Chiefs should look to “Big Daddy” to beef up D-line

By Krupka  |   Monday, May 22, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Kansas City Chiefs
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!
"One man's garbage is another man's treasure."

The statement could run true to form for the Kansas City Chiefs.

On Monday, the Detroit Lions released veteran defensive tackle Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson. The 335-pound behemoth is just what the doctor ordered for the weak spot on the Chiefs' defensive line.

The Chiefs' group of defensive tackles doesn't exactly strike fear into any team's heart. Former first-rounder Ryan Sims has been an overweight bust, Junior Siavii continuously skips team activities, while the combo of Lionel Dalton and Ron Edwards is average at best.

Wilkinson would instantly beef up the line in both weight and performance. The big-bodied veteran is certainly an upgrade over anyone the Chiefs would start at the present time.

The former overall number one pick spent his first four years with the Cincinnati Bengals, establishing himself as a premier pass rushing tackle after being drafted in 1994. He tallied 25 sacks and 162 tackles in his time with the Bengals.

In 1998 he signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins, where he ended up spending five seasons. He was elite in his first two years, racking up 15.5 sacks and 76 tackles. When the new millennium came, however, his play began to diminish.

At the conclusion of the 2002 season, "Big Daddy" packed his bags and headed to Detroit. He signed a free agent contract to play for the lowly Lions. In his three-season stay with his third organization, he started every single game. This past season he experienced a slight resurgence, showing flashes of his former Pro Bowl days. He recorded his highest sack output in five seasons (three).

The 13-year veteran isn't as effective as he used to be; however, he's still a serviceable tackle who demands double teams, and will clog up the middle. His presence would greatly improve the Chiefs' already solid run defense. By taking on an additional blocker, he'd open up lanes for blitzing linebackers, allowing more pressure on the quarterback. Also, the fact that Wilkinson has missed just seven games in 12 seasons proves his durability.

Another positive about Wilkinson is that he'll likely come relatively be cheap, which would allow the Kansas City Chiefs to continue their pursuit of All-Pro cornerback Ty Law. The addition of both would improve their porous defense immensely. And a better defense could pay huge dividends to a Chiefs team that already has a high-powered offense.

Get more Kansas City Chiefs info at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report