Corey Mays (1 Viewer)

[RavensUNFL]

The daily update from Fanball says he has a chance.

The News

Corey Mays could beat out Zach Thomas for the starting gig at inside linebacker, according to Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star. Thomas has been unable to practice in drills since August 4 while dealing with an undisclosed injury.

Our View

The 25-year-old Mays is yet to miss a practice, and head coach Todd Haley noted that he seems to get better every day, and is clearly in the mix. Mays is worth a look as a flier for deeper IDP leagues, especially if Thomas continues to miss practice.

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As always I respect the opinion of the regular IDP posters, Jene and the gang always have great insight, what do you make of this and the chance that Mays starts inside?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Generally speaking, I've not been impressed with the depth of coverage from the Chiefs beat writers on defense. It's entirely anecdotal, but I think there's more defensive speculation leaking out from that group than what actually pans out. Maybe that's because the recent coaching staffs have been wishy-washy or maybe it's because there's a pot-stirring mentality there.

Still, you evaluate each situation on the merits.

In this case, Corey Mays is a replacement level NFL talent. That may very well be good enough to start in KC this year. Especially when you're fighting an old linebacker who's had concussion, knee and other assorted issues in recent years who is miscast as a thumping SILB in this scheme.

I think Mays upside is similar to that of Gerald Hayes on paper. However, I think Hayes is better at the point of attack, more athletic and underrated in coverage. I would put Mays' ceiling at the LB4 range and wouldn't feel comfortable at all projecting him there as a starter. He's not the next Eric Barton.

 

[Larry Thomas]

I can’t speak about how reliable the KC beat writers are, I have no idea. After watching Mays play with the ones the last two preseason games, he's played better than a replacement level talent. Maybe it’s his experience with the 34 from his time in New England. He didn’t do much in Cincinnati, the Bengals chose not to tender him, obviously they didn’t see enough from him, or maybe he wasn’t a good fit in their 43 scheme, who knows. Hard to believe this is the same player who couldn’t find the field on a LB starved team.

I agree with Jene that it won’t take much to beat out a 36 year old LB who is miscast in a 34 and LB4 range may be his ceiling. However, right now he’s playing like a guy determined to make the most of an opportunity. He’s also getting nickel and dime snaps, or at least he did tonight. Seen him on punt coverage, but not kickoff. On defense, again he was very active, looked good. I think he has a legitimate shot to start, maybe not at the onset, but at some point this year.

 

[RavensUNFL]

Thank you Jene and Larry, I guess a player can improve over time or maybe in a system that fits him better. Perhaps he is that type of player that took a few years to "get it" and now he is trying to make the most of it.

I picked him up in a couple dynasty leagues and think I will hang on to him for now.

 

[Larry Thomas]

From PFW Whispers...

• Although the Chiefs injected their LB corps with a heavy dose of veteran leadership this offseason, it was a relatively unknown youngster who stood out at training camp. With one of the aforementioned veterans, Zach Thomas, missing multiple weeks of practice with an undisclosed injury, 25-year-old Corey Mays stepped in and performed well, impressing head coach Todd Haley with the way he seized the opportunity. Thomas likely will regain his starting role once he's healthy, but Mays has done enough to at least enter the discussion of possible first-teamers.

Thomas, once healthy, is expected to be the starter, this should come as no surprise. No matter how much praise Mays has been getting, don't expect him to win the job before Thomas gets his chance. Even if Thomas wins out, staying healthy may be alot to ask for the 36 year old vet. NFL.com senior columnist Vic Carucci stated the undisclosed injury to Zach Thomas is suspected to his left hamstring or quadriceps.

Haley’s camp taking a toll on Chiefs veterans

 

[stevegamer]

I can’t speak about how reliable the KC beat writers are, I have no idea. After watching Mays play with the ones the last two preseason games, he's played better than a replacement level talent. Maybe it’s his experience with the 34 from his time in New England. He didn’t do much in Cincinnati, the Bengals chose not to tender him, obviously they didn’t see enough from him, or maybe he wasn’t a good fit in their 43 scheme, who knows. Hard to believe this is the same player who couldn’t find the field on a LB starved team.

I agree with Jene that it won’t take much to beat out a 36 year old LB who is miscast in a 34 and LB4 range may be his ceiling. However, right now he’s playing like a guy determined to make the most of an opportunity. He’s also getting nickel and dime snaps, or at least he did tonight. Seen him on punt coverage, but not kickoff. On defense, again he was very active, looked good. I think he has a legitimate shot to start, maybe not at the onset, but at some point this year.

I'd agree with this - I've only seen the first Chiefs game, but he got on my "watch list" in the first quarter, and I normally don't expect too many guys to show up there, since the majority of the players are either rostered or are known quantities.He was one of the most impressive Chief defenders - maybe damning with faint praise, but still not a bad thing..

 

[Heatman]

I'm seeing a Pat Thomas Deja Vu. Though Mays may be better.

 

[LBH]

what can we expect from Mays with Thomas out of the picture

 

[gregjcross]

what can we expect from Mays with Thomas out of the picture

Cannot jump the gun on a Zach Thomas retirement until it happens. He has already denied the ESPN report to two sources via text messages, one twitter post being Drew Rosenhaus This *could be* typical of ESPN NFL journalism, just toss something plausible and see if it sticks. Im sure Schefter heard a rumor...but.....

 

[JAM]

As of today, according to the KC official site, Demorrio Williams is listed as the starter, so we'll have to wait to see how this shakes out. Demorrio had an excellent line this week.

 

[Larry Thomas]

Thomas can't find the field, he make not make the cut.

 

[duece2626]

As of today, according to the KC official site, Demorrio Williams is listed as the starter, so we'll have to wait to see how this shakes out. Demorrio had an excellent line this week.

Maybe as one of the OLB, but the spot next to DJ is still open.

 

[Beaumont]

As of today, according to the KC official site, Demorrio Williams is listed as the starter, so we'll have to wait to see how this shakes out. Demorrio had an excellent line this week.

Maybe as one of the OLB, but the spot next to DJ is still open.

Actually the official depth chart is Vrabel-Mayes-Williams-Hali with DJ as a 3rd string backup.http://www.kcchiefs.com/depth_chart/

Haley is playing games with the depth charts and has been doing so all offseason. You cant count Beisel out either.

If ZT does retire its a mixture of DJ, Mayes, Williams Beisel with only really DJ assured of a starting spot. And even that is making an assumption.

 

[Larry Thomas]

Yeah, I agree with Beaumont, I wouldn't put much stock in their depth chart right now.

Chiefs buzz / KansasCity.com

More changes in depth chart

The Chiefs issued a new depth chart Monday, and it included some starting-lineup changes. Jon McGraw is listed as the starter at free safety instead of Jarrad Page, while Demorrio Williams is a starter at one inside linebacker spot instead of Derrick Johnson.

McGraw and Williams were both with the first team during practice.

Page didn’t suit up for the loss to Seattle, so his demotion could be a disciplinary measure. Neither he nor coach Todd Haley would discuss Page’s situation.

Johnson missed practice last week because of an injury and didn’t play against the Seahawks but returned to practice Monday.

KansasCity.com

 

[eddy13]

is this guy worth picking up on the wire.. is he a good sleeper candidate

 

[Larry Thomas]

Another Corey Mays thread already started, may find what your looking for there. Opinions vary, I think he's looked good, has a chance to start.

 

[Larry Thomas]

Well so much for Zach Thomas being a threat.

Chiefs Roster Moves

 

[Larry Thomas]

Think I posted post #16 in the wrong thread.

 

[bcr8f]

As of today, according to the KC official site, Demorrio Williams is listed as the starter, so we'll have to wait to see how this shakes out. Demorrio had an excellent line this week.

Maybe as one of the OLB, but the spot next to DJ is still open.

Actually the official depth chart is Vrabel-Mayes-Williams-Hali with DJ as a 3rd string backup.http://www.kcchiefs.com/depth_chart/

Haley is playing games with the depth charts and has been doing so all offseason. You cant count Beisel out either.

If ZT does retire its a mixture of DJ, Mayes, Williams Beisel with only really DJ assured of a starting spot. And even that is making an assumption.

Mike Brown and Jon McGraw safeties?

 

[stevegamer]

As of today, according to the KC official site, Demorrio Williams is listed as the starter, so we'll have to wait to see how this shakes out. Demorrio had an excellent line this week.

Maybe as one of the OLB, but the spot next to DJ is still open.

Actually the official depth chart is Vrabel-Mayes-Williams-Hali with DJ as a 3rd string backup.http://www.kcchiefs.com/depth_chart/

Haley is playing games with the depth charts and has been doing so all offseason. You cant count Beisel out either.

If ZT does retire its a mixture of DJ, Mayes, Williams Beisel with only really DJ assured of a starting spot. And even that is making an assumption.

Mike Brown and Jon McGraw safeties?

Don't worry - they are just playing games. You'll probably see depth chart movement durin weekly practices, so guy don't get 'complacent" knowing they started last week and played well if they don't practice well.