Pass (Rushing) The Torch

Pass (Rushing) The Torch / By John Dillman aka Heilios

Tamba Hali has been a staple of the Chiefs front seven ever since being selected 20^th overall in the 2006 NFL draft. He was an absolute crusher coming out of Penn State with MVP honors in the 2006 Senior Bowl. However, in recent years, we had to watch helplessly as his impact and playing time have taken a toll on the aging superstar. Once known as a devastating force on the defensive line with a relentless motor we are seeing these traits slipping before our very eyes. Every player grows and eventually declines, but it is hard to watch someone we all know as one of the absolute best at what he does, have his skills slip. I mean this is the guy who came in and won the Mack Lee Hill award. He had 8 sacks as a rookie. Not to mention, he had just became a United States citizen at the time. Everything was looking up for him. He dominated at the line of scrimmage, never gave up on a play.

Tamba Hali is a constant reminder of what we want the Chiefs organization and players to be: a class act. His humanitarian acts alone make him a great man. Working with Heart to Heart International he helped build an Ebola treatment facility in Africa. Now, we must face the facts that we will need to move forward as an organization, as Chiefs, and find the next Hali. Let’s take a look at potential replacements:

Passing the Torch to Dee Ford

That very name can garner hugely different opinions. A potential star in the making who is just now finding his groove on a talented defense that relegated him to a backup position, or a terrible draft bust selected number 23 overall in the 2014 draft. I believe he is a talented linebacker who has not lived up to his draft status. Being selected in the first round of any draft you are expected to come in and compete for the top spot. Being pushed down the depth chart by the likes of Hali and Houston would have happened to anyone coming in as a rookie. However, I am inclined to consider that while he may have a great first step, he simply does not have the tools necessary to accept the torch, so to speak, when Hali finally hangs up the cleats. I would love to be wrong and eat as much crow as you can fit on a plate. If general manager John Dorsey doesn’t agree with that, then we should see news coming out soon of the top brass picking up his 5th-year option. With the deadline looming for his tender mere weeks away on May 2^nd, we should hear any day now.

Passing the Torch to Dadi Nicolas

The 6’3” outside linebacker is currently sitting at 3^rd on the depth chart behind Ford and Hali respectively. After some mischief during his collegiate years, we honestly haven’t heard much from the 24-year-old Haitian. His measurables and college success led the front office to believe he would be worth a late round flyer and with the 203^rd pick in the 6^th round we took the chance. Seeing limited snaps and in 11 games we have yet to see anything of note to say that he is the next man up, ready to succeed the great Hali. Having been placed on IR in January could spell the end of his time with us. In my opinion, he will be kept for special teams and emergency depth for the next couple years before being given walking papers and finding a spot on another team.

Passing the Torch to a 2017 Draftee

You all knew it was coming. I have the feeling in my bones we will find a successor for Hali in this draft. I believe Jordan Willis could be that man. After having a spectacular combine showing with high marks in the line drills and a surprisingly fast 40-yard dash, his stock is on the rise. Coming out of Kansas State with 52 tackles and 11.5 sacks in 2016, he has what it takes to be our new dominating force opposite Houston. Projected to be a late 2^nd early 3^rd pick he is also in a prime location for the Chiefs to pick up the future of the position with no need to package picks. He could literally drop right in our laps.

John Dorsey has a history of picking for the future and this would be right in his wheelhouse. Having won accolades such as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Associated Press All-American honors it would seem that he would be a no brainer if still available for the Chiefs 2^nd round pick. With minimal help and mentorship from Hali and coaches the future of this position of great importance would be set for years to come.

I believe this year will shake out as one of the best — in my lifetime — and the Chiefs will firmly entrench themselves in the upper echelon of the NFL for years to come. All beginning with this lone season.

Passing the Torch to ________ ?

So what do you think guys? Am I a dreamer? Should I sit alone in silence or will my wild predictions come to fruition? Comment below and as always… Viva la Jet Sweep and GO CHIEFS!