Chiefs draft picks

[Blackshirt]

If the Chiefs dont make a play for Ruud I'll be

[ownagebomb]

If the Chiefs dont make a play for Ruud I'll be

amen!

[gamecocks]

The Chiefs signed Trotter today, so I don't know if they will pick Rudd in the second round when they need help all over their defense. Plus, Rudd will probally be gone by the time they draft in the third round.

[Blackshirt]

The Chiefs signed Trotter today, so I don't know if they will pick Rudd in the second round when they need help all over their defense. Plus, Rudd will probally be gone by the time they draft in the third round.

I would be alright with that, but Im not so sure anything is finalized quite yet - as of last night. Personally I'd prefer a younger phenom like Ruud, or even Hartwell.

 

Chiefs put out the welcome mat

 

Rolle, Trotter, Hartwell are first players to visit

 

By ADAM TEICHER

 

The Kansas City Star

 

Business was anything but usual for the Chiefs on the first day of free agency.

Frequently spectators in the frenzy of the market's opening, the Chiefs entertained cornerback Samari Rolle of Tennessee and linebackers Jeremiah Trotter of Philadelphia and Ed Hartwell of Baltimore. Their visits were scheduled to conclude today.

One or more of the players could sign with the Chiefs before leaving Kansas City, but no deal was in place as of Wednesday night. The Chiefs were waiting to make any firm financial offer until they gave each player a physical examination.

Club officials expressed some concern about Trotter's ability to pass a physical because of balky knees.

The Chiefs had no other visits scheduled. But they were attempting to invite a group of players that includes linebackers Ian Gold of Tampa Bay and Kendrell Bell of Pittsburgh, and cornerbacks Ken Lucas of Seattle and Fred Smoot of Washington.

Trade talks with Miami concerning cornerback Patrick Surtain appear to have stalled. The Chiefs would like to have Surtain for a visit as well, but the Dolphins want a trade agreement in place before allowing the trip.

Miami is asking for the Chiefs' second-round draft pick in return. The Chiefs are already minus their third-round pick, which went to Philadelphia in last year's trade for tackle John Welbourn.

Dealing a second-round pick would make this, in all likelihood, a one-player draft for the Chiefs in terms of rookies they could realistically expect to make an impact. The Chiefs believe they have too many needs to obtain only one impact rookie.

The Chiefs appear ready to sort through all of their free-agent possibilities before resuming talks with Miami. That search started with Rolle.

Rolle was released by the Titans last month in a cost-cutting maneuver, but he is generally considered the top free-agent cornerback. He is favored by defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, who worked with Rolle for three seasons as a Titans assistant coach.

In Hartwell and Trotter, the Chiefs met with two of the top available middle linebackers. Hartwell was a starter the last three seasons for Baltimore, playing alongside the more celebrated Ray Lewis, but many NFL scouts believe Hartwell is ready to emerge as a star in his own right.

Hartwell's agent, Harold Lewis, said 16 NFL teams called Wednesday to at least inquire about Hartwell's interest.

“I've got a lot of people around the league mad at me because they wanted to be the first ones to have Ed in for a visit,” Lewis said. “But we wanted to go to Kansas City first to see what they have to offer.

“They indicated linebacker is a major need and concern. He's a guy they considered the best one out there.”

Trotter is a premier run defender. His career appeared over at this time last year when he was released by Washington and searched for a job without success for months. He signed with the Eagles shortly before the start of training camp and played well enough to make the Pro Bowl for the NFC champions.

The Chiefs are looking for a new middle linebacker. One of the internal candidates, Mike Maslowski, missed all of last season because of a knee injury. The other, former No. 2 draft pick Kawika Mitchell, played poorly in Maslowski's absence.

Meanwhile, at least two of the Chiefs' five unrestricted free agents were busy lining up visits of their own. Reserve halfback Derrick Blaylock was scheduled to meet with the New York Jets and Houston Texans. Deep snapper Kendall Gammon should be heading to Buffalo within the next few days.

 

[gamecocks]

The Chiefs signed Trotter today, so I don't know if they will pick Rudd in the second round when they need help all over their defense. Plus, Rudd will probally be gone by the time they draft in the third round.

I would be alright with that, but Im not so sure anything is finalized quite yet - as of last night. Personally I'd prefer a younger phenom like Ruud, or even Hartwell.

 

Chiefs put out the welcome mat

 

Rolle, Trotter, Hartwell are first players to visit

 

By ADAM TEICHER

 

The Kansas City Star

 

Business was anything but usual for the Chiefs on the first day of free agency.

Frequently spectators in the frenzy of the market's opening, the Chiefs entertained cornerback Samari Rolle of Tennessee and linebackers Jeremiah Trotter of Philadelphia and Ed Hartwell of Baltimore. Their visits were scheduled to conclude today.

One or more of the players could sign with the Chiefs before leaving Kansas City, but no deal was in place as of Wednesday night. The Chiefs were waiting to make any firm financial offer until they gave each player a physical examination.

Club officials expressed some concern about Trotter's ability to pass a physical because of balky knees.

The Chiefs had no other visits scheduled. But they were attempting to invite a group of players that includes linebackers Ian Gold of Tampa Bay and Kendrell Bell of Pittsburgh, and cornerbacks Ken Lucas of Seattle and Fred Smoot of Washington.

Trade talks with Miami concerning cornerback Patrick Surtain appear to have stalled. The Chiefs would like to have Surtain for a visit as well, but the Dolphins want a trade agreement in place before allowing the trip.

Miami is asking for the Chiefs' second-round draft pick in return. The Chiefs are already minus their third-round pick, which went to Philadelphia in last year's trade for tackle John Welbourn.

Dealing a second-round pick would make this, in all likelihood, a one-player draft for the Chiefs in terms of rookies they could realistically expect to make an impact. The Chiefs believe they have too many needs to obtain only one impact rookie.

The Chiefs appear ready to sort through all of their free-agent possibilities before resuming talks with Miami. That search started with Rolle.

Rolle was released by the Titans last month in a cost-cutting maneuver, but he is generally considered the top free-agent cornerback. He is favored by defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, who worked with Rolle for three seasons as a Titans assistant coach.

In Hartwell and Trotter, the Chiefs met with two of the top available middle linebackers. Hartwell was a starter the last three seasons for Baltimore, playing alongside the more celebrated Ray Lewis, but many NFL scouts believe Hartwell is ready to emerge as a star in his own right.

Hartwell's agent, Harold Lewis, said 16 NFL teams called Wednesday to at least inquire about Hartwell's interest.

“I've got a lot of people around the league mad at me because they wanted to be the first ones to have Ed in for a visit,” Lewis said. “But we wanted to go to Kansas City first to see what they have to offer.

“They indicated linebacker is a major need and concern. He's a guy they considered the best one out there.”

Trotter is a premier run defender. His career appeared over at this time last year when he was released by Washington and searched for a job without success for months. He signed with the Eagles shortly before the start of training camp and played well enough to make the Pro Bowl for the NFC champions.

The Chiefs are looking for a new middle linebacker. One of the internal candidates, Mike Maslowski, missed all of last season because of a knee injury. The other, former No. 2 draft pick Kawika Mitchell, played poorly in Maslowski's absence.

Meanwhile, at least two of the Chiefs' five unrestricted free agents were busy lining up visits of their own. Reserve halfback Derrick Blaylock was scheduled to meet with the New York Jets and Houston Texans. Deep snapper Kendall Gammon should be heading to Buffalo within the next few days.

 

You are right Blackshirts, I read somewhere last night that it was finalized and then today I read that they were still working out details. I would love for him to play with the Chiefs, but their window of opportunity of playing in the super bowl is closing as their offense is getting older and older. If they want to make a run at it this year, they would be best to pick up Trotter than a young Rudd that would take time to get adjusted to the NFL and the system.

[Blackshirt]

I agree GC, good point. Hopefully Trotter didn't leave everything he had on the field this past year, b/c I know he's had some knee problems in the past. With that in mind, Hartwell falls somewhere in between Trotter & Ruud on the experience chart, so wouldnt be a bad get IMO.

[ownagebomb]

i would just like to see them sign Ty Law

[Blackshirt]

Well I know I caused the Husker draft thread to get a bit off topic, so figured I'd merge those posts into an official chiefs draft day thread.

 

What order of priority do you guys think KC should follow?

I'd say

1 MLB

2 CB

3 CB

4 WR

[gamecocks]

I would agree with that order Blackshirts and then I would add depth on the D-Line possiblly a DT as number 5. However if any of those could be picked up in free agency, that would shuffle the draft priority a little bit.

[Blackshirt]

Interesting article that provides a good breakdown of who the Chiefs are possibly pursuing..

 

Chiefs Search for Free Agent Talent Still Ongoing

Nick Athan - Scout.com

March 29, 2005 at 8:33am ET

 

After scouring the internet, talking to my sources around the NFL, I've come to the conclusion that free agency is anything but over for Kansas City. They continue to talk to teams and other players to try to shore up their 2005 roster. With that said, it's time to seperate fact, fiction and opinions on what options remain for the Kansas City Chiefs.

 

1. DE Darren Howard (Saints) - The Chiefs appear to have some interest in acquiring New Orleans disgruntled defensive end. He signed a one-year tender in March so he would need to negotiate a new long term contract with the team that acquires him because his salary hit for one year is slightly over $8 million. The Saints were close to a deal with Dallas for Howard. The Cowboys were set to trade their second round pick which is all New Orleans is asking for Howard, but those talks cooled when Howard's contract demands were more than the Cowboys were willing to pony up. This could be the reason the Chiefs have not pulled the trigger on the Surtain deal because they might use their second round pick to acquire Howard from New Orleans. I'd say talks are not as serious as they were when Dallas was in the picture but they could heat up.

 

The knock on Howard has been his inconsistency. Some compare him to Vonnie Holliday who plays great for a stretch and then disappears. But the difference is Howard averages double digit sacks each season. He went to Kansas State and you know head coach Bill Snyder has talked to Vermeil about Howard. From what we've heard, he is interested in coming to Kansas City but it would still have to be considered a long shot. Still if this defense is going to elevate itself to middle of the pack status in the AFC next year, they'll need to put more pressure on the quarterback. The thought of Howard and Allen at ends is something that has to excite Gunther Cunningham.

 

2. CB Patrick Surtain (Dolphins) - The Chiefs have not backed off their standing offer of a fourth Rounder for Surtain and that appears to be the only snag in getting this deal done. I don't think the Chiefs are unwilling to sign him to the long term contract he wants so clearly the issue is compensation to the Dolphins. One thing that is being reported on the NFL Network is the fact that teams can trade their Compensatory Draft Picks. That is NOT true. The league does not allow those picks to be traded. Surtain has the Dolphins in the hot seat. They are sticking to their guns about a first day draft choice but its not likely to happen and everyone knows that but Head Coach Nick Saban . The Chargers interest in Surtain is mild and outside of the Chiefs; they have very few options outside of Kansas City. Plus I don't think the Chargers are going to do much until they settle the quarterback situation. They've offered quarterback Philip Rivers to the 49ers and they want to unload that contract if they can before adding another high priced veteran.

 

Surtain and his agents would like to get this deal wrapped up in the next couple of days because they don't want talks to drag on. With the NFL Draft less than four weeks away; the Poston Brothers know their clients value will decrease as teams start to clear cap space to sign draft picks. The rookie pool could be near $4 million this year and with the Chiefs, who have 11 draft picks, their hit could be higher. I don't think the Chiefs will have that problem. I can't see a scenario where they won't either trade some of this picks for players or to move up in certain rounds in next months draft. They don't want to sign eleven draft picks plus add at least two more veteran free agents.

 

3. DE Carlos Hall (Titans) - The Chiefs continue to talk to Tennessee about a trading for Hall but nothing so far. Hall is an interesting candidate. As we reported yesterday, the Titans are not thrilled with his progress. After blowing up as a rookie three years ago, he's been average at best and part of that can be contributed to injuries by some of his defensive mates. Hall is not a game breaking difference maker. He works within a scheme and has the talent to get five-nine sacks per season in the right system. That could be in Kansas City where all they need from Hall is to make plays when he's on the field. The Chiefs say they are happy with Eric Hicks but this team must develop sacks from someone else besides Jared Allen .

 

The Chiefs are exploring trading one of their sixth round picks or one of their fifth round picks for Hall provided they can work out a contract but if the rumors are true about their interest in Howard, then those talks are likely to be put on hold. Now the Chiefs could sign Hall but the Titans could match the contract and I don't think the Chiefs want to take that chance. Being a restricted free agent the Titans by refusing to match the offer would only net a seventh round draft pick.

 

4. DE Jay Williams (Dolphins) - Visits the St. Louis Rams today but my sources at Arrowhead said they did not nor expect to offer him a contract at this time. That could change if talks cool with Howard and Hall. He'd be a last resort to add depth to the defensive end position. Just because he has a history with Vermeil does not mean he'll sign with Kansas City.

 

I'm not thrilled with the idea of adding Williams because I think Hall has more upside. As much as I want the Chiefs to get better defensively in 2005, they have to start adding youth to the roster and Hall would have more upside and be as productive as Williams down the road.

 

5. LB Jamie Sharper (Texans) - I've received no response from anyone at Arrowhead in regards to the Chiefs interest in the current Texan. If rumors are true about the injury to Bell's Shoulder, then I expect the Chiefs to make a stab at Sharper before the draft. As for those rumors on Bell, I think its sour grapes from the NY Giants who let him leave town without getting a deal done. He was their top linebacker target and if you think Peterson is tough, then none of you know about Ernie Accorsi with the Giants. Let's all be thankful we have Peterson.

 

I think Sharper would be a great fit for the organization. Shawn Barber will not be ready to practice until the first month of the regular season. Mike Maslowski who underwent experimental knee surgery; has made progress but nobody knows if that can equate to getting back on the field and being a productive linebacker. Thus Sharper or drafting a rookie are the only two options left for the Chiefs.

 

6. WR Kevin Johnson (Ravens) - He's expected to make a trip to Kansas City in the next week. The Chiefs will likely release Johnnie Morton in June and they'd like to sign another veteran receiver before the draft. Johnson was nearly acquired three years ago from the Cleveland Browns but the Chiefs, rightly so, were unwilling to send them a first round draft pick. Johnson is a solid receiver who would be an upgrade to Morton and it would allow another year for both Marc Boerigter and Samie Parker to develop.

 

There is little doubt the Chiefs need to add another wide receiver this off-season. But if I had my say, it would USC's Mike Williams . If he's still on the draft board at #15, then I'll run into the Chiefs War Room and demand they draft him. Offensive coordinator Al Saunders will escort me in and then I'll be asked to leave the complex. Saunders will get to stay of course. Seriously, there is no way an offensive talent like that can be passed up by the Chiefs. He'll end up being twice the player that Randy Moss will ever be in the NFL and though his forty-times were a bit low; he's a difference maker on offense. He is the real deal and sitting out a year has not hurt his stock with certain teams. Right now the Bears, Vikings and Titans have expressed an interest in him in the Top 10. After that, he could fall to the Chargers or Chiefs in the next group of five picks.

 

7. OT/G John Welbourn (Chiefs) - The veteran acquired a year ago has officially moved to back to the guard position. Vermeil was quoted as saying that Will Shields has not told him that he's 100% certain he'll play in 2005. Shields hinted that possibility after the season but I think he'll play one more year before hanging up his cleats. That means the Chiefs have lost faith in Welbourn and his ability to play tackle for them in the future. In retrospect the draft day decision a year ago to acquire him from Philadelphia is officially a mistake. Now that could change if Shields retires, then he's become the starter. But that's the only scenario that makes that trade a good one especially if losing that third round pick this year is the difference in Kansas City's ability to acquire Surtain before the draft.

 

That means that either second year tackle Kevin Sampson or Jordan Black will be the teams new starting right tackle. My money is on Black who showed great poise last season filling in for the injured Welbourn. Sampson I believe is being groomed to take over for Willie Roaf when he steps down after next season or in 2006. The former seventh round draft pick from Syracuse was very impressive during training camp a year ago and the Chiefs are very high on him. Don't rule out the Chiefs drafting a tackle with their third round pick this year to add even more depth.

 

As we get set for April and the draft, it occurs to me that the Chiefs are hoping they can shore up some or all of their deficiencies in free agency. They would be wise to do so because that will give them numerous options in the draft. Like I said, I can't see the Chiefs using up all eleven picks on rookies. They have to address age on the offensive line, wide receiver and they must eventually look for a successor for quarterback Trent Green . With an abundance of quarterback talent in this draft, they could address that need and add a solid wide receiver where they have some age as well.

 

On defense if the majority of their needs can be had in free agency or via trade, then they can look to add depth at linebacker, cornerback and defensive line. By doing both this off-season, the Chiefs would have assembled their most complete roster since Vermeil took over in 2001 and quite likely the best he's had since his Super Bowl teams in Philadelphia and St. Louis.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cita...adel&type=story

[gamecocks]

I read somewhere today that the Cheifs have been in negotiations with the Dolphins that would send Patrick Surtain to the cheifs. The Dolphins are wanting a second rounder for Surtain but the Cheifs have only offered a fourth rounder as of right now.

 

If this trade goes through with the chiefs sending a second rounder to the Dolphins, then I don't think that the chiefs have any chance at getting Rudd since they do not have a third rounder this year.

[Blackshirt]

Right, plus with the recent acquisition of Bell, it *should* mean our MLB problem is solved... assuming he GETS HEALTHY. So that would remove Ruud from the list.

[kc_husker]

Please dont take me wrong on this. But do you really think Rudd was all that great. I know he tops the charts in tackles and I have seen him play for four years. Did he get all of them tackles because our Dline has dropped off alot in resent years? After saying that any Husker on the Cheifs roster is welcomed. Any more said on Sheilds if he is coming back?

[bigredtoad]

Decent point but there were plenty of other down years yet Ruud is still the leading all time taclker in the HISTORY of the dynasty that is NU fooball.

[Blackshirt]

Word down in KC is that the Chiefs are very close to securing Patrick Surtain from the Dolphins, for a 2nd rd pick in this draft and a conditional pick from the '06 draft -- IF he makes the Pro Bowl. If its going to happen it will be done sometime today.

 

With that in mind, now who do the Chiefs go after?? David Pollack looks very enticing... but what if Carlos Rogers or even Mike Williams are still available? Based on the free agent acquisitions -- Kendrell Bell, Sam Knight, Carlos Hall, Pat Surtain -- do they still go strictly D with their 1st rd pick no matter who is available, or do they take the best "talent" on the board?