If there was a bright spot to take from last Friday’s 20-10 exhibition loss to Atlanta it had to be the performance of the rookie corps. The problem with that is that it just highlights the lack of production the Chiefs received from the year one draft of general Manager Scott Pioli.
Players up and down the 2010 draft class performed admirably in their first game action. Standouts included Dexter McCluster, Javier Arenas and Kendrick Lewis. Each provided glimpses of players who could be significant contributors to the club in their first season. Top draft choice Eric Berry played as expected as well. The real questions come from the veterans.
Will last year’s top pick, Tyson Jackson, start playing like one? For that matter, will 2008 top pick Glenn Dorsey, join him by playing up to expectations? Can QB Matt Cassel make significant progress in his second season? He’s yet to prove he’s got a firm grasp on playing the position.
McCluster, Arenas and Lewis bring something to the Chiefs they haven’t had, speed. Pioli and coach Todd Haley have said the Chiefs have to get faster. They’ve done that and that should make them a better squad this fall. But the NFL is won in the trenches and KC has still yet to prove they can compete on the line of scrimmage, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
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