The NSLU: Stark Relief

We have all witnessed the types of moves that the Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach has made. I think there is room for one additional deal.

We know the profile: aggressive, young, speedy, tough, for press/man, up and go from there. I think of where the offseason started with exposed positions and depth and Veach has made the right kind of moves as necessary, drafted players who have a shot at being immediate contributors such as Derrick Nnadi and Armani Watt. From Sunday’s article, when “clarity arrived” for the fans, we were well behind the curve regarding the recovery and rehab of Mitch Morse and Spencer Ware.

I have observed how I believe Nnadi and Xavier Williams are solving the NT need, that Speaks would find his feet and compete out of the gate, even if not starting. Let’s get on from there. We do still have an exposure and depth issue with Cornerbacks.

What occurred Thursday through Saturday were comments and statements by Veach and Harris that brought things into “Stark Relief” against the backdrop of an upcoming campaign.  Two months ago we were speculating on a 2-year venture to restock… but now? I think we are on the cusp of success and if a player or two is added as a free agent, will it be enough?

Sunday’s NSLU discussed Fuller but it was after that was ready to post that I came upon Al Harris’s remarks about Kendall Fuller who excelled as the #1 ranked Inside Corner in the NFL in 2017. Harris plans to use him inside which means that the aerial defense outside is going to look totally different in 2018.

Noting first the trade of Marcus Peters pushed things to the wall but it was in the GM’s hands to handle a difficult player and all of us had witnessed his lack of behavioral control on the field and sideline in 2017. It was Veach’s decision to part ways with the player whom I believe would play out 4 seasons and be gone to a west coast franchise anyway. For me? That was the right move with the right problem and it no longer is a plague in the Chief’s Kingdom.

Thus, clarity was added regarding Fuller when Al Harris made his remarks about using Fuller at his position of strength — inside cornerback. Having remarked that they plan to use Fuller in the slot he also stated that Amerson and Nelson would be the outside defenders–neither top shelf and also with little experienced depth. The Youth angle is present and they did sign Kevin Reaser, age 27, a Free Agent corner. We can hope that Veach has struck gold somewhere in this regard or will do so with “one more Free Agent signing.”

Back to Fuller: previously Reid had said that Fuller would get to “step outside” but this was countered by cornerback coach Al Harris this past week. Writers also floated the idea that the corners would float inside and out but this was negated before it took off by Harris who observed that “… as our package sits, you put the guys on the outside who are outside guys and inside guys on the inside. That is how we handle it as a defensive staff. Right now, Dave and Steve are my outside pieces and Fuller will go inside.”

Amerson and Nelson both have played outside and I think Amerson will be a success. Nelson’s experience is less obvious, though Veach made several positive comments about Nelson’s recovery and ability to play.

That said, there are Free Agent Outside Corners still on the market. It would behoove Veach to take a hard look at where things stand and consider how the Chiefs could afford to add  such a player. Who and how that player would fit becomes the question. No matter who they might look at they have to be aggressive and able to press cover on the outside so the choices are very limited.

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