SB Nation - Brian De La Puente

Projecting the Seattle Seahawks 53-Man Roster

John Morgan — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:00:55 -0000

Seattle must cut its roster down to 75 tomorrow. This is news. It has already cut four players, Kevin Brown, Dan Curran, Shane Simmons and John Tereshinski. This is also news. Poor John Tereshinski couldn't even get the Seahawks to spell his name correctly. I've never found much drama in the final push to 53. Here are the guys, minus injury, I think are locks for the team. All 53.

Joe Newton

Offensive Line

Kyle Williams

Defensive Line

Michael Bennett

Linebackers

Leroy Hill

Cornerbacks

Safeties

Specialist

One of Olindo Mare or Brandon Coutu

Jon Ryan

Kevin Houser

IR

Walter Jones

. . .

If Jones isn't put on IR, Kyle Williams is signed to the practice squad displacing William Robinson.

Practice Squad

William Robinson

The Kansas City Chiefs Lead the League In...

Chris Thorman — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:59:01 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

4 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley, center, works with the offense during NFL football training camp in River Falls, Wis., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Browse more photos »

Roster transactions! Yes!

The Kansas City Chiefs have fourteen total roster transactions since the general start of training camp in the NFL, the last day in July. That number includes trading, cutting and waiving players and does not include draft pick signings.

An excellent article by Yahoo Sports Charles Robinson brought this stat to my attention in his article yesterday.

Enter Haley and general manager Scott Pioli, two men who have seemingly gone to work on the franchise’s psyche with a blowtorch and a chainsaw. With that in mind, you need only look at the Chiefs for one afternoon to realize that the blood-letting has just begun. And by the time it’s over, there may not be a player on the roster who hasn’t had the buttons inside his head re-programmed – if he can survive long enough.

Robinson goes on:

That latter point is significant. Since the start of training camp on July 31, the Chiefs have made more roster moves than any other team – signing, cutting or trading 14 players. And that’s a tally that doesn’t include the inking of draft picks. While at their training site in River Falls, Wis., the Chiefs released five players. The previous regime had cut three players while in River Falls … in three years.

It really is a startling difference once you sit down and think about it. Fourteen players over just three in three years by the previous staff? Talk about contrasting styles.

We know that the news can come at quite a rapid pace around here sometimes so I've summed up all of those fourteen roster transactions after the jump. By next Tuesday, the team will have to trim down to 75 players so there will be more cutting and signing coming soon.

After the jump, check out the Kansas City Chiefs training camp roster transactions.

July 28th - K Connor Barth waived

And the Ryan Succop era (however long it may last) began with the release of Barth.

Total transactions: 1

August 3rd - Claimed LB Vince Redd off of waivers

A 6'6", 260 pound outside linebacker, Redd saw limited action in five games with the Patriots last season. He was signed as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2008 and appeared in five of the team's final six games accumulating two tackles.

Redd was waived on August 24th after being suspended for four games by the NFL. Ephedra containing Sudafed is reportedly to blame.

Total transactions:3

August 4th - Chiefs sign veteran WR Amani Toomer

However you look at it, it's fairly clear to me that the Chiefs would point to option one. After listening to fomer Giants GM Ernie Accorsi on 610 Sports, I'm definitely on board with this signing. He's in the same veteran mold as Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas and embodies the high character players the Chiefs have targeted.

TE Tony Curtis was released to make room for Toomer on the roster.

Total transactions:5

August 5th - QB Ingle Martin cut

My initial speculation on the waiving of Ingle Martin was that it was to make room on the roster for DE Tyson Jackson. Not so as you'll find out next.

Total transactions:6

August 5th - Chiefs sign former Patriot QB Matt Gutierrez

Yep, another New England QB. Guttierrez is looking to beat out Tyler Thigpen for the third string spot and so far, he's doing just that.

Total transactions:7

August 13th - Chiefs swap snappers

The Chiefs released long snapper Tanner Purdum in exchange for now second time Chief Thomas Gafford.

Total transactions: 9

August 17th - Chiefs sign WR Ashley Lelie; Release WR Jeff Webb

Former Bronco and journeyman Lelie took three year Chief Jeff Webb's spot on the team and so far in limited action has done more than I ever remember Webb doing. We'll see if Lelie makes the final 53.

Total transactions:11

August 24th - Chiefs trade for G Andy Alleman

This is the second time since Pioli's hiring on January 13th that he has made a trade with his father-in-law, Bill Parcells. The Chiefs traded up to acquire TE Jake O'Connell on the second day of the draft.

Total transactions:12

August 24th - G/T Ikechuku Ndukwe also included in the trade

And the Chiefs weren't done on the 24th, adding another guard from the Dolphins in the trade and releasing G Brian De La Puente to make room on the roster.

Total transactions:14

Poll

Have the Chiefs made....

Too many roster moves

15 votes

About the right amount

162 votes

Not enough moves

337 votes

Not sure yet

153 votes

667 votes | Poll has closed

Horse Tracks 8/25/09 - Transactions all across the AFC West; Broncos waive WR Travis Shelton and claim DB Antwain Spann

Douglas A. Lee — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:47:47 -0000

DB - Broncos Claim Spann Off Waivers - Gray Caldwell

DB - Mile High Debut - Patrick Smyth
Fun facts about this week's matchup versus the Bears.

DB - Steps Forward - Mike Rice
Rice offers his even-keeled thoughts on the Broncos and their progress through two preseason games.

DP - Coaching breaks Nalen's silence - Terry Frei
Tom Nalen is thrilled to be coaching the O-Line at Denver South High. Obviously, he wanted to retire with zero fanfare, but hopefully there will be some sort of ceremony at the Big IF for Nalen. How fast can they put him into the Ring?

DP - Turnover margin troubling for Broncos - Lindsay Jones
It's the same story, every year. Hopefully 2009 is when it changes?

DP - Mailbag: Who's the real Kyle Orton? - Mike Klis

DB - The Marathon Hasn’t Even Begun - Jim Saccomano

CSG - Cutler's return brings an edge to Bears-Broncos preseason game - Frank Schwab
Jay Cutler is coming to town this week? Wow, who knew?!?!

DP - Broncos' starters busy with plenty of preseason work
The first teamers have logged plenty of minutes thus far. Meanwhile, Robert Ayers is still catching up in learning his assignments within the defense.

DP - Teammates' praise enough for Wright - Irv Moss
Moss profiles Broncos legend Louis Wright.

CSG - Broncos nose tackle offers life lessons to Liberty football squad - Justin Pederson
Chris Baker visited Liberty High in CO Springs.

AP - Broncos Have Troubles As They Prepare For Cutler - Arnie Stapleton

KDVR - Denver Broncos vs. Chicago Bears Preview: Jay Cutler Week - Chris Tanaka

ESPN - Broncos in tough spot with Marshall - John Clayton
Although he was impressed by the Broncos' offense on Saturday, Clayton apparently didn't think much of the defense. Oh, and he thinks the Broncos should trade BMarsh.

ESPN - Breaking down the Broncos' game - Bill Williamson
This is rich...Pork Chop says Matt Prater's FG on Saturday "could go a long way in helping him make the team." As the only PK on the team, I'd say Prater's chances were already pretty good...

AFC West News

SDUT - Rivers happy to get long-term deal done - Kevin Acee
Phil Rivers will receive $38.5 million in guarantees as part of a six-year, $92 million deal which extends his contract through 2015. Just remember, folks - guy's started three seasons and won three division titles. Oh, and he led the NFL in passing last year.

SDUT - Chargers' window of opportunity just got clearer - Tim Sullivan

SDUT - Cornerback Cletis Gordon released - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Quotes from Rivers press conference - Kevin Acee

NFL - Chargers lock up Rivers with six-year, $92 million extension

KCS - Haley says nobody has officially made the Chiefs team yet - Adam Teicher

KCS - Chiefs make trade to bolster offensive line - Kent Babb
The Chefs acquired OGs Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe from the Dolphins for an undisclosed 2010 draft choice; to make room, they released OT Brian de la Puente and LB Vince Redd.

SFC - Walker tests his knee - David White

CCT - Raiders notebook: New linebacker long ago gathered the Moss - Steve Corkran
Jokeland brought back LB Napoleon Harris after Kirk Morrison dislocated his elbow. To make room, they released recently-signed CB RIcky Manning, Jr.

NFL Results

NFL - New York Jets 23 at Baltimore Ravens 24
Mark Sanchez tosses one TD and one INT while struggling in his starting debut.

NFL News

NFL - 49ers will go with Hill as starting QB to open season

NFL - Seahawks add Edgerrin James, part ways with T.J. Duckett

NFL - Shawn Andrews says he'll be ready to play opener

NFL - Godfrey has surgery for broken hand; Beason sits out practice

NFL - Vikings' Favre expected to see more playing time vs. Texans

NFL - Bengals, Palmer cautious with ankle injury in preparation for opener

NFL - Rams DE Little hurts knee, but injury not considered serious

Y! - Unemployed Marvin Harrison generating little interest - Jason Cole

ESPN - Plaxico Burress says club security knew he had a gun the night he shot himself in the leg

NFL Opinion

NFP - NFL Notebook: time for Bucs to pick a QB - Matt Bowen
Bowen was impressed by Kyle Orton's performance on Saturday.

NFP - Diner morning news: A look at odds - Mike Lombardi
Lombardi thinks Vegas is a little too down on the Broncos

Y! - Freeman impresses as Bucs start new era - Jason Cole

NFL - Hasselbeck, Romo impress, but Browns' QB situation harder to clear up - Pat Kirwan

NFL - Health, age could prevent storybook ending for Favre - Jason La Canfora

Y! - Steven Jackson not ready for extinction - Charles Robinson

NFP - Tavern talk: almost blue list - Mike Lombardi

FOX - Mailbag: Glazer on Warner, Favre, Romo and more - Jay Glazer

PFW - Harvin adds versatility, excitement to Vikings

FOX - CAMP SIGHTS: Could Peterson catch Emmitt? - Alex Marvez
Seriously? Isn't it at least 5 years too early to even think about this?

NYT - Lab Results, Atlanta Falcons - KC Joyner

CBS - 49ers camp report: Counting on Gore to end running joke - Clark Judge

ESPN - Bengals mired in mediocrity - Elizabeth Merrill

NFP - First-rounders are cashing in - Andrew Brandt
Tell me you can look at the picture of B.J. Raji without laughing...

CBS - Hey governor, right this wrong: Please pardon Plaxico - Mike Freeman

SI - Cris Collinsworth ready for comparisons to John Madden - Richard Deitsch

NFP - 2009 NFP scouting series: Georgia Tech - Wes Bunting

Chiefs Release a Guard to Complete Trade with Dolphins

Joel Thorman — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:32:08 -0000

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced G/C Brian De La Puente has been released. This move completes the trade with the Miami Dolphins that was reported by Adam Caplan of Scout and Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald this morning.

So, to recap here are the roster moves today:

Chiefs Trade with Dolphins

Chiefs received G/C Andy Alleman and G/T Ikechuku Ndukwe
Dolphins received undisclosed draft pick in 2010 NFL draft

Chiefs released two players to make room for two new players

G/C Brian De La Puente
LB Vince Redd

Poll

Do you approve of the trade with the Dolphins today?

Yes

663 votes

No

20 votes

Depends on the draft pick

506 votes

1189 votes | Poll has closed

2009 Roster Projections: Offensive Line

Fooch — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:00:17 -0000

The next round of offseason training activities gets going today, so it's time for another round of 2009 roster projections. Two weeks ago we discussed the defensive line and last week we discussed the running backs. Today we move on to the offensive line. The o-line has managed to be both a cause for concern (right tackle), and somewhat of a source of burgeoning pride (Staley, Heitmann, Rachal). I actually think the offensive line could be a strength this year, but it's just going to take a few things going the right way.

Locks
Eric Heitmann, Joe Staley, Chilo Rachal, David Baas, Marvel Smith, Adam Snyder, Tony Wragge

No Chance
Jacob Bender, Matt Huners, Kyle Howard, Joe Toledo

Bubble
Cody Wallace, Barry Sims, Alex Boone

In reality I think Alex Boone is the only big time bubble guy. I decided to go slightly more conservative with the bubble list and include some folks who are likely on the roster, but don't have quite the lock of others. Wallace saw no playing time as a rookie after being drafted in the fourth round fo the 2008 draft. As strictly a center he has legit value as a backup for Eric Heitmann. At the same time, I include Wragge as a lock because of his versatility. He can play guard and center, which gives him tremendous value. The same holds true for Adam Snyder who can play both guard and tackle. When it comes to the offensive line, such super-subs cannot be valued highly enough.

In my mind, the real question surrounds Barry Sims and Alex Boone. All things considered, if the team decided to keep Alex Boone on the 53-man roster, I really do think it would be at the expense of the aging veteran Sims. Of course, the 49ers could try and slide Boone onto the practice squad. While that'd be nice, a decent preseason showing might prevent that from becoming a reality. Last year the 49ers saw some solid preseason work from OL Brian De La Puente, but he was signed by the Chiefs before the 49ers could place him on their practice squad.

The way I look at it, the biggest question becomes what will the 49ers do with Boone? His draft stock was destroyed by his alcohol problems, but there is no denying his talent. So, now I wonder just how the last spot on the 49ers offensive line shakes out. Do you agree that it could come down to Boone versus Sims in the "Showdown at Santa Clara" battle royal?

Poll

Who will be on the 49ers 53-man roster week 1 of the regular season?

Alex Boone

638 votes

Barry Sims

95 votes

Both

107 votes

Neither (Boone cut)

16 votes

Neither (Boone on practice squad)

98 votes

954 votes | Poll has closed

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)

Browse more photos »

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.

Geaux Chiefs?

Chris Thorman — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:55:24 -0000

As you probably heard over draft weekend, with the selection of Tyson Jackson from LSU, the Kansas City Chiefs became the first team to select three consecutive players in the first round of the draft from the same school. Those players would be WR Dwayne Bowe, DT Glenn Dorsey and the most recent pick up of DE Tyson Jackson.

In addition to those three, the Chiefs also have two more LSU guys on the roster - C Rudy Niswanger and CB Travis Daniels.

And that's just one of many interesting tidbits I found while breaking down the Chiefs current roster. There are 73 players on the roster now, which will become 53 by the start of the season.

Here are a few more tidbits about our current roster.

Experience

We of course have nine new player who have zero NFL experience. 6 players, mostly practice squad and training camp fodder, have one year of NFL experience under their belt.

That brings us to the veterans, if you want to define a veteran as a player with more than one year experience. 20 players are entering their second year in the NFL. 9 players are entering their third year. 22 players are between their 4th and 9th seasons in the NFL.

The Chief signed four veterans this off season with extensive NFL experience. Between Mike Goff, Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas and Bobby Engram, there are 53 seasons of NFL experience in there. That's more experience in four players than the 26 youngest players on the roster.

Brian Waters and Damion McIntosh are the eldest Chiefs from the pre-Pioli era, both coming up on ten years of NFL experience.

How did we get them?

This is the most interesting part of the roster to look at, IMO. Here's how the 73 players on the Chiefs roster got to become Chiefs:

8 players were undrafted free agents (That number will increase once the other UDFA signings we've found are official)
31 players were free agents signed by the Chiefs, unrestricted or otherwise
7 were first round draft picks
3 were second round picks
7 were third round picks
1 was a fourth round pick
3 were fifth round picks
4 were sixth round picks
5 were seventh round picks

Two players, Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel, were acquired via trade. And two more players, Tyler Thigpen and Brian De La Puente, were picked up off of the waiver wire.

Minimums and maximums

DL Alex Magee, this year's 3rd round draft pick, just turned 22-years old on April 28th. He is the youngest player on the roster.

Old man Engram comes in at the oldest. He turned 36-years old this past January. LB Zach Thomas turns 36 in September.

The lightest player on the team is WR Rodney Wright coming in at 181 pounds. The heaviest guy on the team is newbie Colin Brown, who is listed at 335 pounds.

Check out the whole roster and let us know if you find anything else interesting.

Presenting the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Draft Class

Chris Thorman — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:09:38 -0000


DE Tyson Jackson	DL Alex Magee	CB Donald Washington

OT Colin Brown	WR/KR Quinten Lawrence	RB Javarris Williams


TE Jake O'Connell	K Ryan Succup

I want to preface this post by saying I'm generally pretty optimistic about the NFL draft and the Kansas City Chiefs' selections. I think the NFL draft is at best a crap shoot and to immediately label any player a boom or bust is simply not being patient. Although I may have preferred different players than the Chiefs drafted, I can see why they drafted every single one. This team has a plan and we owe it the coaches, front office and the players themselves to at least let them take the field for a few games before we proclaim them buffoons. You can be skeptical or angry but remember that at the end of the day, we all want these guys to be successful in Kansas City.

Yes, like many, I was surprised when the Chiefs selected Tyson Jackson at #3, among their other picks. But I see where he fits in the team's plans and how his presence will inevitably help one of the worst defenses in franchise history. I'm very open to giving new coaches and execs the benefit of the doubt and I hope you are too.

Why the patience? Because Pioli has shown he's a top notch personnel guy who selects players with a big picture mentality in mind. We won't always understand why this team will do some of the things it will do but Pioli's track record commands respect until he does something to lose it.

***

One late trade and that was it

Before Scott Pioli came to the Kansas City chiefs, he had the distinction of being part of the tradingest draft-day team in the league in the last decade. Between 2000 and 2008, the Patriots made 28 draft-weekend trades. New England traded up 12 times, and they traded down 16 times during that period.

Surprising most of us, the Kansas City Chiefs and Scott Pioli made only one very late draft day trade this year, dealing next year's 7th round pick to the Miami Dolphins to grab TE Jake O'Connell in the 7th round.

Pioli made exactly one trade while Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots traded down multiple times, seemingly controlling their end of the draft at will. Pioli received no serious calls about trading out of the #3 pick and without a second round pick, the Chiefs found themselves out of the trade talk as first round prospects fell into the early second round.

The Picks

Instead of trading out, the Chiefs found themselves reaching for the first player they wanted. Tyson Jackson was a late top ten pick by most accounts but that didn't matter to Scott Pioli and Todd Haley. Pioli feels like Jackson's versatility will allow the Chiefs much more flexibility in the defensive schemes they play. He's definitely a defensive foundation pick if I've ever seen one. A player you put "impact" players around.

Alex Magee actually went right around his projection when the Chiefs took him early in the third round. Same thing with CB Donald Washington, who was projected to go even in the third round and the Chiefs picked him up early in the fourth round.

Missouri OT Colin Brown was probably the Chiefs' biggest reach of the draft. Many draft boards had him as a 7th round, UDFA prospect. Clearly, Pioli and Haley saw something they liked in Brown so they took him in the fifth round.Perhaps Haley is contemplating a some version of the spread offense, which Brown played in at Missouri.

6th round pick WR/KR Quinten Lawrence is much like his 6th round predecessor last year Kevin Robinson. Lawrence looks to be faster than Robinson and like him will have to earn his keep on special teams to earn a roster spot. Just the type of guy you take in the 6th round.

RB Javarris Williams, the Chiefs' first 7th round pick, is a pick where Pioli and Haley saw a guy who was rated higher than where he was so they snagged him. This seems like a value pick to me more than a need. But with Larry Johnson's future in KC up in the air, the selection of Javarris Williams may mean one more running back will be added to the committee.

TE Jake O'Connell is a very curious pick. He was an undrafted free agent on most draft boards and doesn't fill a huge priority - so why use the draft pick on him? We'll have to wait until camp to find out but the Chiefs' brass likely sees him as a project as a receiving tight end. Considering the Chiefs just lost the greatest receiving tight end in the history of the NFL, I will give my approval to this pick.

K Ryan Succup is another interesting pick, especially considering he's now the fourth kicker on the Chiefs roster. Incumbent Connor Barth played well enough last season to be considered the favorite heading into training camp but we can be rest assured that the kickers will be in a full blown competition. Let the best man win.

Did we address our needs?

Like with most team's drafts, the answer is yes and no. I will say that through the combination of free agency and the draft that I believe the Chiefs at least have enough talent and addressed enough glaring needs to make it through this season but they're not set in a lot of positions for years down the road.

One point you can't argue is that the Chiefs' defense was the biggest problem with the team last season. Pioli and Haley attacked that need by going defense with the first three picks. And the first two picks were spent on defensive linemen. A smart but not necessarily sexy move, considering the Chiefs had one of the worst rushing defenses in franchise history last year.

I hear you on wanting a pass rusher. But who? You have to answer me that. Did you really want Brian Orakpo or Aaron Maybin with the #3 pick? Jackson's versatility makes him more valuable than this year's sub-par pass rushers. Taking one of those guys would be like rushing out to get the newest model of a car, even though there isn't anything particularly special about it. You just want the latest model, regardless of improvements.

One interesting thing is that we didn't draft a linebacker. For a team who was supposedly likely to take LB Aaron Curry at #3, Pioli and Haley seem to be content with the mix of veterans and rookies on the roster now.

How are we on the offensive iine now?

With the lone offensive lineman addition Colin Brown, this is how the Chiefs' depth chart currently breaks down on the offensive line (projected starter in bold):

LT Branden Albert, Herb Taylor

LG Brian Waters, Brian De La Puente, Edwin Harrison

C Rudy Niswanger

RG Mike Goff, Wade Smith, Tavares Washington

RT Damion McIntosh, Barry Richardson, Colin Brown

Look at that. If Brown is able to move into the starting right tackle position, that's not a bad offensive line. It won't last us ten years but it's not bad heading into the '09 season.

I think offensive line was less of a need to the Chiefs than we thought it was in our analysis. There is still work to be done but that looks like it will wait until next season.

It's (almost) over

The undrafted free agents will continue to come in and we'll be posting them, probably in FanShots unless there is a whole slew of them. This has sort of a mini-draft feeling for a few hours after the real thing.

What. A. Weekend. I honestly blogged and watched the draft for probably close to 20 hours in just two days.

Here's to understanding wives and girlfriends!

Click over for more info on all of these guys.

Round 1, #3 LSU DE Tyson Jackson

Selection post on AP
Approval rating: 40%
Video highlights
NFL Draft Scout: #1 DE, 7th player overall
Mocking the Draft Scouting Report
Chris' Draft Grade: B+

Comments:

Very disappointing

Last year we were getting great deals on players that fell to us. This just seems like an enormous reach for a non-pass rusher. -ChiefDJ

Lions are to WR as the Chiefs are to DL -Matt_Grbac

Everyone who wanted Curry needs to realize something.

Linebacker in the 3-4 is a very blue collar job. They are super important players but its a position that is popular and accommodates a lot of different people.

Look at the Steelers and how they draft their LBs. Ever heard of James Harrison? Defensive player of the year? Went undrafted and cut from the team twice before the steelers built him up into a great LB.

Curry wasn’t worth it. We are building our defense back up from line back. -Jux

YES!!!

I LOVE Tyson Jackson.

He is fantastically fantastic.

Next Richard Seymour, man. -rockchalk

Check out Tyson Jackson's player page for more info. The five players drafted after Jackson were:

LB Aaron Curry
QB Mark Sanchez
OT Andre Smith
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
OT Eugene Monroe

Round 3, #67 Purdue DL Alex Magee

Selection post on AP
Approval rating: 35%
Video interview
NFL Draft Scout: 6th rated DT, #77 player overall
Mocking the Draft Scouting Report
Chris' Draft Grade: B-

Comments:

It's starting to look like Dorsey has no spot in the 3-4 -808NaNz808

DAMN.

That kid can play! I graduated from Purdue and I’ve seen him a bunch of times…maybe a reach, but, WOW… -thejesuslizard

I think it says more about depth.

The kid can play both positions in the 3-4 (on D-Line.) I think it says more about Hali than Dorsey that they’ve picked a DE and a DT/DE. -stlfan

To you haters

Pioli knows D lineman, and he had ALL night to think about this. This is HIS pick – they guy that he wanted.

In Pioli I trust. -Keyser Soze

The Chiefs are no where near great. Would I like to have more depth on our DL, of course.

I’d have been fine with this pick if we didn’t reach for Jackson #3 overall. If we’d have gone Curry or OT, and then made this pick, it’d have made a lot of sense. -kcsno56

Alex Magee

Are your kidding me? There were at least 10 different ways we could have gone that would be better than this pick.

This draft is shaping up horribly, most dissapointed I have been in Pioli’s tenure. -dyoung21

Click here for Magee's player page. The five players drafted after Magee were:

DE Jarron Gilbert
OLB Jason Williams
DE Michael Johnson
DE Matt Shaughnessy
DT Terrance Knighton

Round 4, #102 Ohio St. CB Donald Washington

Selection post on AP
Approval rating: 23%
Video interview
NFL Draft Scout: 13th rated CB, #95 player overall
30th ranked CB according to Mocking the Draft
Chris' Draft Grade: A-

Comments:

Good player

Doesnt really fill a need. -tdbowe

I'll say

this has been my favorite pick so far. I like where our defensive secondary is headed -KansasCityShuffle

He will be a great add

Being an Ohio State fan, and watching him over the last few years, I can tell you that this kid is a player! With this addition we can free up flowers to cover the quick slot receivers in a 3 wide receiver set and have two large corners on the outside. I am loving the way the defense is looking already! -vaup2106

Pioli

was obviously disgusted with the defensive talent pool across the board. He’ll probably draft a safety next. -ChiefsDude

Think about this on Washington

Nobody threw at Malcom Jenkins this year so they focused on Washington but he held up well. Also, if he had stayed at OSU he would be the next big CB out of OSU and probably would’ve wound up as a first rounder next year. -WesternChief

Check out Donald Washington's player page. The next five players drafted after Washington were:

DT Dorell Scott
ILB Kaluka Maiava
DE Henry Melton
C Jonathan Luigs
WR Mike Thomas

Round 5, #139 Missouri OT Colin Brown

Selection post on AP
Approval rating: 44%
NFL Draft Scout: 38th ranked OT, #477 overall
MU Bio
Chris' Draft Grade: C

Comments:

M-I-Z-Z-O-U but????

I love Mizzou but this pick makes no sense this guy would have been around later in the draft, why not go after a Duke Robinson here?? -doriang03

He may not have been highly toted because he was in the wrong scheme for his talents. -KCKing

Can anyone tell me why Colin Brown is a better pick than Jamon Meredith? From what I have read Meredith is a smart, versatile OL, who had a 3rd round grade. It seems like we could have waited and picked up Colin Brown later, or as a Undrafted FA -bradelli58

Click here for Brown's player page. The next five players drafted after Brown were:

WR Johnny Knox
WR Kenny McKinley
P Kevin Huber
CB DeAngelo Smith
WR Jarrett Dillard

Round 6, #175 McNeese St. WR Quinten Lawrence

Selection post on AP
Approval rating: 71%
Video highlights
NFL Draft Scout: 33rd rated WR, #250 overall
McNeese St. Bio
Chris' Draft Grade: B+

Comments:

This is the first pick I've liked

And its because its in the 6th round, and a good time to take a shot at someone like this kid.

I’d have rather had Ellerbe or Jennings, the RB, but we need a returner, good time to roll the dice on speed. -kcsno56

I was thinking

Poor man’s Desean Jackson (Phi)

undersized with great speed and ball skills… a threat anytime the ball is in his hands. -Ochophosphate

Holy balls! That kid is FAST! -SupremeChief

The next five players drafted after Lawrence were:

LB Spencer Adkins
CB Don Carey
QB Mike Teel
CB Morgan Trent
TE Zach Miller

Round 7, #212 Tennessee St. RB Javarris Williams

Selection post on AP
Approval rating:
NFL Draft Scout: 14th rated RB, #182 overall
#21 rated RB by Mocking the Draft
Chris' Draft Grade: B

Comments:

Insurance is a hope that you don't have to use it

But you better have it. -Steve_Chiefs

He might fit the Kevin Faulk profile. -WesternChief

Pfft!

All it’s basically saying is Williams is a bruiser RB. He’s small, not very fast, and likes contact. He will be used in short yardage situations if he’s used at all. -SupremeChief

The next five players drafted after Williams were:

OG Paul Fanaika
LB J.D. Folsom
RB Fui Vakapuna
CB Captain Munnerlyn
CB E.J. Biggers

Round 7, #237 Miami (OH) TE Jake O'Connell

Selection post on AP
Approval rating:
NFL Draft Scout: #29th rated fullback, Not rated overall
Chris' Draft Grade: C

Comments:

Why?

Why would we trade up to get a guy that you may convince to walk on as a UFA? I don’t get the logic. -TXChieffan

O'Connell sounds like a guy who could play special teams as well

with his speed, 4.6, could be very useful on special teams, even if he doesn’t contribute on offense. -Ken Harvey

The next five player selected after O'Connell were:

DB Stoney Woodson
OG Ryan Durand
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling
TE David Johnson
FS Nick Schommer

Round 7, # 256 South Caroline K Ryan Succop

Selection Post on AP
Approval Rating: 50%
Mr. Irrelevant selection video
NFL Draft Scout: 7th ranked kicker, #386 overall
Chris' Draft Grade: C

Comments:

66% accuracy? This is a joke. I am okay with the other picks in the draft but this one honestly had me stumped. There is probably zero percent chance this guy is gonna be on our team because we can only keep one kicker. We should have at least found an inside lineman to develop. -Vince D

Succop...

I run the SBN Gamecocks site. Here’s what you need to know about Succop. He had one of the longest legs in the college game last year, but consistency is a bit of an issue for him. He missed a bunch of kicks around the middle of 2008, leading to the questionable accuracy rating. Part of the problem seemed to have been some kind of pulled abdominal muscle, but part of it was also in his head, I think. If he can work out confidence issues, he’s got the skills to be a great NFL kicker. If not, oh well.

And yeah, your wives and girlfriends will want to leave you for him as soon as they see his picture. --Gamecock Man

***

I just want to say again how much fun I had this weekend on this site. It really is the community that is this site's strength and I want to thank you for it.

For the reasons listed before the fold, I'm going to give this draft a B for the Kansas City Chiefs. Make sure you vote in the poll below.

Arrowhead Pride rolls on through out the off season.

Poll

Grade the Chiefs overall draft, including the second round trade for QB Matt Cassel and LB Mike Vrabel.

A

76 votes

B

348 votes

C

184 votes

D

40 votes

F

15 votes

663 votes | Poll has closed

Don't Sweat These No-Name Free Agent Signings by the Chiefs

Chris Thorman — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:49:15 -0000

Every year, as the first wave of free agency trickles down, NFL teams begin to fill up their rosters with players we fans have never heard of. It's all part of the long roster dance that involves getting as many bodies in training camp as your salary cap and the 80-man off season roster limit allows. Hopefully, you get lucky with one, or if you're really lucky two standouts that you weren't expecting. The rest, a coach will fill out on special teams if they even make the final 53.

Some of these guys are career, practice squad journeymen. The occasional signing is from a different football league (Sippio?). As training camp nears and begins, there will be "street" free agents getting released as quickly as they were signed. Before the final roster cuts in late August/early September, NFL teams may have 20-25 players that will be lucky to complete two NFL seasons in their career (Sort of made that last line up but it feels right, doesn't it?).

The common factor among most of these second wave signings is that you've never heard of these players. Neither have I. That's why we shouldn't sweat it when the Kansas City Chiefs sign a no-name guy like C.J. Jones (In fact, I was inspired to do this post after reading the comments here on Jones).

Talent level is similar at the bottom of the roster

That's the type of player we're talking about in this post, the bottom of the roster. Every NFL team is going to stack their rosters with 80 players and they'll only keep 53 (that's including the practice squad) to start the season. That is a lot of cuts. And most of them don't mean a thing. You may have heard that phrase (I forgot who said it) that the bottom 20 or so players on any NFL team are indistinguishable talent-wise from the other bottom 20 players on any other team. They're special teams scrubs; use only in case of an emergency players. That's why the bottom of every roster changes so often- not much separates these players from one another. You can plug one guy in and take one guy out and it has few on-the-field ramifications.

Low cost, low risk

The small cost of carrying a guy like C.J. Jones doesn't preclude the Chiefs from pursuing other players in free agency as many have suggested. Most of the time, it only costs the team a few thousand bucks per player in guaranteed money to bring these guys in anyway. Guess what Chiefs guard Brian De la Puente's signing bonus was last year? $3,000. These are low cost, low risk players. That's why the "I can't believe we signed C.J. Jones instead of T.J. Houshmanzadeh" type argument is pointless (Not that anyone made that particular argument, at least I don't think so).

Does anyone actually think we're using up any significant portion of our salary cap space on these guys? Do the math if you want. A guy like Jones or De La Puente is so cheap and expendable that their roster presence wouldn't be mutually exclusive to a player of Houshmanzadeh's talent level and salary requirements.

You roll the dice on these guys

C.J. Jones is pretty much guaranteed not to make the Chiefs 53-man roster come September. Pending a great training camp (and it would have to be one of the best training camps ever if that even means anything), Jones isn't a Chief Week 1 of the 2009 season. He is 28-years old and has barely played in one game in his career. The Chiefs didn't pick him up because they think that he is going to break out in '09. He's bottom of the barrel, camp fodder. Rotoworld described C.J. Jones as Scott Pioli's "pet project." Judging by his past career, making the Chiefs 53-man roster would the equivalent of breaking out for Jones.

Signing these journeyman or unknown free agents isn't a poor reflection on a coach's ability to evaluate talent and a coach shouldn't be criticized for making these signings. Every franchise signs unknown guys during the off season. Take a look at the NFL transaction report if you don't believe me. Carl Peterson did this in KC. Scott Pioli did it in New England. Your starters need guys across the line to hit against during camp. You need special teams players. You need "camp bodies". It's what NFL teams and coaches do.

So, the next time the Chiefs sign a couple of free agents you've never heard of, don't sweat it. Remember that they cost little money to keep on the roster; very likely won't even be on the team when the season starts; and that the cylcing in and out of these players is all part of the NFL off season.

49ers Practice Squad rounding into shape

Fooch — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:29:47 -0000

I was originally going to include this in the post regarding Dontarrious Thomas's release. However, while related to roster cuts, I wanted to keep comments about the practice squad separate.

The 49ers announced that RB Thomas Clayton, DT Atiyyah Ellison, TE J.J. Finley, LB Larry Grant, DE Louis Holmes and WR Dominique Zeigler all were signed to the practice squad. For those who don't know, any player on the practice squad is similar to a free agent, in that any team can sign the player at any time. However, if a team signs somebody off another practice squad, the player is guaranteed to remain on the 53-man roster for at least three games (and a bye week counts as a game).

One player who did not make it through waivers was Brian De La Puente, the former Cal offensive guard. De La Puente was claimed by the Kansas City Chiefs. I have to admit I'm a little disappointed he didn't make it through waivers. He got a chance to start one game at guard and seemed to play quite well. Had the 49ers suffered an injury on the o-line this season, he would have been perfect to come off the practice squad.

While you want every player to get a chance to play in the NFL, I'm happy that our practice squad players made it through waivers. The 49ers are only carrying 4 running backs, so if one of them went down Clayton gives the team an interesting option in reserve.

Also, assuming the team doesn't sign a wide receiver in the coming days, I would not be surprised to see Dominique Zeigler suiting up at some point this season. The Martz offense really utilizes those wide receivers and the team seemed close to keeping 6 of them. As has already been discussed, there is not much out there to claim, so maybe Zeigler gets a shot sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, the 49ers have two spots left for the practice squad. Ramiro Pruneda is on as part of the International Practice Squad program, but he doesn't count against the eight man limit.

SB Nation - Brian De La Puente

Projecting the Seattle Seahawks 53-Man Roster

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Tight End

Offensive Line

Defensive Line

Linebackers

Cornerbacks

Safeties

Specialist

IR

Practice Squad

The Kansas City Chiefs Lead the League In...

Have the Chiefs made....

Too many roster moves

About the right amount

Not enough moves

Not sure yet

Horse Tracks 8/25/09 - Transactions all across the AFC West; Broncos waive WR Travis Shelton and claim DB Antwain Spann

Chiefs Release a Guard to Complete Trade with Dolphins

Do you approve of the trade with the Dolphins today?

Yes

No

Depends on the draft pick

2009 Roster Projections: Offensive Line

Who will be on the 49ers 53-man roster week 1 of the regular season?

Alex Boone

Barry Sims

Both

Neither (Boone cut)

Neither (Boone on practice squad)

Examining the Contracts of the Chiefs Undrafted Free Agents

Geaux Chiefs?

Presenting the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Draft Class

Round 1, #3 LSU DE Tyson Jackson

Very disappointing

Everyone who wanted Curry needs to realize something.

YES!!!

Round 3, #67 Purdue DL Alex Magee

DAMN.

I think it says more about depth.

To you haters

Alex Magee

Round 4, #102 Ohio St. CB Donald Washington

Good player

I'll say

He will be a great add

Pioli

Think about this on Washington

Round 5, #139 Missouri OT Colin Brown

M-I-Z-Z-O-U but????

Round 6, #175 McNeese St. WR Quinten Lawrence

This is the first pick I've liked

I was thinking

Round 7, #212 Tennessee St. RB Javarris Williams

Insurance is a hope that you don't have to use it

Pfft!

Round 7, #237 Miami (OH) TE Jake O'Connell

Why?

O'Connell sounds like a guy who could play special teams as well

Round 7, # 256 South Caroline K Ryan Succop

Succop...

Grade the Chiefs overall draft, including the second round trade for QB Matt Cassel and LB Mike Vrabel.

A

B

C

D

F

Don't Sweat These No-Name Free Agent Signings by the Chiefs

49ers Practice Squad rounding into shape