Last season the Chiefs had six Pro Bowl players and went 2-14. They had six Pro Bowl players and never even held a lead for a second of their first eight games.

Two seasons ago they won the division and went to the playoffs but still got punched in the mouth in their final two games including an embarrassing blowout loss to the Ravens at Arrowhead in the playoffs.

The Chiefs have shown glimpses of being a good team but had major flaws: bad quarterback play, bad coaching, and perhaps worst of all, they were “soft”.

The Chiefs had addressed the coaching and quarterback problems prior to the draft. Andy Reid may not be perfect, but his track record compared to Romeo Crennel is off the charts. The Chiefs may not have an elite QB but Alex Smith, Chase Daniel, and Tyler Bray are definitely a step up from Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn, and Ricky Stanzi.

So coaching and QB play are going to be better this season, but you don’t go 2-14 and go without having a single lead for half the season strictly because of the coach and QB. Good teams, playoff teams, Super Bowl caliber teams have players that refuse to back down, refuse to quit, that punch back when they get hit in the mouth. They don’t ever quit. They don’t ever lay down.

That’s what has been SO hard for me to stomach as a KC fan the past few years. There have been times where I watched my team get punched in the mouth and they just laid down and took it. They had no answer. They had no fight. They were the scrawny kid on the playground getting pushed around by the big bad bully. I can take losing a game where both teams duked it out and the other team just made a few more plays. It’s disappointing, but there’s no shame in that. But when I went to the 2011 season opener and saw my team get curb stomped 41-7 IN ARROWHEAD by a bad Bills team, that was embarrassing. When I sat in the nosebleed seats and watched a REALLY bad Raiders team walk into Arrowhead last season and physically dominate KC on both sides of the ball I literally felt sick to my stomach, because it looked like the players had given up.

That’s why I love this draft class. That’s why every time I saw someone on twitter saying we should have drafted (insert name of flashy big name player here) instead of the guys like Travis Kelce, Nico Johnson, and Mike Catapano I shook my head. We have flashy players. We have Jamaal Charles. We just haven’t had enough power up front to always open up holes when the game was on the line. We have Tamba Hali and Justin Houston who can sack the quarterback. We just haven’t had the guys to stuff the run on first and second down to consistently force QBs into third and long situations. We have a shut down CB in Brandon Flowers. We just haven’t had an answer for TEs running wide open underneath.

We have the flash. We’ve lacked the guys willing to do the dirty work. We’ve been missing the guys with the guts, the heart, and the fight to make sure the “pretty boys” get on Sports Center.

I heard Eric Fisher’s coach from Central Michigan call him super competitive and “nasty”. That doesn’t sound like someone that will just accept getting pushed around.

I watched THIS video of Travis Kelce where he says things like:
“I like to get after it.”
“I like to play physical.”
“You’ll see me playing all the way to the whistle, sometimes that gets me in trouble but (smirks) I’ll leave it at that.”
You can’t watch that video and tell me this guy is going to be okay with a team coming into his home stadium and embarrassing him.

I hear people HATING on Knile Davis like he was the worst pick in the history of the NFL draft. The man is 230 lbs and runs a 4.3 forty! If they can fix his fumbling problems he can team with Charles to just wear defenses out. And those of you that are actually using Shaun Draughn as a reason that we didn’t need to draft a RB need to just stop. Seriously, stop it. You’re embarrassing yourself.

Another group of fans that dumbfound me are the ones that whined and moaned about the Kelce and Davis picks because of “this huge hole” at ILB, then complain that we reached for Nico Johnson. You know why Derrick Johnson has been able to rack up so many tackles the last couple of seasons? Because Jovan Belcher was constantly taking on blockers to free him up to get to the ball. You know who is possibly the best ILB in this draft at taking on blockers? NICO JOHNSON. You know who can help KC make stops on first and second down so that we can use Hali and Houston to rush on third and long? NICO JOHNSON. Will he have to come off the field on passing downs? Yes, but teams need a guy to stuff the run when the time comes. The Chiefs now have that guy on the roster.

What’s that you say? You’re upset with the Johnson pick because KC needs someone that can cover TEs. I’m glad you brought that up, that leads me to….

Sanders Commings. Commings is big and strong enough to play safety. He also has 4.4 speed. That means they can use him in a variety of ways. They can have him cover WRs or TEs. He can play in run support or drop back and play center field (literally, he was drafted to play center field in MLB). He’s part of the solution to some of KC’s recent problems that they have simply lacked answers for.

Eric Kush is a blue collar, underrated, small school center who can help push Rodney Hudson and provide depth in case Hudson has any more injuries.

Andy Reid called FB Braden Wilson the best blocking FB in this draft. That’s a guy that can help JC (and Davis) get the hard yards when the game is on the line. A guy that can turn 3rd and goal on the one yard line into a TD instead of a FG. He’ll do the dirty work.

Then there’s Mike Catapano. A favorite of mine. HERE‘s a video of him doing MMA training in the offseason (look at the guns). The NFLDraftScout scouting report says:

Well-built with very good muscle definition and plays as strong as he looks, manhandling blockers and tossing them with ease. Plays fast at all times with a motor that never quits. Makes up for lack of great leverage with his hustle and effort.

NFL Draft Bible’s twitter account had my favorite observation on this guy:

Sometimes its good to have a guy on defense who is just crazy. Hear Catapano fits the bill.

These are guys that can make the Chiefs better. They may not all fill up a stat sheet. They may not be guys that get on Sports Center or are even noticed at all by casual Chiefs fans, but these guys may just be the ones to do the dirty work that has been missing around Arrowhead for far too long.

That’s why I like this draft class.

That’s why I don’t care what grade ESPN may give it.

I’m not surprised that nationally nobody is talking about it.

It’s not that kind of draft class and I’m fine with that. It doesn’t mean these guys won’t help the Chiefs win. These may be just the kind of guys that have been missing in KC the last few years.

So fine, you want me to “grade” this draft class before any of them play a snap.

I’ll happily give it a “D” for dirty.

As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs fans Chad Comeau (left) and Chris Keller pose for a photo before the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed UFA Jordan Roberts, a running back from the University of Charleston.

The Chiefs continue to add bodies to their stable of running backs which is growing by the minute. The excited Roberts broke the news on his own Twitter feed earlier.

Officially a Kansas City Chief!!!!

— Jordan Roberts (@JRoberts1stPick) April 28, 2013

Of all the UFA’s, I keep the closest eye on the running backs. It seems more hidden talent is found in those late round running backs and guys who go undrafted than any other position. Roberts put together quite the senior campaign last season, racking up over 1,500 yards on the ground and finding paydirt 18 times. Add to that the 450 receiving yards he had as well as another 3 scores and I think Roberts is a pretty solid signing by the Chiefs’ front office.

Again, the thing to keep in mind with UFAs is they are camp bodies first, designed to make the guys already on the roster better. However, as head coach Andy Reid pointed out in his post draft press conference, for some of them, it’s a try out and they end up making the squad because they impress a coach enough to give them a shot. Sometimes it’s all they need.

What do you think, Addicts? Did the Chiefs’ front office just discover the next Arian Foster?

Oct. 09, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs helmet seen on the field prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed CJ Jones, a defensive back from Texas A & M University.

The Chiefs continue to stay busy in the undrafted free agent market, signing Jones to a contract. He sent out a very excited tweet, announcing the news to the world.

CHIEFS!!! LETS GOOOOO!!! twitter.com/anAverageJO_NE…

— Cj Jones (@anAverageJO_NES) April 28, 2013

That tweet was quickly followed up by a shout to his former Aggie teammate, Cyrus Gray who will be with him once again in KC.

@cyrusgray32 already let’s eat!

— Cj Jones (@anAverageJO_NES) April 28, 2013

As head coach Andy Reid and general manager, John Dorsey pointed out in their post draft press conference, they will continue to bring guys in who can not only compete, but also help their teammates get better by providing competition. CJ is one of those guys who will help his teammates get better.

Jones did not have a stellar season in College Station by any means. He barely played and when he did, he didn’t contribute a whole lot to the outcome of the football game. He’ll be a good camp body that will make the roster as a special teamer, if at all. He’s got his foot in the door, and sometimes, that’s all it takes.

What do you think, Addicts? Do you approve of the latest Chief from the state of Texas?

Jan 14, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey (left), chairman Clark Hunt (middle) and coach Andy Reid pose for photos during the press conference at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft has come and gone and now it appears that the undrafted free agent frenzy that immediately followed the pick of Mr. Irrelevant is winding down as well. Having completed their first drafts as the Kansas City Chiefs, general manager, John Dorsey and head coach, Andy Reid gave a press conference to the media at One Arrowhead Drive.

The main theme of both press conferences were focused on the draft. When asked about how the teams stands, Dorsey had this to say:

I feel we’ve upgraded our roster at certain positions I feel were weak. We’ve added some depth to them, we’ve added competition. We’ve done that through pro-free agency, we’ve done that through the draft and I think we’ve done that through college free agency.

When asked about the roster and whether or not the Chiefs were ready to go to camp, Dorsey replied:

We’re about 95 percent there.

Dorsey then touched on the team stature and where it stands.

This team had a hard year last year. I think the moves we make are to improve and get better. We’re not done yet, by any means.

When asked about the transition from Scott Pioli to John Dorsey, Dorsey gave this answer:

I don’t have all the answers. I took some things I thought were good, I took some things from those guys so I could make the transition easy for them and easy for me. I met everybody in the middle and we moved forward and this is the end result.

John Dorsey on what he thinks about the 2013 Chiefs draft class:

I’m very happy with this draft class. I think we got all of the players we targeted. And that’s all you can ask for.

Dorsey had some high words of praise for Nico Johnson.

I like Nico Johnson. I think he’s played a level and caliber of football. He’s demonstrated a very unique ability against the run. I don’t think the speed of the national football league will make him flinch at all. He’s a perfect fit for us and we’re lucky to have him.

Andy Reid on Nico Johnson:

I had a chance to speak with [Alabama Head Coach] Nick Saban this morning, before we picked him, and he said he’s one of the tougher guys on his football team. He was one of the leaders on his football team. And we’re talking about a National Championship football team.

In talking about the state of the roster moving forward into camp, Reid had this to say:

You’re not going to fill whatever you consider every hole with all-star players. I don’t think you need to do that. I think you need guys that are willing.

Overall, I was pretty happy with what the Chiefs leadership had to say about the draft and the state of the roster. They both seemed to make it very clear that they didn’t feel they reached for any players nor did they take anyone they didn’t think held value with where they drafted them. They both seemed to work together well and compliment each other. This was quite the departure from the Pioli/Haley era. It would have never gone down like this.

As the off-season marches on, we’ll see how well the duo of Reid and Dorsey continue to work and bring in players on this roster.

If you want to check out both interviews, they’re posted now on KC Chiefs.com.

What do you think, Addicts? Did Dorsey and Reid win the draft?

Nov 24, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray (8) during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won by a score of 37 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs reportedly have signed UFA Tyler Bray, a quarterback from Tennessee University.

Adam Schefter from ESPN broke the news on his Twitter feed that the Tennessee quarterback would be joining the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.

ESPN’s @fieldyates reports former Tennessee QB Tyler Bray will sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2013

 

This is quite a surprise, because it had earlier been reported that Bray was headed for South Beach and the Miami Dolphins. Schefter was quick to set the record straight with this tweet.

RT @buffalo_wolf: NOT the Dolphins? … Not the Dolphins. Tyler Bray is headed to Kansas City to the Chiefs.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2013

This is pretty exciting news, as Bray was projected to go as high as the third round in some mock drafts. I was personally pretty high on him and expressed interest in my normal weekly column last week.

Bray was a quarterback that many questioned whether he should have declared for the draft, but his numbers don’t lie. Last season he threw for 3,612 yards, just shy of a 60 percent completion rate, 34 TDS and 12 INTs.

He may be headed into the Chiefs’ off-season program as an undrafted free agent, but I truly think he has the best chance to be on the 53-man roster when the season begins in September. He’s better than Stanzi, he’s better than Tanney and I think he could be better than Daniel.

Time will tell, but this might be the developmental quarterback Chiefs fans have been waiting for.

What do you think, Addicts? Did Dorsey and Reid just find the quarterback of the future?

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Kansas City Chiefs helmets during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed UFA Josh Martin, a pass rushing DE/OLB from Columbia University.

Martin’s new agent, Kevin Robinson tweeted out the news shortly after the deal was done.

Congrats, Josh Martin (Columbia, DE/OLB) on signing with the KC Chiefs!

— Kevin Robinson (@KevinRobinson04) April 28, 2013

Martin had a decent senior year as a pass rusher, totaling 29 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. His play was recognized as the Ivy League Player of the Week in November last year, from the NFL Draft Scout site.

NOV 12 IVY LEAGUE CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Columbia senior defensive lineman Josh Martin (Aurora, Colo.) was a dominant force in an Empire State Bowl win over Cornell with three of the Lions’ six sacks. Martin made the game’s key playing in the third quarter, forcing a fumble on a nine-yard sack. The Columbia offense took advantage and converted the turnover to points with the go-ahead touchdown in a 34-17 win over the Big Red. – Ivy League football

I really like the Chiefs continued addition of a pass rushers to the roster. I believe the Chiefs are set at starters with OLB’s Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, but beyond them, the depth drops off considerably. If defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s defense will put as much pressure on opposing QB’s this season as has been said, the Chiefs will need all the support they can muster.

What do you think, Addicts? Is a Columbia Lion just what the defense needs?

Dec 2, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; A Kansas City Chiefs helmet on the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 27-21. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed UFA Collin Kelly, an offensive lineman from the Oregon State Beavers.

Stephen Nelson, from KEZI in Oregon has broken the news that the former Beaver, Kelly, has signed with the Chiefs via Twitter.

Former @osubeaversfb offensive lineman Colin Kelly has signed with the Kansas City #Chiefs. #GoBeavs

— Stephen Nelson (@Stephen__Nelson) April 28, 2013

A quick search of the internet on Collin Kelly uncovered this bit of information from his Oregon State Player Profile page:

Colin is an athletic big man with the quickness to pull as well as get to speed rushers on the edge … will be expected to continue to man one of the tackle positions this season … limited during spring practice with an ankle injury – will be ready for fall camp.

I never get enthused about a player when I see there was a limiting injury. It makes me even less enthused when the player is a lineman and the injury was an ankle. However, being that the injury was last year, and it doesn’t appear that it bothered him, it should be okay.

Overall, I like the depth being added on the Chiefs’ offensive line. With what the Chiefs spent to bring in starting quarterback, Alex Smith, I can appreciate them searching high and low for the right guys to protect him this season.

What do you think, Addicts? Is Kelly a good addition to the Chiefs off-season roster?

Nov 24, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Darryl Stonum (7) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the game at Cowboys Stadium. Baylor beat Texas Tech 52-45 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs will reportedly sign UFA Darryl Stonum, a wide receiver from Baylor University.

The Chiefs continue to add undrafted free agent talent as they sign Stonum from the Baylor Bears. The news came from his own Twitter feed, as have most of the UFA signings tonight.

kansas city chiefs! thanks everyone for the love n support. God is great and he gets the glory. time to work now!

— Darryl Stonum (@CornellStone7) April 28, 2013

Stonum has had some issues. Actually, he’s had a lot of issues. He began his career at Michigan but was suspended from the team indefinitely for legal issues. Apparently, Stonum violated his probation on an alcohol related offense and served jail time. After the 2011 season, Stonum announced he was a wide receiver for the Baylor Bears. He was able to transfer to Baylor under the graduate program exemption, enrolling in a graduate degree program that wasn’t offered at Michigan. However, Stonum only played in two games for the Bears last year and wasn’t all that productive.

I don’t like this at all, and with any luck this player will be cut before the first preseason game. The Chiefs locker room needs to gel and with a trouble maker and law breaker in their midst, it may be hard to do that. That may sound harsh, but it is what it is.

What do you think, Addicts? Do you like the Stonum signing?

December 1, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Dayne Crist (10) looks to pass the ball against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first quarter at Milan Puskar Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly extended a mini-camp invite to UFA Dayne Crist, a quarterback from the Kansas University Jayhawks.

It appears if the Chiefs have finally found their rookie quarterback. It took all seven rounds of the draft and then some, but Dayne Crist is the first quarterback in this class who head coach, Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey will even talk about.

The news of the mini-camp invite came from Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune’s Twitter feed.

Correction, via Dayne Crist himself: Former #NotreDame QB got rookie camp invite with #Chiefs, has not signed a contract.

— Brian Hamilton (@ChiTribHamilton) April 28, 2013

While Crist doesn’t have overwhelming stats, he is a quarterback who will be a camp body (should he get an invitation to camp following the mini-camp) who can compete with incumbent third stringers Ricky Stanzi and Alex Tanney. Teams don’t generally keep four quarterbacks on the roster once the regular season begins, so I would assume there will be fierce competition for that third spot.

The fact that Reid and Dorsey did not address the quarterback position beyond Alex Smith and Chase Daniel until now has many Chiefs fans believing they are satisfied that either Stanzi or Tanney will fill that final roster spot. I guess, if nothing else, Crist adds a little intrigue into that storyline going forward.

What do you think, Addicts? Is Crist the franchise quarterback we’ve been waiting for?

Dec 8, 2012; Birmingham, AL, USA; Jackson State Tigers wide receiver Rico Richardson (83) catches a pass for a touchdown as Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions defensive back Jamel Maxwell (28) defends during the SWAC Championship at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs reportedly have signed UFA Rico Richardson, a wide receiver from Jackson State.

The news was announced by Richardson’s Twitter feed a bit earlier when he tweeted out his excitement.

I’m a #kansascity#chief

— Rico Richardson (@RICO_TIGER83) April 28, 2013

A short while later, he tweeted out a second announcement, in case anyone missed the first.

Feels good to be a #chief#arrowhead

— Rico Richardson (@RICO_TIGER83) April 28, 2013

As with several of the other signings the Chiefs have made during this post draft, undrafted free agent frenzy, the team is sticking close to home with Richardson. Richardson did not participate in the NFL Combine, but he did have a showing during Jackson State’s Pro Day.

2013 Jackson State Pro Day: A total of 10 players from Jackson State worked out at the school’s pro day on March 8. The workouts were held outdoors on grass in front of six NFL teams. Rico Richardson, WR (5-11 ½, 167 pounds) – Richardson proved impressive enough to earn an invite to the Super Regionals in Dallas. He ran a time of 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash and recorded a 35½-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-1 broad jump. He ran a 4.12 short shuttle and 6.77 in the cone drill. Richardson recorded 12 bench presses and worked out as a wide receiver. – Gil Brandt, NFL.com

While he didn’t wow anyone enough to get drafted, his numbers aren’t terrible by any means. His career stats won’t frighten Dwayne Bowe into thinking his job is in jeopardy, but they’re nothing terrible. In his senior year at Jackson State, he caught over 1,000 yards in passes and 11 TDs. Not too shabby.

What do you think, Addicts? Are you happy the Chiefs have finally addressed the WR position with a rookie?

Sep 15, 2012; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks safety Bradley McDougald (24) celebrates after causing a fumble against the Texas Christian Horned Frogs in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed UFA Bradley McDougald, a free safety from Kansas University.

It appears the Chiefs are addressing the secondary and adding depth at the safety position with the next undrafted free agent signing. Another local athlete, the Jayhawk safety, sent out a tweet announcing his signing with the Chiefs.

Just agreed to a free agent deal with the KC Chiefs… Thank you for all the love and support, time to go to work!

— Bradley McDougald (@BabyLead) April 28, 2013

Shortly thereafter, in case most folks didn’t understand how he felt about joining the Chiefs as a UFA, he sent a follow up.

#ChiefsNation I’m home..

— Bradley McDougald (@BabyLead) April 28, 2013

McDougald has had quite a successful college career and has been recognized for his achievements. He was named Second Team All-Big 12 by the league’s coaches, Third Team All-Big 12 by Phil Steele Magazine and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention by the Associated Press. In addition to that, he received an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

While the Jayhawks didn’t have the greatest season in 2012, McDougald finished the year with 92 total tackles and three interceptions.

Again, I like this signing as it adds needed depth at the very back end of the Chiefs’ defensive secondary. Eric Berry will be a starter at the strong safety position for years to come, but Kendrick Lewis still has a huge question mark on his chest as far as I’m concerned. We’ll see if McDougald can help with that.

What do you think of this signing, Addicts? Are you happy to see Bradley McDougald remain in the Kansas City area?

Jan 22, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA: Milwaukee Panthers forward Demetrius Harris (15) grabs a loose ball as Cleveland State Vikings forward Tim Kamczyc (33) and guard Charles Lee (31) chase during the second half at the Wolstein Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed UFA Demetrius Harris, a tight end from the UW-Milwaukee Panthers.

The third undrafted free agent prospect signed by the Kansas City Chiefs has been announced, once again, by the player’s own Twitter feed.

@kcchiefs thanks for the opportunity. I’m living my dream, I’m thankful for all the support that everyone has shown. #Godbless

— Demetrius Harris (@D_NFL_Harris) April 28, 2013

 

You may remember the Chiefs worked out Harris and it was somewhat of a major story because he was a basketball star with the Panthers and not on any football scout’s radar. Because he’s athletic, tall and graded out as a tight end, the comparisons to Tony Gonzales and Antonio Gates abound from here.

After scouring the internet, I could literally find zero stats on this guy. He’s 6′ 6″, 239 pounds and can run the 40 yard dash in 4.75. Beyond that, I can’t really tell you much other than he played basketball.

If you missed the story from the beginning of April, Chiefs’ general manager, John Dorsey first became aware of Harris while he was still in his old job with the Green Bay Packers. To show the amount of due diligence Dorsey shows as a scout, he made a note in his calendar to follow up on Harris two years later because he saw that much promise in the young man. I did manage to find this story from Yahoo Sports breaking down how the Chiefs scouted Harris.

This could be a very promising signing for the Chiefs. If Harris impressed Dorsey that much that he would call and sign him two years later, there must be something to that. We’ll see. What do you think, Addicts?

Nov 10, 2012; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) gets tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores defensive tackle Rob Lohr (84) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the Mississippi Rebels 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Spruce DerdenUSA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed UFA Vanderbilt defensive tackle, Rob Lohr.

Lohr tweeted out his excitement at being signed by the Chiefs a bit earlier.

I’m a chief!

— Rob Lohr (@VandyRoLo84) April 27, 2013

A quick check of his official bio at the Vanderbilt Comodores official page revealed the following information about Lohr:

Lohr started every game at tackle, running his consecutive career total to 38 starts… Ranked third on team with 11 tackles for loss and concluded his careeer as team’s active leader with 31.5 career tackles for loss and 11 quarterback sacks… Notched 30 tackles and a pair of sacks as a senior, and played his best football of the season late in the year… Was superb in thrilling win at Ole Miss with five solo tackles, three resulting in losses… Also had pair of tackles for loss and a sack vs. UMass… Finished regular season with six-solo tackle performance in win at Wake Forest… Added two tackles in Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl victory over N.C. State.

Any defensive tackle who can get to the quarterback is okay in book. The Chiefs will have some questions at this position this season along with the rest of the defensive line. Last year’s first round pick, Dontari Poe, is still coming into his own as an NFL tackle and could always use the competition at the position. As I’ve said before, look for the Chiefs leadership to continue to bring in bodies to push each other in the days leading up to training camp.

What do you think about the Lohr signing, Addicts? Let us know in the comments!

September 22, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Brad Madison (57) runs to the ball carrier against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed UFA Brad Madison, a defensive end from the Missouri Tigers.

This comes from his own twitter feed.

Plan on signing with Kansas City tonight as a free agent!!!! #chiefs

— Brad Madison (@Sacksandsnaps57) April 27, 2013

Kansas City should remember Brad from his time at Mizzou! While he wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, he did have a Pro Day and didn’t do too bad. He posted the following stats:

Pro Day Results

40-yard dash: 4.81

Bench: 22 reps

Vertical jump: 30.5”

Broad jump: 9’3”

20-yard shuttle: 4.53

According to his official player profile here he has played hurt the past two seasons and that has hurt his production. However, he can play as a traditional, hands in the dirt defensive end or as an edge rusher, so that will provide with Chiefs with a bit of versatility.

This is a pretty decent first UFA signing for the Chiefs. With the loss of Glenn Dorsey and Ropati Pitoitua and the non-interest head coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey have shown in re-signing Shaun “Big Perv” Smith, the Chiefs could use some meat along the defensive line. The fact that he’s a local guy doesn’t hurt anybody’s feelings.

The Chiefs War Room will continue to contact other college prospects throughout tonight and into tomorrow who weren’t picked up in the draft. I would say look for them to continue to add depth at positions along the offensive and defensive lines.

Keep it here, Addicts for all your UFA signing reports!

Apr 26, 2013; Kansas City , MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to the media during a press conference introducing first round draft pick Eric Fisher (not pictured) at the Kansas City Chiefs Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have completed their draft and the rest of the league is wrapping things up as well. The next step in this process is the Undrafted Free Agent frenzy. This is the time teams may contact any prospect not previously drafted by another team and start to truly build their training camp roster.

Earlier today, Chiefs’ head coach, Andy Reid, had this to say about college free agents. The second greatest number of starters in the National Football League besides first round picks are the college free agents you sign. They’re all over the place and you just don’t realize it. Those are some good football player. Only 50 percent of your first round picks even start and then you drop down to 22 percent for the second round. And you’re right at about 22.5, 23 percent of college free agents that start. ”

It would seem the draft battle is only half over. The Chiefs’ War Room still has plenty of work to do.

Consider this the opening post for the UFA season. Look for the Chiefs to be quite active in this period as they work to bring in more talent to provide competition, depth and perhaps that one diamond in the rough that all teams hope they can find in this period of the process.

Use this post as an open thread and discuss the draft and what players you hope to see brought on for the rest of this weekend as we here at Arrowhead Addict continue to bring you updates to signings as soon as we have them. This should get interesting.

Until next time, Addicts.

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell claps as New England Patriots former lineman Joe Andruzzi (not pictured) speaks during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs used their final pick of the 2013 NFL Draft to select Princeton DE Mike Catapano.

From NFL.com:

At Princeton’s pro day, Catapano ran the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds on each attempt. He had a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-8 broad jump. He ran the short shuttle in 4.31 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.09 seconds. Catapano threw the bar up 33 times on the bench press (225 pounds).

To be honest I am surprised the Chiefs haven’t looked at a DE before now. KC lost Glenn Dorsey in free agency so I thought they might like to add a little depth.

Here is a scouting report from The National Football Post:

STRENGTHS – Catapano is a big defensive end, especially at the Ivy League level. He shows good agility and power through contact. He has reasonable first-step quickness and adequate speed and power around the edge at the turn point. Catapano uses speed to get to the quarterback and while it works against lesser competition, he lacks a secondary move to get home. In run defense, he works to the ball and won’t give up. He will hold his ground when the ball is run at him, and he locates it well enough to find it when it goes away from him. As a power pass rusher, he does an average job of recognizing and reading run versus pass, but his primary focus is on getting to the quarterback.

WEAKNESSES – Catapano looks stiff at times and can struggle to change direction, and teams can use his aggression against him if they allow him to take himself up the field. He does not show great explosiveness and while his first step is very quick, he doesn’t possess great closing speed. He struggles to shed blockers, even at the lower level of competition. When he makes plays it is because he is relentless and outworks the opposition. Even though he shows violent hands when he uses them, he doesn’t use them consistently and at times he can struggle to shed blockers.

Check out his full scouting report at NFP.

Oct 27, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) follows the block of fullback Braden Wilson (37) on Texas Tech Red Raiders safety Cody Davis (16) during a game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Kansas State won the game 55-24. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Kansas State FB Braden Williams with their second pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Wilson is the fifth offensive player to be selected by the Chiefs in this draft. He joins LT Eric Fisher, TE Travis Kelce, RB Knile Davis and C Eric Kush, who have already heard their names called.

Wilson is listed at 6-3, 251.

Here is some intel on Wilson from NFL.com:

Wilson redshirted in 2008, before seeing action in all 12 of the games the Wildcats played in 2009. He earned four starts on the season. In 2010, Wilson spent his time blocking for current Miami Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas. Wilson played in all 13 games and logged 11 starts. His blocking helped Thomas to ninth in the nation in rushing yards and tops in the Big 12. Wilson himself contributed one rushing touchdown. In 2011, Wilson played in every game, and had five carries for 15 yards. He also caught two passes for 14 yards. This past season, Wilson played in all 13 games, and had six carries for 13 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for 34 yards.

The Chiefs seem to be putting a big emphasis on blockers in this draft. LT, TE, C and now a FB have all been targets.

What do you think, Addicts? Did the Chiefs get good value with Wilson?

Jan 22, 2013; Mobile AL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey discusses with his scouts and coaches following the Senior Bowl South Squad practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs added another offensive lineman in the 2013 NFL Draft when they selected California (PA) center Eric Kush.

Here is what we know about Kush so far:

-He was recruited to play defensive line.

-He payed nine games as a LT.

-After moving to center, he found his sweet spot.

-He is listed at 6-3, 6-4 (depending on where you look) 305.

-He participated in the East West Shrine Game. He got banged up but taped up his leg and limped through the rest of practice.

Here is a bit more on Kush from College2Pro.com:

Size to play the position. Techincally sound. Can play with knee bend and some leverage. Good athletic ability for the position. Efficent player on the field. Hustles downfield to block on the second level. Will have a good chance at the next level. Thought he handled himself very good at the East West Shrine week of practices. Fact that he plays center gives him a chacne and working on deep-snapping improves draft stock.

Kush figures to be a developmental prospect for the Chiefs. He’s coming from a small school where he didn’t see a lot of time at center. When he did move to center, however, Kush flourished. It may be that the Chiefs would like to bring him to camp to see if they can accelerate his growth. If Kush fails to make the team, he could end up on the practice squad.

Here are is what some Chiefs fans had to say on the Kush pick:

Asked Eric Kush what a Vulcan is (Cal U mascot), he answered: “Greek god of fire and blacksmithing.” And then gave us its whole history

— Dave Skretta (@APdaveskretta) April 27, 2013

Eric Kush, Center Highlights 2013 NFL Prospect California University of Pa: youtu.be/ltfGu3UCL3o via @youtube

— TheFilmRoom (@TheFilmRoom) April 27, 2013

The amount of marijuana references I make during training camp about Eric Kush will be staggering. #Chiefs

— Mike Welch (@MikeWelchSR) April 27, 2013

Rd.6No.170: Chiefs – C Eric Kush, California (PA). EWS invite. 6’4/308/4.99. Listen to our interview with him here: blogtalkradio.com/all-access-foo…

— NFL Draft Bible (@NFLDraftBible) April 27, 2013

What do you think of the pick? Time to grade.

Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Geno Smith (West Virginia) is introduced as the number thirty-ninth overall pick to the New York Jets during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft eneters its final day on Saturday. With the first three rounds in the books, the NFL now buckles down for a marathon day three.

We’ve got all the information you need to know to enjoy rounds four through seven.

Live Stream: NFL.com

Oct 13, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Knile Davis (7) rushes as Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Josh Forrest (8) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs pulled somewhat of a surprise move at the end of the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft when they selected former Arkansas RB Knile Davis.

Davis was coming off a poor season in which he did not play very much and also a combine performance that showed teams just how athletic he was.

Davis spoke very briefly with the media after the Chiefs draft. Here is what he had to say:

Q: Knile, congratulations. Can you talk about the phone call?

DAVIS: “I was nervous, my nerves were real bad. I was hoping that I got called today, but I had no idea it was going to be Kansas City and I’m just grateful and blessed and honored to be a Chief.”

Q: When you look at your combine numbers with the speed that you put up considering your size, is that when you really start to feel like your stock was rising?

DAVIS: “Yes sir that definitely helped me out, that was my goal coming off that bad season. I needed something to kind of resurrect my career back to where it was. I think that definitely helped.”

Q: What was the problem last season? Was it the coaching change? [Bobby] Petrino’s exit, is that what limited some of your numbers?

DAVIS: “I think it was a combination of a lot of things; coaching change, new system and not being in the game, being off from football for two years coming off the injury. It was a few things that played a part in it.”

Q: Why did you come out a year early being that you didn’t have such a great year?

DAVIS: “Because I knew what I could do. I know that I can play the game of football, plus I had four years at Arkansas. There was a new coach coming in, a new system and a rebuilding stage that Arkansas was going to have to go through for a little bit and I thought that leaving now would be better than coming back for one more year.”

Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs added two more players on Friday night in the 2013 NFL Draft.

After the third round wrapped up, Chiefs GM John Dorsey met briefly with the media. Dorsey touched on a number of topics, including the Branden Albert trade saga and his two new players.

On the Albert trade and the Dolphins:

Well right now, all along it’s been an ongoing process. It will be an ongoing process until the end of the draft takes place. So we’ll see what happens tomorrow, right now it’s the same as it was yesterday. It will be continually going on and we’ll see what happens.

On whether or not he thinks the team’s relationship with Albert will be spiled if they are unable to trade him:

No I don’t think you could say that. All along we have considered Branden a really good football player. What did we do? We laid a franchise tag on him. That doesn’t mean that we cannot begin conversation with his representative down the road. He’s a winning football player, that’s what he is.

On his two new players:

What I think we did in the three players we have acquired, we have begun to address what we think are positions of need and depth and these players happen to be guys who can do something with the ball in their hands. With the exception of Eric, the two skilled guys today, they have the chance to be real players.

On if he thought there was a drop off in the TE position after Kelce:

Yes there was. I think that if you didn’t acquire somebody like him it would begin to drop off there. He is a tight end that can effectively run block, I think he can stretch the field a little bit, I think he has good hands, I think he will add depth to our special teams. He’ll help us in all phases.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up the second and third rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft last night.The Chiefs did not have a second round pick but did have two third round picks thanks to a compensatory pick the club was awarded after losing CB Brandon Carr in free agency last offseason.

The Chiefs GM spoke briefly with the media after the third round. Naturally he was asked about the Branden Albert situation. He said he would continue to dabble in the trade market throughout the rest of the draft.

“Well right now, all along it’s been an ongoing process,” said Dorsey. “It will be an ongoing process until the end of the draft takes place. So we’ll see what happens tomorrow, right now it’s the same as it was yesterday. It will be continually going on and we’ll see what happens.”

It was thought the Chiefs would trade Albert to the Miami Dolphins for a second-round pick but the transaction never happened.

According to Dorsey, however, he plans to continue to talk with Miami GM Jeff Ireland.

“That I’d call him back tomorrow morning,” said Dorsey when asked how he left things with Ireland.

It is hard to see the Chiefs and Dolphins getting something done at this point. I can only see this happening if the Dolphins offer up a couple of high picks in 2014. That may be to Dorsey’s liking but it won’t make the Chiefs better this year, which would likely be disappointing to fans.

Sep 8, 2012; Little Rock, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Knile Davis (7) rushes past Louisiana Monroe Warhawks cornerback Preston Coleman (37) for a touchdown in the second quarter at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Arkansas Rb Knile Davis with their second third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Davis was a surprising pick from a team that claimed they were going to stay true to their board. Then again, it is possible that Davis was the top player on KC’s board. We will probably never know for sure. Still, there are analysts out there that had other available players rated higher.

Davis seems to be a boom or bust prospect. He processes incredible athletic ability, strength in speed. He came back from injuries and ran a blazing 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Davis’ problem areas seem to be ball security and injures.

From NFL.com:

Has a long injury history, missing time or playing hurt in every season of his college career, in addition to the final two years of his of his high school career. Runs a bit top-heavy, gets tripped up easily in space, especially before he gets his head of steam. Inconsistent taking on tacklers at the second level, will try to run around them instead of using his strength. Inconsistent protecting his quarterback, resorts to (and misses) cut blocks. Lack of hip flexibility hurts his ability to adjust to poor throws as a receiver. Was unable to display adequate foot quickness in his final season. Despite workout speed, he rarely shows it on the field.

All right, Addicts. Time to turn in your graded.

Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Knile Davis makes a catch during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have selected RB Knile Davis.

The Chiefs opened the third round by selecting TE Travis Kelce out of Cincinnati. This latest pick was a compensatory selection that the Chiefs received in part for losing CB Branden Carr in free agency last offseason.

This is a very interesting pick for the Chiefs. Davis was a stud a couple of years ago but has recently suffered from injury issues. He also has some problems with ball security.

Davis is also really fast. He turned in a 4.37 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine.

Here is some scouting info on Davis from NFL.com:

STRENGTHS Big-bodied, north-south runner. Has a thick lower-body build and runs with enough forward lean to run through arm tackles. Agile enough to spin off tackles inside and hurdle would-be tacklers in the open field. Can use the strength he builds in the weight room to be a physical pass protector, aware enough to hit multiple targets. Provides some receiving skills as a check-down option over the middle and handling good throws in the flat. Tested very well in all combine drills.

WEAKNESSES Has a long injury history, missing time or playing hurt in every season of his college career, in addition to the final two years of his of his high school career. Runs a bit top-heavy, gets tripped up easily in space, especially before he gets his head of steam. Inconsistent taking on tacklers at the second level, will try to run around them instead of using his strength. Inconsistent protecting his quarterback, resorts to (and misses) cut blocks. Lack of hip flexibility hurts his ability to adjust to poor throws as a receiver. Was unable to display adequate foot quickness in his final season. Despite workout speed, he rarely shows it on the field.

NFL COMPARISON Shonn Greene

What do you think, Addicts? Do you like Davis as a potential backfield option to Jamaal Charles? Or do you think the Chiefs reached here when there were higher rated players still on the board?

Oct 6, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Travis Kelce (18) catches a pass over Miami Redhawks defenders Brison Burris (35) and Chris Wade (48) during the second quarter of the game at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Cincinnati TE Travis Kelce with the 63rd overall pick in the 2013 NFL Drat.

Kelce is an interesting pick. The Chiefs already have Tony Moeaki on their roster and recently signed TE Anthony Fasano in free agency.

Kelce is another piece to help strengthen the KC offense. Remember, the Chiefs were putrid on offense last season. Their playmakers were few and far between (pretty much the distance between Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe) so it makes sense that KC would want to load up on offensive talent. The Chiefs snagged Eric Fisher last night and now they have another player to be schooled in Andy Reid’s offensive system.

Here is a bit more on Kelce from Walter Football, including some measurable:

Height: 6-5. Weight: 255. Arm: 33.68. Hand: 9.58.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2013): 2-4.
4/23/13: Some feel that Kelce could be the most well-rounded tight end in the 2013 NFL Draft. He looks likely to be a second-day selection. An injury kept Kelce from participating in the Combine.

Kelce had a productive career at Cincinnati. The senior caught 45 passes for 722 yards with eight touchdowns in 2012. It was his best season as he had 13 receptions for 150 yards the year before.
Kelce is a strong blocker who can make an impact at the point of attack. He had some off-the-field immaturity issues early on in college but appears to have straightened out.

The 2013 NFL Draft is just about to get underway in Radio City Music Hall. I am here live with a pretty decent view of the podium and the Chiefs’ table.

As of this posting, there is still no news on whether or not the Chiefs have been able to deal LT Branden Albert to the Miami Dolphins. Miami and KC are running out of time to get a deal done.

Regardless, I will be here guiding you every step of the way with this live blog. I’ll be giving you an idea of what is going on here inside Radio City so keep an eye on the main posting area.

Below, please use the comments as your 2013 draft open thread. Discuss all the picks with your fellow Addicts and members of the AA staff.

Go Chiefs.

First, here is the critical information you will need to catch all of the selections over the next three days.

Date: Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27

Location: New York City

Venue: Radio City Music Hall

Live Stream: NFL.com

TV Schedule:

Thursday, April 25 (Round 1) – 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and NFL Network
Friday, April 26 (Rounds 2-3) – 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and NFL Network
Saturday, April 27 (Rounds 4-7) – 12 p.m. ET on ESPN and NFL Network

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Palm Beach Post, the Miami Dolphins are not willing to give up a second-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for LT Branden Albert.

From the Post, via Twitter:

Heard from one source this morning that #Dolphins agree with @rosstuckernfl, that a 2nd rounder isn’t worth it for Albert. We’ll see…

— Ben Volin (@BenVolinPBP) April 25, 2013

This just doesn’t make any sense to me. If the Dolphins are willing to pay Albert over $9 million a year, how could they not think he is worth a second-round pick? Remember, Miami, if they pay Albert that much, will be paying him more than Jake Long wanted, and Long was a guy Miami took with the No. 1 overall pick.

I am sure Miami’s deal with Albert will be backloaded so that if Albert doesn’t perform or gets injured, the franchise can get out from under a bulk of the money. Still, the Dolphins wouldn’t be sailing in these waters in the first place if they didn’t think they needed a top flight tackle. Further, if Miami thought they could get said tackle in the second round, or even in the first, they wouldn’t be pursuing Albert.

This sounds to me like a last minute power play by the Dolphins to try to get Chiefs GM John Dorsey to settle for a third-round pick.

The Chiefs hold the first pick of the third round (as well as a compensatory pick at the end of the third round that they can not trade) so if KC were to accept Miami’s third-rounder, the Chiefs would have the ammo to move up into the second round using the two picks if they wanted to. But in a draft that is considered very deep, with a lot of value in the second and third rounds, the Chiefs might want to avoid going that route.

If the Dolphins keep playing chicken with the Chiefs right up until the draft starts tonight, this could backfire on them. If the Chiefs like a defensive player and think they are going to be stuck with Albert, the Chiefs could take that player, thus officially taking the Albert trade off the table. If the Chiefs don’t take a tackle at No. 1, it is hard to see them dealing Albert. KC may have a plan to either sign Albert to a long-term deal next offseason or they may just resign themselves to the fact that Albert may leave in free agency next offseason and that tackle will be a hole the team will have to fill later.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Shea McClellin (Boise State) is interviewed by ESPN reporter Suzy Kolber after being introduced as the number nineteen overall pick to the Chicago Bears in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft will kick off in a matter of hours, live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. In order to get you prepared, we wanted to post the full draft order, as of now. This is likely to change once trades start going down.

Here it is:

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the start of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft is just hours away. Arrowhead Addict will be there live reporting from Radio City Music Hall in New York City but if you aren’t one of the lucky fans that snagged a ticket to today’s festivities, we’ve got all the broadcast info and start details so you won’t miss a minute of the action.

Not many people know but the official name of the draft, as far as the NFL is concerned, is the National Football League Player Selection Meeting. Boring. =)

Anyway, if you won’t be in front of a TV tonight, you can still watch the draft as long as you have a smart phone, tablet or computer and an internet connection. All the action will be streamed live on NFL.com.

Lastly, you will want to spend your time right here on Arrowhead Addict throughout the weekend. We will have live coverage, pictures and videos from inside Radio City. We will also be hosting a live blog and game thread for all you Addicts!

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd participates in a defensive drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t write down the name “Luke Joeckel” on your draft card just yet.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Kansas City Chiefs GM John Dorsey called DT and top draft prospect Sharrif Floyd yesterday.

From Rapoport, via Twitter:

I said on Around the League: #Chiefs GM John Dorsey called Florida DT Sharrif Floyd yesterday to check on him. Hmmm. At 1 or for trade back?

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2013

This is very interesting. As with all these reports, it means one of two things.

1. The Chiefs are interested in selecting Sharrif Floyd.

2. The Chiefs are trying to make the teams behind them think they are thinking of selecting Sharrif Floyd.

Let’s review each option.

The Chiefs are interested in Floyd:

It is possible. The Chiefs did lose Glenn Dorsey and could use some help along their defensive line.

From NFL.com:

He started the next 11 games at defensive end in head coach Will Muschamp’s 3-4 defense(46 totals tackles, 6.5 for loss), culminating with a 1.5-sack performance in the team’s 24-17 victory over Ohio State in the Gator Bowl. Floyd had already showed promise as a member of the coaches’ Freshman All-SEC squad in 2010, playing in all 13 games with one of his two starts coming against Penn State in the Gators’ Outback Bowl win (he had two tackles, a tackle for loss).

The trick here is that the Branden Albert trade may have fallen through. If that is the case, the Chiefs may not see the value in drafting a LT. John Dorsey could decide to pivot and go with the top defensive player on his board instead. That player could be Floyd.

The Chiefs want teams to think they are considering Floyd:

Also possible. If KC has gotten wind that one of the teams behind them is in love with Floyd, they may want to frighten that team to trade with them.

Floyd is often mocked to the Raiders at No. 3. What if Oakland or the Eagles, picking at No. 4, really wants Floyd? The Chiefs could potentially swap spots and still get the tackle they want. They could then pull the trigger on the Branden Albert trade after, so as not to totally tip their hand about selecting a tackle.

We don’t have much longer to wait now. What do you think, Addicts? Is Dorsey calling Floyd a smokescreen? Or are they Chiefs trading back?

Finally the week of the NFL Draft has arrived. By this point you’ve probably read countless speculations and mock drafts in hopes of trying to figure out who the Chiefs might select. Well now it’s your turn. You might not have done enough research to know what prospects might be available in what rounds in order to make your own guesses, but never fear, for the second year in a row I’ve done the leg work for you. I’ve compiled a multiple choice Chiefs mock draft for you to complete. Using as many credible big boards as I could find (putting the most stock in NFLDraftScout and our own Merlin’s Drafttek) I came up with several prospects that most believe should be available when the Chiefs draft. There are two ways you could go about completing this mock, you could pick who YOU would select if you were in charge or you could pick who you think the CHIEFS will select. Either way, list your picks in the comments below and let’s see just who most KC fans have the Chiefs taking. Twice in this draft the Chiefs have selections so close together that I just gave you extra choices and you get to pick two of them.

Here we go!

Round 1, Pick #1 Overall

A. Luke Joeckel – OT – Texas A&M
B. Eric Fisher – OT – Central Michigan
C. Dion Jordan – OLB – Oregon
D. Dee Milliner – CB – Alabama
E. Geno Smith – QB – West Virginia

Round 2, Pick #42 Overall

A. The Chiefs Won’t Trade Branden Albert
B. Justin Hunter – WR – Tennessee
C. Larry Warford – OG – Kentucky
D. Jordan Poyer – CB – Oregon State
E. Margus Hunt – DE – SMU
F. Matt Elam – S – Florida

Round 3, Pick #63 Overall

A. Tyler Wilson – QB – Arkansas
B. Terrance Williams – WR – Baylor
C. Barrett Jones – G/C – Alabama
D. John Jenkins – DT – Georgia
E. Vance McDonald – TE – Rice

Round 3/4, Picks #96 & 99 Overall (Pick 2)

A. Christine Michael – RB – Texas A&M
B. Stedman Bailey – WR – West Virginia
C. Zac Dysert – QB – Miami (OH)
D. Kiko Alonso – LB – Oregon
E. Montori Hughes – DL – Tennessee-Martin
F. Leon McFadden – CB – San Diego State
G. Alvin Bailey – OG – Arkansas

Round 5, Pick #134 Overall

A. Kevin Reddick – LB – North Carolina
B. Brandon McGee – CB – Miami (FL)
C. Jordan Mills – OT – Louisiana Tech
D. Mike Gillislee – RB – Florida
E. William Gholston – DE – Michigan State

Round 6, Pick #170 Overall

A. Chris Faulk – OT – LSU
B. Dion Sims – TE – Michigan State
C. Everett Dawkins – DT – Florida State
D. Ryan Griffin – QB – Tulane
E. Jawan Jamison – RB – Rutgers

Round 6/7, Picks #204 & 207 Overall (Pick 2)

A. Ricky Wagner – OT – Wisconsin
B. Ace Sanders – WR – South Carolina
C. Sean Renfree – QB – Duke
D. Lawrence Okoye – DT – England
E. Damian Stafford – FS – Nebraska
F. Latavius Murray – RB – Central Florida
G. Micah Hyde – CB/S – Iowa

So Addicts, who do you got? I’m anxious to see your picks in the comments below. I’ll leave you with my predicted picks.

A. Luke Joeckel
B. Justin Hunter
D. John Jenkins
F. Leon McFadden & G. Alvin Bailey
A. Kevin Reddick
B. Dion Sims
C. Sean Renfree & F. Latavius Murray

As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!

The Kansas City Chiefs may be in the worst possible position to get good value out of the 2013 NFL Draft. Normally, having the first overall pick is seen as a reward. Just a few months ago Chiefs fans were celebrating the fact that despite their season of agony, they would at least have that coveted first pick. Then they got a good look at the players available.

The thing is, this isn’t a bad draft class. There are lots of good players. So many in fact that there are going to be several first round caliber players still on the board in the 2nd round. There just doesn’t appear to be any franchise changing elite players at the top of the draft. So to recap, the best value in the draft is in the mid to late first round and early second round. Exactly where the Chiefs aren’t drafting.

That’s why I said they are in the worst position to get good value. Teams drafting in the mid to late first round will get good value with their first round pick and teams drafting at the top of the draft, while maybe not getting an elite player in the first, are at least rewarded with the ability to get another first round caliber player at the top of the second round. Unless of course you’ve traded away your second round pick.

Now, I’m not bashing Alex Smith. In fact, I’m slowly coming around to the idea of him and Andy Reid leading the KC offense. I’m not anti-Alex, I was just pro-Geno and high on the value that was going to be available for KC’s 2nd round pick. I get why Dorsey did it though. In a year when many experts think there isn’t a good starting QB in the entire draft (cue discussion #1,272 on if Geno Smith will succeed or not), Dorsey was able to get his day one starting QB for a 2nd rounder. That’s not bad value (although other QBs like Carson Palmer and Matt Flynn are going for less). It just means that Dorsey traded away the ability to get value out of the draft in return for his starting QB.

That’s why John Dorsey needs to prove his worth and make a deal in order to get back into the 2nd round and get the most out of his first draft as KC’s GM. If the Chiefs stay put they are currently in position to get one starting (and hopefully Pro Bowl caliber) player with the first pick and then won’t pick again until pick #63. In a draft where the best value available is probably in picks #15-50 that’s not great positioning. Could KC land a day one starter with pick #63? Yes, but usually 3rd round picks start more as role players and if you’re lucky then they eventually turn into starters.

So if KC wants more then one day one impact player from this draft class John Dorsey needs to make a move. The most likely deal is that he moves Branden Albert to the Dolphins for their 2nd round pick (#42). Many KC fans don’t like this move. I’ve stated before in posts that my basic feeling is that if they don’t like Alert (for whatever reason) we might as well get something for him. However, that may force KC to stay put at #1 overall to draft his replacement. Trading the first pick would be the other obvious way to pick up another pick or two and get more value out of this draft. However, other teams are looking at the same draft board we are and may be unlikely to trade up in a draft short on elite talent. As has been discussed on multiple occasions, the best hope KC has is that somebody wants to move up to take Geno Smith since QBs are typically the only position worth trading up to #1 for (cue discussion #1,273 on wether or not Geno is worth it or not). The final option would be to see if Dorsey could perhaps package his two 3rd round picks in return for moving up into the early to mid 2nd round if there was a certain player they felt was worth it.

Bottom line, I really want KC to get back into the 2nd round of this draft. I believe there is a good chance that a player that they could get in the #30-50 range could end up having just as much of an impact as the player they take with their first pick. Here are a list of some of the players that are in the #30-50 range on most big boards:

Zach Ertz – TE – Stanford
Eric Reid – S – LSU
Matt Elam – S – Florida
Kevin Minter – LB – LSU
Arthur Brown – LB – KSU
Eddie Lacy – RB – Alabama
DeAndre Hopkins – WR – Clemson
Robert Woods – WR – USC
Justin Hunter – WR – Tennessee

So what do you think Addicts? Do you want KC to get back into the 2nd round as badly as I do? Do you have faith that new GM John Dorsey can get it done? Are you okay with trading away Albert, the first overall pick, or our two 3rd round picks in order to get it done? I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.

As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!!

Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock and will soon be deciding which player they will select No. 1 overall in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Most experts believe KC will select one of the top tackles in the draft, either Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher.

Speaking recently with John McMullen of The Sports Network, Joeckel reflected on his excitement entering the draft.

“It’s just crazy to think about,” Joeckel said. “Starting football in the second grade, you don’t really think about that kind of stuff.”

While it is one thing just to be draft, having the potential to be taken No. 1 overall is something else entirely. The concept is not lost on Joeckel.

“It would be really cool. A dream come true,” Joeckel added. ” But the way I’m just looking at it, I want to get there. I am definitely striving to be the No. 1 pick, going through this entire process. But my dream is to just play in the NFL.”

Joeckel should be excited to join the Chiefs. Then again, I’d guess he’d be equally excited to join the Jaguars should Jacksonville be picking No. 1.

In the QB era, it is pretty rare for a tackle to be taken at the top of the draft.

While it seems pretty obvious that the Chiefs will take a tackle, I admit I am totally clueless as to what they will do. As far as I can tell, KC could be just as interested in Fisher as they are in Joeckel.

Thankfully, we only have to wait a few more weeks for this to all play out.

I spent the first couple of months of the offseason screaming for LT Branden Albert to be re-signed and bashing the idea of using the team’s first overall pick to replace him. But, now that free agency has run its course for this team, I can see how trading a now-franchise-tagged Albert increases the team’s purse, longevity and flexibility going into the Draft.

Here’s how:

It saves money.

While the new rookie wage scale makes it cheaper and easier to sign top picks, the salaries are also determined by a formula so complicated that I won’t bore you with here. But, basically the contract for the 1^st overall pick this year will be something like 4-years for $21 million in guaranteed money or an average of a bit over $5 million a year. If the Chiefs want to keep the player (Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher in this scenario), then they can invoke what is essentially the “rookie tag” which works like a franchise tag except that it is the average of the top 10 salaries at the position rather than the top 5.

Albert’s franchise tag salary this year will make him $9.828 million in guaranteed money – that’s nearly 10 percent of the Chiefs total player payroll. It’s also reported that he wants something in that neighborhood as a yearly salary as a part of a long-term deal.

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In other words, Joeckel will cost roughly half of what Albert will next season, and we get him for that cheap price for four full years. With Albert, there’s no guarantee that the Chiefs will be able to come to a long-term agreement, and even if they do, it’s going to be pricey.

In the end, it all depends on how Dorsey and Reid feel about Joeckel and Fisher. If they think that either of those two prospects have brighter futures than Albert – and they may even think that one or both of them are better than Albert right now – then why pay Albert double what you can get these guys for?

It makes the team younger.

I know that saying this may give fans PTSD flashbacks to the Herm Edwards “youth movement” experiment, but a lot of talent that is still driving this team came out of that 2008 draft class.

The Chiefs have had a great run of free agency, methodically filling nearly every hole on the roster with solid starters. Moves like the trade for QB Alex Smith show that the new regime believes it can win now with this improved squad. But, we can’t turn our back on the future in order to try and win this season. Giving up what could be two 2^nd-rounders is a heavy price to pay for our quarterback of today.

Last year, all the free agency chatter was about Mario Williams and Matt Flynn – the most sought after defensive and offensive free agents respectively. Did they lead their teams on a quick run to the promised land? The Bills went 6-10 and the Seahawks ended up starting a 3^rd-round pick over their free agency prize.

This is a story we’ve seen time and time again. The team that wins free agency frequently wins very little thereafter. We’ve made some smart additions, now we need to draft smart, and for that we need ammunition.

According to reports, the Chiefs are looking for a 2013 2^nd-rounder and a 2014 pick as well. We just signed a truckload of veterans. If we can translate Albert and his $10-million price tag into two young starters, then we can help balance out this team with youthful bodies for the future.

It gives us flexibility in the draft.

Mike Mayock has been saying for a month now that in this draft, you’re just as well off picking 25^th as if you are picking 5^th. This draft is also deep in areas of overall need for the Chiefs. We can easily pick up rotational D-linemen, a right tackle or a good ILB in the 2^nd round. The problem is that we (technically) don’t have a pick there. Although our 3^rd round pick would really be a 2^nd most years because two picks ahead of it were eliminated, picking up a real 2^nd-rounder will give us the ability to move around and target the guys we want. With a second and that high third we could likely even move back into the 1^st round if we saw a great talent falling.

In some ways, the 2^nd round is a better place to be picking than 1st overall. It will be very difficult to trade out of the top spot and get decent compensation and there are only a few players worthy of that top pick. In the second round, not only will there be good players dropping and available, but the trade market is always much more lively there to both move up and down.

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Again, all of this depends on what Dorsey and Reid think of Albert and Joeckel. If they don’t think he’s worthy of the money he is demanding, then we are just renting him this year and will see him depart in 2014 for nothing. Right now, we can potentially get good value in a trade and make his contract someone else’s problem. With another $9.8 million to spend, we can pick up another free agent or two now that feeding frenzy is over and there are bargains to be had.

Meanwhile, the team overall gets younger and more stable. “Draft and develop” is what makes good teams into dynasties, and I don’t know about you, but I’d like to see this new staff turn in more than one exciting and short playoff run like the last four before them.

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The Kansas City Chiefs continue their “Spring Break Scouting Vacation” today. After spending last week in Texas and Oklahoma, KC is down in sunny Floriday to visit “The Swamp.”

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, they’re there to have a workout with DT Shariff Floyd.

From Schedter:

A collection of Chiefs officials, including GM John Dorsey, are on Florida campus today, privately working out Florida DT Shariff Floyd.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2013

Floyd is considered a top player in the draft and certainly could be in consideration for the No. 1 pick. The Florida Gator has been quickly rising up draft boards but as FanSided.com’s Josh Sanchez points out, he may be best suited in the 403 defuse, ala Glenn Dorsey.

Floyd’s best fit is as a three-technique in a 4-3 defense, but many believe he is talented enough to bump outside as a five-tech in a 3-4 front. Of course, the Chiefs no better than ever that using a player like Floyd as a 3-4 defensive end may not work out. They had Glenn Dorsey as a cautionary tale.
Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel still has to be the favorite for the No. 1 overall selection, but don’t be surprised to hear some more defensive players linked to the pick as smokescreens begin to form as we approach the draft.

It is hard to know exactly what the Chiefs are thinking because there has been some talk of the defense running a 3-4/4-3 hybrid. Depending on how much 4-3 the Chiefs plan to use, a player like Floyd could be a big factor.

What do you think, Addicts? Should the Chiefs consider Floyd at No. 1?

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told the media yesterday that a couple of teams have reached out this team about trading for the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

“We’re going to keep all the options open,” said Reid. “I said this when we had the second pick and I was sitting at this meeting and Mike Ditka traded me his whole draft. We’re going to keep it wide open.”

I will just go on the record as saying now that if any team wants to trade the Chiefs their entire draft, I will personally travel across town to Radio City Music Hall and pick up said team’s draft pick and deliver him to their facility in person, on my own dime.

Anyway, Reid was then asked if KC had received any call about the No. 1 pick.

“Yeah, there have been people that have talked,” said Reid.

When asked specifically how many teams had reached out, Reid said “There have been a couple.”

I am sure the initial conversations about the pick center around how willing the Chiefs are to move it and what they’d like to get in return from each team. This is a fluid situation so it may take some time for a deal to be made, if a deal is made at all.

Still, if a team falls in love with a player like the football team in Washington fell in love with Robert Griffin III last year and offers up a deal the Chiefs can’t refuse, the pick could be moved before the draft.

Stay tuned!

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The Kansas City Chiefs may have traded some high draft picks for former 49ers QB Alex Smith, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t consider selecting West Virginia QB Geno Smith with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has said that Alex Smith is the starter in Kansas City. He said he was eyeing Alex Smith from the moment he landed in KC.

He also said the team might consider Geno Smith.

Wait, what?

Reid said the following while talking to reporters from the NFL owners meetings in Arizona.

From Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Andy Reid says he’ll evaluate 8-10 players for No. 1 pick. Asked why Alex over Geno Smith: “Doesn’t mean Geno is out of the water.” Smiles.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2013

I’ve never heard anyone use the term “out of the water” before but I think what Reid meant was that Geno Smith isn’t out of the running.

Reid’s phraseology might be a little skewed this week, considering he’s been wearing awesome Hawaiian shirts every day. That could be why he is talking about water so much. He’s in a vacation frame of mind.

Anyway, you can’t trust anything Reid says this time of year. The Chiefs will want to keep the other 31 NFL teams guessing right up until they make their draft pick in April. Reid may just want to drum up more interest in the No. 1 pick…

…or he could be serious.

What do you think?

James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs went through a lot of losing in order to acquire the #1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft but if ESPN draft expert Mel Kipers is to be believed, KC’s best option is to trade the #1 pick away.

In comments made to the Kansas City Star, Kiper’s painted a pretty grim outlook for the Chiefs, a team that has never before held the #1 pick.

I think trading out is still the best option. There’s no quarterback to remotely consider if you’re Kansas City. I would say if (the Chiefs) can get out of there, that’s the best option if they can, and there’s no guarantee they will be able to.’

Kiper whittled his list to three of players he considers worthy of consideration by the Chiefs with that first pick: Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones and Utah defensive lineman Star Lotulelei.

The whole thing is rather depressing. Not just because most experts don’t seem to think there is a single player really worth taking #1 but if that is indeed the case, the Chiefs aren’t likely to find a trade partner either.

For me, the ideal situation for the Chiefs would be for one of the teams in the top ten to fall in love with a player and offer the Chiefs package that enables them to move back and still pick up QB Geno Smith. While the draft doesn’t appear to have a ton of stars, it is considered to be rather deep with talent. If that is the case, the more picks the Chiefs can secure, the better.

What do you think, Addicts? Should the Chiefs trade out of the #1 pick if they can?

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN draft expert Todd McShay spoke on the First Draft podcast this week, along with his co-worker Mel Kiper, and the draft guru gave up what his current grades on some of the 2013 NFL Draft’s top QBs are.

McShay was comparing this year’s draft to the the QB-rich 2012 draft that featured stars Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russel Wilson.

When I go back and look at the grades that I gave, Andrew Luck had a 99 out of 100. Robert Griffin III had a 98 our of 100. Ryan Tannehill, had a 94 grade. So those were my top three grades at QB last year and they were all off the board in the first ten picks.

So how does this year’s crop of signal callers stack up against last year’s?

This year, when I compare that class to this year’s group and what we’re dealing with, Geno Smith has my highest grade right now and it’s a 90. So it’s a fringe first, second round grade. Mike Glennon has an 87, Matt Barkely, has a, I’m sorry, 88, 87 range, both of them. And the fourth is Tyler Wilson at an 80. I have one fringe first-rounder in Geno Smith and two legitimate strong mid to early second-rounders and one fringe second rounder in Tyler Wilson.

It is important to remember that this is just one opinion and most draft experts tend to have very different views of certain players. Still, this is an early glimpse into how experts like Kiper and McShay view this year’s QB class.

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

While most Kansas City Chiefs fans seem to have made up their mind that Geno Smith is the best QB in the 2013 NFL Draft, the folks over at the National Football Post would disagree.

Yesterday, NFP draft expert Russ Lande published an article about eight players he thinks we should keep an eye on during this weekend’s Senior Bowl college all-start game. Lande dropped a bit of a shocker when he stated that he though Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib was not only the #1 player to watch in the Senior Bowl, but that Nassib was the #1 player, period, in the entire draft.

From NFP:

1. Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse (6020, 228 and 5.05): Already rising up draft boards, NFL personnel are excited to see Nassib matched up with the best senior talent in the country. Quick and athletic to avoid pressure, re-set and make accurate throws, Nassib has NFL teams intrigued. After charting out Nassib in five games we consider him to be the best quarterback in the 2013 NFL Draft and worth drafting with the first overall pick, so we are excited to see how he does in Mobile. Blessed with a strong arm, the ball bursts out of his hand and he can make 15+ yard throws with zip even when a defender is about to hit him and he cannot stride into his throw. Having played in the Big East where the defenses are not the same caliber as the SEC and some of the other conferences, NFL teams are interested to see how he does against top defenders. The big thing that Nassib must work on is his deep passing as he tends to put too much air under his throws which forces his receivers to slow up and wait for the ball. This allows the defensive back to close and make a play on the ball. He could be the story of Mobile if he has a strong week and begins climbing up into the high first round.

Wow. Worth taking with the first pick? That is a serious statement.

NFL Draft Scout currently projects Nassib as a second round pick and they have him as the #5 QB on their board.

Here is some tape on Nassib:

It will be interesting to see what happens. This time last year, not very many people were talking about Russel Wilson. I think the success of some of the later round QBs recently may have NFL personnel people paying closer attention to signal callers coming from smaller programs or with less hype.

Interestingly enough, it was Nassib’s Syracuse Orange that beat Geno Smith and West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl. Neither QB was particularly effective thanks to cold, snowy conditions. Smith finished the game 19 of 28 for 201 yards and two TDs with no INTs. Nassib was 11 of 23 for 130 yards, two TDs and one INT. The difference in the game was that the Orange were able to rush for 369 yards as a team.

What do you guys think of Nassib?

James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The 2012 NFL season came to a close last evening and that means the 2013 NFL Draft order is coming in to clearer focus. With the Cowboys falling to the Washington Redskins, we now know the order of the first 20 picks.

And here they are: