Who is Mike DeVito?

Chief Concerns: Stephen Brown

Who is Mike DeVito?

Fans are asking like it’s a Jeopardy question.

“Chiefs fans will like DeVito,” said ganggreennation.com Tuesday (3/12). “He’s one dimensional, but he’s very good at that dimension, stopping the run. He also can play multiple spots along the line. As long as you don’t expect him to do anything as a pass rusher, you will be happy with him.”

Here’s the difference between DeVito and Glenn Dorsey, the distinction I spotted right away. DeVito is an upgrade at defensive end because DeVito IS a 3-4 defensive end, one of the best 3-4 DE’s in the league.

Unlike Dorsey, who was a 5th overall NFL Draft pick in 2008, DeVito was an undrafted free-agent rookie out of Maine signed by the Jets in 2007. As a rookie DeVito beat out veterans Bobby Hamilton and Kimo Von Oelhoffen to make the Jets roster.

In 2010 DeVito received praise from ESPN.com’s Jets insider Rich Cimini calling DeVito “the most under-appreciated player on the team” as well as being regarded as a “keeper, for sure”.

Personally, I have a soft spot for underrated gems; DeVito’s been that for the Jets.

How Will Devito Help the Chiefs?

Since 2008 Kansas City’s surrendered nearly 140 yards rushing per game (allowed 110 per in 2010), the year Glenn Dorsey was drafted. Last season the New York Jets allowed 133 yards rushing per game, but from 2008 to 2011 the Jets allowed an average of 98.5 rushing yards per game (111 in 2011, 91 in 2010, 98.6 in 2009 and 94 in 2008).

New defensive coordinator Bob Sutton came from the New York Jets, had been with the Jets since 2000 in various coaching positions. So Sutton had a lot to do with DeVito coming to Kansas City, the Chiefs need to stop the run.

“DeVito isn’t being paid like someone who might be cut in training camp,” said Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride. “The Chiefs are making a clear commitment to him. He is going to play next season. I would guess Jets defensive coordinator Bob Sutton had a part in DeVito getting this deal. But that commitment comes at a price…”

Per Jason La Canfora NFL Insider for CBS Sports, DeVito’s three-year contract is worth over $12 million. It will pay him over $5 million in 2013, and is $6.2 million guaranteed.

Devito played nose tackle for most of the 2012 season due to As Pouha’s back injury. So DeVito has the versatility Chiefs’ GM John Dorsey looks for.

Besides being a more natural fit in the 3-4, DeVito’s gritt and experience should be a help to second-year player Dontari Poe.

DeVito might not be well known, or have a big following… but can do his job very well.

Far from a household name, DeVito is a rock solid 3-4 defensive end who amassed 52 tackles in 15 starts with New York last season,” reported National Football Posts Joe Fortenbaugh who called DeVito a Chiefs steal. “According to Pro Football Focus, the 28-year-old from Maine graded out as the tenth-best 3-4 DE in 2012.”

Last season I learned a valuable lesson, let’s get excited about these free agents when we SEE them on the field and staying healthy.

Still, it’s hard not to like this signing. DeVito came from nothing, made his way and now is seen as one the best DE’s in the 3-4. I think the Chiefs did pretty good with this guy.

Good day, Chief fans!