Monk_Ironman
05-03-2005, 08:28 PM
According to inside sources the Kansas City Chiefs rookie mini-camp went as expected.
Derrick Johnson made quite an impression on head coach Dick Vermeil. He flashed his speed and was all over the field. When asked about Derrick Johnson Vermeil said "I thought Derrick Johnson demonstrated he moves like a first round pick and has great skill and learning ability. Hes so fast you dont expect him to make a play on the other side of the field. All the sudden hes over there sticking his nose in it"
Some have predicted Vermeil will do what he normally doesnt, start a rookie and feel confident about it on openning day against the Jets. That could mean OLB Shawn Barber could be looking for a new team come June 1st. Barber, who is due to make 2.2 million this season, is coming off a very serious knee injury. He isnt expect to return to the Chiefs until mid way into the 2005 season. On top of that he hasnt been playing like the Chiefs expected when they signed him as a free agent. You can almost bet on the Chiefs asking him to restructure his contract, depending on how that goes will determine if he will be wearing a Chiefs uniform next year.
Craphonso Thorpe didnt make the impression he would have liked on the coachs. He didnt have a chance to flash his speed but Vermeil didnt hold that against him. When asked about Thorpe Vermeil stated : “The receivers have a hard time running like they like to run because they’re thinking about how to run a route a new way in a new system, how to make adjustments against coverages in a different way. He did OK. But he’s got a lot of work to do. It’s hard to go full speed when you’re not sure.” Thorpe will have his chance to show what he is made of in upcoming mini-camps.
When asked about Dustin Colquitt and his punting ability Vermeil said "I’ve been impressed. Of course, it’s not live. But on both mornings he did a good job punting.” Vermeil hopes Colquitt will fix the punting woes that have faced the Chiefs the last few years.
Boomer Grigsby has been one of the most talked about Chiefs rookies this year. Many seem him as a Maz type of ILB. Tough, hard nosed inside linebacker who just plays with a lot of heart. When Cunningham was asked about Boomer he stated "The guy has a lot of heart. He isnt the fastest, or the strongest guy out there but he plays with a lot of heart and shows the mental side of the game. He shows great instinct and passion for the game of football. What else can i say about the guy? I am happy we got him he should be an instant play maker on special teams and we hope to get him into the mix on the defensive side of the ball." Boomer has made a few statements to the press. The most notable is this.
" I am excited about being a part of the Kansas City Chiefs. I know i am not gonna be a starter, i just want to run down the field on special teams like a crazy white boy and put a hit on somebody. I also cant wait to throw blocks for Dante and get him into the endzone." Boomer said. Hes just a humble guy who wants to play football, and he has the heart to make an impact on this team. This defense has lacked the heart and maybe this kid can help turn that around. He could be a big steal in this draft. The Chiefs have had a lot of luck picking linebackers in the 5th round. Donnie Edwards was a 5th round pick and he is considered one of the best outside linebackers in all of football. OLB Scott Fujita was also taken in the 5th round and he has been a solid starter for the Chiefs for the last two years. He has lead the team in tackles and was second in sacks.
All in all the Chiefs wont know the talent they have on the field until they allow the players to get out there and play live. But there is a lot of buzz in Kansas City and this could be the best defense the Chiefs have had since the mid 90's. The Chiefs have taken a leap on defense, lets just hope its not into a sand trap but on the green.
Derrick Johnson made quite an impression on head coach Dick Vermeil. He flashed his speed and was all over the field. When asked about Derrick Johnson Vermeil said "I thought Derrick Johnson demonstrated he moves like a first round pick and has great skill and learning ability. Hes so fast you dont expect him to make a play on the other side of the field. All the sudden hes over there sticking his nose in it"
Some have predicted Vermeil will do what he normally doesnt, start a rookie and feel confident about it on openning day against the Jets. That could mean OLB Shawn Barber could be looking for a new team come June 1st. Barber, who is due to make 2.2 million this season, is coming off a very serious knee injury. He isnt expect to return to the Chiefs until mid way into the 2005 season. On top of that he hasnt been playing like the Chiefs expected when they signed him as a free agent. You can almost bet on the Chiefs asking him to restructure his contract, depending on how that goes will determine if he will be wearing a Chiefs uniform next year.
Craphonso Thorpe didnt make the impression he would have liked on the coachs. He didnt have a chance to flash his speed but Vermeil didnt hold that against him. When asked about Thorpe Vermeil stated : “The receivers have a hard time running like they like to run because they’re thinking about how to run a route a new way in a new system, how to make adjustments against coverages in a different way. He did OK. But he’s got a lot of work to do. It’s hard to go full speed when you’re not sure.” Thorpe will have his chance to show what he is made of in upcoming mini-camps.
When asked about Dustin Colquitt and his punting ability Vermeil said "I’ve been impressed. Of course, it’s not live. But on both mornings he did a good job punting.” Vermeil hopes Colquitt will fix the punting woes that have faced the Chiefs the last few years.
Boomer Grigsby has been one of the most talked about Chiefs rookies this year. Many seem him as a Maz type of ILB. Tough, hard nosed inside linebacker who just plays with a lot of heart. When Cunningham was asked about Boomer he stated "The guy has a lot of heart. He isnt the fastest, or the strongest guy out there but he plays with a lot of heart and shows the mental side of the game. He shows great instinct and passion for the game of football. What else can i say about the guy? I am happy we got him he should be an instant play maker on special teams and we hope to get him into the mix on the defensive side of the ball." Boomer has made a few statements to the press. The most notable is this.
" I am excited about being a part of the Kansas City Chiefs. I know i am not gonna be a starter, i just want to run down the field on special teams like a crazy white boy and put a hit on somebody. I also cant wait to throw blocks for Dante and get him into the endzone." Boomer said. Hes just a humble guy who wants to play football, and he has the heart to make an impact on this team. This defense has lacked the heart and maybe this kid can help turn that around. He could be a big steal in this draft. The Chiefs have had a lot of luck picking linebackers in the 5th round. Donnie Edwards was a 5th round pick and he is considered one of the best outside linebackers in all of football. OLB Scott Fujita was also taken in the 5th round and he has been a solid starter for the Chiefs for the last two years. He has lead the team in tackles and was second in sacks.
All in all the Chiefs wont know the talent they have on the field until they allow the players to get out there and play live. But there is a lot of buzz in Kansas City and this could be the best defense the Chiefs have had since the mid 90's. The Chiefs have taken a leap on defense, lets just hope its not into a sand trap but on the green.