Kansas City Chiefs GM John Dorsey talks 2015 NFL Draft, feels good about chances
On Monday afternoon, the Kansas City Chiefs general manager was kind enough to do a conference call with the local media. Throughout the call, GM John Dorsey touched on a wide array of topics, most to do with the 2015 NFL Draft. Here are the highlights from Dorsey:
Q: How do you feel about the team headed into the next phase of the offseason program?
A: I think as we have gone along there has been different phases in the offseason. At first we did unrestricted free agency and we were selective in our approach, and how we went about our business. We acquired some players … that laid the groundwork for the draft. As we constructed the board we gave due diligence to that. We did the process like we do every year. We did it in steps. We analyzed and at the end of the day we did that draft board. The way that board peeled off truly was a credit to the organization and scouting department for getting it right. You all think I’m fooling you, but that peeled the way it was supposed to.
Q: Are the Chiefs better now than at this time last year?
A: I do think we’re better. As we go to St. Joe’s we have a team that can compete and can compete in the AFC West. We have created depth and competition for roster spots. Everyone will feel good in the National Football League, but I feel good too.
Q: What can you say about your sixth-round pick, Rakeem Nunez-Roches?
A: I like to pronounce his name … His role would be giving you depth at the defensive line position. He will be a one and three technique (nose tackle and defensive end). Once you get him into camp you can see him move, hold up against the run and also move.
Q: What can you say about the inside linebackers taken on Day 3?
A: The one thing we like to do is see if we can get speed at that position. The one thing these guys can do is run to the football. I think they have a really nice feel for the position … they are also physical enough to stack inside on the running game. They also help Dave Toub in the special teams game. It gives you depth and someone who can play special teams in four phases.
Q: You mentioned on Thursday that the team has a good locker room. What makes that so?
A: I think it is a cultural thing that is instilled. It starts with the players and the veteran players’ leadership. It comes to a point where all good teams, and I’ve seen this, the veterans set a standard and challenge the young guys to get up to speed as quickly as they can to understand what the task is. The goal is to capture the AFC West, be competitive and go into the playoffs. When you have veteran leadership, pushing and teaching the young guys to get better, pushing the family aspect and showing that we are all in this together. Then you have the coaches who instill and teach this every day.
Q: Who are the guys that command the room?
A: I think it’s the natural guys. The Alex Smith’s, DJ and Tamba. Those are the natural leaders. The Jamaal’s.
Q: What are the Chiefs getting in James O’Shaughnessy and Da’Ron Brown?
A: I like both of these guys. O’Shaughnessy gives you depth and fits what we are doing. I think he catches the ball and can get bigger physically. He can run with the ball in his hands. The aspect you don’t see that you should is his special teams. With Brown you have a size guy. Big hands who can catch the football and he can work inside. Every young receiver is going to need improvement in terms of route-running, but this person is wanting to be good … He is one of those guys that comes in and competes. He’ll add depth to that position.
Q: At one point in the draft, it appears cameras caught you and Andy Reid having an animated discussion. What happened?
A: Like us joking around or what? I don’t think we’ve had an argument in 20-some years. There was complete harmony in the draft room for the full three days.
Dorsey also declined to discussion the La’el Collins situation and said he expects more undrafted rookie-free agents to be signed in the coming days.