I've been reading everything I could about the Chiefs' progress at training camp. Here are some thoughts and impressions:

It was hard to really gauge whether the defense has improved or not at first. It seemed like the defense wasn't making many good plays against KC's offense... but then, we are talking about the best and most balanced offense in the NFL over the last two years. But after one day of practice with the Vikings, it seems there has been significant improvement. Sure, no one can really stop Randy Moss, but who can? However, this article (registration probably required) makes it sound like KC's defense has made significant strides:

The Kansas City defensive front seven generally won the nine-on-seven running drill and an 11-on-11 red zone drill while Minnesota's first team had the upper hand during the seven-on-seven passing drill.

When the team's met for the closest thing to gamelike conditions — an 11-on-11 drill at midfield — the teams traded good plays.

I really like that we won during the running drills, since our biggest problem was stopping the run last year.

This next paragraph was also intriguing:

The Vikings were working without Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, so it would be foolish to say that the Chiefs dominated up front, but the big fellas did show aggressiveness, burst and an ability to get into the backfield, where they caused problems for Bennett and Smith.

Why would it be foolish to say that? Players missing time due to injuries are part of the game. I didn't notice anyone taking care to avoid attacking the MLB position last year when Maslowski was out. And I don't think every team has a pro-bowl center, either. If our guys can create that much havoc against a 1st team O-line (and there is still no guarantee they will be able to continue this in the regular season), then we will have a top-ten defense, Gunther was a significant addition, and Greg Robinson's defense was not a good fit for the players we have. There's good reason for optimism.

Furthermore, early indications are that the Chiefs have hit homeruns with nearly every draft pick. Most were considered "reaches" at the time, but several look like they may turn out to be steals.

For instance, Kris Wilson seemed an unnecessary pick for a team with All-Pro Tony Gonzalez locking down the TE position. But Wilson was an in-betweener: great catching and running skills, but too big/slow for a WR and too small for a main TE. He could have been a pass-catching FB, perhaps, but on the Chiefs, he's a perfect fit as someone who can block on the perimeter or downfield for Priest Holmes for several plays to set up the defense, and then slip unnoticed downfield for a huge pass reception.

Kevin Sampson, OT, was drafted as an OT project...but it's looking like he might be ready to back up a tackle position this year. If he doesn't, it is because OT Jordan Black, drafted last year, seems ready to back up Willie Roaf at LT, and OT Brett Williams, also drafted last year, is actually vying for the starting RT position and will probably be the top back-up there. Considering that Willie Roaf is arguably the best LT in the best O-line in the AFC right now, having a 7th-round rookie be good enough to add quality depth is amazing.

Jared Allen, a defensive lineman from a 1-AA school (Idaho State?) was also drafted as a project at D-line or to challenge Kendall Gammon at long snapper. He was considered to small to play right away, but could bulk up in a year or two like Eric Hicks. But he's shown surprising effectiveness in rushing the passer despite being undersized; he could push for a surprisingly large amount of playing time.

Junior Siavii is developing nicely, and looks like he will be the run-stuffing disruptive force we were looking for...plus, he seems to have the explosiveness to get to the QB when the opposition double-teams Ryan Sims.

Sammie Parker is looking like the answer to our anemia at WR. He has excellent speed and catches well. If Boerigter doesn't convince coaches that last year's sophomore slump was a fluke, he'll lose playing time to this guy. Of course, if Bo plays well enough to keep Sammie from getting on the field, then that's just gravy, right?

Undrafted CB Benny Sapp has made some excellent plays and will probably add quality depth. Undrafted FB Marvin Brown has shown an aggressive attitude and has laid some crushing blocks. But the cream of the undrafted prospects is WR Richard Smith, who is getting excellent separation and catching everything thrown near him while 3 of the top 4 receivers (Morton, Kennison, and Boerigter) are out with nagging injuries. He's looking like he should have been drafted in the second round...

Sure, it's training camp and everyone is an All-Pro this time of year...but I do feel that perhaps we've got a special group, with some people who are going to come from nowhere to shock the opposition. I think we're going to be scary-good this season.