2008 Kansas City Chiefs AFC West Preview

The 2008 edition of the Kansas City Chiefs should be an exciting thing to watch. While the Chiefs are in the middle of an obvious rebuilding phase, the Chiefs smash-mouth style of play is always fun to watch. With Larry Johnson and Kolby Smith leading the way, the Chiefs may not win a lot of games, but they certainly won't go down without a fight either.

KEY ADDITIONS:

1) Glen Dorsey and the 2008 NFL Draft - The Chiefs had arguably the best draft in recent history. While the full effects of the draft won't be known until three to four years down the road, it appears Herman Edwards laid a solid foundation in the rebuilding process. Dorsey fills a huge hole on the defensive line, and will be a solid starter and the potential to be a perennial pro-bowler for the next decade. Later in the first round they were lucky to grab Branden Albert who can play tackle or guard. Second rounder Brandon Flowers has first rounder potential, and could blossom into a great corner. This draft will determine if the Chiefs spend 2 or 5 years rebuilding. Bad drafts can haunt a franchise for a long time (see the Raiders who were praised on draft day for their draft picks), and no one knows for a few years how the draft picks will pan out.

KEY LOSSES:

1) Jared Allen - Allen was sent to Minnesota for a hoard of draft picks to help in the rebuilding process. While losing the leading sack master was difficult, Allen needed to be cut lose in order to help this team for the future. Imagine what could have been with Dorsey in the middle and Allen on the end. AFC West opponents can rest easier at night knowing they will only have to contend with Dorsey.

2) Ty Law - Law is on the wrong side on 30 (almost the wrong side of 35), and the Chiefs are in a rebuilding process looking to get younger. Law provided a veteran presence in the defensive backfield that will be missed. He simply was too old, too expensive, and too unproductive (2 interceptions last year) to warrant brining him back.