David Bell
I am not going to write about free agents that I believe will have big roles, such as Jerry Tillery, for example. DT Tillery was an excellent acquisition, but that is not the point of my address, other than to talk for a bit of Jalon Moore for example, plus Josh Simmons – LOT Ohio State: He will be a big success –> but KC should not rush it.
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Nov 11, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; OSU Head Coach Ryan Day cheers Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons (71) as he returns to the bench during the NCAA football game against Michigan State University at Ohio Stadium. / Brooke LaValley/ Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Chiefs have Jaylon Moore as the LOT starter for now. Simmons will fit even if he has to sit and wait and get completely healed before he hits the playing field. Andy should refrain from moving too quickly to get Simmons into the lineup. Heal him up perfectly is the safe watchword. We have already delved into Simmons and most have made their own decision about him.
Myself? Besides the injury and rehab, rumors have arisen about Simmons’ character. I am going to discount this and besides, the Chiefs have the coaching staff who will smooth out rough edges and immaturity. What I see is a Superstar down the road: — > article here:
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What Simmons brings to the table can be seen, here: –>
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Omarr Norman-Lott is a DT from the University of Tennessee. This is another player that many question but I don’t. He fits the Spags and Cullen profile. From what I see on film, ON-L will be a hit. I also like the fact that he is a UTenn Alumni. He will be a success and make the active roster quickly.
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Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott (55) celebrating after a play during gthe NCAA college football game against Kent State Sept. 14, 2024 in Knoxville Tenn. Angelina Alcantar/New Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK Via Imagn Images
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As anyone digging into ON-L, his questions of “Lenth” are immediately a consideration as well as his bottom end strength. But the thing that is notable for me is how quick his feet are. I also buy into to the UTenn program and firmly believe he will fit into the starting roster.
Ashton Gillotte – Edge Louisville: Again there are questions though it's primarily about Length. All my other boxes are checked as positives. If I take a look at what he does, he fits well within all other categories. I see the fit for the Spags/Cullen defense. Gillotte may not be the perfect size fit but he will earn his stripes as time goes along. The thing I like about Ashton is his agility. Sure we have Chris Jones and Charles Omenihu for example, and also Mike Danna. From the film I see, he will fit nicely into the early rotation as an Edge player. Seth Keysor mentioned Melvin Ingram as an example – I could see that match in a heart beat. Gillotte checks all the boxes, save his height.here is his RAS:
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Jalen Royals – WR Utah St: I pump up the credentials for Josh Simmons but Jalen
Royals is my idea of a success out of the boat. He can play an inside or outside role but has typically been a WR on the outside. That tells me, based on his success at the NCAA level(despite the injury), he will fit well with the WR corps–especially as a WR who garners YAC. I don’t think it will take a lot of time to get on the board. As I understand it, he is a quick study and that bodes well for Patrick Mahomes who will number Worthy, Rice, and Brown for a triumvirate of WRs.
Add in JuJu Smith-Schuster and then add in Royals, I think the Chiefs are onto a big Success Group for the WR group. If Royals fits the quickness in ascent as has Rice and Worthy, which I believe he will achieve, the WR group could end up being outstanding in 2025. I believe that Royals will quickly see his snaps as the season moves forward, in a similar manner to Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. It should not be surprising if Royals has a gradual introduction to the pro gridiron once the season kicks off. After all, the Chiefs tend to escalate their rookie playmakers’ playing time as the season goes on.
For example, Rice emerged about halfway through the season, and Worthy was used sparingly for several games but his speed made his import grow by leaps and bounds.Brett Veach traded up to obtain Royals with pick #133. Royals was their prime WR target… he was out of Utah State and was as slippery as a receiver and his yards after Catch could be. He was outstanding. I am betting that the Chiefs have found another WR target for Mahomes in the same genre as Rice as Worthy. Here is an article about Royals:
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“Did the Chiefs Draft Another Star Receiver?”
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Nohl Williams – CB, California: I really like Williams.
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Nov. 23, 2024, Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Nohl Williams (3) warms up before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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He doesn’t possess all the physical attributes one wants to see in a CB but as one of our members points out, he would be a fit as a Safety. Williams knows how to ball hawk, and is a very intelligent player. His speed is nothing to brag about, which makes him a good fit for the Safety role. Are there things that are a detriment? Sure, Leaping and broad jump(explosiveness) is lacking. I’d rather have a smart player in the mix. I think Williams is the type who could emerge as a Free Safety quickly. It would be great to see Williams emerge as a Safety because he is a thief as a defender and I predict that the same skill set emerges for Williams in 2025. Watching a bit of film reiterates why I think Williams will be a success. See it here:
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Jeffery Bassa – LB Washington State: Bassa was KC’s 5th round draft pick and will be a special teamer to begin with. I think this player makes the PS cut at least; Converted DB with speed can be a killer, presuming he pulls it off. I am optimistic about his chances. I think it will be difficult for Bassa to make it as a LB with the existing players on the Roster but special teams will see him find a role quickly. Bassa shows quickness and great anticipation. In the limited view that I have of him, he looks to be a keeper…
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Brashard Smith – RB SMU: Smith is an interesting case: He rushed for 1332 yards last year. He has hands and has breakout speed. As a receiver he is a jack of all trades in other words which does do my heart good. I think he will fit into to the RB rotation easily: Pacheco, Mitchell, Hunt and now Smith. I am not sure how Carlson Steele works into that mix- it will be interesting to see how this works out. I feel pretty confident that Smith will indeed part of the RB group. Obviously Veach traded picks to go get him for a reason. Smith has the ability to slip into the role of an early down RB who can slip into holes and make big plays. I Like that a lo plus he has good hands and is illusive as a receiver. Blocking? he is serviceable but he is not a big RB, so I will have to wait and see. As for my view? He is the last draft pick and if he can do what is anticipated, he will be a great addition to the RB corps. When I take a moment to consider what video is available about Smith, it whets the appetite. I am an SMU Fan!
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MSN – Brashard Smith Signs Rookie Deal With Kansas City
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There is an article about Brashard Smith on SI: read it and tell me what you think:
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Chiefs’ RB Smith Was Worth Trading Up For in Draft
Aside –> A Big Question: Will the Chiefs open vs the Chargers at Sao Paulo, Brazil? It’s all over it seems except for making it official: KC will play the Chargers in Brazil.
Among the UDFAs who is going to likely to make at least the PS? Here is my guess is:
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Jake Briningstool – TE Clemson*
Elijah Badger WR – FL.
Will Brooks – S – U.Tenn.
Brandon George – LB Pittsburgh*
Coziah Izzard – DT Penn State*
Esa Pole – OT – Washington State*
Melvin Smith – CB -So Ark*
Perhaps Mac Delana – WR Fresno St
Jimmy Halliday – WR – La Tech
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The UDFAs make an interest study to say the least. It will be fun to follow along and see who makes it and who is left standing in the dust. Asterisks are my own…. I have watched tape on this players and I am at the very least, highly interested in what they can provide.
I also think there are veterans who could well loose their jobs due to the influx of quality UDFAs.
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David Bell — OneArrowheadWay
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