One reason why the Chiefs have struggled to make the playoffs in the last 10 years is because they have drafted relatively poorly. While they have uncovered some gems in the latter rounds, their overall record has been poor, both in terms of short-term and long-term returns.With all the talk about Herm Edwards changing philosophies, one aspect that has been overlooked is the success he had with this year's draft. As I contemplated doing a series on the Chiefs' recent draft history, I read with great amusement this assessment of the 2006 draft, which basically says the Chiefs would receive no help from the draft class this year.
Oops.
The author, Scott Wright, couldn't have been more wrong in his assessment, and it all starts with the guy pictured above, Jarrad Page. In fairness, Wright had no idea that the Chiefs would sign Ty Law, but this year's draft class turned out to surprise everyone with the impact they made on the 2006 Chiefs. With that in mind, let's review the Chiefs' draft history in this millenium, starting with their 7th round picks. Following each pick is a long-term assessment and short-term grade (based on expectations versus performance).
2006: Jarrad Page
Typically, 7th round picks don't do much and aren't expected to become much. If they can make the team, it's usually as a special teamer. Thus, Page's ascent into a major contributor for the Chiefs is truly an amazing story. Going into the draft, Page was considered a physical safety without exceptional coverage skills or instincts. However, Page turned heads in training camp, and when given opportunities he took full advantage. His pass coverage skills turned out to be excellent, to the point where he was used extensively in obvious pass situations. His coming out party took place at home against Oakland, when he made a huge interception of Aaron Brooks on Oakland's last play of the game and sealed a victory for the Chiefs. Page finished the season with 35 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 interceptions, and is widely expected to displace either Greg Wesley or Sammy Knight as a starting safety next season.
Short-Term Grade: A
Long-Term Expectations: 2007 starter
2005: Jeremy Parquet, James Kilian
Kilian, a QB, was selected 229th overall and was considered a Dick Vermeil project. A poor senior year dropped Kilian far down the draft boards, and he showed little to no development in his lone pro year. While he possessed excellent physical attributes, he never showed the quick decision-making abilities to indicate that he could compete even for a backup spot. Kilian made appearances on the practice squad in 2005, but stood no chance of making the 2006 roster with the drafting of Brodie Croyle and signing of Casey Printers.
Parquet, the 238th overall selection, was a developmental selection as the Chiefs looked to find Brian Waters-like gems at the offensive line. Parquet showed enough promise as a tackle for the Chiefs to keep him on the practice squad and even activate him for a couple of games. However, the St. Louis Rams snapped him up in 2006.
Short-Term Grade: Kilian = C-; Parquet = B
Long-Term Expectations: Kilian = none; Parquet = backup lineman somewhere other than KC
2004: Kevin Sampson
The Chiefs really liked Sampson coming out of college and felt fortunate to draft him so late. Although he was drafted very late, the Chiefs expected Sampson to develop into a starter. Sampson did indeed become a starting tackle; however, his injury history has been so extensive, the Chiefs wonder whether they can afford to keep him. In 2006, the Chiefs were excited that Sampson was able to start the first few games. His performance was adequate though spotty, and he succumbed to the injury bug once again, causing the Chiefs to rely on the woefully undersized Kyle Turley and the retired-but-not-really-because-he-was-actually-suspended John Welbourn.
Short-Term Grade: B+
Long-Term Expectations: Will vie for starting tackle position, but injury history puts him on short leash
2003: Willie Pile
Pile was not unlike Page. A physical safety with supposedly limited coverage skills, he got his opportunity in 2004 when injuries gave him and Shaunard Harts starting roles late in the season. I thought Pile performed well enough to merit consideration in 2005, but the Chiefs instead signed Sammy Knight and chose to keep Jerome Woods on the roster. Pile has spent the last two seasons as a backup safety for the Cowboys.
Short-Term Grade: B+
Long-Term Expectations: backup safety somewhere other than KC
2002: Maurice Rodriguez
Admittedly, I know little about Rodriguez. He made little to no impact for the Chiefs, and was beat out by Scott Fujita as the Chiefs' rising young linebacker. Rodriguez was last seen with the Rams, trying to make the team as either a linebacker or fullback.
Short-Term Grade: C-
Long-Term Expectations: none
2001: Shaunard Harts, Terdell Sands
Harts had a decent stint with the Chiefs. He quickly ascended into a backup safety role and performed adequately when pressed into starting duty. At one point in the 2004 season, the Chiefs were actually starting two seventh-round picks as their safeties. Although he wanted to return to the Chiefs, he was also let go when Sammy Knight signed as a free agent. Harts did not play in 2005, and although he signed with the Seahawks in 2006, he was released during the preseason.
Sands made virtually no impact with the Chiefs, and after two years signed on with the Raiders. He has become a decent defensive tackle and actually saw extensive duty this year. His size allows him to clog up lanes and get some push along the defensive line. I'm sure the Chiefs would rather have kept Sands than Ryan Sims.
Short-Term Grade: C-
Long-Term Expectations: decent defensive tackle for a while
2000: Desmond Kitchings
Kitchings was a practice squad WR for the Chiefs in 2000, then was picked up by the Jets (and one Herm Edwards) in 2001. He then bounced around to the Colts and then to the Rams, without making a meaningful impact on any of those teams.
Short-Term Grade: C-
Long-Term Expectations: none
