It sounds like the Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle during the 2011 season, Kelly Gregg, is leaning toward retirement, which means the Chiefs need a nose tackle for the 2011-12 season. We already went over the nose tackle position in depth and talked about what KC could do but with the depth that's on the team this looks like a pretty big hole right now.
And holes on your team are often filled through the wonderful world of free agency. So which nose tackles will be available for the Chiefs in free agency?
A couple of them pop out to me.
First, Paul Soliai, who is coming from the Miami Dolphins. They may not be able to re-sign him after franchising him last season. His agent expects him to hit the market. He's listed at 6'4" and 355 pounds and only 28 years old.
Second, Sione Pouha, who is coming from the New York Jets. He's a little older -- 33 -- but only broke into the league in 2005 so he doesn't have as much tread on his tires as you'd think. Here's what Pro Football Focus said about him: "He offers very little push in the passing game, but is so good in the run game that any team with a problem stopping the run (regardless of scheme) needs to make an offer to his agent."
Third, there's Albert Haynesworth who will really "get it" this time around and become a force as a 3-4 nose tackle.
And then there's the draft, which is an option as well. The Chiefs could also trade for a player under contract with another team.
There are a couple of the bigger name options for KC in 2012. Any preference on either of them?
0 recs | 160 comments
Paul Solai for sure
Younger and good all-around.
Wait and See - February 15, 2012
*Soliai
Wait and See - February 15, 2012
I don’t think he plays two gap. Thought the dolphins were a one gap team?
WURoyal - February 15, 2012 via mobile
They ran a two gap
GenericBrand - February 15, 2012
GB is correct
MNchiefsfan - February 15, 2012
MNchiefsfan is correct about GB being correct.
nateforchiefs - February 15, 2012
nateforchiefs is correct about MNchiefsfan and GB being correct
groundedchevy - February 15, 2012
When I step up in the place ay yo I step correct
soybon - February 16, 2012
I'm partial to Pouha and Dontari Poe. Soliai doesn't intrigue me.
Kevin Reed - February 15, 2012
Is Poe worth our #11 pick?
I’ve seen it on a couple of boards…he will NOT likely be there in the 2nd when we pick….found this on youtube…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXMku4m3twI
I don’t know about his technique, but strengthwise he looks like a beast. And I’ve heard him called “athletic”, which is impressive when you consider they are talking about a 355 pound man….
AnkenyChiefsFan - February 15, 2012
I wouldn't take him at 11.
But I would consider him if they traded back or if he fell to them in the 2nd (which could happen).
polodude017 - February 15, 2012
Soliai
No question would be the best choice. The draft doesnt offer much this year in the way of top 11 or 12 pick NT prospects so we would end up with another Powe and not know if he can play THIS YEAR. We have to go after somebody we KNOW can play cause we have the pieces set for a very good defense but without a plug n the middle we will end up like the eagles………a bunch of good pieces but you can run rught up the middle all day
dt58 - February 15, 2012
Soliai is a joke
97 tackles in 5 years and two sacks. You want a 20 tackle a year DT??? Stop calling him good when he ain’t. He had 27 tackles this year what a joke! That’s not even 2 a game!!!
KCCHIEFSfan 82 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Joking or serious?
MNchiefsfan - February 15, 2012
Kelly Gregg.......
had 39 tackles and 1 sack but we all think he did well this year
dt58 - February 15, 2012
Soliai made the pro bowl this season though
HIT34MAN - February 15, 2012
being a good defensive tackle has nothing to do with making a bunch of tackles
It’s about how well you hold up blockers to free up your linebackers for them to make tackles
chief_ferg - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Being a good 2 gap NOSE tackle has nothing to do with making a bunch of tackles
BAMFSpecialOps - February 16, 2012
Aubrayo Franklin is also slotted as a FA... again.
I’m also not against trying to lure Gregg out for one more year. Preferably we should get younger, but if that isn’t an option, bring Gregg back and see if Powe can be weened into the system.
Tomahawk29 - February 15, 2012
Franklin
didnt do hardly anything in a 4-3 where he should have been a monster so SF might have known what they were doin when they let him walk
dt58 - February 15, 2012
How should he have been a monster? Maybe a 3-4 is his bread n butter.
AhQueeNo - February 15, 2012
I think the most damning thing for Franklin is how good SF's D was without him this year.
And that the Saints D didn’t really improve with him. Seems like it may have been the system more than the guy in SF.
u2nspenserfan - February 15, 2012
Well,
The Niners do have one of the best LB corps in the NFL, so yeah, they’re gonna be pretty good year in and year out with them. But you can’t just discredit the last 4 years of Franklin’s success in SF as being completely attributed to the system. The guy was/is a good NT. He was part of that system, just like he’d be part of ours. I’d be stoked if the Chiefs picked him up.
Tomahawk29 - February 15, 2012
SF also has to of the best DE's in the game
MNchiefsfan - February 15, 2012
Let's just go ahead and say
Their front 7 is one of the best in the league – they’re outstanding.
Ochophosphate - February 15, 2012
That's probably the best way to say it :)
MNchiefsfan - February 15, 2012
Franklin tips the scales at 317...
That’s actually pretty small for a dominant 3-4 NT. Usually they are 340+.
Poe – 355
Soliai – 355
Our own Powe – a bit small at 331
Haloti Ngata(BAL)- 350
That’s not to say they can’t be smaller, for example:
Hampton (PIT) – 325
Wilfork (NE) – 323
Pouha (NYJ) – 325.
But then their technique has to be excellent. Would not mind seeing Poe in the first if they don’t think Powe is the answer…anchor our D-line with a giant guy for the next decade….
AnkenyChiefsFan - February 15, 2012
Those weights are ridiculous.
There’s no way Wilfork weighs 325. He probably hasn’t weighed that since high school. In sincerely doubt all three of the weights for the guys you list as “smaller”.
polodude017 - February 15, 2012
with Poe and Powe
We could have the Po-Po NT rotation.
Watch out for the po-po!
Ochophosphate - February 15, 2012
Crapola
I see this was already mentioned below
Ochophosphate - February 15, 2012
Yeah, but Wilfork, Powe, Hampton and Pouha are all around 6'1.
What they lack in straight up weight they make up for in getting leverage.
NigerianNightmare - February 15, 2012
He was a NT in SF's 34 and was pretty dominant.
He was not as good in NO’s 43.
What he “should be” and what he is are two different things, and the guy is a good NT… which is what we’re in the market for.
Tomahawk29 - February 15, 2012
I dunno.
I think it’s very possible that looked dominant because he was playing next to arguably the best defensive player in the league, Justin Smith.
m.yashi - February 15, 2012
The guy was a 1 gap NT
Not what we are in the market for
BAMFSpecialOps - February 15, 2012
There's a reason why Franklin got dropped.
And that’s because they got Isaac Sopoaga. God, I wanted this guy a few years back and now he’s a dominant force.
NigerianNightmare - February 15, 2012
Most fans didn't want Soap starting, especially at NT
BAMFSpecialOps - February 16, 2012
Poe-Powe
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
x
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
Yeah, they might really light it up.
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
Flashbacks
TheScreenName - February 15, 2012
Ha!
Can you imagine Poe-Powe and Pey-Pey?!?!
Buck'O - February 15, 2012
Pey-pey is a pipe dream
And I wish people would quit hitting it.
I’d be surprised if Pey-ote plays this year. I’d be more surprised if he plays well. He’s too big of a risk for the Chiefs to take.
Falcon58 - February 15, 2012
lighten up
it just sounded funny
Buck'O - February 15, 2012
Oh, I'm just making a general statement.
There’s just so much of this going on. A little realism is needed. That’s all.
Falcon58 - February 15, 2012
It's the offseason, reality is on hold for 6 months
mushin - February 15, 2012
Yep, I wish everyone would leave their opinions out of it,
and just let yours on here.
dbakerku - February 15, 2012
Agreed.
It’s getting annoying having conflicting viewpoints.
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
If only we had Fox to tell us what to think...
nateforchiefs - February 15, 2012
Can we put that in the predictions file :)
Eastcoastransplant - February 15, 2012
THAT'S IT??
Those are only options? Give me Soliai or Franklin ASAP.
AhQueeNo - February 15, 2012
Dontari Poe = Next Haloti Ngata
Kevin Reed - February 15, 2012
You realize Ngata is the best player in the NFL, right?
ArrowDread - February 15, 2012
Fullback
GaryfromIA - February 15, 2012
Why we didn't attempt to sign him and eat the 2 first rounders, I'll never know
MNchiefsfan - February 15, 2012
Allow yourself to imagine the Chiefs D with Ngata in the middle
Unstoppable. Dorsey and your boy TJax would kill it! DJ, Tamba, Houston running wild. I get a semi just thinking about it
ArrowDread - February 15, 2012
Can't blame you one bit
People put WAY to much value in picks.
That’s why if the Saints aren’t sharp enough to get Brees and have to franchise him, I say we jump on that without hesitating.
MNchiefsfan - February 15, 2012
That's not the "Patriot Way"
KingChief - February 15, 2012
Cause Ngata is a DE
And would so be in the middle?
BAMFSpecialOps - February 15, 2012
Ngata plays NT a lot in Baltimore's scheme.
Terrance Cody sure ain’t athletic enough to stay in the whole game.
Really, the only reason Ngata is playing DE instead of NT is because he’s such a good athlete and because the nose tackle (Cody) is even bigger (360 pounds).
NigerianNightmare - February 15, 2012
No
Ngata is a DE in the base 3-4 looks. He started out as their NT but they moved him to DE because it took too much out of his knees. That is why Gregg was the NT even when Ngata was 350(Has slimmed down).
BAMFSpecialOps - February 16, 2012
Offense !
Steve_Chiefs - February 15, 2012
You should also have listed...
Antonio Garay of the Chargers. He is in between Soliai and Pouha in age at 30 but has really only seen significant playing time the last two years.
ICTChief - February 15, 2012
Profile on him from the Mothership.
30 FAs in 30 Days: Antonio Garay
ICTChief - February 15, 2012
Pouha has only seen significant playing time the past couple years too.
Kevin Reed - February 15, 2012
Good player
MNchiefsfan - February 15, 2012
What's with all the Poe love?
Seriously what do people see in this guy? He’s been massively over-hyped. Sure he’s a big body and agile for his size but he played at a small school program against weak competition and rarely dominated the way he should have. He doesn’t have very impressive tape at all. This is a weak nose tackle class at the top end and Poe has been way over valued as a result. He’s a late third or 4th round project type pick at best, don’t believe the hype he’s defintely not worth a pick in the first or even second round.
Everest - February 15, 2012
First pick in the draft has to be DeCastro or Richardson.
Kevin Reed - February 15, 2012
If Richardson does drop I;d dwefintly prefer a trade down
I think our best choice is a trade down and pick up an extra second or even a first next year. Barring that then you take Decastro. Not at all a fan of Richardson that high. You can find a complimentary back much later and this is a deep RB class. A RB just isn’t worth that high of a pick especially to team that already has one of the NFL’s best. Plus Richardson isn’t a great fit for our scheme and ran behind a great line in college. I would be VERY upset if the Chiefs took Richardson at 11/12.
Everest - February 15, 2012
I think we could get Poe
later in the 1st round if we trade down…
AnkenyChiefsFan - February 15, 2012
I think the Steelers will draft him to replace Hampton
KingChief - February 15, 2012
And he's still not worth the pick
The guy is a late 3rd rounder at best without all the hype
Everest - February 15, 2012
I'm not necessarily sold on him...
but it DOES represent a high PON on our team…and he’s probably the best 3-4 NT in the draft….
AnkenyChiefsFan - February 15, 2012
Doesn't make him worth a high pick
This is a weak NT class, the fact that he is the the top NT in no way makes him worth a high pick. Although it does mean someone will likely reach for him. I’d much rather take advantage of a strong FA class and sign a Solai, Garay, or even Rogers to hold down the position while Powe (with a W) develops. Especially considering how much we are in sub packages.
Everest - February 15, 2012
Brandon Carr also played in a small school against weak opponents...
And to some he’s the Chiefs #1 concern in signing this FA period.
Tomahawk29 - February 15, 2012
Accept that Poe didn't do shit against weak competition
As big as the dude is he should have made more plays
HIV 2 Elway - February 15, 2012
*except......Jesus I need more sleep
HIV 2 Elway - February 15, 2012
sleep?
what is this “sleep” you speak of? I’m intrigued.
Ochophosphate - February 15, 2012
I grant it thee
kabrink - February 15, 2012
Your point...
Carr was a 5th round pick. The 5th round is a great place to take a chance on small school guys with the physical attributes needed to make it in the league but that are project players, the 1st not so much. Carr also had a very good college career, with a great stat line and numerous awards (qualities Poe doesn’t possess). Sure I’ll take Poe… if he falls to the 5th.
Everest - February 15, 2012
Who is talking about taking Poe in the 1st?
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
He's been mocked as a first round pick in many drafts
Regardless he’s not worth a second either.
Everest - February 15, 2012
Mocked at 11/12?
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
There have been a few mocks in the weekly thread with people having us taking him first.
Regardless he’s not worth a high pick, which he is currently being mocked as.
Everest - February 15, 2012
Rare
It’s the fact that guys his size are not easy to find. Teams feel that with the right coaching they can mold him into a dominant player. Crennel does have a good history with NTs.
Rollo80 - February 15, 2012
And if you watch that video I posted above
the guy is incredibly strong…squats 700+ pounds…
AnkenyChiefsFan - February 15, 2012
NFL Draftcountdown has us taking him in the first
Hasn’t been updated since 1/20 though.
http://www.draftcountdown.com/sub/Mock-Draft-A.php
severn58 - February 15, 2012
I've seen him as high as 18th overall
Chiefs4Life - February 15, 2012
more like 212
GaryfromIA - February 15, 2012
Powe was also mocked in the 1st or 2nd last year.
Mocks don’t mean shit.
Tomahawk29 - February 15, 2012
This.
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
True, however
This guy and Powe have very little in common. Powe dropped because he suffers from a learning disablility and a coach who played him grossly out of position his senior year. Overall Powe had very solid college production and by all accounts is an extremely hard worker and quality teammate. Fortunately for the Chiefs these are the type of issues that cause a quality prospect to drop.
In Poe’s case he has ideal size and enviable athletic attributes, two things that cause teams to reach on a prospect more often than not. However, he doesn’t seem to be all the great of a FOOTBALL player. Pretty classic boom-bust pick. He’s got a high ceiling but also a very low floor. He’s definitely a project and one that more likely than not will be over drafted because of his physical attributes. The guy screams bust.
Everest - February 15, 2012
I'll take your word on it,
Because honestly I don’t know anything about Poe. My original point in this convo was that small school players are entirely capable of being legit NFL players. I totally agree that Poe probably isn’t a 1st round pick, and probably not a 2nd either. But just his size alone makes him a viable option later in the draft.
Tomahawk29 - February 15, 2012
Sounds like
our own Freakishly Strong DE who was a project who began owning Tackles and Guards by the end of the season (Bailey) ……I think the RAC factor should be considered more heavily in this matter.
Ninjaman - February 15, 2012
Bailey also fell to the 22nd pick in the third round
If Poe falls to the late 3rd early 4th he’s worth a look as a boom-bust type because of his high ceiling but it’s unlikely to happen. Bailey also played at a major D-1 program and showed flashes. With all of his physical attributes Poe should have been throwing people around at that level and he never did, that’s a big concern.
Everest - February 15, 2012
This is a stretch.
I don’t recall seeing Powe in the first round of a single mock and the 2nd round was few and far between in most mocks. By the time the draft actually rolled around, he was being pegged in the mid-rounds.
polodude017 - February 15, 2012
I think he might have been after his junior year..
but he stayed in school..(not for sure)..
cyberry - February 15, 2012
He seems like a guy who would fall after the combine..
AhQueeNo - February 15, 2012
Not really
He’s got the athletic attributes and will probably look good in shorts. It’s the game tape that tells the real story.
Everest - February 15, 2012
We'll see..
AhQueeNo - February 15, 2012
I find it hard to believe that anyone that big would look good in shorts
KingChief - February 15, 2012
For his size he will
His size and athletic attributes are all he has going for him
Everest - February 15, 2012
x
KingChief - February 15, 2012
Green'd
BAMFSpecialOps - February 15, 2012
Can we get a link?
I want to see some game tape on him. Where you find it at?
xhornetsx - February 15, 2012
I think NT is prime FA target this year
I think NT is a prime target in free agency this year. This is a very strong FA class this year with Solai, Garay, Pouha, and Franklin all slated to be free agents. Couple that with the fact that it’s weak NT draft class and the Chief’s already have a project player in Powe and you have the stage set for the Chiefs to chase a FA.
Everest - February 15, 2012
I believe next years draft class has a few really good NTs in it.
Kevin Reed - February 15, 2012
Soliai or Poe
also Bowers and Law firm in FA
tomachop - February 15, 2012
I heard some bad things
about Poe on a radio interview from a coach that played against him. I’ll pass.
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
To be more informative
There was some coach on 610sports that coached against him. He said they had worried about him all week. After the game, Poe had zero stats….
At that level, if you’re that good, you should be crushing everything.
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
can we get Solai ....
AND Franklin for back-up?
Zulu Trader - February 15, 2012
Albert Haynesworth
=
Super Bowl
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
You forgot your sarcasm font
Eastcoastransplant - February 15, 2012
-sorry-
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
Just kidding dude.
Totally meant with a smile
Eastcoastransplant - February 15, 2012
of Doritos?
Falcon58 - February 15, 2012
Or as in "I've got to take the 'Browns' to the 'Super Bowl'"?
I just love Zombieland.
Falcon58 - February 15, 2012
I think Powe-Poe sounds like a winner.
ChiefWildcat - February 15, 2012
What about Poe-Powe?
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
OK, you talked me into it.
ChiefWildcat - February 15, 2012
Why is ESPN paying Mel Kiper? (remember, click on this to minimize message) Latest Mock
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Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
I think he's spot-on with the Colts pick.
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
True
I guess he deserves a raise.
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
It's an outside-the-box pick, I like his guts
he’ll look like a genius if it happens
: /
Ochophosphate - February 15, 2012
I do not favor selecting an ILB in the first round
With all of the nickel and dime defenses being run in this pass-happy league, no thumper should ever get drafted higher than the 3rd round, especially for a team with considerably larger issues.
Dagda - February 15, 2012
Nicolas Jean-Baptiste
He has some raw skills and can be had in the 3rd or 4th round
KingChief - February 15, 2012
Plus he'd make a good roommate for RG3.
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
Like the way you think
SCKSChief - February 15, 2012
Jean-Baptiste supposedly had a great week
leading up to the East/West Shrine game. I read that he was pretty dominant. I like using a 3rd or 4th on him.
MattL - February 15, 2012
I'd rather sink money into another position or sign more mid-tier guys than put a bunch of money into Soliai.
I’d take a guy like Pouha, Garay, Franklin or even Casey Hampton if he’s cut. Let the vet duke it out with Powe in training camp for PT at the nose.
That should leave money to sign Bowe and Carr and hopefully upgrade a few other positions.
polodude017 - February 15, 2012
Hampton is on his last legs
If the Steelers cut him, you know he is done. History tells me that former Steelers don’t perform well once they leave that team.
KingChief - February 15, 2012
I'm not asking the guy to be a Pro-Bowler.
Just to provide a competent veteran presence in the event that Powe isn’t ready.
polodude017 - February 15, 2012
Steelers are also over the cap.
They’re going to have to release some decent players.
Tomahawk29 - February 15, 2012
Joey Porter had like 18, 19 sacks for Miami after leaving Pitt
kcsno56 - February 15, 2012
Gregg Lloyd, fail
Kendrell Bell, fail
James Farrior, failed, so he came back so he could succeed.
KingChief - February 15, 2012
Kevin Greene...
kcsno56 - February 15, 2012
Originally a Ram
KingChief - February 15, 2012
Enough mid-tier at NT
We’ve got a shot at a dominant defense. NT and SILB are our only even “borderline” holes.
MNchiefsfan - February 15, 2012
If they know Powe isn't the answer, than I'm ok with going after a guy like Soliai.
But if there’s a chance he can take the NT position, I’m ok with getting a bridge (be it a better one than Gregg of Ron Edwards) to provide competition and a backup plan.
polodude017 - February 15, 2012
Pouha then
Let’s make it a stud bridge :)
MNchiefsfan - February 15, 2012
The Chiefs have a ton of money to spend. They can afford an investment in Soliai
Doesn’t mean they should, but if they have a problem at Nose, they should buy their way out of it.
Dagda - February 15, 2012
On a side note
The Royals made front page of ESPN….future power rankings
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
That Hosmer insider was pretty sweet
Billy looked like a sloppy, lazy fuck in the shots though.
SCKSChief - February 15, 2012
hahahahahahah
RAC’d
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
the lastest mock draft via NFL.com
NFL.com has the Chiefs snagging Richardson as Pick 11
GaryfromIA - February 15, 2012
We already won the coin flip?
Cool!
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
I
guaranteed it earlier.
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
ESPN/NFL mock drafts
= best player on the board to fill a need
No creativity, no trade scenarios.
Quite boring really
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
And I half expect you to be right.
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
I say we go after this guy
Asashōryū Akinori
He was one of the most successful yokozuna ever. For you dolts out there, that means he’s the best
6’0, 330lbs. 31 years old
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
reply fail
see below
Eastcoastransplant - February 15, 2012
The Mongolian Nightmare and Master Kim
would take the NFL by storm!
And kill all the dolphins in their path.
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
Him and Master Kim on the same team?
Eastcoastransplant - February 15, 2012
shaun rogers anyone
I might of seen his name mentioned once
He was here visiting kc last year before signing deal with saints. Crennel connection , played in the system ! . . His big athletic .. didn’t play much last year from what I remember. . His age probably in the thirties? And cheap er!
chiefrussian - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Shaun Rogers would look amazing as a Chief.
Brad-KC - February 15, 2012
Nobody beats the Biz.
severn58 - February 15, 2012
On a different note
Anyone noticed how great the new Fiat add all over AP is? I did cuz I didn’t see a thousand postings about an add with a dude in a gimp mask.
Eastcoastransplant - February 15, 2012
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
How many could play the nose
Dagda - February 15, 2012
Good question.
Tarkus - February 15, 2012
Hmmm
I’d take Biz Markie over some of the stiffs the Chiefs have trotted out there over the years. Tank, Turk, Sims, Siavii.
And to be honest they may have to over pay for the guy from Miami just get an upgrade, the names I am seeing are not getting me too excited. Although, I would be OK with Shaun Rogers, we could line him up over center and his head and beard over the guard!
Mike Manuch - February 15, 2012
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