What’s Up, Doc?

Sitting here in Rockport, Texas, this morning, some thoughts flowed into my first coffee brain. Here are some rational (perhaps) thoughts.

Defensive Line – Two Pieces

If you consider the makeup of the draft, it went heavily in favor of player choices for defense. George Karlaftis(DE) was a completely logical draft choice. He will be a day one starter for Spags Front Four. What was the weak position on the defensive line? The edge rusher opposite Frank Clark. Before the draft, Brett Veach renegotiated Clark’s contract, cutting it basically in half. That was the first move Veach made to ensure the Defensive Front was stable. Adding Karlaftis was pouring in the missing ingredient.

Are the Chiefs really missing anything? They are committed to starting an extremely capable rookie on one side and presenting Experience on the other. Are we going to grimace and moan about having Frank Clark as one of the two starting edge players? From that point, Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo have the promising talent to mix and match, which is not an unusual circumstance for any NFL team. Mike Danna has solid experience. Josh Kaindoh, and Malik Herring are the potent youth.

What were we thinking? It is apparent that fans and observers believed that Melvin Ingram’s insertion into the picture again this year would be the salvation of the Chief’s pressure on the opposition QBs. Does not George Karlaftis provide that pressure? As I sipped my caffeine and pondered the question, the answer came to me: Ingram was not the key. George Karlaftis is.

Next Question About the DE Role?

Is it wrong to have faith in unproven talent? Absolutely not. Sure, we must wait and see what the Greek Freak brings to the table. He is an unproven commodity. Could he fail? Sure. Is that likely, though? My answer to that is no. So then I turn to depth. If Spagnulo wants a player who sets the edge and is a good run game defender, is it wrong to think that Danna can be part of the backup rotation?

The “Doc” Part?

Beyond the three(Karlaftis, Clark, Danna), at least at this moment, the Chiefs are committed to two players who are part of the future equation of Youth, Speed, and physicality: Josh Kaindoh and Malik Herring.

It is true that both Josh and Malik are rehabbing from 2021 injuries. Is that a bad investment? What did you think about Kaindoh last year? Did you even consider Malik Herring? I will tell you that in a draft year with about half the draft picks that 2022 had, Kaindoh was an excellent choice as a round 4 pick. Signing Herring was also a good move. Think about it: He was a Bulldog—certainly a player who deserved a deep look.

Before Herring was injured, I had him on my suggested draft list. Brett Veach was fortunate to be able to obtain a promising player at UDFA cost. Once again, the words to apply are Wait-n-see.

Can the Chiefs Counter Ingram Playing Elsewhere?

I appreciated the “juice” that Melvin brought to the front four in 2021. I have appreciated his skill set from afar, especially when it was arrayed against the Chiefs by the Chargers. I would have preferred that his remaining prowess be used by the Chiefs. There was something in Ingram’s relationship with the Chiefs staff that related to Ingram’s Diva-type antics. Applying the UFA tag seems like it is turn-about fair play. KC will get a comp draft pick in 2023 due to Ingram signing with the Dolphins. These last views must hold some truth because Brett Veach did not ante up $6-700k to counter Miami’s offer.

Are the Chiefs Left Out in the Cold at DE?

Absolutely not. Several players have talent that could be acquired. I am going to list some of them as my response to this question.

Justin Houston’s name came up yesterday. Jadeveon Clowney, Trey Flowers, Carlos Dunlap, and Jason Pierre-Paul. Another player on my draft list is Takkarist McKinley, who fits the puzzle by being a former round one draft pick, so he is in Brett Veach’s wheelhouse.

At the time, in 2017, I had looked deeply into McKinley. So in a way, he fits the Chief’s need potential. For the Chiefs and me: speed, physicality, and is a former first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons.

Other Free Agents could be part of the DE rotation. Of course, my bet was on Melvin Ingram’s nose. That didn’t come to fruition. We must get on with it and wait and see if there is another acquisition in the offing.

I am content that Brett Veach has a plan.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne