Andy Reid: Branden Albert Is Pro Bowl Caliber
Kansas City Chiefshead coach Andy Reid said in a recent interview at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, Arizona that he thinks Branden Albert is a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle.
“The thing I know is that he’s a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle,” Reid told The Kansas City Star. “I feel that way. He’s a very good player. I have no problem with saying that.”
Albert has been the topic of much debate this offseason for the Chiefs. For some reason, despite being drafted as a left tackle, every offseason, media talking start suggesting that the Chiefs move Albert to guard or right tackle. This seems to indicate that Albert is not a very good left tackle.
Only that isn’t the case. Despite multiple offseason coaching and scheme changes, Albert has mostly improved every season he has been in the NFL. He may not be shortlisted for the Hall of Fame any time soon but he has held down a very difficult position for the Chiefs for years now, without even being a problem.
This offseason, with yet another new regime coming in, the talk in the media has once again shifted to moving Albert to some position other than LT. In fact, most experts thought Albert would be on another roster by now. Just weeks ago, the narrative being spun by the talking heads was that the Chiefs would use the franchise tag on WR Dwayne Bowe and allow Albert to walk in free agency. Only the new regime re-signed Bowe and franchised Albert.
Despite all that, the talking heads still insist that Albert is on his way out of KC. With the NFL Draft full of top tackle prospects, there has been some speculation that the Chiefs will trade Albert and draft a new tackle.
But if you listen to Reid, Albert sure sounds like he’ll be playing LT for the Chiefs in 2013.
“I’m going to try to play the five best guys,” Reid said. “I’ve never, ever in my career put a guy into a position he hasn’t played. I had Shaun Andrews (with Philadelphia) and he might have been the finest left tackle in the National Football League had I played him there. He was playing guard for me and then he played a little bit of tackle but he was the best guard in football.”
“I know (Albert) can play left tackle and I know he can play it at a championship caliber level. That’s a refreshing thing.”
Sure, Albert could still be traded. In reality, any player on the roster could be traded if another team offers up enough compensation.
Still, I believe the Chiefs really do value Albert and would like to keep him on board if they can afford it.
What do you think, Addicts? Does Reid really feel this strongly about Albert or is he just trying to boost the LT’s trade stock?