The Minicamp – What’s Important?
I don’t know who will hold out, but my biggest worry is whether or not Orlando Brown, Jr. is a participant. The abiding concern relates to the fact that his “new” contract is not complete. It is not so much that he needs the time for Phys-Ed, so to speak. From what I hear from various sources, OBjr has worked on dropping weight and his footwork. I have no verification that this is the case. What I see is that. it’s the time that players show their commitment to the Kingdom.
My view of the Minicamp is that it’s time to see who is “All In.” The Chiefs proceed from that point onward.
Though the Chiefs are not listed as starting their Minicamp on Tuesday, that is when it is scheduled: All Chiefs players are required to be in attendance — or they will be subject to daily fines mandated by the league’s 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): $15,500 on the first day, $31,000 for the second day and $46,500 for the third. Under previous CBAs, clubs were allowed to waive these fines — or even to reimburse players for them. That is no longer allowed – Per Chiefwire.
Twelve teams kick off their camps on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the Chiefs were not listed went the NFL constructed the list which was: The Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What Is the Weakness Heading In?
I asked the question for Sunday’s article, and the followers didn’t provide much that is different than my view. First, the Chiefs need to add a DE that is a successful pass-rush force. The second part of the “Needs” view is that a DT who can pressure the pocket is also a need. I believe Brett Veach needs to secure the services of proven players at both positions. I have written about this mystical hole that exists with the front four. It remains my primary concern. Brett committed to rebuilding the front four. Drafting George Karlaftis was a draft pick that fit the “needs” picture. Unfortunately, a DT was not such a choice. Further, it may be true that Veach and the Coaching Staff had constructed a draft board that did not have a DT who fit the picture. I can see that as being the case. Reaching for a player lower on the Chiefs board who is not evaluated as a player being the right fit with the correct skill set is not how to build a roster.
The question becomes, “now, what is the plan”?
First, it appears to me that the Orlando Brown Contract must be consummated. Once that is done, Veach will add to the $16.8M cap space from which he can operate. I cannot conceive of a situation where he did not add to the capability of the Defense Front Four. nor can I state with certainty that he should use that money for a single-player or multiple-player acquisition. I see the possibility of making the money work for two players, one a DE and one a DT. Neither would need to be a long-term solution. They would be brought aboard in order to bridge the defense capability to the 2023 season. On the other hand, I am more comfortable with the DT position than DE. If Brett Veach made a move in a trade that would acquire a player the caliber of Chicago’s Ross? I am all in. would I trade a player and picks to make such a deal? Uncle You Bet! Here, I am thinking of Chicago’s Robert Quinn. Yes, I know that Chicago has stated they are not putting Quinn on the market. But who knows? Chicago is one of about 6 teams rebuilding. What would it take draft-pick-wise to entice a trade? That is my point.
Even so, the Chiefs could bring older vets to the roles that I just to be the weakness on the roster and add to the Front Four’s viability. That is what I expect to occur over the next 20+ days. The DL was the focus of Veach prior to the draft. Arriving at a conclusion with Orlando Brown by July 15th is almost assured. Barring that, I expect Brett Veach to force the issue to the tag numbers which is $16.7M. That would hurt the Chiefs since they would add cap monies when the contract is signed, sealed, and delivered.
My focus? The Front Four.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne