The Chiefs have the third-overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft. That's about the only benefit to going 2-14. Unfortunately, teams that win twice in 16 tries often have more needs than a handful of college kids can fix, however. Luckily, the club hired Scott Pioli to oversee the rebuilding effort, and there probably isn't a person better qualified for the task.
Pioli comes from the Patriots where he, along with Bill Belichick, put together a roster that won three Super Bowls in the first half of this decade. And he'll now try to do the same in Kansas City.
One of the Chiefs' biggest needs is finding a franchise quarterback. Tyler Thigpen was surprisingly effective in the role last season, but people who know about such things aren't convinced he's anything more than a solid backup. There are worse things to be.
Which means Pioli must find a long-term solution to the quarterback quandary in free agency, through a trade or via the draft. One problem: there isn't much to choose from. Sure, Matt Cassel had an eye-opening performance in New England, but is he worth a huge contract, and more importantly, is he that much of an upgrade over Thigpen? I'm not so sure.
There are also names like Byron Leftwich, Kerry Collins and Chris Simms; players at different stages of their careers who still have the potential to be competent NFL starters. But again, we're talking about two or three years and not much more.
The current crop of draft prospects isn't much better. In fact, they're worse.
Scott Pioli earned a reputation while with the Patriots as being able to mine a talented quarterback from the depths of the draft. The Chiefs general manager might need that ability if his new team is to find its future starting quarterback this year.The consensus seems to be: wait till next year, Kansas City, and the available talent should be much, much better. Of course, that doesn't help the 2009 Chiefs, but there's no reason to think that drafting a QB just to say you did it would change that fate.
That, plus a lot of luck. Plenty of questions surround the top available quarterbacks, Matt Stafford of Georgia and Mark Sanchez of USC. Depth of this season's class is also lacking in what could be the worst crop of quarterbacks to come along in years.
Ideally, Kansas City could get their hands on a time machine, go back to last year's draft, use their overabundance of picks to trade up and grab Matt Ryan. Short of that, hoping Pioli unearths another Tom Brady might be the organization's best hope.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-21-2009 @ 9:54PM
Gene said...
trying to find a QB in the late rounds would be stupid for the chiefs. they have 2 young QB's with potential in Thigpen and Croyle although very little is known about thigpen (his numbers are very confusing he throws tons of TDs for a lot of yards but completes around 50 and his TD/INT is about even)and croyle who reminds many people of Tom Brady...Right now (very often injured)
Chiefs should either take a sure thing or stick with what they have, they dont need another QB of the future unless if he can be their QB now.
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1-22-2009 @ 2:37AM
cantstopdrinkin said...
Could you imagine McNabb and LT both getting run out of their franchises? How about could you imagine them both ending up on the same team? Dont you think it would make sense? Either use Larry Johnson as a trading chip in union with player(s)/pick(s) for either one of them or use him in tandem with LT. I think LT and Johnson could wear down just about any run D , dont you? And McNabb believe it or not would almost have moe receiver help with the Chiefs then in Philly almost just because of David Bowe. But anyway if those 2 great player's current teams dont know what they have till it's gone and get id of them 2 the Cheifs or Lions need to REALLY look into getting not just one but both of them (with how their drafting it would make sense to just trade some picks for the net 2 drafts to get these 2 lol).
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1-22-2009 @ 6:50AM
blue00738 said...
Gene are you really that incompetent about football that you would post Croyle is a quarterback worthy of the NFL. Croyle is NOT a starter nor is he a second or third string qb in the NFL. Is was horrible in college and he is horrid in the NFL. The only reason he is in the NFL is cuz of his dad. Either watch tape of this guy or improve on your football knowledge the guy is horrible
t
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1-23-2009 @ 5:16PM
markrconte14 said...
The Chiefs do not have a quarterback and I have to disagree, there are at least three good quarterbacks in this draft, but hey, if you want McNabb, I will gladly trade him to you and take Larry Johnson. I will go with either Matt Cassel or Sancez. Then Reid can do his thing of finding good linemen in the draft. Superbowl in Philly!
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