Chiefs position analysis: the offensive line

By Mike Ash  |   Friday, February 22, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Kansas City Chiefs
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The position analysis series continues with the Chiefs' biggest weakness last season, the offensive line.

G Brian Waters

An undrafted free agent who came to Kansas City in 2000, Waters has grown into one of the league's best linemen. In 2004, when the Chiefs scored an NFL-record eight rushing touchdowns in a game against the Atlanta Falcons, Waters became the first lineman in either conference to ever be named the offensive player of the week.

But with the state of the Chiefs' offensive line last season, Waters' streak of three straight Pro Bowl appearances came to an end. While he didn't have his best season, Waters surely suffered from the numerous holes around him, and at times must have felt like he was fighting and kicking just to keep his head above water.

There have been rumors all offseason that the Chiefs may move Waters to center next season, the position he was initially signed to play when he came to Kansas City. Nothing has been confirmed just yet, but wherever Waters lines up, he will unquestionably be the anchor of the offensive line as the Chiefs work on rebuilding the unit.

LT Damion McIntosh

Added in free agency a year ago, the Kansas State product fought through injuries to hold down the left tackle position reasonably well after the Jordan Black disaster of 2006. If the Chiefs can find an upgrade at the position, it's widely expected that McIntosh will move to right tackle next season.

C Casey Wiegmann

For years, Wiegmann was one of the most underrated linemen in the league, never quite getting the acclaim that was heaped upon his line-mates like Waters, Will Shields, and Willie Roaf. But like the latter two names, he appears to be at the finish line, and just isn't big enough physically to hold up against large defensive tackles in a straight-ahead, smash-mouth run game.

A free agent this year, Wiegmann has said he plans to play in 2008, but it doesn't appear the Chiefs will retain him.

OT Chris Terry, OT Kyle Turley, OG John Welbourn

All three players started multiple games for the Chiefs in 2007, and all three have already been released from the team. Terry was actually cut during the season, Welbourn became the Chiefs' first offseason cut last week, and Turley is expected to retire after finishing the season on injured reserve.

The departure of all three players guarantees that the Chiefs will have new starters at both the right tackle and right guard positions in 2008.

OT Anthony Alabi, OT Adrian Jones

Both players were claimed off waivers by the Chiefs, getting Alabi from the Miami Dolphins and Jones from the New York Jets. Jones was drafted by Chiefs coach Herm Edwards in the fourth round in 2004, while Alabi was a fifth-round pick of then-Dolphins coach Nick Saban in 2005.

Both are expected to compete for roster spots in 2008, but anything beyond that likely depends on their offseason performances.

C/G Rudy Niswanger

A rookie free agent signing from 2006, Niswanger has been expected to be Kansas City's next center once it parts ways with Wiegmann. But he actually lined up at guard during the 2007 season and looked impressive before suffering a season-ending injury.

Depending on the situation with Waters changing positions, Niswanger will surely be in the mix to step in as a starter at center or at guard, whichever spot ends up being open.

OT Will Svitek

Used primarily as a backup left tackle in 2007, Svitek -- a sixth-round pick in 2005 -- appeared overmatched in his brief action at the position. He may compete for the right tackle spot next season, but with an influx of linemen likely coming through free agency or the draft, one has to wonder how much longer Svitek will keep a spot on the roster if he doesn't establish himself.

OT Herb Taylor, OT Trey Stallings

These two low-round picks from the Chiefs' last two drafts haven't gotten much game time to display their talents, but should be around as backups in 2008.

Offseason analysis:

There is no area on the team that the Chiefs need to work on more than their offensive line. Of the 2007 starters, only Waters and McIntosh will be back in 2008. And depending on where those two line up, there might be new starters at every single position along the line.

With plenty of cap room this offseason, Kansas City has to be aggressive in free agency. And perhaps more importantly, the offensive line can't continue to be ignored in the draft. With a top-five pick this year, the Chiefs will be in the mix for Michigan OT Jake Long, but should also have a chance at grabbing a solid lineman in the second round if they go another way with their first pick.

Without a much-improved line, the Chiefs' offense will continue to sputter along like it did in 2007, which is something the team can't afford to let happen.

Up next: the defensive line.
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