Chiefs Rookie Class Grades 2008

January 8, 2009 by bigknoxy
Filed under: KC Chiefs Football

I’m not going to lie, I had been thinking about doing this, but it ‘temporairily left my mind’.
But lucky for me Chris over at Arrowhead Pride gave out his grades for the Chiefs rookies recently so I thought I would give out mine as well… Let’s see who passed.
DT Glenn Dorsey

Glenn Dorsey does get a bad rap from some fans and media, but I wouldn’t believe everyting thing you hear. Dorsey may have not been disrupting backfields like he was at LSU, but he did lead all rookie D-linemen in tackles this season. Also, if you compare his production to the rookie years of other star DT’s (Warren Sapp, Albert Haynesworth) they are likely more similar than you think. Also, I blame some of this on the coaches; if you draft a DT who’s forte is penetration and making plays in the backfield then why are you trying to use him as someone to takes up bodies? I could be wrong but I think if you unleash Dorsey and let him do what does best then he will take up bodies anyway because teams will be forced to double team him. Sorry, kind of went on there…

Grade: B-

OT Branden Albert

The Chiefe offensive line went from worst in the NFL in 2007 to middle of the pack in 2008 and I believe that Albert was a big part of the reason why. Branden Albert was injuried at first, which was a little disapointing (esp for a guy that had ‘never been injuried before’) but you can’t hold that against him. If anything that just showed his work ethic and willingness to succed. This guy could be an All-Pro some day.

Grade: A

CB Brandon Flowers

This season Brandon Flowers showed why many anaylist had him pegged as first round talent He coverd big time WR’s and it didn’t phase him one bit. Also, it isn’t his fault the Chiefs didn’t have a pass rush this season.

Grade: A+

RB Jamaal Charles

Charles did have a few nagging injuries this season and overall I’d say he did okay this season. Honestly I would have liked to have seen a lot from him as a RB, esp. with LJ being out for a while, and as a return man ( I would have guessed that he would have taken at least one to the house this season). He did still average over 5 yards per attempt this season so I guess I can’t be mad at that.

Grade: C

CB Brandon Carr

Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers had very similar years and this tells me even more about Carr. This is a Diviions II corner who wasn’t affriad of life in the NFL one bit. He covered stud WR’s and didn’t blink an eye. Carr, in my opinion, did not quite play up to the same level as Flowers, but he wasn’t expected to. The fact the played up to that level says it all.

Grade: A

K Connor Barth

Barth made 10 of his 12 field goals this season for the Chiefs. I also believe that he had a touchback or two on kickoffs (something no other Chiefs kicker seemed to be able to to do). He was most consistent Chiefs kicker this season (not sure how much that says) but he did what was asked of him for the most part. 10/12 is 83.3334 % so that is what I will give him.

Grade: B

FB Mike Cox

It really is hard to judge a fullback. When we were running Herm’s offense at the begining of the year I saw Cox make some big blocks and some nice catches. I don’t remember his name being called by many people good or bad so I guess it would be safe to say that he did a decent job but didn’t stand out. Grade: C+

KR Kevin Robinson

K-Rob was the best returner in a Chiefs uniform this season. I’m not sure what the averages say, but if you watched that games you know what I am talking about. Then again being the best returner out of this group may not be saying a whole lot

Grade: B-

CB Maurice Leggett

Leggett really got a lot better as the season went on. He had two very big plays for the Chiefs this season(fumble return for TD and pick-6 against Denver) and was by far the best undrafted free agent pick of the season for the Chiefs. For this season he gets an A, hope he doens’t turn into another Brackenridge (and by that I mean cut the following season).

Grade: A

Incompletes: Will Franklin, DaJuan Morgan, Brad Cottam,Brian Johnston,Dantrell Savage

What do you guys think? Do you agree with the grades?
Please feel free to make your grades in the comment section below.

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Tags: Branden Albert, Brandon Carr, Brandon Flowers, Chiefs Rookie Class 2008, Chiefs Rookies Grades 2008, Connor Barth, Glenn Dorsey, Jamaal Charles, Kevin Robinson, Maurice Leggett, Mike Cox, Rookies

Comments

5 Comments on Chiefs Rookie Class Grades 2008

D on Thu, 8th Jan 2009 11:12 pm

A- Brad Cottam — He’s defintely been a nice addition to this team. He’s has shown great hands and takes more part in blocking than being offensive weaponary. Seriously though, how many times how you heard Brad whiffing a block. Silence of the lambs plays a part while playing o-line; Just ask Branden Albert.

Ed T. on Thu, 7th May 2009 9:58 pm

You gave Robinson a higher grade than Charles, you’re on crack dude, at least with that decision. Charles helped the Chiefs play the wildcat offense, which was the only thing that got them even a few yards/points last year. He can catch well (for a RB, yes he can, he quadrupled LJ’s receiving totals), he threw for a touchdown, and gives the Chiefs a speedy, versatile weapon at RB. He might not be a full time back, but he is at worst a minor weapon for the Chiefs offense. And not that it matters, but did you hear the way announcers that had never seen him play before react? All of them were impressed, you got this grade way wrong my friend.

Ed T.s last blog post..Science Fiction Notes and Thought Creates Reality

Tate on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 9:14 pm

Sorry buddy… Ed T is right… You do smoke crack. Jamaal Charles is probably a good B+ for his rookie year (considering they should have given him more oportunities to touch the ball). I’m sure he will be a good A++ this season.

vance f allen on Thu, 30th Jul 2009 1:12 pm

i think the chiefs made a great decision on picking maurice and they really have a good kid that will make great decisions “on and off the field”. as a kid he was groomed to understand that its not his athleletic side that will give him a shot at having a great future or a shot at his dream in the nfl but, by the way he carries himself “off the field”. also, he was taught at an early age to have and give respect to everyone as well as doing the same for “himself”. if he lives this way he will always have an open door with someone willing to give him a chance at “life”, not just football. being taught to play every play as though it was the last play of his life would more than give him his shot at the nfl level for many years to come and “someone” would recognize this and reward him with an opportuniy. i am not surprised by what appears to be early success for him at this point. i say this not because i know him but, because… “he is my son”.
kansas city fans, you have a player that really has a shot at being one of the best in the league “by far” for many years and i hope he remains with the chiefs going forward and helps the organization reach their goal of not just getting to the super bowl…….”BUT WIN IT!”