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2013 NFL Offseason: Kansas City Chiefs

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents

Kansas City Chiefs (Last Year: 2-14)

2013 NFL Draft Grade: C

Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.

Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: The Chiefs made an awful mistake in giving up way too much for Alex Smith. They're now stuck with him, so they need to be elite everywhere else. This means that they have to take the best players available. They have some big needs like receiver, right tackle and inside linebacker, but they can't really worry about that. With a pedestrian signal-caller like Smith under center, the Chiefs have to be very strong in all other areas.

2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: What if you were to tell the Chiefs that they could have obtained both Luke Joeckel/Eric Fisher and Geno Smith in the 2013 NFL Draft? Think they still would have gone through with the Alex Smith trade? It'd be interesting to see how they would have reacted in that scenario.

As for this actual draft, Kansas City didn't fare too well. Travis Kelce is a big risk at No. 63 because of his off-the-field issues, and it's not like he stands to be much of an upgrade over the combination of Tony Moeaki and Anthony Fasano anyway. There were better running backs at No. 96 than Knile Davis. The Arkansas runner is a fumbling machine, which can't possibly sound appealing to fans of the Chiefs after they watched their team commit countless turnovers last year.

Sanders Commings was a nice value selection at No. 134, while Nico Johnson could be a solid complement to Derrick Johnson. It must be noted though that Andy Reid was a pretty pedestrian drafter when he was with the Eagles. That's why the Fisher-over-Joeckel selection has to be questioned, especially when the Kansas City scouts and general manager wanted the A&M blocker.

Overall, I don't feel like the Chiefs improved their roster very much via the 2013 NFL Draft. Outside of Fisher (and maybe Davis in short yardage), no one Kansas City drafted may make a positive impact in the near future.

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

1. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan: C+ Grade
An offensive tackle is what makes sense most for the Chiefs. Branden Albert was franchised, so he probably won't be around in 2014. He may not even make it to training camp because he could be dealt to the Dolphins, per reports. Luke Joeckel was the consensus top tackle in the 2013 NFL Draft, so he would have been the right pick. Eric Fisher has been considered the lesser prospect throughout, but Andy Reid liked him more than Joeckel. They're both close in talent, but selecting a rising prospect based on workouts is usually treacherous. Also, I'm penalizing the Chiefs because they traded for Alex Smith too soon and ruined all leverage they could have had for a potential trade. There shouldn't have been any hurry to overpay for Smith. That trade earned Kansas City a "Millen" grade, as you can see in the 2013 NFL Free Agent Grades page.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

63. Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati: C Grade
Tight end was not a need with Tony Moeaki and Anthony Fasano on the roster. Travis Kelce could eventually emerge as an upgrade, but only if he stays out of trouble. He has off-the-field issues. This pick isn't very good.

96. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas: C- Grade
The Chiefs were searching for a power back to complement Jamaal Charles. However, Knile Davis is not a good runner and has terrible fumbling issues. Kansas City overdrafted him.

99. Nico Johnson, ILB, Alabama: B- Grade
Nico Johnson should be able to compete for the starting job next to Derrick Johnson, vacated by Jovan Belcher. This is slightly higher than I thought Johnson would go, but it's still an OK pick.

134. Sanders Commings, CB, Georgia: B+ Grade
This doesn't fill a need, but there's no denying the value. Sanders Commings could have been taken at the end of the third round. He's a tall corner, which is in vogue right now, so I thought he'd go earlier than No. 134.

170. Eric Kush, C, California-Pa.: C Grade
Eric Kush wasn't considered draftable by most, but it's the sixth round. The Chiefs need to bring in interior offensive line depth just in case they can't get Ryan Lilja to return.

204. Braden Wilson, FB, Kansas State: B Grade
Andy Reid still likes to use fullbacks, and Braden Wilson is a solid one. The value is just right for him at the end of the sixth round.

207. Mike Catapano, DE, Princeton: B- Grade
This is a tough one to grade. I like Mike Catapano and feel like he should have gone in the fifth round. However, I don't like his fit in the Kansas City defense. Andy Reid has quite frequently selected players who don't fit his stop unit, so this is not surprising at all.

*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

@Brad 05-05-2013 08:10 am xxx.xxx.xxx5.86 (total posts: 1)

190

Ah yes, this old piece of homer logic. Two players: Brad Johnson and Trent Dilfer. They actually WON Super Bowls. Would you care to hitch your franchise to 22-year-old versions of Dilfer or Johnson? I didn't think so.

You're welcome.

And yes Chiefs fans: Walt hates them. Poor, poor Chiefs fans. They *actually* think that their franchise is relevant enough to be hated by a casual fan, yet alone an analyst.

LOL

chase 05-02-2013 09:40 am xxx.xxx.xxx7.98 (total posts: 1)

140

You do some good work at times, but your lack of objectivity towards the Chiefs is extremely noticeable.

The Chiefs could trade for Arian Foster, RGIII, Patrick Willis, JJ Watt, and any other superstar all in one season and you would still find a way to bash them.

Chris 05-01-2013 05:57 pm xxx.xxx.xxx17.8 (total posts: 1)

Walt logic:

When a team reaches because of need:

Chiefs: horrible reach, could have gotten him in the next round, wasted pick, there were 20 better players on the board. C.
Other teams: drafted slightly earlier than expected, but it fills a giant void at the position. A.

When a team drafts the best player available:

Chiefs: he fell a little bit, and they picked him up, but they already have better players at the position, waste of a pick and a roster spot. C.
Other teams: great value, he might sit for a year or two, a perfect situation to watch and learn from a great player at the position, this kid is going to be a star in this league in a couple years. A.

Every time.

Josh 04-30-2013 12:46 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.126 (total posts: 1)

This draft was weak. I was surprised with the Fisher pick over Joeckel, but I can live with it. The rest of the draft was a waste, but this draft was not very strong in talent, but Reid could have done a better job. He really should stop dictating drafts and let the GM do his job.

Jimbo 04-29-2013 04:28 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.227 (total posts: 1)

I give Fat Andy and Friends a D- grade for this waste of a draft. Fisher is less-polished than Joeckel. Kelce is a good all-around tight end and has upside. Knile Davis can't hold onto the rock OR stay healthy and RB wasn't a huge need. A fullback in the sixth? Andy might as well have signed McNabb to waste that roster spot. Ridiculous.

#2 04-29-2013 04:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.35 (total posts: 1)

#2 team in the afc west an maybe #6 in the afc with these draft additions.

nighthawk 04-29-2013 03:45 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.28 (total posts: 1)

I kind of like the Kelce pick, Moeki has trouble staying healthy (and I think he's a little overrated) and Fasano is more of blocker than pass catcher. They should have taken Quessenberry (whom I thought would go quite a bit earlier) ahead of Kush. I agree on Davis, Jonathan Franklin is sitting there and they take Davis!? Nico Johnson is not impressive, A.J. Klein would have been a better choice.

Brad 04-29-2013 10:21 am xxx.xxx.xxx.114 (total posts: 1)

Alex smith is a PEDESTRIAN signal caller? Im sorry, but did Alex Smith not lead th 49ers to the NFC title game two years ago? And possibly a Super Bowl had it not been for Kyle Williams? Smith was having the best year of his career last season, and was leading the NFL in passer rating. So tell me , how is Alex Smith even close to being a pedestrian signal caller?

chief 04-29-2013 08:25 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.71 (total posts: 1)

your prospect ranking page contradicts your grade of Kelce. And no mention of Moeaki being made of glass?

you constantly grade down the Chiefs just because it's the Chiefs and it's not the only team you do that to.

They couldn't possibly have looked at the roster with a tight end that's always hurt and can't block...then decided they'd take a tight end with a complete skill set and hope to mature him? Especially when you have a personal relationship with the family after drafting his older brother years ago?

a quote..."This is why the same group of teams make the playoffs every year and why another group of teams always draft in the top 10. One selection after the Bills chose the No. 4 quarterback in this class, the Steelers nabbed arguably the top pass-rusher. As mentioned in my mock draft, dumb groupthink would cause Jones to fall. Pittsburgh landed a steal."

really? your own rankings show him as the #4 3-4 OLB in the draft. Injury concerns that had some teams completely remove him from their boards? Work ethic questions...specifically in the weight room. Didn't work out at the combine and runs a 4.9?

lets do more..."I'm not sure I would have considered Justin Brown draftable if the draft were 10 rounds, so this is a reach. However, it's the middle of the sixth round, so that's not a huge deal at this juncture."

So in your eyes, this guy would be around #400 on your big board and they took him at 186. But you give the grade the same as the Chiefs taking Kelce in the 3rd round, who you ranked the #83 prospect, but was taken at #63?

but hey, it's the Steelers right? Mike Tomlin called, asked me to tell you to quit changing lipstick colors. His junk is starting to look like a rainbow.

Chris#2 04-28-2013 09:59 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.118 (total posts: 1)

Walt, I couldn't possibly care less about your draft grades. Your track record of being right is about as good as every other hard-core NFL fan. Not good. It does crack me up how you will penalize the teams that you don't like for drafting for just upside, or fit, or value, then you excuse other groups of teams for using the same approach.

Your grade of Mike Catapano doesn't matter, but it's another good example of your ignorance and inconsistency. Let's see...you like him and he should have gone in the 5th round but...he doesn't fit? Wow you're a d-bag. If only a 6' 3" 270 lb DE could play OLB. I mean....except for Tamba Hali...who came in to the league at 6'3" 273 as a DE from a 4-3 at Penn State and ran a similar 40. Whatever dude.

Andy Reid 04-28-2013 07:04 pm xxx.xxx.xxx1.45 (total posts: 1)

Of course I draft players who don't fit my schemes well. How else can I take full responsibility and need to put the players in better position otherwise?

Re: 04-28-2013 06:18 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.185 (total posts: 2)

Matt. As a neutral observer, I wouldn't give the Chiefs draft any higher grade. I like Fisher, but thought Joekel was a better player and fit. And I don't see Fisher and Stevenson being an upgrade at tackle over Albert and Winston. They reached on their next two picks. They wasted a second round pick on another sloppy seconds qb. For the last 20+ year the Chiefs have never drafted a franchise qb, always gone after other teams left overs (DeBerg, Kraig, Montana, Bono, Grbac, Moon, Green, Cassel, Smith, etc.) and it's never worked. For a team with the #1 overall pick, I can't see how they're any better.

Matt 04-28-2013 12:58 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.50 (total posts: 1)

Great site Walt that I really enjoy, but wish you would just say you hate the Chiefa because you never give us a good grade on anything we ever do. Eric Fisher C- just proves you anti Chiefs bias. I'm sure if one of the bigger franchises did the same as KC this offseason you'd be singing their praises, but because it's the Chiefs everything is negative. Alex Smith was the best QB out there either in FA or the draft.

BM 04-28-2013 12:56 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.185 (total posts: 2)

New drinking game, every time Walt uses "pedestrian" or "plodder" you take a shot.

mpt 04-28-2013 12:44 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.205 (total posts: 2)

@Hey walt,

He has to finish a big plate full of Millen's used kielbasas, first.

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Season Summary:
Things looked promising for the Chiefs when they knocked off a pair of teams that reached the divisional of the playoffs in 2011 (Packers, Broncos). However, that just turned out to be a mirage, as injuries, a disappointing defense, a banged-up offensive line and terrible quarterbacking capsized Kansas City's chances in 2012. Of course, all of that paled in comparison to the tragedy that occurred on Dec. 1 when linebacker Jovan Belcher killed his girlfriend and then shot himself in front of Romeo Crennel and Scott Pioli. The Chiefs have to completely reboot both mentally and personnel-wise.

Offseason Moves:

Cardinals acquire CB Javier Arenas from Chiefs for FB Anthony Sherman

Chiefs sign ILB Akeem Jordan

Chiefs sign ILB Zach Diles

Seahawks sign QB Brady Quinn

Chiefs sign DE/OLB Frank Zombo

Chiefs cut DE/OLB Andy Studebaker

Titans sign DT Ropati Pitoitua

Chiefs re-sign DE/OLB Edgar Jones

Bears sign TE Steve Maneri

Chiefs sign G Geoff Schwartz

Chiefs sign CB Sean Smith

Vikings sign QB Matt Cassel

Chiefs cut QB Matt Cassel

Chiefs re-sign G Bryan Mattison

49ers sign DT Glenn Dorsey

Chiefs sign WR Donnie Avery

Chiefs sign DE/DT Mike DeVito

Chiefs sign QB Chase Daniel

Chiefs sign TE Anthony Fasano

Chiefs sign CB Dunta Robinson

Chiefs cut OT Eric Winston

Chiefs re-sign WR Dwayne Bowe

Chiefs franchise OT Branden Albert

Chiefs re-sign P Dustin Colquitt

Chiefs acquire QB Alex Smith from 49ers

Chiefs cut WR Steve Breaston

Chiefs cut TE Kevin Boss

Chiefs sign S Husain Abdullah

Chiefs sign WR Mardy Gilyard

Chiefs sign DE/DT Marcus Dixon

Chiefs fire HC Romeo Crennel

Chiefs announce retirement of G Ryan Lilja

Team Needs:

Quarterback: Kansas City's No. 1 priority is to find a franchise quarterback. Unfortunately, this is the wrong year to have the top pick in the draft, as a new general manager would've had to reach for Geno Smith, Matt Barkley, Tyler Wilson or Mike Glennon. Trading for Nick Foles or Alex Smith are options. Traded for Alex Smith; signed Chase Daniel
Two Wide Receivers: This assumes Dwayne Bowe leaves via free agency and factors in Steve Breaston's release. Kansas City's new quarterback will need someone to throw to. The front office can nab someone like Justin Hunter atop the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Re-signed Dwayne Bowe; signed Donnie Avery and Mardy Gilyard
Right Tackle: Branden Albert was franchised, but Eric Winston got released. Albert could slide into the right tackle spot if the Chiefs draft Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher No. 1 overall. Franchised Branden Albert
Defensive End: Glenn Dorsey signed with the 49ers, but he wasn't a good fit for the 3-4 anyway. The Chiefs need to generate more pressure up front. Signed Mike DeVito and Marcus Dixon
Inside Linebacker: Kansas City needs to recover from the unfortunate Jovan Belcher tragedy. A new inside linebacker will be needed alongside Derrick Johnson. Signed Zac Diles and Akeem Jordan
Guard: Ryan Lilja has announced his retirement. The Chiefs cannot go with Jeff Allen as a starter again because he's been dreadful. Signed Geoff Schwartz
Cornerback: Javier Arenas has played well since Stanford Routt was unceremoniously released. He could stick as the starter across from Brandon Flowers, but the Chiefs will still need to find some depth. Signed Sean Smith and Dunta Robinson
Rush Linebacker: The Chiefs need depth behind Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. Signed Frank Zombo
Center: Kansas City didn't exactly have a great Plan B when Rodney Hudson went down with a season-ending injury. A reliable backup should be added.
Fullback: If Kansas City's new offensive coordinator plans on using a fullback, he'll have to find one this offseason. Traded for Anthony Sherman
Running Back: The Chiefs could use a power back to replace Peyton Hillis.

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Sean Smith, CB, Dolphins. Age: 26.
Signed with Chiefs (3 years)

Sean Smith started off the year on a strong note, but wasn't very good in the final couple of months. Still, he's a solid starting corner who deserves a nice contract.
Dunta Robinson, CB, Falcons. Age: 31.
Signed with Chiefs (3 years)

Dunta Robinson was due $8 million in 2013, so there was little doubt that he would be cut. Robinson plays the run well, but has been torched in coverage the past two seasons.
Anthony Fasano, TE, Dolphins. Age: 29.
Signed with Chiefs

Anthony Fasano is only a mediocre pass-catcher, but he's great as a blocker.
Mike DeVito, DE/DT, Jets. Age: 29.
Signed with Chiefs

Mike DeVito has been a key run-defender in New York's three-man front.
Donnie Avery, WR, Colts. Age: 29. -- Signed with Chiefs
Geoff Schwartz, G/OT, Vikings. Age: 27. -- Signed with Chiefs
Frank Zombo (RFA), DE/OLB, Packers. Age: 26. -- Signed with Chiefs
Akeem Jordan, OLB, Eagles. Age: 27. -- Signed with Chiefs
Zac Diles, ILB, Titans. Age: 28. -- Signed with Chiefs
Chase Daniel, QB, Saints. Age: 26. -- Signed with Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Dustin Colquitt, P, Chiefs. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Chiefs (5 years, $18.75 million; $8.9 million guaranteed)

Dustin Colquitt was 15th in net punting average, but no one aside from Arizona's Dave Zastudil placed more punts inside the opposing 20.
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Chiefs (5 years)

Dwayne Bowe is one of the most overrated players in the NFL. He consistently posts solid fantasy numbers, so people think he's better than he really is. The box score doesn't show that Bowe constantly drops passes and is responsible for interceptions. He's a very good No. 2 wideout, but he's too unreliable to be a top option.
Branden Albert, OT, Chiefs. Age: 28.
Franchised by Chiefs

Branden Albert's a solid left tackle when he's in the lineup - he surrendered just one sack in 11 starts this year - but his issue is that he suffers from chronic back spasms. He can't be counted on to play 16 games.
Eric Winston, OT, Chiefs. Age: 29.
Eric Winston's release is a strange one. He had a high number of penalties this past season, but played pretty well otherwise. He's a good zone-blocking lineman. Reuniting with the Texans and/or Matt Cassel makes the most sense.
Ryan Lilja, G, Chiefs. Age: 31.
Announced retirement

Ryan Lilja has been a tremendous run-blocker for the Chiefs. He also showed versatility, moving to center following Rodney Hudson's injury. Unfortunately, he couldn't get over a knee injury this season, and he has even contemplated retirement.
Glenn Dorsey, DT, Chiefs. Age: 28.
Signed with 49ers

Glenn Dorsey is a bust as the fifth-overall selection in 2008. He can stop the run when healthy, so he's serviceable in that regard. I'd also like to see what he can do in a 4-3, a system more suited toward his strengths.
Ropati Pitoitua (RFA), DE/DT, Chiefs. Age: 28.
Signed with Titans

Ropati Pitoitua has served as a solid rotational defensive lineman for the Chiefs. He's solid in run support and tallied two sacks in a game against the Chargers.
Peyton Hillis, RB, Chiefs. Age: 27.
Remember when Peyton Hillis was winning fantasy leagues and appearing on the cover of Madden? There's still time for him to rehab his career, but things aren't looking too optimistic. Worst-case scenario, he can still become a CIA agent.
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs. Age: 31.
Signed with Vikings

Matt Cassel has proven that he can take a team to the playoffs if he has terrific coaching and great personnel around him. Everything has to be perfect. But even then, he can't advance in the postseason because of his physical limitations. All Cassel should have been this whole time is a top-notch backup.
Abram Elam, FS, Chiefs. Age: 31.
Steve Breaston, WR, Chiefs. Age: 30.
Kevin Boss, TE, Chiefs. Age: 29.
Steve Maneri (RFA), TE, Chiefs. Age: 25. -- Signed with Bears
Brandon Siler, ILB, Chiefs. Age: 27.
Jake O'Connell, TE, Chiefs. Age: 27.
Russ Hochstein, G/C, Chiefs. Age: 35.
Brady Quinn, QB, Chiefs. Age: 28. -- Signed with Seahawks
Shaun Smith, NT, Chiefs. Age: 32.
Edgar Jones, DE/OLB, Chiefs. Age: 28. -- Re-signed with Chiefs
Travis Daniels, FS, Chiefs. Age: 30.
Andy Studebaker, DE/OLB, Chiefs. Age: 27.
Bryan Mattison, G, Chiefs. Age: 29. -- Re-signed with Chiefs
Martin Rucker, TE, Chiefs. Age: 28.

2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 17

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 16

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2013 NFL Offseason: Kansas City Chiefs Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents