The Kansas City Chiefs are making a lot of noise today on the transaction wire. Not only is the team reporting for training camp today to start their preseason practices tomorrow, but they've also reached contract agreements with both their first round pick Dontari Poe and free agent offensive tackle Tony Ugoh as well.
We reported the Ugoh deal earlier, but the question remains: what specifically does Ugoh bring to the team? The answer is likely "not much." Ugoh came into the league at a second round choice of the Indianapolis Colts in 2007, so the promise was there when first entering the league. However, he couldn't stick on a team with a poor offensive line, so at the very least he was a poor fit for what the Colts were wanting him to do.
After failed stints with the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants, the Chiefs have now brought him into Kansas City to be with the offensive line in training camp. It should be noted that new Chiefs offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. was with the New York Giants last season, so perhaps he's been brought into camp on a tip from Bicknell to the front office. If so, that bodes well for Ugoh's chances of making the team.
However he'll be competing with David Mims and rookie Donald Stephenson at positions behind Eric Winston and Branden Albert for a roster spot. It might help if Ugoh has the ability to play multiple positions, but it doesn't look like it.
Brad Wells from Stampede Blue, the great SB Nation blog focused on the Colts, answered a few quick questions for us about the acquisition to see what fans should expect:
What strengths does Ugoh bring to the Chiefs?
Wells: Regarding Tony, I haven't seen him play or practice since 2009. So, I don't know his health or his fitness. I know that, when he started at left tackle from 2007-2008, he was very athletic. Long arms. Quick feet. Big. So, for a zone blocking scheme, he could have the physical tools.
Why didn't things work out for Ugoh in Indy?
Wells: This issue with Tony was always his toughness. He also never could recover from making a mistake. One screw-up would linger with him all game, and things would snowball.
If you had to bet on whether or not Ugoh will make the team out of training camp...
Wells: I would not bet on him making the team, but I'll root for him to do so. When I've spoken with Tony, he always was accommodating and honest. Seems like a good guy.
Stick with this StoryStream for news updates and more on the Kansas City Chiefs as they prepare for training camp. For all things Chiefs, head over to Arrowhead Pride.