By the Time You Read This, Melvin Ingram Could Be a Chief!

I have no doubt that this week could be crucial. The Chiefs have traded away picks to obtain Orlando Brown. That is a huge accomplishment for the Chiefs, though a costly one. Earlier, they had signed Free Agent DT Jarran Reed, formerly with the Seahawks. That was a big plus for Veach’s efforts in plumbing the Free Agent field and adding a signifcant talent to the front five. Brett Veach said of Reed that he is one of the best run defenders and has versatility. He also noted that he could be a pass rush threat at the same time. Adding Reed would have benefit in freeing up kicking Chris Jones out to DE at times. Reed next to Jones, next to Clark and having Taco Charlton gaining due to the other three, this signing might well be the boost needed to make the Chiefs front four a tough nut to crack. I agree with anyone who sees Reeds addition as a huge plus.

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There are other considerations as they say. Clark is running to the end of his contract and was a high cost addition. I see that the Chiefs will need to draft an Edge player in the draft in preparation of the likely departure of Clark in 2022 or 2023. The draft is nearly at hand and I remain confident that the Chiefs will sign a DE and a LB as that is where capital investment needs to be made. Great if we can get an immediate performer at both positions and the 2nd round (pick #58), as things stand is where it would need to get done.

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There is one opportunity that I have seen as a potential and have thought that GM Brett Veach could well make an investment. So on Tuesday afternoon, probably by 4PM Central, I am going to go ahead and predict that Veach signs former Charger Edge Rusher, Melvin Ingram. As the time stamp runs down and a compensation pick is no longer applicable, I see Brett Veach announcing the acquisition. Why would Veach spend the money on Ingram? As the Defensive line now stands, it will be pretty tough to hold off the horses as it is, but if the Chiefs add a top notch Edge Rusher to the existing group, Katy, Bar the Door!

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The why is answered simply by first hand experience. The Chiefs face the Chargers twice each season and have done so since 2012 as Ingram came out of that draft. There were a lot of things written about him at the time both Pro and Con. The biggest negative was that he had short arms and that is a fact. It appears to be a detriment Ingram has over-come with sheer athletic ability. In 2012, Ingram displayed all the attributes that a team would like in a DE. He is now recorded at 6’3″-265. At the combine in 2012 Ingram recorded a 4.79-40, a Vertical of 34.5 inches with a 3-cone time under 7.0, at 6.83. That is dang fast for a big man. He even participated in tests that required multiple moves with heavy bags requiring 2 different moves — this test required great agility to get a time under 3 seconds. Ingram did that in 2.8 seconds.

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The Chiefs Know First-Hand,

Season after Season,

What Ingram Can Do!

That’s really enough of a warm up. I have greatly respected his ability as an opponent of the Chiefs. As an OLB he also provided a view of an OLB that could cover receivers so that had an added value. With the Chiefs pass coverage would not be a role he would play as DE but he certainly would have added value as Steve Spagnuolo has used DE’s in pass coverage in the past. What I like is what I see and what I have seen is a player who is a fearsome foe. Adding him to the defensive line group could well be the way that the Chiefs Defense gains even more prominence in 2021 — the goal? Get back to the Super Bowl. Ingram would definitely be a strategic addition to the effort. First-Hand Experience? Just ask Patrick Mahomes!

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What is the downside?

I’d have to first state that it is his age. Ingram is nearing the end of his career. The second issue is probably contract demands. Early on in the Free Agent Process, K.C. had Ingram in for a visit. He left without a deal. It’s been weeks since that visit and Melvin is still on the board. The perfect move for Veach to improve the defensive Front would be to have a deal in the offing in the background. The perfect day for that signing is for it to occur in April 27 after the Compensatory Clock has expired. Used situationally could reduce any stressors that apply to older players but his experience and fit for the Chiefs is obvious. He would then be in place to add benefit to a draft pick brought aboard in the 2021 Draft.

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What is the Upside?

Signing Melvin Ingram to a reasonable contract for a player in his 10th season as Pro, would be a perfect finale to Brett Veach’s Efforts in the 2021 Free Agent Period. There is at least the idea that the Chiefs were seriously interested and it has become known that few other teams gave such an indication. Apparently the Chargers felt his adjusted contract was not in the cards for 2021.

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In K.C.? Melvin Ingram III is a highly respected Edge Defender and I just think back to the time that the following photo was taken — look at the smile on Frank Clark’s face when exchanging Jersey’s. I would have a grin that big if Ingram came to Arrowhead to strut his stuff, even if it was only a one year deal. Why it Makes Sense? Ingram’s former team has cut ties and the Chiefs have shown an interest. It has been speculated out in pundit-land that the door was still open and the possible negotiations were in the background. I have provided a logical view if why this could be true. It would be a good deal for Melvin Ingram, and a good deal for the Chiefs.

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David Bell – ArrowheadOne

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Come back at noon to read a piece called,

“Orlando Brown Will Help K.C. Win Super Bowls”

See you then.

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