Darling & Webb battling for No. 2 slot?

One had to guess that the Kansas City Chiefs were heading into rebuilding mode this year. They traded away arguably their best defensive player in Jared Allen for picks before the draft and they realized last year the need to rebuild their offensive line.

Just how far it had slipped wasn’t entirely clear until I read this story indicating that the team’s No. 2 WR slot is open for competition between, among others, Devard Darling and Jeff Webb.

No offense to Darling and Webb – I hope they do well and make it big. But if that’s the best you’ve got to roll with into training camp for an offense run by the also extremely questionable Brodie Croyle, you’ve got to be wringing your hands a bit.

Based on the numbers, Darling appears to be the more explosive of the duo. He’s joined the Chiefs this year from Baltimore and is entering his fourth season, though before last year he last appeared in a game in 2004. His career numbers include 20 catches for 331 yards and three touchdowns, all but two catches for five yards accumulated last year.

Webb was a sixth round pick in 2006. He has 31 catches for 336 yards and one touchdown and he did appear to come on at the end of the 2007 season, finishing with 28 catches for 313 yards and that sole TD.

The Chiefs added some nice offensive pieces during the draft including potential left tackle Brandon Albert, running back Jamaal Charles from Texas and two tight ends. But the only additions at wide receiver were fourth rounder Will Franklin and sixth rounder Kevin Robinson – both of whom are written about more in project-like terms than in glowing, can’t-miss-type formats. I don’t think anyone expected the Chiefs to be looking at a playoff spot this season, but it could be a longer year than anyone expected in KC, Mo.