Josh Looney has tweeted that the Chiefs cut OL Andrew Lewis and have signed John Russel, a linebacker out of Wake Forrest.
Russel played DE at Wake and put up pretty decent numbers at his pro day. From CBS Sports:
"Wake Forest’s pro day was held on March 26. In total, 15 Demon Deacons worked out, as well as 10 more prospects from smaller schools outdoors on FieldTurf in 65 degree temperatures. DL John Russell (6-2 7/8, 278) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.90 and 4.94 seconds, had a 26-inch vertical jump, an 8-9 broad jump, a 4.53 short shuttle, a 7.15-second three-cone drill and did 30 bench press repetitions at 225 pounds."
More after the jump:
Draft Nasty also interviewed Russel following his pro day. Here is a snippet:
"Q: Rumor has it you recently worked out as a DE, DT, LB, TE, and FB. This not only shows your versatility, but gives you a little added value and exposure as an athlete. Was this something you were a bit surprised about or was this something discussed prior to the workout?A: I had been told from a few teams that they wanted to look at me as an H-back or fullback. They also talked to me about playing around the 260 range for those positions. Mostly teams have talked about me playing my natural position which is DE/DT. Coming in I was a bit surprise they made me do the actual drills, but it was a great experience and opportunity. I got a chance to catch a few passes despite dropping two of them, but I did have a great catch along the sideline. The drills were a bit challenging because they were all new to me, but as the drills progressed I begin to get a better feel for what I was doing. The scouts told me they liked the way I adapted simply because my first rep was always better than the second one. I think that’s what a few teams will be looking for flexibility and comprehension. I feel like I was able to do that well."
Russel was recently cut by the Packers after they signed him as an undrafted free agent. They were trying to convert the former DE to OLB in their 3-4 scheme but it did not appear to work out.
Russel seems to be pretty gifted athletically and he could be a project for the Chiefs.
Departing is Lewis out of Oklahoma State. He was seeing time at center.