Atlanta Falcons phenom QB Matt Ryan has a brand new toy:

The Chiefs announced Thursday that they have traded the 10-time Pro Bowl tight end to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

"On behalf of my family and the Chiefs, I want to thank Tony for his time in Kansas City," Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement released by the team. "Over the last 12 seasons, Tony has been one of the finest players in Chiefs history, and he will always be remembered as a member of the Chiefs. His play on the field speaks for itself -– he holds almost every major NFL record for tight ends, and he is arguably the best to ever play his position. We wish him the best in Atlanta."

The trade gives Atlanta a pick in next year's draft, and while some might think the Kansas City Chiefs should have gotten something in this year's draft, the truth of the matter is KC is lucky they got anything for Gonzalez. He's 33 years old, and while he is not limping out there, he is clearly in the twilight of his career. Teams do not trade first day picks days before the draft for 33 year old TEs.

How does this affect Atlanta and KC this weekend?

Well, the Chiefs could try and grab TE Jared Cook in round three, maybe. It's doubtful Cook will fall that far. Another possible second day TE option is Rice's James Casey. KC has no second round pick because of the Matt Cassel trade with New England.

Meanwhile, the Falcons can likely shift away from possibly taking a receiver in rounds one or two and focus more on filling their needs at pass rusher and safety.

 2008 Draft:

1 (4) Darren McFadden, RB  STARTER
	No one doubts his talent, but better backs have faltered with fewer problems.  McFadden spent he season never quite getting on track with various injuries, including the dreaded turftoe, which is the bane of speedsters everywhere.  He will likely benefit from the new coaching regime in Oakland, and is a huge part of helping QB Russell develop.
4 (100) Tyvon Branch, CB  STARTER
	Multiple injuries put the kid on reserve, but in his short time starting, he made Michael Huff expendable.  A key component going forward.
4 (125) Arman Shields, WR  Backup
	After missing most of offseason practices with a bum knee, he was finally IRed and missed the entire season.  He'll get a chance to prove himself all over again in 09.
6 (169) Trevor Scott, DE  Backup
	As a rotational starter this late pick showed the kind of workethic that could elevate him to a star.  WIth 5 sacks in only limited reps he looks to be a key piece moving forward, but his slight frame and lower weight than ideal for the position may cap his ceiling at exceptional backup, or roleplayer.
7 (226) Chaz Schilens, WR Backup
	Another solid late round pick, injuries hampered him, but whne he was given opportunities, this big WR managed to make Russell's life a lot easier.  A big third down target, Schilens could have a possession role for the rest of his career and thrive.

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 2008 Draft:

1 (5) Glenn Dorsey, DT  STARTER
	With the Chiefs' move to a 3-4 in the works, and not a lot to go on with Dorsey, the big question is whether he might be a bust waiting to happen...I'll save you the suspense:  Dorsey will be just fine.  He quietly led the rookie class of defensive linemen with the most tackles, and as a penetrating, one gap 3-4 DE he should be able to take advantage of mismatches and make his LBs better.  He may not "break out" in 2009, but the Chiefs should get a boost in production from a palyer who is already on track.
1 (15) Branden Albert, OG  STARTER
	Albert played well and outside of a few hitches in his gitalong, managed to give the Chiefs a nice, complete season.  He should be a solid guard they can build around for a long time.
2 (35) Brandon Flowers, CB  STARTER
	My favorite player on the Chiefs, and quite possibly their best rookie performer, Flowers was a bright spot on a team with ZERO pass rush.  How he did it is beyond me, but if the new coaching staff focuses on using him correctly, he will be on his way to being one of the stars in this league.
3 (73) Jamaal Charles, RB  Backup
	The Chiefs were hoping for a reason to devalue the vitriolic LJ, but Charles wasn't quite up to the task.  In Herm's predictable offense he was hamstrung, and despite decent numbers, he couldn't quite "take over" when LJ was missing games.  The potential is still there, and he needs to take advantage of any opportunities he gets this year.
3 (76) Brad Cottam, TE  Backup
	A non-blocking TE who is heir apparent to Tony-G, Cottam surprisingly was a useful blocker, and stepped in when asked.  He has the right attitude, and a great mentor, so his future looks promising.
3 (82) DaJuan Morgan, FS  Backup
	Despite the pre-draft hype, Morgan was fairly a know-show for the Chiefs, with no significant defensive time and an underwhelming effort on STs.  Under a new regime he will need to prove he can step and step out onto the field, or his "upside" won't get him to hsi next Chiefs' contract.
4 (105) Will Franklin, WR  Backup
	Didn't really make an impact in limited time.  The Chiefs' will definitley be looking for him to step up and help out whoever wins the starting QB job.
5 (140) Brandon Carr, CB  STARTER
	Not too many teams can start two rookies at CB and not be burned, but Carr held his own, and fed off of Flowers' success on the opposite side.  Carr looks to have a spot tied up, but will need to show that he can do this consistently.  A better overall tackler, he can suffer some letdown in his coverage game if the Chiefs can get even better safety play behind him in 2009.
6 (170) Barry Richardson, OT  Backup
	Not a lot to go on here, but they haven't cut him yet...  Spent most of the season inactive and the Chiefs are expected to have competition for the Tackle spots in camp.
6 (181) Kevin Robinson, WR/KR STARTER
	Robinson looks to be the #1 kick returner going into 2009, and though he didn't wow to many people at the position, he was alert, shifty, and didn't make mistakes, which should earn him the right to keep the job.  He will have a terrific opportunity in 2009 to try and work his way into the starting offense if he can stay consistent in the return game.
7 (210) Brian Johnston,DE  Backup
	A late season calf injury sent him to IR, but the switch to a 3-4 could reinvigorate him for 2009.  As a possible OLB candidate, he could defintiely make an impact.
7 (239) Mike Merritt, TE  Out of NFL
	Merritt is a free agent, after being waived by the Chiefs after the season ended, and not seeing any playing time.

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 2008 Draft:

1 (27) Antoine Cason, CB  STARTER
	A solid player and a sure tackler, he is developing nicely.  If he can work on defensing passes more, he will turn out to be a pretty great pick, but even where he is at, the Chargers are geting what they are paying for.
3 (69) Jacob Hester, FB  Backup
	After a very slow start that would have made even Charger's fans ask who he was, Hester started to come into his own as the Charger's playoff push began.  His hands and athleticism complement that Charger's offense very well,  and his blocking got significantly better as the season wore on.  If he continues to improve in the blocking game he should pan out as the ideal offensive weapon for the Charger's scheme.
5 (166) Marcus Thomas, RB  Practice Squad/Browns
	After being waived in training camp by the Chargers he was signed and subsequently waived by both the Lions,a nd then the Cowboys, who kept him on their practice squad for the 2008 season.  He currently has signed a reserve/futures contract with the Cleveland Browns
6 (192) Dejuan Tribble, CB  Backup
	An exciting prospect with some injury history to overcome.  The Chargers are being patient with him, and with decent depth on the rsoter ahead of him, they can afford to wait.
7 (234) Corey Clark, OT  Backup
	A good prospect who hasn't seen the field but could be a solid tackle.  Of interest is that if he looks like he can step in at tackle, that could actually shift Jeromey Clarey inside where his strength would be utilized better, and would make the SD oline get younger in a hurry.

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 2008 Draft:

1 (12) Ryan Clady, OT  STARTER
	Clady was an obvious choice to replace retired LT Matt Lepsis, but no one was really prepared for the impact he would have.  He started all 16 games as a rookie, allowing only half a sack, and anchoring an O-line ranked first in the league for run-blocking efficiency by Football Outsiders.  He looks to be a stellar pick who will play and produce for a long time.
2 (42) Eddie Royal, WR  STARTER
	A surprise pick by the Broncos, he ended up leading all rookies in receptions (91), yards (980), and total yards (1829).  On top of that he proved to be a tremendously high character guy who could perform in tough spots.  Proved he was worthy of being taken as the top WR in the draft.
4 (108) Kory Lichtensteiger, C  Backup
	Drafted to ensure depth at the position when veteran C Tom Nalen looked like he wouldn't be ready for the season.  In a huge surprise, however, veteran C Casey Wiegmann played well, earning a pro bowl berth and talk of a contract extension.  Kory still managed to see the field some, as a motion TE and FB in key short yardage and goalline situations.  His versatility means he could be looked at as a G as well.
4 (119) Jack Williams, CB  Backup
	When Champ Bailey injured his groin, Williams received several opportunities to step in.  He was tried as the #2 corner and in the slot, but he was asked to play off the receiver in the dismal Denver defensive scheme.  A new coach in town, and a preference for physical, bump and press style corners, could raise Williams stock going forward.
5 (139) Ryan Torain, RB  Backup
	2008 wasn't the year Torain had hoped for, breaking his elbow in pre-season, and tearing his ACL after only 6 quarters of work halfway through the regular season.  This came after missing over half of his games in his senior year at Arizona.  All told Torain has gone almost two full years without significant playing time, and more importantly, without significant practice time.  Before breaking his elbow, he had the coaches in denver talking, though, so 2009 should see him get an opportunity to carry the load for the Broncos.
5 (148) Carlton Powell, DT  Backup
	A promising interior force, Powell tore his Achilles in training camp, and went to the PUP, and from there to IR.  Reports indicate he is on schedule with his rehab, but concern abounds as to his ability to hold ground at NT in a 3-4.
6 (183) Spencer Larsen, ILB  Backup
	Larsen came on strong for the broncos, logging intense hits on special teams 2 weeks in a row, while practicing and lining up as second and first string FB.  Injuries earned him not only the opportunity to start at MLB, but his first game there he actually started at FB and MLB, the first player to do so in years.  A fan favorite who will get a chance to earn a spot among the ILBs in Denver's new 3-4 scheme.
7 (220) Josh Barrett, SS  Backup
	Barrett was deactivated until late int he season,  When activated, then-coach mike Shanahan noted that "he had probably waited too long" to start Barrett over a group of misfits at the S position, NONE of whom are still with Denver.  Barrett's first game consisted of a stellar man-handling of TE Tony Gonzalez, who was effectively shut down, but then Barrett's play fell off as the season progressed, in tandem with the failing defense.  With two starting caliber safeties signed in free agency (including Brian Dawkins) Barrett looks like he will be asked to watch and learn
7 (227) Peyton Hillis, FB  STARTER
	Easily the steal of the draft for Denver, Hillis had a rough start in training camp, suffering from a strained hamstring, and getting in the coaches doghouse after being only semi-effective as the starting FB.  After being benched for a handful of games, Hillis came back and was blocking well, only to find himself thrust into a starting tailback role.  Starting against Miami he set Broncos RB records for recieving, and in the following weeks he would rush for over 100 yards a game and inject a much needed toughness into the Broncos running game, before suffering a freak hamstring tear on an acrobatic reception.  The Broncos wouldn't be the same without him in the lineup for hte rest of the season, and C Casey Wiegmann noted that when Peyton left, their toughness left with him.  Peyton will be in the running for starting TB for the Broncos all season, but his great hands indicate that the coaches will look for ways to get him involved in matchups all over the field.

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 Time to catch up on the weeks happenings in the AFC West!

The early starters were the Denver Broncos, making a number of low cost free agency signings all over the place, including stud Brian Dawkins.  But stepping right behind Denver was the Chiefs, who pulled off a great move to bring in franchised QB Matt Cassel, for only a 2nd round pick, though inexplicably they have decided it is better to have a QB competition at the spot...  Oakland waded out into the shallow end of the free agent pool witha  focus on resigning a few of their own, while San Diego is content to sit on the sidelines now, with a few feelers extended out into the free agent market, and internal focus on what is increasingly looking like a rift between the organization and Tomlinson.

Below you will find the charts updated and notes on the most recent signings.  See you below the fold!

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 Keeping track of a team's dynamic roster gain/loss throughout the offseason is one of the keys to understanding their draft day moves and choices.  Enter Monitoring Team Needs, an at-a-glance way of checking up on your team's latest roster flux, as we count down through Free Agency, and into the days before the 2009 Draft.

Below is a table that breaks down this roster flux, showing who has come and gone, as well as updating the neediest areas of the team and some of the top names that have a good chance of being available when they pick in the Draft.  Draft prospects are linked to their Mocking the Draft Profiles and any names or positions highlighted in bold should be considered either to be positions of particular need and emphasis, or players of particular relevance and interest to the team's situation.  Below the chart we will discuss some of the names and situations described, and as always, you can join in on the discussion in the comments.

See you below the fold!

Continue reading this post »

 Keeping track of a team's dynamic roster gain/loss throughout the offseason is one of the keys to understanding their draft day moves and choices.  Enter Monitoring Team Needs, an at-a-glance way of checking up on your team's latest roster flux, as we count down through Free Agency, and into the days before the 2009 Draft.

Below is a table that breaks down this roster flux, showing who has come and gone, as well as updating the neediest areas of the team and some of the top names that have a good chance of being available when they pick in the Draft.  Draft prospects are linked to their Mocking the Draft Profiles and any names or positions highlighted in bold should be considered either to be positions of particular need and emphasis, or players of particular relevance and interest to the team's situation.  Below the chart we will discuss some of the names and situations described, and as always, you can join in on the discussion in the comments.

See you below the fold!

Continue reading this post »