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If and when a team wants to accomplish something great and outstanding, usually contributions come from unheralded contributors and from areas completely unexpected. This seasons Chiefs team has been no exception, with high level contributions coming, in some aspects, from players fans were unaware was even on the roster.
Credit must be given not only to John Dorsey but also Director of Player Personnel Chris Ballard. Not only are many of the players unknown to fans, but many players contributing were deemed not good enough by other, possibly lesser teams and organizations. This organization appears to have a knack for knowing what players could possibly fit and be a piece, and possibly what players are not. Lets explore some of those names.
Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Terrance Mitchell (39) celebrates after breaking up a fourth-down pass in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Terrance Mitchell, corner
Drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Mitchell has become quite the expert on the inner workings of the NFL waiver wire. A well thought of prospect entering the draft process out of Oregon, Mitchell had quiet a bizarre combine, posting a mind numbing slow 4.63 40-yard dash all the while posting the fastest 3-cone drill at the combine for a corner, posting a 6.57. The dash time is what took Mitchell from the initial projections of middle rounds to nearly the last pick in the draft, at 254.
Mitchell, after being released by the Cowboys at the cut down in 2014, signed with the Chicago Bears on the practices squad, and would not appear in a game with the Bears in 2014, but would appear in five games with the Bears in 2015 before being released in November, and would be signed by the Cowboys to finish out the season.
In June, Mitchell was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans and would stay with them only through the off season activities before being let go on September 3. He would sign with the Chiefs on September 6 to their practice squad.
Since joining the Chiefs, Mitchell has helped both on special teams and especially on defense as of late. In his most recent two games, Mitchell has shown no fear going up against solid receivers, especially the work he did against the Raiders. Included in that is the pass breakup that basically sealed the victory for the Chiefs against the Raiders on the jump ball. While it’s doubtful Mitchell is ever going to develop into a star, if he’s able to continue to develop his skills, could be a valuable find and asset for the Chiefs going forward in a young but talented secondary.
Nov 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Kendall Reyes (98) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Kendall Reyes, Defensive End
Signed by the Chiefs on October 18th after being released by the Washington Redskins on October 5th, Reyes has provided invaluable depth along the defensive line after the injuries to both Jaye Howard and Allen Bailey.
Originally a second round selection of the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 draft, Reyes had signed a one year contract with Washington this past off season before being released. Kansas City certainly appreciates the fact he was let go as he’s really helped to, if not solidify, at least lessen the loss of two starters along the defensive front.
Reyes was signed to take the roster spot of Nick Williams, whom had been with the Chiefs since the end of the 2014 season. Williams, who is now with the Dolphins, was signed off the Steelers practice squad when Eric Berry was diagnosed with cancer, is yet to truly record a statistic with the Dolphins, while Reyes has recorded a sack, multiple tackles in recent games and, has been stated before, has been a valuable member of the rotation along the defensive line.
Much like was stated before with Terrence Mitchell, Reyes is proving to be a valuable piece on this defense and someone who may be able to stay in Kansas City past this season.
Aug 28, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle T.J. Barnes (79) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
T.J. Barnes, Defensive Tackle
While Barnes contributions have been limited to a certain degree on the field, his story and background is the story of perseverance and hope. Entering the NFL in 2013 as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and would spend a portion of the season on their practice squad, and would also spend time that season on the practice squad with the Jets in 2014 and 2015. Barnes would also spend a portion of the 2015 season with the Bills, and spent this previous off season with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the Chiefs practice squad in October and later being promoted the active roster this December.
The reason to keep an eye on Barnes is that with current starting nose tackle Dontari Poe set to be a free agent, Barnes at 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, could be a depth piece along the defensive line, especially on the nose, if Poe does leave. It certainly says something that while teams like the Jets, Bills and Jaguars moved on from Barnes, he appears, at least for the rest of the season, has found a home here in Kansas City, a team vying and trying to make a deep playoff and possible Super Bowl run.
Nov 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (99) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncosat Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Practice squad steps up
Quick, can you name what Ramik Wilson, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Terrence Mitchell and TJ Barnes all have in common? If you guessed that they all started their tenure of this season with the Chiefs on the practice squad, you would be correct.
Wilson and Nunez-Roches (apparently known as Nacho by his teammates) both former draft picks and both started this season on the practice squad after looking, well, not good in either the preseason or last season or a combination of both. Now, both appear to have found talent they didn’t know they had, and are making an impact.
Wilson, especially now with the loss of Derrick Johnson, will be asked to shore up a run defense that, if we’re being honest, hasn’t been very good in awhile. He showed himself very well in the Chiefs game, making some key stops and, at a very minimum, not looking lost in pass coverage, something we were unable to say last season or this preseason.
‘Nacho’ just may be the most improved player on the team from last season all things considered. A player that at times the past two seasons looked flat lost and just not good enough to be on the roster from when he was drafted in 2015, Nunez-Roches appears to be a player the Chiefs can hope to contribute in their defensive rotation for years to come, and with salary cap concerns along the defensive front upcoming in the seasons to come, his emergence has been a godsend. He is playing inspired, solid football.
Mitchell and Barnes we covered earlier, but their ability to make plays, and at a very minimum hold their own in the rotation has allowed the Chiefs to weather their issues with injuries and maintain a foothold on a top spot in the AFC.
Draft Profile
From this point until we get closer to the draft, I will profile a player, perhaps out of view as a top prospect but someone who could fit the Chiefs. This week, we’ll look at Jaleel Johnson, defensive tackle from Iowa.
Jaleel Johnson, Defensive Tackle, Iowa (6-foot-3 / 310 pounds)
Positives:
Big, physical defensive tackle
Strong at the point of attack
Has lined over both guard and center in college
Displays an ability to push the pocket
Has played against high level competition in big games
When he’s on, very physical and strong along the interior
Is attending the Senior Bowl
Weaknesses:
Limited athleticism
Not overly explosive
Lateral quickness not a strength
In-between weight, could use to add more lower body weight to play the nose
Hand placement/ usage needs to be more consistent
Summary:
Johnson’s draft status varies based on what scout sees what. Johnson flashes more then he consistently performs. Big bodies are in short supply and may get over drafted to that end. Similar body measurements to 2015 second-round pick Chris Jones, but play style very different. Likely needs to add lower body weight/girth to play a true nose position. Johnson, at least in my opinion, is a pure interior defensive lineman that with development could add interior pass rush along with run defense
Likely draft round:
Mid-third to early-fifth round depending on how he does during the draft process.
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