Chiefs: The Shape of Things to Come – Four Questions

The Chiefs are now in the second phase of work with the rookies. Things are progressing quickly and the Chiefs coaching staff, Reid on down has been positive about what they have seen thus far. This week, we have seen prognostications about the Chiefs and what to anticipate for 2021 W-L record. Hmmm. There are at least a couple of NFL Pundits seeing a 17-0 record. At the same time I have seen totally ridiculous presentments that had them barely making post-season. There are some real Chiefs haters out there. So, this is about the “Shape” of the roster as it forms and how that team will look, early and after the players have time to jell, on both sides of the ball.

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Answer: Short and Sweet? Yes! The team is fielding an improved defensive roster. Adding Jarran Reed on the Interior is a significant factor for the Front Four. Suddenly you have Frank Clark, Chris Jones and Jarran Reed rushing the passer. This also aids Taco Charlton who showed he belonged in the front 4 on passing downs before being injured in 2020. But note, I think Spags will swap things around along the defensive front and both Tershawn Wharton (he flashed well on pressure rushes) and Mike Danna who is solid against the run, all will have a significant roll. My surprise candidate here is Tim Ward. I think he will come into his own in 2021. Bottom line though, it was the addition of Reed who will make the front four significantly better out of the gate.

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Drafting Nick Bolton, LB, immediately improves the LB corp, even if he gets limited snaps at first, he will be outside with the 4-3 base and, he was the highest ranked LB in the SEC 2019 & 2020. He will be a factor right away. Anthony Hitchens will have two LB’s who mix in and Willie Gay, Jr. will prove out his physical talent and speed in year two. Signing free agent Kamalei Correa adds flexibility, pass rush and versatility to the mix. In back of that, the LB group has, Ben Neimann, Darius Harris, Omari Cobb and newcomer Riley Cole.

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Late last year Veach obtained the services of CB DeAndre Baker, a former #1 draft pick. Just recently, Veach made a trade for another former Round 1 corner in Mike Hughes. He should also be a significant factor in how well the defense plays. Both players are fits for Veach’s tactic of obtaining successful players who were former high round picks. A lot depends on being able to get both Hughes and Baker ready to go, because the Chiefs are looking at their additions as crucial to the future. Don’t count out Charvarius Ward either. Ward had a broken hand in 2020 and missed games and then continued to suffer while playing in a soft cast for several games. Cornerbacks rely on their hands — to deflect and intercept passes, but also in fending off route runners. I am going to give him an out since his development took a hit in 2020. Let’s hope that is something we see in the rear view mirror (and how well Sam Madison counters a set back like that with his good coaching).

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We have also had a late round CB who’s played well in the various schemes: Rashad Fenton. All of this gives a great mix to field, even if you anticipate Ward as having reached his ceiling, although, I don’t believe this myself. It also may mean that Ward is the 3rd CB in with L’Jarius Snead and Fenton outside as we wait to see what both Baker and Hughes bring to the table. We also have not seen what BoPete Keyes brings. It may also get back to re-signing Bashaud Breeland: Breeland is still out there and I am positive that this will bode well the longer it goes the higher the likelihood of Veach brining him back at an effective cost. Snead, Breeland, Baker, Hughes, Ward and Fenton give the team a quite capable Cornerback group with a couple more players like Chris Lammons or Rodney Clemons, in the wings.

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The biggest difference though is that Veach’s Free Agent signings and Draft picks on the offensive side of the ball is going to have a tremendous effect on what the offense will be capable of doing, game in, game out. I am taking into account the fact that the front end of the schedule is tough. I see Creed Humphrey as being a crucial improvement as the starting Center and anticipate that Cornell Powell will make his presence felt before we reach the midpoint of the season. The running game will be improved as deliberated below. I am also looking forward to seeing how TE Noah Gray fits in this overall picture. Overall though I see both sides of the ball as having been significantly strengthened and improved over last years team.

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Answer: Probably not. At the same time, though it takes time for players to jell (the 3 C’s – Continuity, Consistency and Cohesion), we certainly will see improved play — especially since adding Orlando Brown, Jr. at LOT and Creed Humphrey at Center. It will take time to come together and camp is not enough. Preseason games will help, but I do think it will take real game experience for this to completely unfold. Joe Thuney and Kyle Long should be the starting Guards, but keep in mind veteran LDT is in this mix. Then there’s Austin Blythe, OC #2.

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LT, Orlando Brown – LG, Joe Thuney – OC, Creed Humphrey – RG, Kyle Long

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I don’t know how the RT competition unfolds, but Martinas Rankin, Mike Remmers and Lucas Niang will battle it out. I want to observe my own uncertainty about Niang’s weight, but both Ryan Tracy and Seth Keysor on Monday stated that they believe he will be the starting ROT.

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Think back to the problems of 2020. Lucas Niang was not present as anticipated, nor was LDT. By week 5 the Chiefs lost their starting LG, Kelechi Osemele. In week 6, the Chiefs lost starting RT, Mitchell Schwartz. They still won 14 games. The new crew is experienced and powerful, despite needing time to put it all together to it’s full ability.

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The other players in the mix takes all worry about having capable players for each position and depth. My only concern is to have an effective LOT #2. If there is an exposure for the OL, it will be for Brown’s backup, someone who can take a series of snaps to rest Brown, or stand in for a game on the left side if Brown suffered a sprained ankle. At the same time, since I believe the offensive line is going to be greatly improved, if Brown were to miss a series of games, the rest of the offensive line play should be significantly improved and more stable, making the task of a backup standing in for the left side, less imposing.

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There is just no possible way for this OL Group to fail to be greatly improved for the 2021 season. Bet’s taken, please advise the amount that you are willing to wager.

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Answer: With a resounding, amplified response –> YES! You have an improved Offensive Line across the board, period. Run blocking is a key to the Offensive Line Play and we now have some man-moving blockers Left to Right. Inside runs for short yardage will be improved. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will gain over 1,000 yards on the ground and an added 400 yards as a receiver. He will be backed up by Darrell Williams and Jerick McKinnon, a Free Agent signing. McKinnon could also give STs Coach Dave Toub another weapon in the return game:

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Just going that deep with RBs, you have a powerful group and all of them are good pass catchers.

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Answer: Yes. I just cannot answer who it will be, but the thing is that Sammy Watkins is now departed. Behind Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs have Mecole Hardman as WR #1A. Here’s Hardman on a great “out-and-up” route:

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Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle will follow suit. That is four solid receivers including Hill. The question will be, who is it, among the latter three who will emerge. If I had to guess right now it would be Mecole Hardman. 2021 is the year that he has no impediment in front of him. Win or lose Mecole? At the same time, Veach added a WR that I do believe will break out as a rookie and prove my point about him: Cornell Powell. Overall, this group is improved, even with the loss of Sammy Watkins. Forecast? Among the receivers stacked up behind Hill: I expect the most out of Cornell Powell as a surprise WR for the upcoming year. Here’s Powell on a 65-yard TD catch against Virginia Tech:

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That’s a wrap. These four views revolve around the Chiefs roster makeup, resulting in four major questions. I’m sure there are more. What’s yours?

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David Bell — ArrowheadOne

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