight room, film room or on the practice field.

Posluszny is coming into his own this season. The Bills might be concerned about their rush defense but the one element of their unit that has been all right has been Posluszny, a third-year man from Penn State, in the middle. He is the Bills' leader in tackles with 76, three more than safety George Wilson. Posluszny's 58 solo tackles are also a team high.

Bills linebacker Posluszny quarterbacks the defense from The Buffalo News

Ryan Schartz, who was named the top football coach in the state at Tuesday’s Simone Awards, was named the top football coach on the Missouri side of the metro area by the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors Friday afternoon in a surprise assembly at Fort Osage High School.

Schartz, who led the Indians to a perfect 10-0 regular season, saw his team finish with an all-time Fort Osage best record of 13-1 as they dropped the Class 5 state championship game to Webster Groves at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.
Chiefs honor Fort Osage coach from The Examiner

Tamba Time: The Kansas City Chiefs' Tamba Hali, much like LaMarr Woodley, is an outside pass-rushing linebacker who has defensive lineman eligibility in ESPN leagues. Hali had played much of his career as a 4-3 defensive end before switching to a 3-4 'backer this offseason and while the transition took a toll on his numbers early in the season, he's emerged of late and put up a monstrous outing this past week. If you have a spotty rotation at defensive line or, say, an injured stud like Robert Mathis, Hali makes for an impressive late addition.
D Up!: Preparing for the playoffs from ESPN.com

In a league that would become famous for its offense and scoring, in game No. 13 of the 1960 season the Dallas Texans defense was overpowering on a cold, cloudy Sunday afternoon at the Cotton Bowl. They pitched a shutout for the second straight week, beating the Boston Patriots 34-0 before a crowd of 12,000.

The Texans allowed the Patriots just 151 yards in total offense, and only 18 rushing yards. They forced five turnovers and never allowed Boston to get past the Dallas 42-yard line. The defense also added a touchdown, as CB Duane Wood (left) returned an interception 56 yards for a touchdown.

Texans Defense Keys Another Victory from Bob Gretz

Who Should the Kansas City Chiefs Cut, Re-sign, and Keep for 2010?

Jon Yoon — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:17 -0000

by Charlie Riedel - AP

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It's hard not to let my frustrations get the best of me when writing about this year's lowly Chiefs. Rather than vent and curse and scream, I'm going to instead focus my frustrations on a few specific players who I believe are bringing the team down. Some have played their way off the roster and probably out of the NFL; others have played their way out of a starting job; still others have been monumental disappointments.

Let's look at this position by position, starting with the offense.

Quarterback: I've been very patient with Matt Cassel. I understand the situation he's in--his supporting cast isn't great, his receivers are dropping easy passes, and his offensive line has been shaky and inconsistent in pass protection. I get all those things.

That being said, there are a few things that scare me about Cassel. Despite improved protection over the past few games, he is still inconsistent with his downfield throws. In many cases, he's not hitting his receivers in stride and he's making far too many goofy mistakes for a player of his experience level. The excuses are over. His pass protection has gotten better and he is now surrounded by a decent running game. Yet, we're not seeing much improvement from him. All that Cassel has done this season is prove that he's a lousy quarterback for three quarters, but a pretty decent one in the fourth quarter (assuming the Chiefs are still in the game).

I'm not saying Cassel has played his way out of the job, but he certainly hasn't done anything to justify keeping it or securing his place as the QB of the Future. It would be reckless for the Chiefs to enter this offseason without bringing in another strong option at QB. Worst case, Cassel ends up playing really well and the Chiefs can trade their backup away. If the Chiefs don't bring in a strong young option now, it could set the franchise back two or more years.

Because if there is any QB who can push Cassel for a starting job, he's not currently on the roster--Brodie Croyle is too injury prone and Matt Gutierrez is as big of a longshot as you'll find in the NFL. Cassel's poor performance this season has led me to question whether Pioli's loyalties might be clouding his judgment. I like Cassel. I like his work ethic and I want him to succeed, but if he becomes the indisputable starter going into 2010 with no competition, it will really compromise Pioli's no-nonsense, high accountability environment he's building toward. If Pioli is gung-ho about sticking with Cassel next season without bringing in a competitive option, he better be right, or else it could be a decision that haunts him for the rest of his career.

Stays: Matt Cassel (#1 QB), Brodie Croyle (#3 QB)
Bring in: Strong competing #2 QB Option
Dump: Matt Gutierrez

Running back: The good news is that Jamaal Charles is a legit primary back. He's done an incredible job of doing a lot with very little help up front. The play that sticks out in my mind was the toss sweep against the Broncos where he almost made it out to the edge, but couldn't make it there. From what I recall, the guy that got in his way was weakly blocked by Mike Cox. I remember thinking to myself: "Man, if that was Tony Richardson a few years ago, that guy would have been leveled!"

With better blocking up front, Charles has the potential to be a very good "lightning back" who can take on about 15-20 carries a game. He needs to be more careful with the football, but hopefully he can do that with some better awareness and maybe a little bit of strength training. The problem is, Charles is not a primary back in the way LJ was. He shouldn't be a workhorse back nor should he be an all-purpose back. We saw that on Sunday. The Chiefs seemed scared to pound the rock on the goal line. It's because they don't have a "thunder" back to bulldoze forward on short yardage situations. The Chiefs need one of those backs--a big bowling ball that wears out defenses and can muscle a few tough yards on short yardage situations. It would provide more balance to their running game and create a great change of pace for Charles' shifty running style.

Kolby Smith has had a nice little career for the Chiefs, but I wonder if he'll ever play a full season ever again. Outside of Charles and Smith, the options at halfback are not good. Almost everyone in this spot is expendable. However, it's possible the Chiefs keep one of them on the roster, simply because they just have too many needs to fill. At fullback, Mike Cox has effectively played himself off the roster. He doesn't block well, he doesn't run well, and he's been invisible in the passing game. What is it you'd say... he does here? There isn't a shred of a doubt that he will be out of a job in 2010. The Chiefs must bring in a legit Fullback. Must, must, must. And it's not like it's that hard. You can get a top-notch Fullback in the late rounds of the draft.

Keep: Jamaal Charles (#1 HB)
Dump: Mike Cox, Kolby Smith, Tim Castille, Javarris Williams
Possibly retain: Dantrell Savage
Bring in: "Thunder" back. Fullback. Both can be found late in the draft. A "thunder" back might be found on another team's scrap pile

Wide Receiver:

Boy oh boy. You would think that a team coached by a Wide Receivers coach would have receivers that were better at catching the football. You would think that players like Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade, who are hanging on to their roster spot by a very thin thread, would be trying just a little bit harder to compete for their jobs.

Dwayne Bowe is a given, though based on the way he's played this season, I'm not convinced he's a legitimate #1 receiver. Chris Chambers has probably earned his spot on the 2010 roster, although we should prepare for a potential sophomore slump as he had in San Diego. If the Chiefs can find a younger receiver with #1 playmaking capability, they need to break the bank and bring him in (which might mean cutting ties with Chambers). I don't think that will happen, so for now, Chambers is a solid stopgap option. Apart from that, no receiver has played well enough to justify keeping their job.

Bobby Wade, on the whole, has not been terrible. He played like he didn't care to be there against the Broncos, but in most games, he's been a relatively solid slot option. I can't see a situation where Mark Bradley is on this team next season. He has dropped way too many passes in key situations. Lance Long, as it turns out, is not Wes Welker. He's not Ricky Proehl. He's just a guy---pretty good at getting open, but wildly inconsistent at making the catch.

Keep: Dwayne Bowe
Likely keep: Chris Chambers
Bring in: Either a #1 receiver to replace Chambers, or a strong rookie prospect to be groomed to replace Chambers
Very on the bubble: Bobby Wade, Lance Long
Dump: Mark Bradley

Tight End:

Based on the way Haley likes to use Tight Ends, I tend to think he wants a multi-dimensional tight end moreso than a one-dimensional one. He may not want a Tight End who is only stellar at receiving. I don't think he'd mind having a Tight End who was primarily a blocker. Ideally, though, I think he would like a Tight End who was equally good at both.

Leonard Pope has been the sole bright spot at the position and that's not even saying much. Pope's role should really be more situational--a great backup, but not someone I'd like to see as an every-down starter. Sean Ryan does not belong on this roster. I have no idea why he's been here this long in the first place. He can't catch. He's a horrendous blocker. What exactly is his value to the offense? Brad Cottam isn't much better. You can't tell me there aren't better options on the street than these guys.

Keep: Leonard Pope (#2 TE)
Dump: Sean Ryan and Brad Cottam
Bring in: Anyone who isn't named Sean Ryan or Brad Cottam.

Wade Says Sideline Yelling Match With Haley Is No Big Deal

Joel Thorman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:00:22 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

Gotta catch that. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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On the second play of the Chiefs first drive in yesterday's loss to the Broncos, QB Matt Cassel faced a heavy rush causing him to fling the ball to FB Mike Cox. Unfortunately, the connection didn't go through and the Chiefs QB quickly rallied the troops to the line in a no huddle offense.

Yes, I said quickly. An emphasis last week had been on starting fast and Haley intent was to do that.

The Chiefs got the quick snap and Cassel saw a streaking Wade about as open as you can be. The throw was about a yard long but still deemed catchable.

Wade dropped it.

That was on third down, the Chiefs nemesis this season. From my seating, I could see Chiefs head coach Todd Haley yelling in, ahem, animated fashion in the direction of Wade. He was waving his play sheet as Wade came jogging off the field.

As Haley started to turn away (since he, you know, told the players he would cool it with the sideline yelling), Wade yelled back and had to be restrained by another player.

Haley continued on his way.

"It was frustration," Wade explained after the game. "It was his words then me making a comment I shouldn't have made back. That's just frustration."

"It's the same exact feeling," he continued. "He (Haley) was feeling the same way I was. It's not animosity, it's just about guys being really competitive and wanting to make a play in the game. Coach is competitive and so am I."

Later in this game, Chiefs head coach Todd Haley would use a fake punt to catch the Broncos off guard. He probably knew the Chiefs needed a play like that to get ahead in this game, which is why he was so upset that Wade couldn't hang onto it.

Wade's a professional (Haley's words) and I don't expect anything to come of this. He's not the first player to be on the end of a Haley-infused yelling match.

No Score From the Chiefs and Chargers Early

Joel Thorman — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:26:29 -0000

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

22 days ago: Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers, right, gets his hands up to break up a long pass to San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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The Chargers started out with the ball inside their own 10 after Darren Sproles muffed the return. A deep pass to Vincent Jackson was defended by Brandon Flowers and the Chargers eventually punted.

The Chiefs got the ball back and Matt Cassel threw a completed pass to Lance Long and a first down pass to Mike Cox.

Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt trapped the Chargers inside their own 10 again for his NFL leading 30th punt inside the 20.

The Chargers went three and out on their second possession as well.

The Chiefs got the ball back and converted a rare third and long on an 11 yard pass to Bobby Wade.

The score is currently 0-0.

Kansas City Chiefs Rushing Stats at the Bye

Chris Thorman — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:51:05 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

3 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs running back Dantrell Savage bounds into the end zone during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, in St. Louis. The play was called back after the Chiefs were called for offensive holding. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Since the Chiefs don't play this weekend, I'm going to do a few posts over the next few days listing the statistics for the team. I figure now is as good a time as any to take a look back and how the season has gone, stat wise, on offense and defense.

A couple of notes:

RB Jackie Battle is on injured reserve
Tyler Thigpen is not on the team anymore (wait, you didn't hear that story?)
WR Quinten Lawrence is on the practice squad now
The Chiefs are ranked 20th overall in rushing yards

Use this post for reference and conversation Rushing stats, after the jump.

Rushing		No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TD
1	Larry Johnson	132	358	2.7	17	0
2	Matt Cassel	27	126	4.7	12	0
3	Jamaal Charles	23	116	5	24	0
4	Dantrell Savage	8	41	5.1	11	0
5	Jackie Battle	7	21	3	12	0
6	Mark Bradley	2	20	10	22	0
7	Quinten Lawrence	1	16	16	16	0
8	Jon McGraw	1	4	4	4	0
9	Bobby Wade	2	3	1.5	3	0
10	Mike Cox	1	2	2	2	0
10	Tyler Thigpen	1	2	2	2	0
	Total	205	709	3.5	24	0
	Opponents	208	917	4.4	78	6

Aaron Curry's First Big Play

John Morgan — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:51:43 -0000

Seattle substituted Craig Terrill for Brandon Mebane to start the Chiefs third offensive series then allowed 27 yards and two first downs on the first four plays. They were all runs. Deon Grant was charged with illegal contact on the fifth play. Mebane substituted for Terrill. And then, Aaron Curry made his formal introduction to the National Football League.

1-10-SEA 44 (:49) 27-L.Johnson up the middle to SEA 44 for no gain (59-A.Curry).

Kansas City is split two-wide left. Ken Lucas is covering Dwayne Bowe in the left flat. Curry is playing over Devard Darling in the left slot, with Josh Wilson aligned deep over both. Deon Grant is positioned opposite the right tight end. Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill are semi-bunched across the offensive right.

Curry shifts down to attack the left "C" gap. Darling motions right. Wilson follows him but retains deep cover.

Curry surges around left tackle Brandan Albert, nearly untouched. Grant slices hard in and draws Darling's block. Wilson charges from the third level. Curry closes on Johnson as he's taking the handoff and tracks him towards the edge. Leroy Hill is cut blocked by fullback Mike Cox and extends into a superman position before falling to the ground. Curry tackles Johnson from behind for no gain. Wilson piles on. Unaware of the play ending, a pulling Rudy Niswanger attempts to block Tatupu. Tatupu stops him and throws him to the ground.

Seattle Seahawks Dominate First Defensive Series with Execution Away from the Ball

John Morgan — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:10:01 -0000

More photos » by Reed Hoffmann - AP

Brian Russell is best known for his cover skills.

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If a team plays within the rules of the NFL, but because of its fast, attacking style hurts more skill-position players than typical, can we classify that as a skill? It's something I wondered since Seattle left a trail of broken running backs in its wake in 2007.

3. The failure occurred within the interior line. Colin Cole failed to hold his double team and that allowed Rudy Niswanger to pull into the second level and interrupt Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill's line to Larry Johnson.

This drive was all about conditional relationships. On Kansas City's second play from scrimmage, Brandon Mebane schooled his assignment, Mike Goff, and flushed Johnson outside-left. Aaron Curry drove back Mike Cox and left Johnson with a long angle to the outside and without a lead blocker. So far, so good. But Dwayne Bowe has Ken Lucas tied up and one of Tatupu or Hill must fly to the outside and tackle Johnson. Neither is able to because Cole, doubled by Niswanger and Brian Waters, cannot delay or force Niswanger to stay at home. He chips Cole and pulls into the second level. Niswanger doesn't block Tatupu or Hill, but he screens Hill and Hill screens Tatupu and both bubble and close on Johnson from an obtuse angle. They never arrive. Lucas sheds and tackles but only after the first.

2. Curry, in his own way, made the sack. With the Chiefs line in shreds and Matt Cassel scrabbling for space, Curry didn't close on Cassel and attempt the vainglorious sack, but instead picked up outlet receiver Johnson escaping into the right flat. Cassel's last hope was covered. A second later, Cassel was sacked and Johnson airborne after a wicked bump by Curry.

1. Brian Russell executed the blitz to perfection. Mercifully, Russell wasn't blitzing.

It's third and 11 from the Chiefs 45. Tyler Thigpen is in. Seattle is in a 4-1 dime. The Chiefs are spread four wide, two to a side, running back right, shotgun. Babineaux telegraphs blitz, almost timing it to perfection, but missing the snap and just a fraction off. He attacks from the offensive left and draws the running back. Babineaux's pre-blitz assignment was Bobby Engram in the left slot. Engram is open only briefly and well before the first down marker. Russell breaks from the deep middle and covers Engram to, through and after the marker.

That's when Thigpen tucks. Patrick Kerney has positioned himself to contain, but looks away when Goff charges at him from the left. Kerney loses contain and must track Thigpen down in the right flat.

Excellent execution by Brian Russell.

Kansas City Chiefs Wrap Up Day One of Mandatory Mini-Camp

Joel Thorman — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:59:58 -0000

via media.kansascity.com

The big news today is of course that Brian Waters and Mike Vrabel attended today's mini-camp. Neither player had been at any of the voluntary practices over the last six weeks. Despite the whirlwind of media reports following the morning practice, there was still an afternoon practice.

Most of this is from Bob Gretz.

Field goal unit: Connor Barth vs. Ryan Succop

Barth was 5/6 in attempts from 28-36 yards while Succop was 7/7. Even though it's only June, it appears Succop has the lead in this battle. He was a draft pick so you have to think he's got a leg up on Barth already.

Defensive line: Tyson Jackson/Tank Tyler/Alex Magee

Dorsey is still rehabbing an injury (not serious) so we've yet to see how the "first team" defense will line up. Will it be Magee or Dorsey? I gotta think it's going to be Dorsey depending on how he transitions to the end.

Right now there's a first rounder and two third rounders lining up on the defensive line. If Dorsey gets the nod at the end position opposite Jackson, that would make it two first rounders and a third rounder. Not a bad investment of talent there.

Tamba Hali in coverage

Given the right situation I think Hali can be successful rushing the passer as an outside linebacker. He's never played the position before so it'll take some time but I think he can do it. Unfortunately, there's more to playing without your hand on the ground than just rushing the passer.

This nugget from Bob Gretz might not bode well for Hali's chances in coverage:

Hali was covering TE Tony Curtis and got a good push on him within five yards, but then lost him at the end of the route.

Saying to myself: It's only June, it's only June, it's only....

Non-contact?

FB Mike Cox ran over both Dacus and S Jarrad Page as they were trying to cover him.

Worst kept secret in the NFL.

Derrick Johnson looks good

According to Gretz, Derrick Johnson intercepted a pass intended for Larry Johnson while in under coverage. He later got his hands on a pass while dropping back in coverage. This is a good sign for him. I never doubted his athletic ability, because he's got a lot of that, but he never quite seemed to explode the way we always thought he would.

Let's hope the Zach Thomas tutorial he's receiving does well for him.

***

What did we do before Bob Gretz launched his website? He's a great resource.

Practice continues tomorrow morning and we'll be at it all day. Chris is traveling (again?) this weekend so you'll be stuck with me (again?). Check back in the morning for more.

Examining the Contracts of the Chiefs Undrafted Free Agents

Joel Thorman — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:31:19 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

7 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jake O'Connell (45) works out during rookie camp at the team's football practice facility in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, May 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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The Kansas City Chiefs announced the signing of 12 undrafted free agents on May 8th. Of course, if you follow Arrowhead Pride you already knew about 11 of those players that we accurately projected while tracking the Chiefs undrafted free agents.

Do you ever wonder what life is like for these players who switch teams and cities at the drop of a hat?

Just over a year ago, FB Chris Manderino, who spent a brief time with the Chiefs, was kind of enough to answer some questions about what life is like for these undrafted free agent/practice squad players. Check it out. Chris had a great perspective on the whole thing:

Also, as a practice squad player, you know that you are available to become activated by any of the other teams in the league. It is mentally tough to be thinking about whether you will be activated the next week with either your own team or another one throughout the league. You have to try to keep from getting distracted because it is your job to perform your role in helping the team prepare to win. It is mentally tough to be watching on the sidelines on game day when you prepare all week long and do not get to play. All in all however, you have to remind yourself of the many talented players out there who are not with a team at all and be thankful for your opportunity take full advantage of it.

Even though Chris didn't make the Chiefs final roster, he's still living out his football dream in Italy, playing for the Doves in the Italian Football League.

Below are the salary value of the contracts each UDFA signed. As you can see, relative to the rest of the NFL, they aren't making much.

Name	Pos	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3
Jackie Bates	CB	$310k	$395k
Tom Crabtree	TE	$310k	$395k
London Fryar	CB	$310k	$395k
Dion Gales	DT	$310k	$395k
Cameron Goldberg	OL	$310k	$395k
Bobby Greenwood	DT	$310k	$395k
Darryl Harris	OL	$310k	$395k
Ricky Price	S	$310k	$395k
Corey Smith	LB	$310k	$395k
Pierre Walters	LB	$310k	$395k	$480k
Taurus Johnson	WR	$310k	$395k	$480k
Jovan Belcher	LB	$310k	$395k	$480k

What the NFLPA chart above doesn't list are the signing bonuses for these guys. The only reliable source I've found for signing bonus information is the USA Today NFL Salary database.

Even though it's not complete, here are the salaries and signing bonuses for most of th UDFAs the Chiefs signed last year. Remember - signing bonuses are the only guaranteed portion of a player's contract.

Player	Base Salary	Sign Bonus
Cox, Mike	$295,000	$10,000
Dacus, Weston	$295,000	$0
Leggett, Maurice	$295,000	$4,000
Puente, Brian	$295,000	$3,000
Savage, Dantrell	$295,000	$0

For a little perspective, 2008 7th round picks Brian Johnston and Mike Merrit garnered signing bonuses of $47,277 and $32,000 respectively.

Even though guys like Jovan Belcher and Pierre Walters are only pulling down a few thousand guaranteed bucks to try out for the Chiefs, it's the opportunity of a life time for them and most of them know it.

Grading the 2008 Chiefs' Rookies

Chris Thorman — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:57:52 -0000

The post-mortem on an ugly body continues with my grades for various Chiefs' rookies. This grade is tempered with preseason expectations and other circumstances that may have affected a player's production this year beyond what the box score indicates.

This grading is far from any exact science, or even a serious intellectual exercise. Still, there is nothing simpler and more direct than slapping a big fat "F" next to a player who has continued to disappoint you all year long (Which I didn't do this year).

Grades are after the jump. Make sure to leave your own in the comments.

DT Glenn Dorsey

Glenn Dorsey got a bit of a bad rap this year from Chiefs' fan because he didn't come out in Week 1 destroying veteran NFL linemen. Well, that's the life of a rookie, even if you're the #5 overall pick. Dorsey led all rookie defensive linemen in tackles and I'm sure you didn't notice it.

His name was hardly called by the play-by-play commentators this season, which I personally think has a big unconscious effect on fans' mentality about a player. I know it affects mine. Dorsey's "low" production is more a result of how he's being used IMO. Grade: B

OT Branden Albert

Do you remember last season when the Chiefs' offensive line was literally the worst in franchise history? Branden Albert helped take the offensive line issues completely out of the conversation. He was briefly injured a couple of times this year but for the most part he was an every down tackle as a rookie. His numbers are better than most of the other Chief offensive linemen, which isn't saying too much. Albert had a fantastic rookie season. Grade: A

CB Brandon Flowers

This may be the easiest grade to give out of all of the rookies. Flowers played exceptionally well this past season. He had zero lag in the transition from college to the NFL. An all around fantastic draft pick.

Grade: A

RB Jamaal Charles

Despite a few nagging injuries, Jamaal Charles had a pretty decent rookie year. He accumulated over 700 total yards in over 90 touches. He had a few fumbles and had the occasional memorable play as a running back but not much more than that. I expected a bit more out of Charles this year, especially with Larry Johnson being used as sparingly as he was. Grade: C+

CB Brandon Carr

Carr and Flowers had almost equal statistical years, with Carr actually edging out Flowers in tackles. Both CBs had two interceptions.

For a Div. II player to start 13 games and do it well is a testament to Carr's potential in Kansas City. Another home run for the Chiefs.

Grade: A

K Connor Barth

Barth ended up 2008 making 10 of his 12 attempted field goals. He at least appears to be the consistent kicker the Chiefs need. He could easily flame out in training camp or next season. Nothing is set in stone.

Grade: B

FB Mike Cox

Cox played well enough this year. It's tough to judge a fullback. He didn't screw up, which I guess is a big positive in his evaluation.

Grade: B

KR Kevin Robinson

In the eight games he was able to play in this year, Kevin Robinson was far and away our best kick returner. He didn't have the statistical numbers to make that statement but you could tell he was much more agile and quick than any of the Chiefs' other kick returners this season.

Grade: C+

CB Maurice Leggett

Best undrafted free agent pick of the season for the Chiefs. Leggett played far beyond expectations and ended up winning the Chiefs' Mack Lee Hill award.

Grade: A

Incompletes: Will Franklin, DaJuan Morgan, Brad Cottam and others.

Cut & paste this player list into the comments and give us your own grades.

Glenn Dorsey
Branden Albert
Jamaal Charles
Brandon Flowers
Brandon Carr
Connor Barth
Mike Cox
Kevin Robinson
Maurice Leggett