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Insider Forum with Josh Looney - Talk it up!

CHIEFS KEEP PRACTICE SQUAD FAMILIAR
September 6th – 6:45 PM

The Chiefs announced a seven-man practice squad this evening, leaving one spot remaining to fill out the club’s eight-man list.

Rather than go looking for talent elsewhere, the Chiefs kept it familiar by signing six rookies and one first-year player who had been part of the team’s preseason roster. The practice squad consists of the following players.

• CB Jackie Bates
• TE Tom Crabtree
• DE Dion Gales
• G Darryl Harris
• RB Javarris Williams
• WR Rodney Wright

Wright is the most intriguing name on the list, leaving the possibility open for the former arena league star to return punts for the Chiefs at some point this season.

Connecting the dots, one would think that the final spot is being held for Richardson should he clear waivers.

CHIEFS MAKE O-LINE SWAP, BUILDING PRACTICE SQUAD
September 6th – 6:14 PM

The newest member of the Chiefs offensive line is former Patriots OL Ryan O’Callaghan. The Chiefs were able to claim O’Callaghan off waivers after he was released by New England.

O’Callaghan played in 26 games with seven starts for the Patriots over three seasons with the club (2006-08). He was a former fifth-round pick in 2006. In 2007, O’Callaghan played in a career-high 15 games and made his lone start of the season in at right tackle in the Patriots’ 38-35 win over the New York Giants on Dec. 29 - the final victory in the Patriots’ 16-0 regular season. As a rookie in 2006, O’Callaghan started a career-high six games at right tackle.

O’Callaghan becomes an immediate candidate to start at right tackle. The Chiefs released Barry Richardson to complete the transaction, keeping the Chiefs with an offensive line count at eight.

The team’s practice squad is nearing completion. Stay tuned.

ALL-TIME CHIEFS PRACTICE SQUAD
September 6th – 2:30 PM

Speaking of practice squad’s, here is my top 10 players to ever appear on the Chiefs practice squad. Keep in mind that practice squads came into being in 1989. The only rule required for listing is that the player played in at least one regular season game with the Chiefs.

The Top 10, ordered by year…

• RB Todd McNair (PS - 1989) - Played in 90 games (eight starts) with the Chiefs from 1989-93, 1996. Finished NFL career with 147 carries for 803 yards (5.5 avg.) and three TDs.
• WR J.J. Birden (PS - 1990) - Appeared in 77 games (42 starts) with the Chiefs from 1990-94. Finished NFL career with 244 receptions for 3,441 yards (14.1 avg.) and 17 TDs.
• WR Willie Davis (PS - 1990, 1991) - Now a scout with the Chiefs, Davis played in 63 games (58 starts) from 1991-95. He finished his NFL career with 286 catches for 4,503 yards (15.7 avg.) and 33 TDs.
• LB Tracy Simien (PS - 1990) - A mainstay at linebacker in the Chiefs defensive dominance of the 1990’s, Simien saw duty in 99 games (84 starts) from 1991-97 with the Chiefs. He concluded his NFL career with 512 tackles, 5.0 sacks (-12.0 yards), five INTs, 11 passes defensed and eight fumble recoveries.
• CB Anothny Parker (PS - 1991) - Chiefs fans probably don’t remember Parker. He only appeared in two games with the Chiefs in 1992. But following the 1992 campaign Parker went on to play another seven years with Minnesota, St. Louis and Tampa Bay. He finished his NFL career with 104 games played (68 starts), 363 tackles, 2.0 sacks (-15.0 yards), 15 INTs for four TDs, 63 passes defensed, one forced fumble and eight fumble recoveries.
  
• DE Pellom McDaniels (PS - 1992) - The big man from Oregon State played in 74 games (14 starts) with the Chiefs from 1993-98. He finished his NFL career with 94 tackles, 7.5 sacks (-52.5 avg.), seven passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
• WR Danan Hughes (PS - 1993) - Making his mark on special teams and as a reserve receiver, Hughes was with the club for 85 games (three starts) from 1993-98. He caught 46 balls for 425 yards (9.2 avg.) and four TDs during his career.
• C/G Tom Barndt (PS - 1995) - The former Pittsburgh Panther played in 61 games (30 starts) from 1996-99 with Kansas City.
  
• S Shaunard Harts (PS - 2001) - A very serviceable defensive back, Hart played in 51 games (17 starts) with the Chiefs from 2001-04. Harts ended his career with 140 tackles, 2.0 sacks (-13.0 yards), two INTs, seven passes defensed, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
• WR Chris Horn (PS - 2003) - The small-school underdog from Rocky Mountain College played in 28 games (three starts) with the Chiefs from 2003-05. Horn became a likable player among fans, catching 33 balls for 365 yards (11.1 avg.) and one TD.
  

A DAY FOR INVESTING
September 6th – 1:24 PM

Diversified portfolios are key to continued success in the financial world. The same can be said for an NFL team. Today, the Chiefs will be looking to invest in both short-term and long-term assets for the betterment of the franchise.

Both are important. There are a number of “big name” short-term investments available for purchase. Players like T Tony Pashos (JAX), LB Paris Lenon (NE), G Kynan Forney (SD) and WR David Patten (CLE) are just a few recognizable names ready to call a new place home this weekend.

Whether the Chiefs have any interest in the above names is to be determined, but it’s a near certainty that the Chiefs will claim a few players today to fill immediate needs - similar to how a college team adds two-year juco players. But what gets lost when big-name veterans come available is the importance of the not-so-recognizable long-term talent available.

NFL teams were allowed to start designating an eight-man practice squad today at 11:00 AM. There will likely be a few Chiefs released yesterday who return to the development team, but expect the Chiefs to fill their practice squad with plenty of young players off other franchise rosters. It’s almost as if today is a supplementary draft across the league.

Here are a few notable players currently on the Chiefs 53-man roster who have done duty on an NFL practice squad during their career.

• RB Jackie Battle - Kansas City practice squad 2007, 2008
• WR Terrance Copper - Dallas practice squad 2004
• DE Wallace Gilberry - N.Y. Giants practice squad 2008
• QB Matt Gutierrez - New England practice squad 2008
  
• LB Corey Mays - New England practice squad 2006, 2007
• T Ikechuku Ndukwe - New Orleans practice squad 2005; WAS 2005, 2006; BAL 2006, 2007; MIA 2007
  
• TE Sean Ryan - Dallas practice squad 2004
• RB Dantrell Savage - Kansas City practice squad 2008
• LB Andy Studebaker - Philadelphia practice squad 2008

CUTS GAIN PLENTY OF ATTENTION
September 5th – 8:39 PM

First off, an amazing turnout by Chiefs fans in the live blog this evening. There is definitely a genuine interest in the future of this football team and new administration. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

An interesting start to cuts to say the least. I say start, because more are likely to come as the Chiefs swap out a few more players via the waiver wire tomorrow. Without further adieu, here is a summary of the Chiefs cuts.

• S Bernard Pollard was let go after joining the Chiefs as a second-round pick in 2006. He appeared in 48 games, making 31 starts for the Chiefs. To me, this one boils down to scheme. Pollard’s release is a shocker given his history with the organization, but we all have to forget that line of thinking. Arrowhead has new leadership that possesses a much different vision than their predecessors. Pollard obviously doesn’t fit that vision. Multiple reports surfaced last night that the Chiefs were shopping Pollard. Obviously a deal wasn’t reached and the Chiefs decided that it was still best to move on.
• LB Zach Thomas was brought in to add experience and leadership to the Chiefs defense. That experiment never got past the beginning stages when Thomas went down early in training camp. He hadn’t practiced in nearly a month. Even though his stint in Kansas City was short, I believe Thomas had a positive impact on Kansas City’s young linebackers (rookie free agents Jovan Belcher and Pierre Walters both made the team, while 25-year old Corey Mays stepped up with a big camp). It looks as if Mays has earned himself more than a cameo role on this defense.
• WR Ashley Lelie made quite a push after joining the Chiefs midway through training camp. He displayed the ability to get deep in game action, turning in the Chiefs longest reception of the preseason at St. Louis (43 yards). The season-ending injury to WR Devard Darling appeared to improve Lelie’s chances to make the squad, but it didn’t work out as KC choose the younger speedster in sixth-round pick Quinten Lawrence as their fastest wideout.
• RB Javarris Williams was the only 2009 draftee not to make the team (G Colin Brown was placed on IR). RB Dantrell Savage’s return ability and electric finish to camp was likely the factor that pushed Williams out of the running backs race. Even though the Chiefs have four RBs on the roster, Williams is likely a candidate for the practice squad.
• WR Rodney Wright was a fun player to watch in River Falls. The former arena player seemed to come up with a big play nearly every day in Wisconsin. Wright likely needed to seize control of the punt return duties in order to make the team. He finished the preseason with the best punt return numbers (three for 17 yards, 5.7 avg.), but it wasn’t quite enough to seal a roster spot.
• DT Derek Lokey went down with an injury at St. Louis. He had previously been working as the third nose tackle behind Tank Tyler and Ron Edwards. The Texas product spent 15 weeks on the Chiefs practice squad in 2008 before being promoted to the active roster for the final game of the season. He originally joined the Chiefs as a rookie free agent last year.
  
• G Colin Brown was placed on injured reserve. The Chiefs 2009 fifth-round pick did not play in the final preseason game at St. Louis.
• The Chiefs remaining cuts were all long shots to make the team as they were undrafted rookies. Rookie free agents CB Jackie Bates, TE Tom Crabtree, DE Dion Gales, DE Bobby Greenwood, G Darryl Harris, WR Taurus Johnson and S Ricky Price were all let go. Two rookie free agents did make the team - LBs Jovan Belcher and Pierre Thomas.

You might be shocked at a name or two on the above list, but what would be more shocking would be if the Chiefs stay pat and aren’t active claiming waivers tomorrow. Let’s look at each position and see where the Chiefs needs lay.

• Quarterback (4 - Cassel, Croyle, Thigpen, Gutierrez) - There was plenty of fan talk this preseason when Todd Haley indicated that the Chiefs could potentially only keep two quarterbacks. Turns out they kept double that number. Keeping four QBs is all about Cassel’s injury situation. Expect the Chiefs to make a move in this position group when Cassel is healthy (or before).
• Running Back (5 - Johnson, Charles, Battle, Savage, Cox) - It looks like Savage did enough to earn the team’s final running back post. Savage and Battle will factor into the special teams game, while Johnson and Charles appear to be the primary ball carriers. Cox is the lone fullback on the roster. This group could see some small change in the coming days, but it’s conceivable that this position stays as-is heading to Baltimore.
• Wide Receiver (5 - Bowe, Copper, Bradley, Engram, Lawrence) - Lots of competition here for the Chiefs number two receiver opposite Bowe. Copper and Lawrence will both play major roles on special teams. An interesting group to watch heading into the waiver wire.
  
• Tight End (3 - Ryan, Cottam, O’Connell) - This group currently has two active players as rookie Jake O’Connell has not practiced recently due to injury. It was unclear whether the Chiefs would put an injury-tag on O’Connell today. This position group could be one to watch over the next 24 hours.
• Offensive Line (8 - Albert, Waters, Niswanger, Goff, Ndukwe, Smith, Richardson, Alleman) -Nudukwe, Smith and Alleman can each play different positions in the trenches, giving the Chiefs versatility in their linemen. Still, eight is a bit light number-wise when it comes to depth. I’d expect the Chiefs to trade out somewhere else and add a body here to bring the total up to nine.
• Defensive Line (6 - Jackson, Tyler, Dorsey, Gilberry, Edwards, Magee) - This is a position group that looked to be set on it’s six before DE Alfonso Boone was released earlier this week. Boone’s departure left the door open for someone to claim a spot and Wallace Gilberry appears to be that player. Here is a position group loaded with young talent, highlighted by two top-five draft picks at the end posts.
• Linebackers (10 - Vrabel, Williams, Mays, Hali, Studebaker, Beisel, McBride, Johnson, Belcher, Walters) - The initial thought on this group is that the numbers are heavy by one or two players. Haley praised the special teams abilities of Jovan Belcher and Pierre Walters earlier this preseason and certainly had to play a factor in the Chiefs keeping 10. An encouraging sign to see each of the three former defensive ends make the team - Hali, Studebaker and McBride. Will the Chiefs still have 10 backers when they take the field at Baltimore? I can see it, but Monty Beisel provides versatility that could give the Chiefs some wiggle-room here.
• Cornerbacks - (5 - Flowers, Carr, Leggett, Washington, Colclough) - This position boiled down to who would claim the fifth position (or if the Chiefs would only keep four corners). After Travis Daniels and Londen Fryar were released yesterday, it became a two-man battle between Ricardo Colclough and Jackie Bates. Colclough was a pick-machine in camp and earned the roster spot. This may be one of the most talented cornerback groups in the league relative to age.
• Safety (4 - Brown, Page, McGraw, Morgan) - The breakout game from Dajuan Morgan in St. Louis left many Chiefs fans wondering if his late push was enough to make the team. Indeed it was. With Pollard out of the picture, it leaves Morgan with another challenge as he pushes Mike Brown for the starting strong safety spot.
• Specialists (3 - Colquitt, Succop, Gafford) - Simple looking at history, the odds are not very good for “Mr. Irrelevant” to make a football team. With the exception of a brief hiccup vs. Seattle, Succop has been nearly-perfect this preseason. He has connected on seven-of-nine FG attempts and displayed a big leg, reaching the end zone on nearly every kickoff. Colquitt is among the best the franchise has had at the punting position. Gafford rounds out the teams unit after being released and re-signed earlier this training camp. Will he have staying power for the long-haul going forward. It’s apparent Gafford is doing everything he can to be an asset for this team, even practicing as an emergency tight end.

So there they are Chiefs fans…your 53. Make sure to write them down in pencil and check back tomorrow.

CHIEFS ANNOUNCE CUTS AT DEADLINE
September 5th – 5:55 PM

The Chiefs were one of the NFL’s final teams to announce roster cuts this afternoon. The Chiefs cut 13 players and designated one to injury to trim their roster down to 53 players.

Released…

CB Jackie Bates

TE Tom Crabree

DE Dion Gales

DE Bobby Greenwood

G Darryl Harris

WR Taurus Johnson

WR Ashley Lelie

DT Derek Lokey

S Bernard Pollard

S Ricky Price

LB Zach Thomas

RB Javarris Williams

WR Rodney Wright

Placed on IR…

G Colin Brown

Have immediate thoughts? Talk about it live from 5-6 PM above!

Expect more moves to come tomorrow via the waiver wire.

KEY TO CUTS IS SCHEME, NOT NAME
September 5th – 3:09 PM

When the Chiefs unveil the first version of their 2009 53-man roster (and let me emphasize the word FIRST) sometime within the next two hours, keep in mind that 2009 is not 2008. There will be names left off the list that will surprise fans, big names perhaps.

Many players that Chiefs fans have become familiar with over recent year were brought to Kansas City to run different offensive and defensive schemes. Football talent is indeed football talent, but the way a player fits into an offensive or defensive scheme may be the most important factor in determining the 53-man roster. Good 4-3 players don’t always make good 3-4 players, and vice-a-versa.

Keep in perspective that scheme is important, very important. I’ve got my 53-man roster filled out and I’m sure you do too. Let’s talk about it at 5:00.

BLOG GOES LIVE AT 5:00 PM
September 5th – 11:36 AM

The clock is ticking towards the NFL roster deadline. The Chiefs will announce their transactions in the coming hours. Be sure to come back to this blog from 5-6 PM and chat live about today’s moves using CoverITLive.

WHEELING AND DEALING
September 5th – 7:45 AM

Don’t blink this weekend, you might miss something. After making 13 roster moves (11 cuts and 2 injury designations) this week, the Chiefs still need to come up with 14 more moves today in order to meet the NFL’s 5:00 PM CST deadline for 53-man rosters. It’s all but guaranteed that those 14 moves won’t all consist of the same transaction type.

Sure, the majority of the moves will involve players getting cut, but don’t rule out trades, injury designations or settlements. A number of things can take place, with each transaction leading to a different conclusion. Dominoes will fall, but the direction is anything but determined. Oh, and just when the smoke has cleared “Waiver Wire Sunday” is right around the corner.

Today is a day all about the numbers game. Below are the essentials for any Chiefs fan heading into “Cut-Down Saturday.”

The following two tables represent how many players at each position the Patriots (Pioli), Cardinals (Haley) and Chiefs kept over the two seasons. The third table lists the amount of players remaining on Kansas City’s roster, by position. Keep in mind that there are a few players who could factor into injury designations – LB Zach Thomas, TE Jake O’Connell and DT Derek Lokey (WR Devard Darling and RB Kolby Smith do not factor into the below list).

Trying to fit names with numbers? Below is who currently remains at each position. Choose your 53 wisely.