KC Chiefs: NFL.com Gives Rookie Class C+

The KC Chiefs were an average rookie class according to Bucky Brooks of NFL.com. Brooks rated every NFL team’s rookie class and gave the Chiefs a C+ for their 2014 draft picks.
I ranked each member of the rookie class after the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2014 season came to a close. For the most part, Brooks and I are on the same page. The Chiefs’ 2014 rookie class wasn’t phenomenal, but they certainly weren’t a terrible bunch either.
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"The Chiefs didn’t get immediate returns from top pick Dee Ford, but the pass rusher was selected as an insurance policy for the possible departure of Justin Houston (and/or potential cap casualty Tamba Hali) following the 2014 season. Although the rookie pass rusher didn’t crack the rotation, he is poised to make an impact when called upon. De’Anthony Thomas gave the Chiefs a dynamic multipurpose weapon on offense and provided a few explosive plays in the return game. Defensive back Phillip Gaines earned significant snaps down the stretch; he should be in the mix for a prime role as a second-year pro. Lastly, John Dorsey and Andy Reid also plucked a starting kicker from the undrafted free agent market (Cairo Santos).– Brooks"
Brooks forgot about Albert Wilson, the undrafted free agent out of Georgia State, who was one of Kansas City’s most reliable receivers in 2014. Wilson, along with Gaines, Thomas, Fulton, and Santos were the best rookies from last season.
While a surprising first round pick, Dee Ford will come in handy for the Chiefs further on down the road once the future of Tamba Hali has been decided. Phillip Gaines looked pretty solid, both on special teams and as a starting cornerback. De’Anthony Thomas played a vital role on special teams and Zach Fulton was a steal for a sixth round pick and will hopefully help Kansas City for years to come.
Aaron Murray and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif didn’t play a single snap all season, but they will hopefully be able to contribute to the team within the next few years. More than likely, Murray will become the backup should Chase Daniel find himself with another team in 2015.
Cairo Santos kicked poorly at the beginning of the season, but went on to show he had quite the leg. He was able to kick a 48 yard field goal with 21 seconds left to clinch the game for the Chiefs in their first match up against the San Diego Chargers. Santos was also able to kick a 53 yarder against the St. Louis Rams. He struggled again towards the end of the season, but overall, I would say Cairo Santos was worth cutting Ryan Succop for.
As for what’s next for the KC Chiefs, Bucky Brooks had this to say,
"The Chiefs desperately need a standout receiver to take their offense to the next level. With Dwayne Bowe failing to post big numbers as the WR1 in Reid’s offense, Kansas City could take extended looks at Louisville’s DeVante Parker, West Virginia’s Kevin White, Michigan’s Devin Funchess and Missouri/Oklahoma product Dorial Green-Beckham. The team also could look to add some complementary playmakers on the outside, possibly leading to extensive conversations with Auburn’s Sammie Coates, USC’s Nelson Agholor and Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong."
Hard to argue with that. The Kansas City Chiefs need a wide receiver and this draft will be full of some solid ones. There is absolutely no excuse for John Dorsey to pass up on a good receiver for the second year in a row.
Overall though, this rookie class was fun to watch! Hopefully they progress and become even better players in 2014.
Next: KC Chiefs Focus On Offense In 2015 Draft
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