900 Football Links

McGee started slowly but came on strong. He had a very nice week of practice.
ONE ON ONE BLOCKING DRILLS SCORED BY JAY GOLDBERG
6 - 4	Canfield 3-0 Levitre 1-1 Unger 2-2 Urbik 0-1

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Magee isn't going to be a player that gets noticed a lot watching TV on game day. However, he is a very effective football player. He can play inside on a defense that values quickness and speed inside, or can play end in a 3-4 defense.

102

Donald Washington

Ohio State

#30 CB

Round 5

139

Colin Brown

Missouri

Off My Board

175

Quinten Lawrence

McNeese State

#30 WR

Round 5

212

Javarris Williams

Tennessee State

#14 RB

Round 4

East West Shrine Game

Williams was the best runner in the game. He has good size (listed at 5'11", 220), was quick and made good, sharp cuts. He ran tough between the tackles and had good bounce to the outside. He has good feet and you have to love a back that can move the chains to run out the clock at the end of a game when the box is stacked. I am really looking forward to this kids' workout.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Williams really impressed me during the East West Shrine Game. He is a strong kid with better speed than you'd think. Williams will not be a starter in the NFL, but he could be a very good short-yardage, goal-line back, who could break off the occasional long run if he pops through the hole against a stacked defense.

237

Jake O'Connell

Miami (OHIO)

Late Round Value

256

Ryan Succop

South Carolina

Off My Board

----

London Fryar

Western Michigan

7th/FA

----

Cameron Goldberg

Duke

Late Round Value

----

Taurus Johnson

South Florida

7th/FA

----

Corey Smith

LB/SS

Cincinnati

Late Round Value

C-

2009 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

If Cassel is added into the mix for a grade, the C- becomes a C+. One reason the grade would have stayed in the "C's" is that Thigpen proved to me that he was a quarterback you could win with and if Croyle could ever stay healthy, he could also be a plus quarterback. While the Chiefs made some good picks, I also believe they made some head-scratching ones and had some missed opportunities.

DRAFT PICKS

Jackson shot up draft boards because he was one of the few defensive ends that fit perfectly in the 3-4 defense. However, in my opinion, #3 in the draft was too much of a reach. My selection would have been B. J. Raji, who would have secured the nose for Kansas City at a very high level for years.

Magee was an excellent pick in round three. He is stronger and quicker than Jackson and will form a good three man rotation at end along with Dorsey. It wouldn't shock me long term if he out-performs Jackson at end. If Kansas City went Raji in round one, then Magee would have been drafted to start.

Washington is a tremendous athlete with good size, acceptable speed and good quickness. He will need time, but should develop into a good corner. However, I liked Macho Harris more at this spot, and Mickens and Lankster were good values late in the draft.

The Chiefs liked Brown a lot more than I did. While he has a big frame, he will need a lot of work before he can be relied on to play on offense. I know there are some off-the-field concerns with Jamon Meredith, however I would have jumped at the chance to take him here. Meredith would have started on the right side at either tackle or guard (he is strong and quick) for K.C. right (pun intended) away.

I understand the selection of Lawrence. The kid is strong, can fly and has a future in the league. He will be a plus special teams player while he hones his craft.

Okay, Kansas City fans, you will finally get me to say something you have been waiting for; I love the selection of Williams. Long term he is a perfect back to pair with Charles. Williams is a strong between the tackles runner who can move the pile, get the tough yards and has a good burst of speed. He will not be an every down back, but will be a valuable member of the team.

O'Connell is an athletic h-back who can catch and has the strength to develop into a\n effective blocker. This is another good get late in the draft by the Chiefs.

While Kansas City needed a kicker to compete with Barth, I would have drafted Sakoda or even Gano, over Succop. Sakoda is the only player to be first team All American at punter (2007) and kicker (2008).

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Fryar played well at a college that has brought wide receiver Greg Jennings and tight end Tony Schleffler to the NFL recently. However, he will have a difficult time making the team with all the young corners on the Chiefs' roster.

Goldberg gets more than a mention for his tremendous last name. He is very strong. He has very quick feet. He is a good athlete. And he started for three years. Look for this kid to be a surprise of the camp and make the team.

Johnson is a solid player who will get lost in the numbers for a roster spot, but will be a priority for Kansas City to sign to their development squad.

Smith is a quick outside linebacker, who can cut on a dime and has the ability to transition from outside linebacker to strong safety. If he makes the team he will be a top special teams cover guy.

For chart below: red indicates workout number in top range at position in draft
ARM-HAND relative to position, for ranges see ranking pages for 2009 draft

LAST NAME
at Combine

FIRST NAME

SCHOOL

HGT

WGT

ARM-
HAND

BENCH

SHORT

LONG

3 CONE

VERT

BROAD

Jackson

Tyson

LSU

6'4.1"

296

L-L

4.91

1.68

2.79

4.80

7.64

28.5"

8'6"

Magee

Alex

Purdue

6'2.5"

298

XL-M

4.82

1.62

2.77

4.42

7.15

29.5"

9'5"

Washington

Donald

Ohio State

6'0.2"

197

M-M

4.50

1.47

2.56

4.13

6.70

45"

11'3"

Brown

Colin

Missouri

6'6.6"

335

5.38

1.84

3.14

4.83

7.82

27.5"

8'4"

Lawrence

Quintin

McNese St

5'11.7"

190

S-S

4.40

1.48

2.52

Williams

Javarris

Tennessee State

5'9.4"

223

M-L

4.51

1.50

2.62

4.73

7.26

33.5"

9'8"

O'Connell

Jake

Miami (Ohio)

6'3.1"

250

4.66

1.58

2.60

4.38

6.91

41"

10'4"

Fryar

London

Western Michigan

5'10.4"

194

4.59

1.59

2.67

4.28

6.81

35.5"

10'0"

Goldberg

Cameron

Duke

6'4.6"

315

4.97

1.70

2.82

4.61

7.27

33"

8'9"

Johnson

Taurus

South Florida

6'0.4"

206

S-L

4.47

1.53

2.59

4.24

7.37

35.5"

10'1"

Smith

Corey

Cincinnati

6'0.1"

221

4.65

1.59

2.62

4.09

6.62

34.5"

10'3"

2009 NEEDS PRIOR TO DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY
Major need Need Upgrade possible Depth/possible need Not a need

QB	Too bad Croyle is so injury prone, I like his skills, but the team has to move on. Thigpen played well when he took over and will be, at worst, given a chance to start. Look for the Chiefs to bring in someone to compete for the starting job with Thigpen in camp.
RB	Interestingly, the quarterback decision could impact the direction the Chiefs go at running back. Johnson is not a good fit in the spread offense so he is not a good fit with Thigpen. Charles is a better fit in that offense but not as a full time starter. Smith is a solid sub. Battle has good size and speed and could surprise in camp. The need here depends on what the team decides to do with Johnson.
WR	Bowe is a top talent. Bradley has skills too, but needs to stay healthy. Franklin and Robinson have potential, and Webb has also flashed at times, but the team needs to add a talented receiver as Bradley-insurance who can also play in three receiver sets.
TE	Gonzalez is still the best tight end in the NFL. There is talk he may want out of Kansas City. Cottam is a terrific young prospect behind him. I believe he will be very good when given the chance to start. Depth is needed behind these two, especially if Gonzalez is traded.
OL	The Chiefs are set on the left side. They need improvement on the right side, especially if they move away from the spread offense. One answer could be to move center Niswanger to right guard. Then the team will need a center.
DL	This unit needs to be rebuilt. Hali must move back to right end and a pass rusher needs to be found at right end. The team needs to install a scheme that makes better use Dorsey. He was wasted last year. DT Tyler should be a backup along with DE McBride. Therefore, a starting tackle also needs to be secured.
LB	Johnson and Williams have talent but did not have particularly good years last year, and both are most effective at WILL. The Chiefs need a middle linebacker and a SAM.
DB	This is the best unit on the Chiefs' defense. Flowers, Carr and Leggett are three young promising corners. Page is steady at free safety. Pollard has mad skills but needs to be a more reliable tackler, if not Morgan could take away his starting spot.
ST	The Chiefs need to bring in a kicker to challenge and hopefully unseat Barth. Robinson needs to show he is the difference-making return man he was in college or he will be cut. I like the kid's talent, but this could be a case where his unimpressive measureables indicate that he may not be able to transfer his skills to the NFL.

2008 DRAFT PICKS
links go to NFL.com website

Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School	Jay's ranking	Jay's draft value
1	5	Glenn Dorsey	DT	6'1.4"	297	LSU	#2 DT	Round 1
1	15	Branden Albert	OG/OT	6'5.5"	309	Virginia	#1 OG	Round 1
2	37	Brandon Flowers	CB	5'9.6"	189	Virginia Tech	#8 CB	Round 2
3	73	Jamaal Charles	RB	5'11"	200	Texas	#8 RB	Round 2
3	76	Brad Cottam	TE	6'7.4"	270	Tennessee	#2 TE	Round 2

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Cottam only played 5 games his senior year, but showed excellent hands in Senior Bowl practices and had a touchdown catch in the game. Cottam is a big tight end at almost 6'8" and 270 pounds. He is a big man who has shown the ability to develop into a good blocker. With questions about Fred Davis as a first rounder and Keller more of a bulked up wide receiver than true tight end, if I needed a tight end in this draft I would target Cottam in round two or three and go a different way earlier in the draft.

3	82	DaJuan Morgan	FS/SS	6'0.1"	205	N Carolina St	#2 FS	Round 2
4	105	Will Franklin	WR	6'0.4"	214	Missouri	#15 WR	Round 3/Round 4
5	140	Bandon Carr	CB/FS/Ret	6'0.1"	207	G Valley State		Late Round Value
6	170	Barry Richardson	OT	6'6.5"	320	Clemson	#15 OT	Round 4/Round 5
6	182	Kevin Robinson	WR/Ret	5'11.4"	202	Utah State		Late Round Value
7	210	Brian Johnston	DE	6'5.1"	274	Gardner-Webb	#19 DE	Round 4

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Johnston is a deep sleeper. He has good size and showed good pass rushing skills and good pursuit in the Hula Bowl. The step-up in competition did not effect him. He is a top athlete for the position with speed, quickness and athleticism.

7	239	Mike Merritt	TE	6'2.6"	270	Central Florida		Free Agent
FA		Jabari Arthur	WR	6'3.4"	228	Akron	#22 WR	Round 4/Round 5

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

I am still waiting on Arthur's Pro Day to see if I feel his potential is even better than I have here. Every year I identify a receiver who catches the ball very well, has good skills, but is not in the class of other players in the draft in terms of athletic skills. This is a player who will be signed as a street free agent and has the ability to stick around and eventually be a contributor down the line. Last year it was Dominique Zeigler. He hung around the 49ers all year on their practice squad. This year it's Arthur. He has good size, excellent hands, and makes tough catches. Whether drafted late or signed as a free agent, this kid will be tough for a team to cut. Down the line he can become a contributor as a #4 wideout.

FA	Johnny Dingle	DE	6'1.3"	265	W Virginia	Late Round Value
FA	Chris McDuffie	OG	6'4.1"	330	Clemson	Late Round Value
FA	Kalvin McRae	RB	5'9.1"	203	Ohio	Late Round Value

A-

2008 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

While most will point to Dorsey and Albert for the Chiefs getting an "A" for this draft, their whole draft was superb. Long term, Cottam and Johnson could be just as important to K.C. as the big two. I also loved the signing of college street free agent Arthur and Robinson could develop into a dangerous return man. The only down side is that K.C. could have used anothe offensive lineman who could start immediately. Oh well, everything can't be addressed in one year.

DRAFT PICKS

I was in the minority, but I had Ellis as my top defensive tackle. However, I can't fault the Chiefs for taking Dorsey based on his play at LSU. Dorsey is a disruptive force at tackle and will help against the run and the pass if the Chiefs use him wisely. He is definitely a lonmg term building block for the Chiefs' defense.

Albert was another player others had rated slightly higher than I. He could be a dominating run blocker as a guard, but he jumped up draft boards because teams felt he could be a quality starting left tackle. As a left tackle he will have to add strength and will need time before he becomes a top pass blocker at left tackle. Worst case Albert will be an above average left tackle. As the fifteenth pick that would be fine. If K.C. grabbed him at the fifth spot as some projected, that would not have been fine.

Flowers has good man-to-man cover skills. He is very quick and changes directions well. He also has good anticipation which helps make up for his average speed and plays physically.

Charles was good value in round three. Personally, my selection would have been guard Jeremy Zuttah who could have started on the Chiefs' line from day one and been a solid pro for years. Charles gives the Chiefs a speed option at running back, one who can score from anywhere on the field. He also runs better between the tackles than many think and could be a starting running back down the line if needed.

I love the potential of Brad Cottam. At almost 6'8" and 270 pounds he ran a 4.63 forty! He showed terrific hands at the Senior Bowl practices and showed a willingness to block. The knock on him is that he hasn't been able to stay healthy. If he does the Chiefs have their replacement for the aging, but still top-drawer Tony Gonzalez. I also think the Chiefs could use a lot of two-tight-end offenses this year with Gonzalez and Cottam to offer quick, big, reliable targets for Croyle.

Morgan was one of the better safeties in this draft. He is more of a threat to Page than Pollard, but can play either safety spot. Morgan has good size, strength and speed, but is not a player I would use to cover the quicker tight ends which is why I believe he is better at free safety than strong safety. He will be a core special teams player while he tries to crack KC's starting lineup.

Franklin is a tremendous athlete with excellent speed who needs to learn the wide receiver position. He got by in college on his speed and athleticism. He could develop into a dangerous number three receiver.

Carr has good height for a corner and has good speed and quickness. He will need time to develop, and his best position long-term could be free safety, but the kid has talent. I can see him becoming the nickel and growing into a starter, but I can also see him off the team in three years. Carr is a risk, but a good one for a team that needs a developmental corner.

Richardson is a big kid who performed well in college but didn't have the measureables for a team to feel confident he could transfer his skills to the NFL. That is especially true because he plays more of a finesse game that a physical game which is surprising for a kid his size. I had a higher grade on Richardson than some because I believe he can be brought along to play more physically, and become a solid backup or adequate starter.

Kevin Robinson is a player I kept wanting to place on my "under-valued" list, but whose workouts just wouldn't let me pull the trigger. The kid is a playmaker. He has good hands and can cut on a dime. Watching him you wouldn't believe the pedestrian speed and quickness numbers he put up during workouts. While he may never make it to KC's receiver rotation, I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes the primary return man and does extremely well in that role.

Brian Johnson is the steal of this draft. The Chiefs traded Allen and, in time, Johnson could be his replacement. He is very fast and very quick for a someone his size and has good pass rushing skills. Coming from a small school he will need time, but worst case he will be a rush end in the nickel. Best case he will grow into a solid starter.

Merritt is a pass blocking tight end who could be moved to fullback.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Arthur is a kid Chief fans should watch closely. He was very productive in college, has good size and excellent hands. He may never be a star or a starter (although I wouldn't be very surprised if he peaks as a #2 receiver), but would be a reliable and valuable fourth receiver. Arthur is smart, knows how to get open and rarely drops the ball.

Dingle was a pass rushing defensive end at West Virginia, but didn't show the speed or athleticism during workouts to give NFL teams confidence he could do the same thing in the NFL. He is certainly worth a look as a free agent based on his college play.

McDuffie was Richardson's teammate at Clemson and performed well as a run-blocking guard. As a convert from defense, McDuffie has upside and could spend a year on the Chiefs' practice squad before challenging for a roster spot next year.

McCrae will have a tough timer making this roster but he is a tough, between the tackles, hard-running back who could land on KC's practice squad and be brought up to the "varsity" if there is an injury.

red indicates workout number in top range at position in draft
(blue college name indicates workout #'s include Pro Day numbers)

COMBINE
YES

FIRST NAME

SCHOOL

HEIGHT

WEIGHT

BENCH

SHORT

LONG

3 CONE

VERT

BROAD

Dorsey

Glenn

LSU

6'1.4"

297

5.14

4.95

8.47

25.5"

7'8"

Albert

Brandon

VIRGINIA

6'5.5"

309

5.17

1.77

2.97

4.78

7.97

26"

9'3"

Flowers

Brandon

VIRG TECH

5'9.6"

189

4.54

1.47

2.60

4.08

6.72

30"

9'9"

Charles

Jamaal

TEXAS

5'11"

200

4.38

1.53

2.56

4.22

6.80

30.5"

10'2"

Cottam

Brad

TENNESSEE

6'7.4"

270

4.63

1.57

2.61

4.17

7.22

36.5"

Morgan

DuJuan

N CAR ST

6'0.1"

205

4.50

1.43

2.62

4.41

7.12

33"

9'11"

Franklin

Will

MISSOURI

6'0.4"

214

4.32

1.53

2.53

40.5"

10'11"

Carr

Brandon

G VALLEY ST

6'0.1"

207

4.41

1.47

2.57

4.19

6.80

35"

10'4"

Richardson

Barry

CLEMSON

6'6.5"

320

5.47

1.85

3.12

5.16

8.00

25.5"

8'4"

Robinson

Kevin

UTAH STATE

5'11.4"

202

4.65

1.61

2.68

4.47

6.81

33"

9'10"

Johnston

Brian

GARD-WEBB

6'5.1"

274

4.66

1.51

2.66

4.18

6.96

35"

Merritt

Mike

C FLORIDA

6'2.6"

270

Arthur

Jabari

AKRON

6'3.4"

228

4.50

Dingle

Johnny

W VIRGINIA

6'1.3"

265

4.83

1.59

2.77

29"

9'0"

McDuffie

Chris

CLEMSON

6'4.1"

330

McRae

Kalvin

OHIO

5'9.1"

203

4.66

1.63

2.68

4.25

7.15

25.5"

9'1"

2008 NEEDS PRIOR TO DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY

KC Major Need Need Upgrade Depth Need Not a Need

QB	I know I surprised a lot of you with this grade. However, I like Croyle and believe he will develop into a good NFL quarterback. In addition, Huard is as good as it gets as a backup quarterback. Finally, I like Greene in college and thought he had a chance to develop into, at worst, a quality backup. Between him and Thigpen, the Chiefs should have a developmental third quarterback as well.
RB	I find it hard to believe that Johnson is done. But if he is, Smith showed he can carry the load. Battle is a big, strong kid who runs the forty in the 4.3's. He is worth holding onto. Kansas city, does need a blocking fullback. The tandem of converted linebacker/converted tight end needs to be upgraded.
WR	Bowe was great in year one and I expect that to continue. Webb has skills, but may be best served as the third receiver. It may be time to part ways with Kenneson. The Chiefs need a receiver who could start opposite Bowe and another to battle Parker and Sippio for a roster spot.
TE	No, this is not for Gonzalez. He is still as good as it gets. However, an upgrade over Dunn as the blocking tight end could be addressed. I like Allen's potential as a receiving tight end.
OL	This unit needs to be torn down and rebuilt. At least one tackle and one guard need to be added. If Niswanger is used at guard, a center could be added also.
DL	Allen is a free agent and needs to be signed because there is no replacement on the roster for the Chiefs' best lineman. Hali slumped some and played more at the level I expected him to play, which is an okay starter, but a replaceable one. Boone played well at tackle. Tyler could join him in the starting lineup next year. A backup end is needed, depth at tackle could also be addressed.
LB	Johnson play ranges from superb to above average. He may need a bit more consistency, but he is a solid pro. Harris does the job in the middle, but is a player who can be improved on. Edwards is solid but aging. After all these years, I guess the Chiefs don't believe Fox is starter material. At one point I thought he would be a good player. A young player to eventually replace Edwards and an upgrade for Harris could be added in the offseason.
DB	Law may be gone this offseason, Surtain next offseason. Sapp is steady but best served as a nickel. Therefore, at least one corner is needed, maybe two. The Chiefs' young safeties are improving but not there yet. The Chiefs should and will stick with them for at least one more year. If Wesley is let go, a backup safety for depth will need to be added.
ST	Medlock failed last year. That was as much a surprise to me as it was to the Chiefs. However, once again they need a kicker. Drummond, once a top return man, seems to have lost his mojo, so a return man is also a need.

2007 DRAFT PICKS
links go to NFL.com website

Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School	Jay's ranking	Jay's Draft Value
1	23	Bowe, Dwayne	WR	6-2	217	Louisiana State	# 2 WR	Round 1
2	54	McBride, Turk	DT	6-4	276	Tennessee	#12 DT	Round 4
3	82	Tyler, DeMarcus 'Tank'	DT	6-2	323	North Carolina State	# 4 DT	Round 2
5	148	Smith, Kolby	RB	5-11	215	Louisville		Late Round Value
5	160	Medlock, Justin	K	6-0	201	UCLA	# 1 K	Late Round Value
6	196	Taylor, Herbert	OT	6-4	296	Texas Christian		Off My Board
7	231	Allan, Michael	TE	6-6	255	Whitworth	# 5 TE	Round 3
FA		Brackenridge, Tyron	CB	6-0	189	Washington State		Late Round Value
FA		Crum, Brian	OLB	6-3	236	Florida		Late Round Value
FA		Ekwerekwu, Brad	WR	6-4	209	Missouri		Late Round Value
FA		Harris, Nate	ILB	6-0	240	Louisville	#9 ILB	Round 4

2007 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

The Chiefs had a solid draft. They got excellent value with Tyler in round three and Allan in round seven. In addition, the team needed a player to compete at middle linebacker and while they didn't draft one, they signed Nate Harris as a college street free agent, a player for whom I had a fourth round grade.

The Chiefs have finally done it. They got a legitimate number one receiver. Bowe was clearly my #2 rated receiver in this draft, and a top ten talent in my opinion. He makes the tough catch, gets open deep, blocks very well, and will grow into a Pro Bowl receiver. He does need to concentrate a little better to avoid drops, but, contrary to some reports, does have good hands. A great pick by Kansas City. McBride is a valuable player for a team to have, however, the Chiefs' grabbed him too high. McBride is light for a tackle, and lacks pass rush skills to play end on passing downs. For 4-3 teams he is a key reserve who can play effectively if injuries occur and a player who can be part of a rotation at end on early downs, and tackle on passing downs. Round two was a bit early for a player who will have this role. However, McBride will be a productive pro. He is strong, athletic and extremely quick (check out his shuttle time). His best shot to be a productive three-down starter will be as an end if he can improve his pass rush skills. However, if that was the Chiefs' goal, Tim Crowder would have been a better selection. Middle linebacker Buster Davis would have also been a intriguing selection here. Tyler was a nice get in round three. He is a very strong man who should give the Chiefs a run-stuffing defensive tackle who will also engage blockers freeing up KC's linebackers to make tackles. Tyler will have to get in better condition so he can play more consistently. Smith's skills make him an ideal as a backup running back. Kansas City, with Johnson and Bennett already on board was a good spot for Smith to land. He is a perfect #3 running back. However, drafting linebacker Tim Shaw and signing running back Jackie Battle in free agency (or even drafting him in round 6) may have made more sense. The Chiefs had a higher grade on Taylor than I. His best trait is his versatility. Michael Allen was a steal in round seven. He will need time to develop, but has good height, hands, speed, quickness and athleticism. He could be the future replacement for Gonzalez when (if) he slows down. Be patient with him.

Some college street free agents of note, signed by the Chiefs include Brackenridge, a quick cover corner with suspect long speed. He could also bulk up and move to safety. He has the look of a dime back who will also be a plus player on special teams. Crum lacks experience at linebacker but is a good football player and an ideal candidate for the Chiefs' practice squad. Ekwerekwu is an intriguing athlete. He has excellent size and good speed for his size. He also has the quickness of smaller receivers, is strong, and a good athlete. If I were a betting man I would predict he would be a key player that they sign to their development squad, and could even force his way onto their roster. Nate Harris could be the surprise of the Chiefs' camp. I had a fourth round grade on him because of his measurables, his attitude, and his natural ability. He did not live up to expectations in college, but with good coaching could develop into a starting-caliber middle linebacker. He has a good chance to stick with the Chiefs.

red indicates workout number in top range at position in draft

COMBINE
YES

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3
CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

BOWE

DWAYNE

LSU

6'2.2"

218

4.40

1.52

2.52

4.35

6.81

37.5"

10'5"

In my opinion Bowe is easily the second best receiver in this draft class and a top ten value. He won't go that high bit he is a playmaker who can make circus catches and big plays. He also has better speed than many think, and is a tough/strong kid who blocks very well. He does need to concentrate a little better to avoid some drops. He's a bigger, tougher Chris Chambers, which is a good thing.

COMBINE
YES

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3
CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

MCBRIDE

CLAUDE

TENNESSEE

DT/DE

6'2.3"

277

4.81

1.61

2.78

4.12

7.10

31"

9'0"

McBride is athletic, very strong and extremely quick. He is a bit of a tweener, being light for a tackle and lacking top pass rush skills as an end. His best position could be as an end in a 3-4 defense.

COMBINE
YES

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3
CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

TYLER

TANK

NORTH CAR ST

DT/NT

6'2.2"

306

5.30

1.78

3.06

28.5"

Tyler is a very strong man. He will be best served in the NFL as a nose tackle who can stuff the run and engage blockers. In the right system Tyler could be a very important player. He needs better conditioning, however, so he can play more consistemtly.

COMBINE
YES

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3
CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

SMITH

KOLBY

LOUISVILLE

5'11.2"

220

4.51

1.53

2.59

4.34

7.22

38"

9'6"

Smith filled in well for Bush last year. He has acceptable speed, strength and athleticism and could be a solid #2 or #3 NFL runner. He will be more of a backup than a change-of-pace or third down back.

COMBINE
YES

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3
CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

TAYLOR

HERBERT

TEXAS CHRISTIAN

OT/C

6'3.7"

296

5.19

1.81

3.03

4.54

7.65

27"

8'4"

Taylor's best trait is his versatility. He can play center and tackle, although he may never be a starter at either position. He could make a NFL roster as a sub.

COMBINE
YES

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3
CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

ALLAN

MICHAEL

WHITWORTH

6'6.6"

254

4.71

1.61

2.68

4.38

7.31

36"

10'3"

PLAYER WHO COULD HAVE A BETTER NFL CAREER THAN PLAYERS SELECTED AHEAD OF HIM in the DRAFT

Allan had an excellent Combine. He opened eyes during both the workouts and drills. He is a tall, athletic tight end who is a better receiver than blocker. Coming from Whitworth, he will need time to develop. However, he could be a productive receiving tight end who can be used in the red zone because of his size, and can run seam patterns because of his speed.

COMBINE
YES

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3
CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

BRACKENRIDGE

TYRON

WASHINGTON ST

5'11.4"

189

4.55

1.54

2.66

4.03

6.84

37.5"

10'5"

Brackenridge's best shot will be as a cover three corner or to hit the weight room and move to safety. He is a quick, tough kid with good cover skills but suspect speed.

COMBINE
NO

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

CRUM

BRIAN

FLORIDA

OLB

6'2.4"

236

Crum was a man without a position in college playing both tight end on offense and linebacker on defense. He is a good football player who could land on a team's practice squad.

COMBINE
NO

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

EKWEREKWU

BRAD

MISSOURI

6'3.5"

209

4.47

1.53

2.58

4.02

6.78

37.5"

10'6"

Ekwerekwu is a good size receiver with strength and quickness. He is also a good athlete. He should get a look in a team's camp and has a shot to stick on a roster or, worst case, be a priority player signed to a developmental squad.

COMBINE
YES

COLLEGE

POS

HGHT

WGHT

BENCH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3
CONE

VERTICAL
JUMP

BROAD
JUMP

HARRIS

NATE

LOUISVILLE

ILB/OLB

6'0.3"

230

4.46

1.52

2.59

4.49

11.67

7.19

36"

9'3"

Harris has excellent speed and strength. He did not live up to expectations in college but could be a better pro player than college player. He has a good attitude, he just needs to be "coached up".

2007 TEAM NEEDS PRIOR TO THE DRAFT and FREE AGENCY
major need need depth/possible need not a significant need

QB	Huard or Green will suffice as a starter for now, Croyle will be a good one later.
RB	Johnson and Bennett are a good 1-2.
WR	Personally, I'd keep their backups (Hannon, Webb, Hall) and get two new starters.
TE	Gonzalez and Wilson are a good 1-2.
OL	Shields and Wiegmann are considering retirement, Black is an UFA.
DL	Ends are fine, tackles are not.
LB	Mitchell is an UFA, Bell is overrated. Fox could step in for Bell.
DB	Good young safeties, solid old corner. Maxey is a young corner with promise.
ST	Both kickers are replaceable, although punter won't be touched yet.

2006 DRAFT PICKS
Links go to write-ups at NFL.com

Kansas City
Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School	Jay's ranking	Jay's draft value
1	20	Hali, Tamba	DE	6-3	275	Penn State	# 7 DE	Round 2
2	54	Pollard, Bernard	SS	6-2	223	Purdue	# 5 SS	Round 3
3	85	Croyle, Brodie	QB	6-3	204	Alabama	# 4 QB	Round 2
5	154	Maxey, Marcus	CB	6-2	197	Miami (Fla.)	# 16 CB	Round 4
6	186	Stallings, Tre'	G	6-3	315	Mississippi		> Round 4
6	190	Webb, Jeff	WR	6-2	201	San Diego State	# 9 WR	Round 3
7	228	Page, Jarrad	SS	6-0	220	UCLA	Late Round Value	> Round 4
	FA	Howard, DeArrius	RB	5-11	229	Arkansas	#14 RB	Round 4
	FA	Ross, Derrick	RB	5-11	226	Tarleton State	Late Round Value	> Round 4
	FA	Hannon, Chris	WR	6-3	207	Tennessee	Late Round Value	> Round 4
	FA	Guillory, Brandon	DE	6-4	253	La-Monroe	Late Round Value	> Round 4
	FA	Kershaw, William	OLB	6-3	240	Maryland	Late Round Value	> Round 4

2006 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

The Chiefs reached for their first two picks in the draft, then made up for those reaches with excellent picks in round three, five, and six (second selection). They also followed up the draft by signing one of the best groups of college street free agents in the league.

Hali is an interesting case. Based on film and production, this former defensive tackle was considered a middle first round pick. After his horrible workout, he dropped on some teams' draft boards (and mine as well). At draft time I had a late second round grade on Hali. Why? What worries me is that Hali tested with below average speed and quickness, and lifted more like a defensive back (18 benches), than like a defensive lineman. With this combination, it's hard to imagine Hali being a sack machine in the NFL. He won't be able to beat offensive lineman consistently with quick moves, with speed around the corner, or with bull moves. In fact, my round two grade is because I believe if Hali gains weight, he can be a very good anchor against the run, and with his hustle get 5 or so sacks a year. That's a solid player, but not a first round pick. By the way, how nice would WR Chris Jackson have looked in a Chiefs' uniform if picked in round one? The Pollard pick I chalk up to new coach Edwards not having lived with the Chiefs' defense the last couple of years. While I had a third round grade on Pollard, so he was a bit of a reach here, the head-scratching part of this pick is that it makes sense more as a long term move (rebuilding the safety position) than as a move to get to the Super Bowl this year (getting the best safety to plug in to the current defense now). That is not because Pollard won't be the best strong safety on Chiefs' roster at some point this year. It is because he has the exact same weakness as the current Chiefs' starting safeties, he is not good in pass coverage. In fact, allowing for a reach in round one (as the Chiefs' did with Hali in my opinion) to come away with a safety and defensive end, I think the combination of Bullocks (a fast safety who can cover and hit) and Tapp (a defensive end who plays the run well; I project as 7 to 9 sack a year player; and a player with the all-out motor and high character of Hali) would have been better than Hali and Pollard. Now onto some great picks. I had Croyle rated closer to Cutler than to Clemens, Jackson, and Whitehurst all of whom were selected ahead of Croyle. That will turn out to be big mistakes by those teams. The risk with Croyle is that he gets hurt too much. However, he will have a couple of years to intern behind Trent Green and work out to get his body stronger. Croyle is a great leader, has a big arm, can make all the throws, has good mobility in the pocket, has tremendous character, and has the look of a big-time winning NFL quarterback. I also see a quick bond between Green and Croyle because of the high character both possess, which will result in Green taking the kid under his wings to help him develop. On the football field, I see no chance of Croyle not being a top flight NFL quarterback. The trick may be keeping him healthy enough to stay on the field. A great and perfect (my first time using that word to describe a pick) selection, especially as a third round pick. The Chiefs followed up the Croyle pick with another good choice. I had a fourth round grade on Maxey. If he had more experience starting at Miami (played behind some good corners until his senior year), his tools would have been more advanced, and Maxey could have been in the mix to be selected in the second round. At 6'1.4" with a 42.5" vertical jump, and 4.4 speed, Maxey is made to cover tall receivers. Add to that that Maxey has good cover skills and lifted the bar almost as many times as first round pick DE Hali, and the Chiefs' look like they have a real keeper in Maxey. However, Maxey got beat a little too much in college and needs work on technique, and a better understanding of how to play cornerback. It is the game film of him getting beat that had him fall in the draft, but the fact he was only a one-year starter who could get by on his athleticism alone at Miami gives lots of hope that he can develop not only in a solid corner, but into a top tier starting corner. A great get by the Chiefs. After the discouraging words at the top, Chief fans must have liked my comments on their last two picks. That trend stops with Stallings. It was questionable to me whether Stalling would even get drafted. He played tackle in college but projects to guard in the NFL. While he is a smart kid, he is limited athletically, and could wind up on the Chiefs' practice squad. Matua or Montgomery would have been my pick at guard at this spot in the draft. To continue the back-and-forth nature of the Chiefs' draft, Webb was a steal in round six. I had a third round grade on Webb, who was my 9th rated wide receiver in the draft. Webb has good size, excellent speed and nice quickness. He was also a productive receiver at San Diego State catching 92 balls for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns his senior year. Many draft analysts downgraded Webb, first because they thought he lacked speed, and later, after he ran a 4.4 forty because they said he didn't play to his speed. My analysis was different. Webb has good speed and quickness, can get open and catch the ball, but doesn't get YAC. Moving from being a big fish in a little pond, to a small fish in a big pond will allow his new teammates to apply pressure on Webb to add some muscle and not go down on first contact. Page was a solid choice in round seven, however, he is another safety whose weakness is in pass coverage. Page has the mentality of a strong safety, but does not always wrap up when tackling, and the skill set and playmaking mind set to be a free safety, but lacks the aforementioned cover skills. In some ways he reminds me a bit of Greg Wesley. At worst case, Page will help on special teams.

The Chiefs did a great job signing quality college street free agents. Howard is a very underrated running back. I had a fourth round grade on him and believe he can be a feature back in the NFL in the right system. Worst case Howard can be that season-saving back who can get the job done very effectively if a starter is injured, but is not a back a team wants long term because he lacks game-changing ability. Examples are Nick Goings and Antowain Smith. Howard is very strong, is effective running inside, and has good speed for a man his size. Ross was rated higher on most draft analysts boards than Howard (but obviously not on mine). Ross could be in a battle with Howard for the last running back spot on the Chiefs' roster. Ross has the potential to be a standout short-yardage and goal-line back. However, with Larry Johnson already effective in those roles (and all others), Howard, who can also provide backup for those roles, but has upside as an every down back, could have the upper hand in that battle. The signing of WR Chris Hannon was a perfect move for both the Chiefs and the player. Hannon has a tremendous upside, and just as large a downside. Three or four years down the road he could be a game breaking starting wide receiver, or he could be out of the league. Hannon underachieved at school, but 6'3" receivers that run 4.37 forties, have good hands, and are good athletes don't grow on trees. Hannon needs coaching, but has the raw skills with which to work. Worst case this year, Hannon will be a priority talent on the Chiefs' practice squad. Morris was a free agent the Chiefs signed and subsequently cut who I thought had a chance to impress and stick. Guillory is a good athlete who played linebacker, wide receiver, and defensive end in college. For a man his size, Guillory has excellent speed to go with good athletic ability. He should shine on special teams, and could be a unique role player who provides a pass a rush in nickel defenses, and is used as a blocking tight end in goal line formations who can also sneak into the end zone to make a catch. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Guillory will have to prove himself on special teams and make the roster before specialty roles are created for him. Lastly, linebacker William Kershaw has a chance to stick as a versatile backup and special teams player. Kershaw is instinctive but needs to be able to transfer his athletic ability better to the football field. His skills translate best to SAM, but he could be a backup at WILL as well.

red indicates workout number in top range at position in draft

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Hali

Penn State

6'2.5", 263

4.86

4.31

7.28

29.5"

8'10"

DE
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Hali provided a consistent pass rush throughout the Senior Bowl game.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Hali has an excellent motor, is an excellent speed rush and has enough size to play the run as well.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Hail workout as horrible. What surprised me most was his 18 reps. If he doesn't get stronger he could eaten up in the NFL, especially with the fact that his speed, quickness, and athleticism tested pedestrian as well. On the plus side Hali goes out and had 11 sacks his senior year. Based on his history, production, and workout numbers, Hali may be best served to gain weight and be an end who is an anchor against the run and get the occasional sack.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Pollard

Purdue

6'1.5", 220

4.57

1.58

2.67

4.11

11.78

6.88

36.5"

10'11"

SS
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Pollard is a hard-hitting, in-the-box strong safety. He plays the run very well. Pollard has excellent tackling skills as evidenced by him getting over 90 tackles in each of his last two college seasons, but isn't the feared hitter some strong safeties are. Pollard currently is a negative in pass coverage so needs to go to a team that plays a true strong and weak safety, and not interchangeable safeties. There are also some questions about his character.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Croyle

Alabama

6'2.4", 204

4.87

1.68

2.86

4.25

7.36

30.5"

8'8"

PLAYER WHO WILL PERFORM BETTER IN NFL THAN MANY DRAFTED BEFORE HIM

Croyle should be the first QB off the board after the big three. In fact, it would not surprise me if he has a better NFL career than Jay Cutler. Croyle is a leader, with a strong arm, a quick release, and nice touch. The risk with Croyle is that he gets banged up too much. However, a good strength coach to help him build up his body, could lead to Croyle being considered a second or third round steal.

QB
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Cutler and Croyle were the talk of practice at the Senior Bowl, but Whitehurst gets the nod, ever so slightly for his play during the game. No quarterback looked great during the game.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - No quarterback helped himself more during Senior Bowl week than Croyle. He showed a live arm, the ability to move around in the pocket, and made some excellent throws.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Croyle showed very good arm strength at the all star challenge.
Butch Davis, Network NFL - Croyle was very accurate throwing at the Combine.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Maxey

Miami

6'1.4", 192

4.42

1.54

2.62

4.24

11.26

7.60

41.5"

10'9"

PLAYER WHO WILL PERFORM BETTER IN NFL THAN MANY DRAFTED BEFORE HIM

Maxey has good size and speed, but didn't get a chance to start until late in his career. Maxey is also one of the stronger corners in the draft, and shows good quickness and terrific athleticism. He may need time to develop, but Maxey has the look of a keeper.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Stallings

Mississippi

6'2.6", 311

5.30

4.80

8.05

28"

8'6"

OT/OG - NOT AT COMBINE
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Stallings best asset is his strength. However, his play on the field doesn't show him consistently taking advantage of that strength. Stallings played left tackle at Mississippi but will have to move inside to make a NFL roster. He is a smart football player, but lacks the athleticism to be anything more than a backup in the NFL.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Webb

San Diego St

6'2.1", 211

4.40

1.51

2.61

4.08

6.81

36"

10'6"

WR
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Webb made a nice catch and move at the East West Shrine Game.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Webb is an interesting prospect. He has good size, speed, athleticism and quickness. He also was very productive in college catching 163 balls for about 2000 yards and 16 TDs his last two seasons at San Diego State. Webb, however will need to get tougher and fight for yards after contact to be anything more than a third wideout in the NFL.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Page

UCLA

6'0.3", 239

4.51

1.69

2.72

4.14

12.01

6.68

38"

10'7"

SS/FS
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Page is a bit of a tweener at safety. He has the mentality of an in-the-box strong safety, but isn't a reliable tackler, and possess the athletic ability and playmaking mindset to be a better fit at free safety, but needs improvement in pass coverage.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Howard

Arkansas

5'10.4", 229

4.47

4.20

6.98

36"

9'11"

PLAYER WHO WILL PERFORM BETTER IN NFL THAN MANY DRAFTED BEFORE HIM

Howard is a true sleeper who ran very well at the East West Shrine Game. He has excellent strength (20 benches), and good speed for his size (4.47 at 229 lbs). He will go on day two and be a better NFL player than many running backs selected ahead of him in the draft.

RB - NOT AT COMBINE
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - At the East West Shrine Game Howard showed some speed, quickness, and cutting ability. Howard looked much better than I though he would. He has an NFL future.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Ross, D

Tarleton St

5'10.4", 226

4.52

1.61

2.72

4.37

7.01

35"

9'4"

RB
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Ross is a power back with average speed, below-average quickness, and very good strength. Ross could stick as a short-yardage, goal-line back.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Hannon

Tennessee

6'3.2", 207

4.37

1.53

2.61

4.29

7.24

36.5"

10'7"

Mike Mayock, NFL Network - Hannon was not productive in college but showed speed and hands in drills.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET -Hannon is the prototypical boom or bust prospect. He was not productive in college but has a rare mix of size, speed, and athleticism, and looked good catching the ball during wide receiver drills at the Combine.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Morris, D

N C State

6'5.3", 332

5.58

4.83

8.33

34.5"

8'3"

OT - NOT AT COMBINE
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - A monster of a man with good strength, Morris can be force to be reckoned with on the football field. Morris does run out of gas so needs to be better conditioned, and is a risk because he sometimes lets his weight get away from him. However, Morris is the type of a player that a coaching staff can't wait to get their hands on, and through tough love turn into a rock solid NFL starter.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Guillory

La-Monroe

6'3.6", 253

4.53

4.27

7.16

37"

10'3"

DE/OLB - NOT AT COMBINE
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Started his college career as a wide receiver, moved to linebacker, then to defensive end. Guillory could be a very good special teams player in the NFL.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

LONG
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Kershaw

Maryland

6'2.6", 240

4.63

1.72

2.76

4.20

6.95

37"

9'3"

OLB
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Kershaw has decent speed, quickness, and strength for an outside linebacker. He could be more effective as a SAM in a 4-3 defense, than as a WILL because he doesn't possess sideline-to-sideline speed. He is an instinctive football player who showed more athletic ability in his workouts than he displayed on the football field.

2006 TEAM NEEDS
prior to free agency

QB	It's time to get Green's replacement, whether a young vet who can settle in as number two, or a draft pick.
RB	Johnson is a stud. If Holmes doesn't come back, a quality backup is needed. Brown is more a number three than a number two.
WR	Kenneson is a number two who has played well the last two years in the role of the teams' top receiver. Parker and Hall have speed, but both are better used in multiple receiver sets. The Chiefs need to a big time receiver, and another receiver to challenge Parker for playing time in multiple sets.
TE	Gonzalez, Dunn, and Wilson will all be back next year.
OL	A solid unit that will be helped if Shields doesn't retire. If Shields retires, they Chiefs will have to find a replacement outside of their current roster. Welbourn is a player the Chiefs keep looking to replace, but who keeps coming back. Maybe Black or Parquet can challenge him in camp, or maybe the Chiefs bring in another tackle.
DL	Allen is a stud, the rest are underachieving youngsters, or stop-gap veterans. The Chiefs need an end and a tackle, and hope that Sims or Siavii live up to their potential. Dalton and Hall are UFAs, so depth may need to be addressed as well.
LB	Like Meatloaf says, two out of three ain't bad. Johnson had a nice rookie year and put to rest the worries about his tackling skills. Mitchell also developed into a good middle linebacker. Bell was hurt, what a surprise. He is likely a cap casualty. His replacement could be Barber if he is healthy, or the youngster Fox., who I like. The Chiefs will add a linebacker or two to the mix in the ofseason.
DB	Wesley-Knight at safety looks and sounds better than it is. They will look good most of the time, and even make some big plays. However, their lack of speed will also result in big plays against the Chiefs. It's time to try Battle at safety instead of corner. Speaking of corner, Winfield and Surtain are a good tandem. Hodge or Perkins could step up to be a nickel, however another corner to compete is advised. Obviously, I would also look for a couple of safetie to eventually replace both starters.
ST	Tynes had a solid year. Colquitt, a player I said was a third round reach (not because he won't be a good punter, just that that was too high to pick him), had an inconsistent year, but showed enough to hope for improvement in year two. Hall is a dynamic returner, but may be slowing down a bit.

2005 COLLEGE DRAFT

Kansas City - links below go to NFL.com reports							Jaybird	Jaybird
Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School	Ranking	Value Board
1	15	Johnson, Derrick O.	OLB	6-3	234	Texas	# 1 OLB	Round 1
3	99	Colquitt, Dustin	P	6-2	211	Tennessee	# 2 P	Round 5
4	116	Thorpe, Craphonso	WR	6-1	188	Florida State	# 20 WR	Round 4
5	138	Grigsby, Boomer	ILB	6-0	242	Illinois State	# 11 ILB	Round 4
5	147	Hodge, Alphonso	CB	5-11	203	Miami (Ohio)	# 20 CB	Round 4
6	187	Svitek, Will	OT	6-6	301	Stanford	# 19 OT	Round 4
6	199	Long, Khari	DE	6-4	257	Baylor	# 16 DE	Round 4
7	229	Kilian, James	QB	6-3	218	Tulsa		> Round 4
7	238	Parquet, Jeremy	OT	6-7	323	Southern Mississippi	# 12 OT	Round 4
FA		Waldon, Willie	TE	6-7	278	Montana		> Round 4

C-

2005 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

The Chiefs had one major reach (Colquitt), and three value gets on day two (Svitek, Long, Parquet).

I did not like the Chiefs' draft from both a player drafted perspective, and a drafting needs basis. The Chiefs needed to upgrade their defense. Outside of Johnson, they did not get any players likely to make a difference this year (outside of maybe Long). Johnson was the right pick in round one. Some question his ability to take on blockers, but there are lots of very good defensive players in the league who are good at getting after players when roaming free, but have trouble when their defensive line doesn't allow them to roam free. Zach Thomas is the classic example. There are many more. Johnson will be the Chiefs leading tackler next year. Colquitt in round three could be the worst pick in the draft. While he was the best punter in college he did not shine in either the all star games nor individual workouts at the combine. He was my second rated punter (Hodges), and I had a fifth round grade on him. Players like free safety Sean Considine or inside linebacker Robert McCune could have come in and started immediately for the Chiefs. Thorpe had a grade as high as round two from some draft analysts, but a fourth round grade from me. He has a "Todd-Pinkston" feel to him. Fred Gibson, or Craig Bragg would have been better picks. Gibson has more "star potential" than Thorpe, and Bragg would have given the Chiefs a reliable option at receiver, one who would catch everything thrown to him. Grigsby was an excellent pick in round five, although McCune was still on the board and I think he will be a special player. Hodge has good (not great) speed and strength and was a solid pick in round five from both a need and value perspective. However, he is not NFL-ready. He is a better athlete than football player right now. Svitek is a big man, and a good athlete. He played defensive end in college, but is being moved to offensive tackle for the NFL. For that reason he is a bit of a risk, but one I expect will pay big dividends for the Chiefs in time. Long is quick, athletic and could help the Chiefs in nickel situations as a pass rusher. Kilian is a developmental quarterback. He is a very good athlete, but the Chiefs had him higher rated than I did. Parquet could be the Chiefs' steal of their draft. he is a a player that is more impressive on the field than in workouts. He will be a valuable sub who will do a credible job when called upon.

The Chiefs followed up a so-so draft with an even less impressive college street free agent signing period. They should have, at a minimum, jumped at signing Junior Rosegreen, who would, in time, have been an upgrade over the aging Woods, Wesley, and yes, Knight, at safety. He would have become a starter for them this year. The chiefs had no signings of note. The only player I even listed was tight end Willie Waldon. He has excellent size, and with a good workout, could have slipped into the draft late on day two. However, his workout was less than stellar, much less than stellar. But 6'7", 278 pound tight ends don't grow on trees, so if they can develop him, he could stick.

RED NUMBERS BELOW - among best at position
Long shuttle numbers (where available) in blue, top performers to be determined later

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Johnson	OLB	4.56	1.61	3.93		7.21	21	37.5"	10'0"	21

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Johnson, an OLB, has it all, strength, speed and smarts. Can make tackles from sideline to sideline. The kind of defensive player that makes a good unit great.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Colquitt	P

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: A report from the combine on Tennessee senior punter Dustin Coloquitt, who has clearly been rated as the #1 punter for this year's draft, was that he had an inconsistent performance. His numbers: 35 to 48 yds/punt, 3.61 to 4.82 hang time.
Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Colquitt punted just okay during the Senior Bowl game.
Pat Yasinskas of the Charlotte Observer (www.charlotte.com) reports: Tennessee's P Dustin Colquitt has boosted his draft stock and has garnered the attention of NFL scouts during Senior Bowl week after booting a couple 65-yard punts.
Colin Lindsay of GBNReport.com reports: Tennessee P Dustin Colquitt was a tad inconsistent, but drilled a couple of rockets, one may have been over 70 yards with the wind, another almost 50 yards against the breeze. The fact that Colquitt has had to make like a shortstop fielding snaps, though, may have hurt his timing on other kicks.
Zac Jackson, of ClevelandBrowns.com, reports: Tennessee P Dustin Colquitt was booming punts well over 60 yards during Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 25.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Thorpe	WR	4.36		4.31		7.15	15	35.5"	9'11"	20

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Thorpe is an overrated prospect. while he has straigt line speed, he is not overly quick, and has a very thin build. He kind of reminds me of Todd Pinkston.
Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Thorpe was virtually invisible during the Senior Bowl game.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Grigsby	ILB	4.63	1.60			7.10	32	35.5"	9'4"	34

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Grigsby had an excellent workout showing good speed and quickness, great strength and smarts, and acceptable athletic ability. He will have to learn to play the position in the NFL because he did it on athletic ability and brute strength alone at Illinois State.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Hodge	CB	4.47	1.53	4.03	11.77	7.34	20	34"	10'3"	22

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Hodge is a better athlete than football player right now, but with good coaching could be a pleasant surprise in the NFL.
Colin Lindsay of GBNReport.com reports: Miami of Ohio CB Alphonso Hodge ran well, but struggled to find the ball on several deep routes.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Svitek	OT	5.04					33	32"	9'4"

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Svitek is a good athlete for a 300 pound defensive end. He is the prototype end for a 3-4 defense. There is also talk that he will be converted to offensive tackle. Wherever he plays, his strength will do him well.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Long	DE	4.75	1.73	4.09		7.23	27	38.5"	10'1"	13

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Long has surprising quickness and athletic ability. He could be a pass rush specialist in a 4-3, or an outside linebacker in a 3-4.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Kilian	QB	4.87		4.21	11.24	6.68		35"	10'0"

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Kilian has good size and good athletic ability. He needs work on his mechanics, but could develop into a backup quarterback.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Parquet	OT	5.27	1.84	4.80		7.75	19	29.5"	7'10"	19

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Parquet is more impressive on the field than he is during workouts. He is a hard-working, lunch-pail type of player who just gets the job done. A good player for a team's bench, even if he can't be a full-time starter.
Colin Lindsay of GBNReport.com reports: The most consistent South offensive lineman (Tuesday at Senior Bowl practice) was Southern Miss OT Jeremy Parquet who did a solid job neutralizing LSU DE Marcus Spears; that represented a nice turnaround for Parquet who got dumped on his keyster on one play by Spears yesterday.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Walden	TE	4.95		5.09	13.67	7.86	16	29"	8'11"

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Walden had a disappointing workout. At his size, with the lack of depth at tight end, he could have been a late round sleeper. Now he will, most likely, not be drafted, and have to go to camp and show he is faster and a better athlete with pads than he was during his workout.

2005 TEAM NEEDS PRIOR TO FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT

Jay Goldberg of 90FootballLinks.NET reports:
major need need position possible need, depth needed no real need
Key UFA: Blaylock RB, Gammon LS, Beisel LB, Harts S
Key RFA: Fujita LB ( 5th)
NOTE - RFA COMPENSATION AT MINIMUM TENDER

QB: Green is better than I thought. He is a good NFL player. Collins and Huard are capable backups. A young QB could be brought in an given a look as a future.
RB: Holmes and Johnson make this a position of strength. If Blaylock leaves, a young player will be added for depth.
WR: Kenneson and Morton are not the most feared pair of receivers in the league. A true number one is needed. Hall, Horn and Parker add quality depth.
TE: Gonzalez keeps fighting off all challengers to remain the top tight end in the league. Dunn and Wilson are adequate reserves.
OL: The Chiefs have one of the best lines in the league. They also have quality depth. There are no real immediate needs at this position.
DL: Allen is a good young player. Sims shows talent, but not consistently. Other than that their line is pedestrian. Hicks and Browning should be quality backups, not starters. They need a quality end, and a quality tackle.
LB: On paper, Mitchell, Futija and Barber appear to be a quality unit. However, they don't get the job done like you would think on the field. It makes for a coach's nightmare. I would stay with Mitchell and Futija, but bring in serious competition for both of them. I would replace Barber.
DB: Warfield is okay, but Bartee should be replaced. Then, the Chiefs should bring in competition for Bartee for the nickel. In fact, ideally, they need two new starting corners and Warfield should be the nickel. Woods and Wesley are adequate but replaceable safeties. Personally, I like Wesley more than Woods. What I don't understand is why Battle is still at corner. He could be a dominate safety.
ST: Tynes and Cheek are young, okay kickers. Tynes should be given another look. Cheek maybe not. Hall is the premier kick-returner in the league.

2004 COLLEGE DRAFT

Kansas City
Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School
2	36	Siavii, Junior	DT	6-4	333	Oregon
2	61	Wilson, Kris	TE	6-1	246	Pittsburgh
3	93	Fox, Keyaron	OLB	6-2	227	Georgia Tech
4	105	Parker, Samie	WR	5-10	178	Oregon
4	126	Allen, Jared	DE	6-6	265	Idaho State
6	195	McIntyre, Jeris	WR	5-11	203	Auburn
7	231	Sampson, Kevin	OT	6-4	312	Syracuse

C-

2004 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

I didn't particularly like the Chief's draft. It's not that they came away with bad players but that, in my humble opinion, they missed some opportunities to draft equally talented players that would have helped plug areas of greater need. Siavii is going to be a good run-stuffing defensive tackle. He is blue-collar, not flashy. A solid pick, however, I had a third round grade for him and liked Washington, Johnson, Starks and Dockett a little better; but that's splitting hairs. Wilson is a good player. He provides Tony Gonzalez insurance, but early in the draft the Chiefs should look for players that can upgrade their team. They did the same thing last year with Larry Johnson in round one. At least there were injury concerns regarding Priest Holmes. Fox is a good player and was good value late in round three, however; I like the Chiefs starting linebackers, and also like the potential of Kawika Mitchell. My first three picks for the Chiefs would have been (all players were available at these spots) DE Travis LaBoy (the Chiefs need an end who can pressure the quarterback); then WR Keary Colbert (in time could be a number one wideout); and then DT Isaac Sopoaga. In round four the Chiefs drafted speedy wide receive Samie Parker. Parker can be a weapon as a slot receiver and return man. I had a solid fourth round grade on him. Allen could be a useful sub. He plays hard and gives good effort. I did not have him rated as a fourth rounder. The main knock on McIntyre is his size. He can catch and has good speed. He was worth a shot in round six. That said, he is bigger than Samie Parker. Kevin Sampson, has measurables similar to Robert Gallery. I said measureables, not skills. That said, Sampson is a worthy developmental project. As far as college street free agents are concerned, the two I like best are LB Scanlon and SS Connot. Both had good workouts and are the type of players that can excel on special teams while being looked and developed for expanded roles.

PLAYER/ TEAM NEWS PRIOR TO DRAFT

PLAYER	POS	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Siavii	DT	6-4 3/8, 340	5.18	1.78	4.57	7.68	31	29"	8-1

Siavii
Oregon

#12 ranked DT by Jaybird

Matt Gambill of AllProScouting reports: Oregon senior DT Junior Siavii is a player who is shooting up draft boards. The 6'4", 320-pounder has had a fabulous senior season posting 43 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks, and 3 PBU. Siavii came to Oregon from Butte Junior College, and while he did not make an initial impact in 2002, his presence has been felt in '03. Siavii has shown tremendous quickness off the ball, strength at the point of attack, plays with leverage, explodes well, uses hands extremely well, and is effective as a run stopper and shows the ability to collapse the pocket. For a man his size, he shows extrodinary lateral skills, balance, and agility. Siavii is an aggressive player who has played his way into being a possible top 50 pick and someone I see as a very steady, reliable NFL playter at DT. Siavii is the #6 DT on my board.
Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports: Siavii is one of these "anchor tackles" teams are looking for these days, and his workout catapulted him into the first day of the draft.

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Wilson	6-2¼, 246	4.59	1.56	4.10	-	6.88	24	35"	9-11

Wilson
Pittsburgh

#4 ranked DT by Jaybird

Vic Ketchman of jaguars.com reports: Pitt's Kris Wilson, 6-2, 248, is an excellent pass-catcher who was under the radar for two years because almost all of the attention at Pitt went to Fitzgerald. Wilson jumped up in the postseason at the Senior Bowl and at the scouting combine.

PLAYER	POS	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Fox	O	6-2 1/8, 229	4.73	4.24	12.07	7.11	-	36½"	9-6

Fox
Georgia Tech

#6 ranked OLB by Jaybird

NFLFans.com reports: OLB Fox has had a history of injuries, including a high ankle sprain in 2002 and a broken arm in 2000. These injuries cost him developmental time that will cause him to drop further in the draft than what he probably should. He has the skills and attitude to develop into an excellent NFL LBer, but will have to dispel the concerns over his durability and show good measurables at the combine to make the climb up the draft boards.

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Parker	5-10¼, 176	4.34	1.52	-	-	-	-	36"	-

Parker
Oregon

#21 ranked WR by Jaybird

NFLFans.com reports: The speed this guy showed at the combine and his pro day is definitely causing his stock to rise.

PLAYER	POS	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Allen	DE	6-6, 265	4.73	-	-	-	13	-	-

Allen
Idaho State

Jaybird: below 4th round

Matt Miller of draftshowcase.com reports: DE Jared Allen (also a long snapper) possesses great initial burst and quickness. Not going to be the fastest guy on the field, but makes plays. Had a good motor, never stops. Spotty with his leverage, some plays he is on, others he is off. Ran a 4.7 40 and has a frame that will allow him to add 20 lbs easily

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
McIntyre	5-11½, 201	4.39	-	4.30	-	7.16	-	34'	9-4

McIntyre
Auburn

Jaybird: below 4th round

Bryan Dietzler of NFLFans.com reports:Lack of great wide receiver size is just about the only thing wrong with McIntyre. He has great hands and can make those tough catches when needed most. He has good speed and can beat most DBs deep. McIntyre has is a great route runner as well as a good blocker down the field and isn't afraid to take on a defender.

PLAYER	POS	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Sampson	T	6-4 3/8, 312	4.96	-	4.47	7.18	27	32"	8-11

Sampson
Syracuse

Jaybird: below 4th round

Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports: Here's a player (OT Sampson) that went from nowhere to somewhere! BLESTO and National didn't even have scouting reports on this guy.

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	SHORT SHUTTLE	3 CONE DRILL	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Clausen	6-03.4, 223	4.90	-	-	-	-

Clausen
Tennessee

Jaybird: below 4th round

InsideTheLeague.com reports: Tennessee QB Casey Clausen did not go through workouts at the NFL Combine, but he did take part in throwing drills. Unfortunately he showed poor accuracy and little arm strength during the workouts.
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports: QB Casey Clausen (Tennessee): Prime example of a solid college player, an undeniable team leader for the Vols, who simply might not have what it takes to get to the next level. Clausen lacked arm strength and accuracy and, in general, didn't even look like he should be rated among the top dozen prospects at his position. A few scouts opined that Clausen won't be drafted and will make it to an NFL camp only as a free agent.
NFLFans.com reports: Clausen did not have a good combine. He struggled making his throws in drills, showing a lack in arm strength and had very poor accuracy. OUCH!!

PLAYER	POS	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Scanlon	LB	6-1¾, 249	4.59	4.33	-	6.65	16	34'	9-2

Scanlon
Sryacuse

Jaybird: below 4th round

Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports: Scanlon has been identified as a hot prospect by Brandt.

PLAYER	POS	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Connot	SS	6-3, 220	4.52	-	-	-	-	-	-

Connot
S Dakota St

Jaybird: below 4th round

GBNReport.com reports: SS Scott Connot of South Dakota State, a 6-3, 220-pounder with 4.52 speed has been gaining the attention of scouts.

TEAM NEWS/NEEDS PRIOR TO THE DRAFT

Jay Goldberg of 90FootballLinks.NET reports:
major need need position possible need, depth needed no real need
Key UFA: Dunn TE, Tait T, Hicks DE, Bartee CB,
Key RFA: Blaylock RB (5th round), Downing DT (3rd round), Harts S (7th round)
NOTE - RFA COMPENSATION AT MINIMUM TENDER
QB: Green had a good year. That's the most I'll say. Collins has starting experience and is a fine backup.
RB: Holmes may be the best back in the league. Blaylock is a RFA. He has skills and it may be interesting to make a high tender, let him walk, take the compensation, and turn the backup job over to Johnson. That is if they still feel they made a good choice selecting him in the draft. Richardson is the best combo-fullback in the league. He can block, catch and run.
WR: Kenneson gets the job done but is not a true number one receiver. Morton has surprisingly, been inconsistent with the Chiefs. I thought he was going to blossom there, he hasn't. Hall is an excellent third wideout. Boerigter was a nonfactor. The Chiefs need a true number one receiver.
TE: Gonzalez is the best tight end in the game. Think how good he would be if defenses had to game plan for the Chiefs wideouts. Dunn is a great blocker, but is an UFA.
OL: One of the better offensive lines in the league. If they resign Tait they'll have no real needs. If not, a right tackle will have to be brought in.
DL: A unit in need of a major upgarde. The Chiefs should let Hicks go in free agency and replace him with a real pass rusher. Holliday and Hicks are both solid players, but should not be paired together, neither is a monster rusher. At tackle, Sims is young, inconsistent, but will get better. Browning is better coming off the bench than starting. A run-stuffing tackle also needs to be added.
LB: A unit that looks better on paper than they play on the field. Barber has his moments, both good and bad. Maslowski was injured, but is an effort player more than a stud in the middle. Futija is a young player I like alot. On the bench Mitchell was rushed to battle because of the injury to Maslowski. Don't give up on him yet. He needs time.
DB: The best unit on the Chiefs defense for what it's worth. Warfield and McCleon are a solid pair of corners. Bartee, also has skills, but could look for a starting opportunity in free agency. Woods and Wesley are an effective pair of safeties. Battle is a young player with upside, particularly if groomed as a safety.
ST: It's time to add a kicker who can hit the long field goal. Andersen has had a great career, but it may be time to move on. Baker's job also isn't secure. Hall is the best return man in the game.

USAToday.com reports: Kansas City will pick No. 30 in the first round and should be looking hard for help at corner or wide receiver in the early rounds. Later on, pass-rushing ends and run-stuffing linebacker will be priorities.

2003 COLLEGE DRAFT

Kansas City
Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School
1	27	Johnson, Larry	RB	6-1	228	Penn State
2	47	Mitchell, Kawika	ILB	6-1	253	South Florida
3	92	Battle, Julian	CB	6-2	205	Tennessee
4	113	Williams, Brett	OT	6-5	321	Florida State
5	153	Black, Jordan	OT	6-6	314	Notre Dame
6	189	Wilkerson, Jimmy	DE	6-3	271	Oklahoma
7	230	Sharpe, Montique	DT	6-2	296	Wake Forest
7	252	Pile, Willie	FS	6-2	206	Virginia Tech

C+

2003 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

I didn't agree with the strategy used by the Chiefs on day one. I would not have drafted a runner in the first round. I would have waited until round two. However, if Holmes is hurt, KC will need a runner and Johnson has a chance to be a good one. Mitchell may have as much upside as any middle linebacker in the draft, and with Maslowski in the middle in 2003, they can let him take some time to develop. Personally, I would have drafted Bryant Johnson in round one (they need a go-to receiver) and followed-up with Justin Fargas in round two. Battle is one of my 12-to-watch. He has tremendous skills ..... as a safety. While he played both corner and safety in college, his coverage skills are average as a corner, but as a safety, he would be described as a hard-hitter with the ability to step out and cover receivers when match-ups dictate that coverage. Brett Williams dropped on some boards in the months leading up to the draft, but was excellent value in round four and has a good upside. Black, drafted a round later than Williams, may have been a bit of a reach, but offers insurance in case Williams doesn't pan out. Both are more right tackle prospects than left tackle prospects. Wilkerson has shown speed at lower weights, and that he has the ability to add bulk. If he can maintain his quickness while continuing to add weight, the Chiefs will have a round-six steal. Sharpe could be a pleasant surprise as a part-time player in the Chiefs defensive line rotation. If the Chiefs are smart and let Battle settle in at free safety, Pile may have a tough time making their roster.

L Johnson

Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports: Tailback Larry Johnson might be the latest overhyped Penn State runner. Johnson looked a bit too upright, and certainly slow to the hole, during the Senior Bowl practices. Several scouts told ESPN.com that Johnson might have to play in a one-back scheme because he isn't comfortable with a lead blocker in front of him.
Gil Brandt of NFL.com reported that Penn State's Larry Johnson measured 6-1, 228 pounds at the combine.
WORKOUT NUMBERS Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports, Johnson did his job today. He stood at 6-1 and weighed 222 pounds. He ran the 40 in 4.45 and 4.4 seconds (ran on Tartan indoors -- a very fast track). He displayed a 41-inch vertical jump and a 10-4 broad jump. He also ran the short shuttle in 4.28 and the three-cone drill in 7.06. He looked very good running and catching the ball.

Mitchell

John Clayton of ESPN.com reports LB Kawiki Mitchell of South Florida is a big, 250-pound middle linebacker who ran an impressive 4.65 at the NFL Combine. He helped his stock with his effort.
Draft2003.com reports, Kawika Mitchell, South Florida -- Ran 4.65 in the 40... at 253 pounds... much quicker and agile than most had anticipated... once teams go back and view more game film this kid will likely move up a full round...
WORKOUT NUMBERS Draft2003.com reports, LB Kawika Mitchell, 6"1", 251, continued his strong post season performance yesterday. Mitchell ran a 4.62 forty and did 28 reps of 225 pounds. If that wasn't enough he had a vertical leap of 40", a remarkable number given his weight. Additionally he looked very good in positional drills.

Battle

AllProScouting.com reports in pre-combine workouts, Tennessee FS/CB Julian Battle is weighing 206-pounds and consistently running in the low 4.4's.
KFFL.com reports, updating an earlier story, Tennessee CB/S Julian Battle said he measured in at 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds at the NFL Combine on Saturday. He's likely to go through positional drills but decided he won't run until his pro day on March 12th. He had a previous hamstring injury and he felt it would be better to wait another week before running. Battle said he's open to playing either corner or safety at the next level.
WORKOUT NUMBERS Matt Gambill of AllProScouting.com reports Julian Battle's pro day numbers: 6021, 204, 35 1/2" Vertical, 4.40 and 4.47 forty, 14 reps

B Williams

WORKOUT NUMBERS Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports Brett Williams is 6-foot-5¼ and 315 pounds. He did all the workouts at the Combine and did it again in Tallahassee. He ran 5.11 in the 40, had a 29-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-4 long jump, and 24 reps on bench.

Black

Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports, OT Jordan Black came in at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds. He worked out in Indianapolis, so he didn't work out at the Pro Day. He worked in the field, but didn't run the 40 or in any drills. Black turned in 20 reps in the bench press.

Wilkerson

AllProScouting.com reports Jimmy Wilkerson measured 6027. 271, did 29 reps, and ran a 4.90 forty.
WORKOUT NUMBERS Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports, DE Wilkerson weighed 270 pounds and averaged 4.73 for his 40s, better than his times at the Combine.

2002 COLLEGE DRAFT

GRADE : A-

I like the Chiefs draft a lot. They would have received an even higher score if they had not overpaid for the right to draft Sims. That said, Sims and Freeman will provide the Chiefs with a great pair of young DTs. In fact, Freeman's upside may be just as good as Sims'. RB Omar Easy is the ultimate boom or bust prospect. He has the athletic skills (including 4.47 speed at 244lbs) to be a great back. But he never developed as expected at Penn State. OLB Scott Futija is one of the steals of the draft. Futija was considered a good player to have on your team because he was a hard-worker, over-achiever with somewhat limited athletic skills. Then he ran a 4.43 forty! This reminds me of WR Rob Gardner who last year was considered the third best WR when he was thought to run a 4.6 forty. He then ran a 4.45 and vaulted to the top of my WR draft board. Gardner ended up having a more productive year than both Terrell and Robinson.

Links below take you to NFL.com's report on player, position or college team.

Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School
1	6	Sims, Ryan	DT	6-4	311	North Carolina
2	43	Freeman, Eddie	DT	6-5	310	Alabama-Birmingham
4	107	Easy, Omar	RB	6-1	244	Penn State
5	143	Fujita, Scott	OLB	6-5	248	California
7	221	Rodriguez, Maurice	OLB	6-1	239	Fresno State

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