In the opening weeks of the GM League offseason, there's been a number of splashy moves, and several "blockbuster" style trades that have shipped superstars to new zip codes. The Chiefs are taking a different approach. Rather than blowing things up, it appears that General Manager Vengeful Odin and Head Coach Todd Haley are content to instead tweak their AFC West Champion roster. Odin's influence can clearly be seen along the interior of the offensive and defensive lines. One of the Chiefs first moves was to acquire Shaun Rogers from the Cleveland Browns. Rogers has struggled recently, both physically and mentally, but the Chiefs are gambling that Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel will help Rogers return to Pro Bowl form - the NT's best season came in 2008, with Crennel at the helm in Cleveland. Glenn Dorsey, who was the number five overall draft choice just 3 years ago, was shipped to division rival Denver in a moved that echoed Neil Smith's exit a decade ago. Dorsey was never a great fit in Crennel's 3-4 defense, and will finally get an opportunity to play his more natural position of DT in the Bronco's new 4-3. Justin Bannan comes over to Kansas City as a key piece of the trade. Bannan is known as a motor guy and is generally underrated by NFL fans. On the offensive side of the ball oft-maligned Left Tackle Brandon Alberts was shipped to the Philadelphia Eagles in trade for veteran David Diehl. Diehl was nicked up a bit but still played well enough to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2009. Our sources tell us that the Chiefs felt that the value of adding Diehl's veteran presence to the offensive line in conjunction with a top 100 draft pick was simply too much to pass up. It's no secret that Alberts struggled playing LT for the Chiefs at times last year. It will be interesting to see how the Eagles use him. The move that has us the most excited is the addition of Earl Bennett to an already stacked offense. Bennett is the quintessential number two wide receiver, a guy that Kansas City will look to pair with Dwayne Bowe to stretch the offense. The Chiefs are hoping Bennett meshes well with the other speed they have on offense, with x-factor Dexter McCluster, Tight End Tony Moaeki, and speedster Jamaal Charles out of the backfield. The only problem Matt Cassell will have is spreading the ball around. Kansas City will have a new coach on the sidelines (or in the booth - we aren't sure which just yet). Russ Grimm joined the staff earlier this offseason, and his signing was a clear focus that the Chiefs want to get back to basics on offense. It wasn't the most shocking of hires - Grimm isn't a sexy name like, say, Gus Malzahn - but that's not this team's MO. Grimm worked with Haley on the staff of the Arizona Cardinals. While Grimm's title is that of Offensive Coordinator, it is expected that the Chiefs will split duties down the middle - with Grimm focusing on the offensive line and running game while Haley will focus on the overall offensive game plans and passing game.
