AFC West Preview: How Each Team Got Better And Worse So Far
Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) reacts against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Texans 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs
NOTABLE LOSSES:
NOTABLE SIGNINGS
- Vance Walker
- Weston Dressler
- Joe McKnight
- Jeff Linkenbach
- Chris Owens
- Joe Mays
The Chiefs were in a tight spot when it came to cap space, so they had to be strategic in the moves they made during free agency. John Dorsey firmly believes in building his team through the draft, a philosophy that is known to create a longevity of success in the NFL.
HOW THEY GOT BETTER:
The Chiefs got better by signing Vance Walker, a player that provides over half the production of Tyson Jackson while only costing half the price. Vance Walker will turn out to be a great signing for the Chiefs, as he will now be teamed up with Dontari Poe and Mike DeVito making up one of the best run stopping defensive lines in the NFL. Adding Joe Mays to be Derrick Johnson‘s new partner in crime shouldn’t be so bad either. i mean c’mon, the guy hit Matt Schuab so hard that he lost part of his ear. I like having that on my team, especially with Schuab now playing for a division foe.
HOW THEY GOT WORSE:
There is no sugar coating it, the Chiefs will suffer at offensive line somewhat with the loss of three quality starters. The Chiefs are now forced to either stick with Rishaw Johnson at guard, or, draft someone in the later rounds to be his replacement. Also, Eric Fisher now slides over to left, his natural position, so we should expect somewhat of a learning curve. Good thing Alex Smith is one of the best quarterbacks at throwing under pressure, he might be running for his life again.
WHAT’S THEIR FIRST MOVE IN THE DRAFT:
Wide Receiver. The Chiefs desperately need a play-maker opposite Dwayne Bowe, and there are several viable options for them with the 23rd pick. Perhaps they surprise us with a defensive player if there is a guy from their big board that happens to fall, but other than that, no doubt they go receiver in the first round.