Derrick Blaylock

He's a handy receiver with nice speed to the outside, but Blaylock's slight frame makes him less-than-ideal for inside work and every-down consideration. Even if Curtis Martin is out of the picture in 2006, it's hard to envision Blaylock being anything more than a time-share back. It's hard to believe that Blaylock was ahead of Larry Johnson on the Chiefs depth chart a couple of years ago, isn't it?

He is more than capable of providing a spark off the bench. No stranger to the end zone, he scored 8 touchdowns while rushing 118 times for 539 yards in 2004 as a Chief. Plus, he has proven ability as a receiver and blocker. Blaylock is also a valuable insurance policy in case Martin is unable to maintain his health throughout the year.

Blaylock wasn't as highly touted as No. 1 pick Larry Johnson last year, but the Chiefs seemed ready to lean on him as short-term insurance more than Johnson. He finished a distant second to Priest Holmes in rushing yardage with 112 yards. While he could be insurance for Holmes, Johnson has another year under his belt and makes a lot more money than does Blaylock, so he'd get the first crack. Barring injury to Holmes, look for Blaylock's offensive production to pretty much mirror last year's.