NFL Free Agency Grades for the Show-Me State

Wow, how time flies.  When I blogged “Top of the Brain” last Wednesday, I was sure I’d post again real soon.  It’s Monday night, and right now is the soonest I could get back to this … that is, at least, without staying up half the night. Anyway … let’s get to it.

NFL Free Agent Frenzy, as many of the national media types liked to call it, is just about over. There are a few signings still trickling in (like RB Ricky Williams to the Ravens today) as injuries and other roster shuffling goes on, but for the most part it’s history. I thought now would be a good time to take a quick look back at how the Show-Me State’s franchises faired overall.  We start with the Rams …

RAMS

Key losses – TE Daniel Fells (Broncos), WR Laurent Robinson (Chargers)

Key additions – OG Harvey Dahl (Falcons), LB Zac Diles (Texans), S Quintin Mikell (Eagles), DT Daniel Muir (Colts), RB Jerrious Norwood (Falcons), WR Mike Sims-Walker (Jaguars), RB Cadillac Williams (Buccaneers), LB Brady Popinga (Packers) LB Ben Leber (Vikings)

Coaching changes – Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels

Analysis: For the first few days of the free-agency period, Rams’ fans were screaming for GM Billy Devaney to do something. They made an early splash by signing Mikell away from Philly, but then it went quiet.  But when the dust settles and we can sit back and see what was done, the boys in the front office did a nice job of filling roster holes at wide receiver, back-up running back, offensive line and defensive line. Sam and the new Rams may just take the NFC West this year.  GRADE: A-

CHIEFS

Key losses – DT Ron Edwards (Panthers), DT Shaun Smith (Titans), C Rudy Niswanger (Lions), LB Mike Vrabel (retired)

Key additions – WR Steve Breaston (Cardinals), DT Kelly Gregg (Ravens), LB Brandon Siler (Chargers), FB Le’Ron McClain (Ravens), S Sabby Piscitelli (Buccaneers), OT Jared Gaither (Ravens), WR Keary Colbert (Panthers)

Coaching changes – Jim Zorn, QB coach; Bill Muir, offensive coordinator

Analysis:  Similar to their cross-state rival, the Chiefs had a number of key positions they were looking to strengthen through off-season acquisitions. GM Scott Pioli is as strategic and measured as they come in NFL general managers. But that patience and willingness to hand-pick the right kind of guys for the team paid off last year, and it looks like it will pay dividends again this time around. Pioli and Co. found nice complementary players that should solidify the KC roster and help the team make another playoff run. GRADE: B+

I’d love to hear your thoughts and rants, Rams and Chiefs fans, on how you think they did.

Until next time, thanks for reading.

Steve