Kansas City Chiefs, Dalton Freeman Will Meet
July 22, 2012; Greensboro, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers center Dalton Freeman talks to the media during ACC media day at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro NC. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs are still trying to finalize their board ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft. According to Tony Pauline of Draft Insider, the Chiefs will meet with Clemson center Dalton Freeman this week.
Freeman is a player trying to work his way on to draft boards. He is currently projected as a fringe seventh-round pick/undrafted free agent by NFL Draft Scout. He was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but Freeman put up some impressive numbers at his Pro Day.
Knowing versatility would also be valuable, at 6-feet-4½ Freeman is tall enough to be a guard. And, last week he began working on long snaps.
"Like several of his former teammates among the dozen who worked out for scouts at Clemson’s new indoor facility, Freeman said he’ll continue to work on his strength and conditioning, possibly visit a few teams for more intimate workouts. One scout said he could see Freeman go undrafted then sign as a free agent and wind up playing in the NFL for 10 years or more. “The hay is in the barn. He’s done all he can do,” Fry said. “He looks good. He’s a perfect weight right now. “He’s been going at it since last July. He needs to find a little bit of rest time.”"
The Chiefs have a young center in Rodney Hudson but could certainly use some depth at the position. The fact that Freeman could also possibly play guard would make him a valuable asset to a team looking for a deeper offensive line.
Keep in mind that Chiefs coach Andy Reid and GM John Dorsey have talked a lot this offseason about creating more competition. Hudson was pretty much the only legit center for the Chiefs heading into last season, which is why guard Ryan Lilja had to switch positions to cover for Hudson when he was lost to an injury.