When you consider what the actual differences are between this year’s and last year’s teams, it come right down to… 10 upgrades. That’s basically the difference in this year’s and last year’s rosters. It may be argued that some of these players are not upgrades… that’s why sites like this exist… to hash that out until we all come to one big giant sweet consensus. Actually, I’ve never seen that happen… but a guy can hope can’t he? With that said, let’s take a peek at the Top 10 List of Reasons the K.C. Chiefs will be better.
10. Cameron Erving
New general manager Brett Veach made a strategic move by trading for what he sees as as swing tackle and explains:
“But again you get a guy that’s young with multiple years on a rookie deal that works in your favor, I think you have to explore that opportunity. Again, what’s going to be available for us out there on waiver wire it’s hard to find those guys in general and then if you do find one the odds of landing at 27 are very low. So really it was the last opportunity for us to get more athletic at that position and younger.”
While listening to Veach you can hear the confidence he has in the move he made to get Erving. While I’m not completely sold on Erving at this point in his career, I can tell you I was sold on him when he was coming out of college. Veach made reference to trusting his scouting reports as far back as college so to some extent, he believes the team is getting better by making this move.
9. Reggie Ragland
ILB Reggie Ragland is seen by most as a two-down thumper. The problem with guys like that in today’s NFL is that teams throw more and more on typical running downs and will target an ILB who can’t cover if he’s on the field at any point in time. First of all, Brett Veach, who orchestrated this trade too, is aware of the risks with Ragland, “Now there’s a gamble because the kid has to get back to where he was.” Veach also says, “[He] plays with a great passion, with a great motor.” Veach made it clear that he’s a fan of Ragland’s, “One of the things we went in Alabama is that this kid is all ball – he loves football, he loves to train, he loves to compete, loves the process, so you’re banking on the kid. You’re banking on his work ethic and his passion and his desire to get back.”
People are split on whether or not Ragland can cover, but I’m betting on his ability to cover… once he gets all the way back from his injury then gets a little bit of that country fried heartland coaching.
Ragland (59, MLB) shows decisiveness and an attacking mentality here, allows him to evade lineman. Gotta finish though. pic.twitter.com/zAAI7vwQYQ
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) August 28, 2017
Seth Keysor does a great job of breaking down game tape. However, Ragland is self-admittedly not completely back from his injury and yet the speed with which he closes on the ball carrier is on par with any DJ burst into the backfield. I’ve seen Rag cover well in college and I’ve seen him over from behind, which is not optimal. I say the jury is out, but give Veach and the Chiefs coaches the benefit of the doubt to make sure Reggie Ragland can cover all the bases… and receivers he’s asked to cover.
8. WR/ST Jehu Chesson
While the fourth preseason game was stocked full of second and third tier players, Jehu Chesson made them look like high schoolers when he returned a punt for a touchdown. The best reason of all for Chesson making the 53 man roster is clearly his special team’s play. His run back showed everyone watching that he has some quickness and speed.
7. Tanoh Kpassagnon
Known as “the freak” — as he has been referred to, or just TK as coach Reid refers to him — he could make his impact on the DL… or at OLB. Either way, I think he’s a year away from learning the OLB ropes and making his splash. If he gets some quality snaps during the heart of the regular seasons… and plays well… he could be a factor once the playoffs roll around.
6. ILB Ukeme Eligwe
Ukeme Eligwe has shown the kind of steady improvement that coaches notice, the kind that could get him some regular season looks at middle linebacker… beyond the Special team’s snaps he’ll be getting. So far, it looks like the choice of Ukeme Eligwe as a 5th round pick, the 183rd pick overall, was an excellent decision.
5. Kevin Pierre-Lewis
KPL as Pierre-Lewis is often referred to, has begun to show why Brett Veach traded Special Team’s super star D.J. Alexander for him. The Seahawks got better on special teams while the Chiefs may have found a regular contributor at inside linebacker for years to come.
4. Roy Miller
Interior defensive lineman Roy Miller might not start a game for the Chiefs this year but could be as important as any DL starter if he can assist in stopping the run when other defensive linemen take a break. Miller had one of the best quotes of training camp when he said… something like… “I don’t care what anybody says… but you can ask anyone in the league… I’m one of the best run stoppers in the league.” If he doesn’t care what anybody says, then why is he asking us to ask anyone in the league? Funny stuff. I don’t think any opposing rushing attacks will think that the Chiefs new run defense is, funny stuff.
3. Patrick Mahomes II
That’s right, PM2 is not tops on this list. Now, there’s no doubt in my mind that this young man will one day make the Chiefs better. It may have already happened this year by influence (Alex Smith sees the youngster coming up behind him and consequently, has had his best offseason as a Chief). What seems clear to me is that if Alex Smith goes down for one game… like he did last season… Patrick Mahomes will play better than Nick Foles did last year.
2. RB Kareem Hunt
Draft a RB and then insert him directly into the starting lineup. It’s just that simple. Right? Well, not if you’re talking to Spencer Ware. Kareem Hunt will be a much better back if he has a running mate who can take some of the pressure off and someone who provides a different style. I’m not sure that player is Charcandrick West… but C.J. Spiller could be that guy. So far, it looks like Kareem Hunt is going to make the Chiefs better right away and I predict he’ll be the best #27 the Chiefs have ever had when all is said and done.
1. NT Bennie Logan
I’m convinced that the best move the Kansas City Chiefs made this offseason was to sign Bennie Logan and allow Dontari Poe to go. Logan is known more for his ability to slide and plug the wholes the offensive line is trying to open up then helping to stop the running attack of the offense. Logan is also good at hand fighting and keeping from getting tied up during an OL blocking assignment so that he can reach out and be part of the tackle made on the ball carrier.
There you have it… the top ten reasons the Chiefs will be better.
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