May 16, 2008

With a dearth of offensive talent that should make it difficult for the Chiefs to consistently find the endzone in 2008, it could be essential that they kick enough field goals to stay competitive. The only problem is that their placekicking prospects are even more dismal than their offensive outlook. Ex-Cowboy Billy Cundiff, journeyman Nick Novak and undrafted rookie Connor Barth are the three options currently under contract, but none is a solid bet to be on the roster Week One. Yet finding a decent option still on the free-agent market is tough to do. Former Colts star Mike Vanderjagt is available and was granted a workout a couple months ago, but the amount of time that has lapsed since his audition without an offer being made is evidence that the team has obvious reservations about him. Regardless of which kickers are dotting the roster come training camp, expect an intense battle to be waged, and — barring any dramatic turn of events — a lot of missed field goals in the tricky Arrowhead Stadium conditions.