May 8th, 2014, the Kansas City Chiefs owned the rights to the 23rd overall draft pick in the 2014 NFL draft. John Dorsey and company decided to add youth, and versatility to the defensive side of the football. The front office decided to draft the undersized defensive end from Auburn University in Dee Ford. There was no answers to why the Kansas City Chiefs went with Ford, as he was not a high caliber name in the 2014 draft class. Confusion struck throughout, as to why the Chiefs used their first round draft pick to select an undersized, and underdeveloped defensive end and outside linebacker.
Ford, being an ultra competitor, was able to end the questions quickly by letting his underrated playing style do the talking. As of now, the questioning has turned into nothing but love for number 55 in red, and yellow. Ford was considered a developmental player throughout his three seasons as a Chief, and quietly worked his way up to being a key part of the Chiefs defense. Ever since the 2014 season, Ford has shown why he is a vital piece to the Kansas City defense, and Chiefs Kingdom should expect nothing but a terrific 2017 season.
Dee Ford Career Breakdown: Rookie Season
Ford’s Rookie Season Stats
Dee Ford’s rookie season was not at all a flashy season. His rookie season stats were below average, and if studied briefly, there were plenty of goose eggs found if a statistical breakdown occurred. Ford contributed on a season total of seven tackles with three solo tackles, and four assists. These are pretty low numbers coming from a first round pick. Although there is no room to criticize his first year performance as a professional football player. As a low first round draft pick to a well-rounded team usually goes, there is slim to none production from that player (unless of course, you are cornerback Marcus Peters). The low numbers cannot be blamed for his lack of effort, or be used as a way to evaluate his future in the NFL. Ford found himself buried in the depth chart under some key names to the Kansas City defense including Justin Houston and Tamba Hali.
Ford’s Rookie Season Franchise Role:
Coming into his rookie season, Ford was not expected to produce high numbers. His rookie year if anything, was more of getting a chance to get the feel of his new football home in Kansas City.
Teammate Marcus Peters, for example, had a higher role as a rookie. Peters was the type of prospect that came into Kansas City, and did phenomenal things in his rookie season. In fact, on Peters’ very first NFL play, he tallied his first NFL interception which capped off a sooner than expected bold role to the Chiefs franchise.
For Ford, this was not the case whatsoever. For lack of a better comparison, if Ford were to be to compared to any player on the roster as to the situation they are in as a rookie, it would be this year’s rookie defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon. Kpassagnon is a developmental player on the roster who could eventually do some incredible things in the NFL if given the right opportunity.
This was the exact situation Ford was in for his rookie season. The staff gave Ford time to develop, and were able to sprinkle in some playing time for him as he grew to become something big fore the Chiefs. To speak on present terms, Ford has quietly become a well-rounded player for the Chiefs, and carries an important role to the Chiefs stellar pass rushing defense.
Ford’s Best Game of the 2014 Season
As a rookie, Ford had a few games where he showed flashes of exciting potential, and as a under-developed rookie should, he had a few games where he did not even see playing time on the field whatsoever.
Statistically speaking, the most contribution from Ford as a rookie was against the St Louis Rams (now the Los Angeles Rams). He was able to combine for three total tackles with two solo tackles, and one assist, which came from a group effort sacking Ram’s 2014 quarterback Austin Davis. This was a game where Ford stepped up and played his part. No, three total tackles is not jaw-dropping Rookie of the Year material. But at the time, it was odd seeing him contribute so much. Flashing forward into 2017, it is now very normal to hear the commentators reward his name with a tackle or a sack on the football field.
Concluding Ford’s Rookie Season
Ford’s rookie season was subpar. He did not ever have any games where he left Chiefs Kingdom in awe over his performance. Though, in a quiet way, Ford stayed on course and did his part as much as possible. Because of this, Ford was able to set himself up for higher standards in his upcoming seasons within the NFL.
The good thing about Ford is he did not give up, or want to move on to another team with less talent due to his lack of a big franchise role. He continued to learn from the veterans, and played his position when asked to step up.
As a coach, it has to be nice to have such a versatile defensive player in Ford. He can be used in many ways, and wherever he is put on the field, Ford will do his best to help the team win football games. Ever since the 2014 season, Ford has shown why he is a vital piece to the Kansas City defense, and Chiefs Kingdom should expect nothing but a terrific 2017 season.
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