Brett Veach and Company Are On
Urgent Call for Multiple Reasons
by David Bell | March 3, 2019
Prior Considerations
I wrote the other day that I was not a big fan of the Combine as a viewer event. I do think the metrics are important, don’t get me wrong, I just don’t think they’re a fun viewing experience.
The Combine and the Pro Days provide meaningful and useful data via which one can understand how each player performs and measures up against players of the same position. It does not however tell us about football moxie, whether the player is a fan of the game itself, whether any given player wants to play badly enough to do just about anything to prepare getting to the next level, NFL Pro Football.
When all is said and done, I want to see the numbers. Sure, I will watch some of it. I have players I want to see in motion. Sunday is my must tune in day (DL and LBs). When all is said and done, the numbers are only in for a bit over 300 players. The Pro Days add to the mix so even with the combine numbers we have a lot more incoming data than just that of the combine. Tight Ends have already had their day. Recall that this position was one of my top 7 needs. Sunday is next because we get to see other positions of need for the defense. However, I cannot write about that specifically nor am I going to break down each player category here.
Brett Veach and the Scouting Staff
Running up to this weekend, general manager Brett Veach has given us a view of how he is going to approach the draft, the combine and free agency. Our staff here at ArrowheadOne.com has been writing about what we hear, read and understand from pressers. At this point? The Scouts have been digging out all the details of each player’s performance at the collegiate level. They have had contact with coaches and Coaches and Scouts have conducted at least 45 interviews with players of the Senior Bowl and leading up to the combine and at the combine.
These interviews give the Chiefs staff a view of the persona of the player and from this it can be determined if the players is a fit for the Chief’s locker room. This is the part that we get very little information about — and when we do learn of it, what we learn is usually well after the fact.
What I’m Looking For?
At every position I would like to see a player perform well at speed (40 yard dash), the 3-Cone Drill and the short shuttle. The reason for the latter two is to determine quickness and reaction time, the ability to change direction. You might believe this is only important for receivers or running backs or corners but I think it’s an indicator for the big men as well.
When all is said and done, the metrics allow me to view film and come to an understanding of why the players are a fit or not for the Chiefs and their needs. On previous occasions I have written about underwear speed and game speed (speed with the pads on). There are ways to look at the numbers that give us a view of how each player will fit for the position he is to be signed for, or drafted for. Still, I want to go see game tape. I want to understand player intelligence and ability to read/understand/react in game situations using all of his moxie to employ his physical talents week in, week out.
Recent News – Kelce Surgery
Travis Kelce had ankle surgery and will miss most of the off season workouts according to NFL reporter Mike Garafolo, who broke the news about his surgery. Garofolo said Travis Kelce would be good to go by Training Camp. This might be a reason for the Chiefs to go find a player in Free Agency. Someone who could fill the Tight End needs if Kelce were to go down with an injury that forced him to miss some games.
Consider also that Demetrius Harris who garners a lot of criticism, is a free agent player and many are going to be opposed to his return. Whether you are on that side of the fence or not, the surgery will surely give Brett Veach and Co. pause. However, give consideration to what Andy Reid said this week about Harris (247 Sports):
“I’m a big Demetrius fan…He’s done a tremendous job for us. You never know what direction it’s going to go – free agent, so you don’t know. But he would always be welcomed back (depending on) how it all fits in, how all the pieces fit in. Whether we have him or somebody else has him, he’s a quality football player.”
I would consider this to mean that KC would retain him if the cost was low but they are looking for a more solid player as a receiver (ie, drops). We’ll see what happens but I look for a Free Agent signing or a draftee who would add further dimension to the offense.
Speaking of Added Dimension: Le’Veon Bell
This one is another item out of the blue and this one is about Le’Veon Bell. It’s true that the Chiefs lost a top RB with Kareem Hunt’s departure. Late this week, meaning the last two days, NFL reporter Jason La Canfora wrote about the possibility that the Chiefs would consider signing Bell.
That’s interesting to say the least, especially when you consider the needs on the defense side of the ball. But hey, I think of the cap and monies and how the game is played as a version of high stakes Monopoly. If Veach can cover a couple of cornerbacks, a tight end and a top safety with some sort of magic wampum? Let’s get it done!!!! Of course such a signing comes at a cost. Let’s not do this if we can’t resolve a lot of the defense weaknesses exposed the past 2 or 3 years but, especially in 2018’s season.
Sunday Without Games?
Well, no, it’s a different “game” and it’s high stakes and it is not a football game. It is though, a crucial part of the “game”! Time for us to consider the rest of the Combine, the upcoming Pro Days, free Agency and more. It’s GM and Scouting time, a different part of the NFL season.
My prediction from last week is that the Chiefs will indeed sign a Free Agent Safety — and I think their target is Giants Safety Landon Collins. If Brett Veach did this, or a similar player, and drafted well with his top 100 picks, the Chiefs would have a great shot at solving problems, adding depth and hopefully, cleaning up some of the horrid cost incurred in prior seasons with contracts to big name players who got the big contracts but have not performed at that level for 2 of them and adding another player or two is not going to hurt my feelings much at all.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne
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