***The Official Chiefs OTA's Thread***
 

Might as well get this started since we are within a week of it beginning.


OTA offseason workouts: May 27-29, June 3-5, June 10-13
Mandatory minicamp: June 17-19


Feel free to post Chiefs camp updates here.

https://twitter.com/ChiefsCamp/lists/kcc

Rookie minicamps this weekend breh

@TerezPaylor: #Chiefs OLB Dee Ford said he is well aware his new number (55) is Derrick Thomas’ old college number.

@TerezPaylor: From what I can tell, fifth-round QB Aaron Murray competed in every drill. Did not seem restricted in any way.

@HerbieTeope: OLB Dee Ford’s first play in team drills was an interception off Aaron Murray. Ford later abused OT Laurent Duvernay-Tardif on a swim move.

@TerezPaylor: On 1 play, CB Phillip Gaines was playing press coverage on Dressler, flipped his hips, turned and ran with him vertically and got the pick

@TerezPaylor: Oh, and how can I forget. BYU safety Daniel Sorensen had two interceptions, both off deflections, I believe. He runs well for his size.

@Jacobs71: Phillips Gaines wingspan and arm length standout immediately. Impressed with his positioning and ball tracking skills.

@Jacobs71: Aaron Murray participated in the practice. He did boots and rollouts so I'm not worried about his knee.

Sounds good and what I expected from Ford and Gaines. Pretty much what I expected from Murray too.

Sounds like Murray completed a lot of passes.....to the defense!

Ford and Gaines are going to be studs.

http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-...at-rookie-camp

Yup, pretty much what I expected.

Still excited about the Canadian. Dude could be one of the best value picks ever. You know, if he turns out to be great and all.

He likely has a better shot at waterboy.

shit schedule this yr :(

A rookie QB in a rookie camp with other rookies working in a complex offense that they are just being introduced to, struggling.

Who could have imagined such a thing?

" With the flick of the wrist touchdown! Bray is a stud"

Nick Jacobs reports usually suck.

Trezelle Jenkins II

Murray throwing picks as expected.

Dumbass.

Expected to throw picks.

He threw many.

Are you flirting with me, sexy?

@TerezPaylor: Raw video from day one of the #Chiefs’ rookie minicamp: http://t.co/wPzPZs3dDx

Here the picture

http://www.kcchiefs.com/media-center...ebe6ea3124#end

Murray was a waste of a pick. Unless Daniel gets cut, he won't be able to win the #2 spot.

Would have rather had Abbrederis, Carrethers, or Gaines. They'd at least be able to push for some playing time in year 1. Abbrederis as a slot receiver, Gaines as a slot corner/special teamer, and Carrethers in rotation to give Poe some rest.

$3.8 million this year and $4 million next year or a QB with just as much talent on a rookie contract?

What you sound like.

QBs are 99% of the time never wasted picks purely due to positional importance. If you're not re-investing in fresh arms, new prospects, and better competition every 1-2 years, then you are clearly underestimating the position's value and aren't trying hard enough.

Murray is better than most QBs you can get in the 5th round in most years. If you look at that as a wasted draft pick, you're a flaming AIDS monster and should kill yourself.

Murray threw 4 INTs against 2 drafted guys(Ford & Gaines) and a bunch of UDFAs. Franchise QB! ROFL

At best, he'll replace Daniel in 2015-16.

Murray was also one of the best SEC QB's number wise and played well against that conference.

I don't think that many people are saying he's the future at QB, but I think he's a very nice option as a backup.

Your new name is Carl Peterson.

You don't draft QBs because they're "wasted draft picks."

I really can't ****ing help you if you're going to be this idiotic, dude.

I suppose Aaron Rodgers was a wasted draft pick as well. That guy didn't do shit to oust Brett Favre and his expensive contract for 3 goddamn seasons.

http://www.kansascity.com/2014/05/24...ayers-try.html

RED ZONE
Dozens of undrafted players try out at Chiefs rookie minicamp
May 24

The Chiefs' three-day rookie minicamp begins Saturday, and here's a list of all 35 undrafted players here on tryout:

Saginaw Valley QB Jonathon Jennings

Toledo QB Terrance Owens

Utah State RB Joey Demartino

Iowa State P Kirby Van Der Kamp

Alabama State P Robert Wenzig

Portland State K Zach Ramirez

Old Dominion CB Devon Simmons

Monmouth CB Tevrin Brandon

Miami SS Kacy Rodgers

Kansas State LS Marcus Woodside-Heit

Iowa CB B.J. Lowery

Utah State CB Quinton Byrd

Monmouth TE Michael McLafferty

Indiana FS Greg Heban

Troy SS Camren Hudson

St. Francis TE Dustin Greenwell

Montana FS Shann Schillinger

Cumberland T Alonzo Harmon

Lamar LS Chris Maikranz

NC State OLB Darryl Cato-Bishop

Florida A&M OLB Brandon Denmark

Temple G Pat Boyle

Pitt State ILB Nate Dreiling

Nebraska C Cole Pensick

Southern Miss T Ryan McKee

Bowling Green NG Jairus Campbell

Tennessee OLB Corey Miller

Gallaudet DE Adham Talaat

Southeastern La. OLB Devan Walker

Tulsa G Stetson Burnett

Abilene Christian G Will Latu

Iowa WR Don Shumpert

Virginia Tech WR Marcus Davis

Auburn DE Kenneth Carter

Eastern Kentucky DE Shawn Shupperd

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/05/24...#storylink=cpy

Observations from Chiefs rookie minicamp
by Herbie Teope

The Chiefs on Saturday kicked off the first day of a three-day rookie minicamp at the team’s training facility with 65 participants.

Among the group of players included all six members of the 2014 draft class, 11 undrafted free agent signings and 35 invited for a tryout.

Outside of some players who were on the Chiefs practice squad last season, rookie minicamp affords numerous players the opportunity to get introduced to the NFL.

Saturday also provided the chance to participate in drills, a lot of it coming on 11-on-11 competition, under the watchful eyes of an NFL coaching staff.

“It’s the first time they’ve put on a helmet here,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “The first time they’ve tried this practice tempo here, the first time they’ve had offense versus defense, we haven’t been able to do that up to this point. I was happy with what I saw on both sides of the ball.”

Meanwhile, it’s important to temper enthusiasm when it comes to minicamp because players are in shorts and helmets, and not full pads.

Still, there was plenty to take away from Saturday, including:

No limitations.
So much for concerns over a surgically repaired knee.

Quarterback Aaron Murray, who returns from an ACL injury suffered in late November 2013, participated in the entire afternoon practice, a session lasting more than two hours.

“We’re keeping a close eye on him,” Reid said, “(Chiefs head athletic trainer) Rick (Burkholder) is keeping a close eye. He’s done everything up to this point. He went through it today, and he’ll keep getting stronger as he goes. This was good because this was the first time there’s a pass rush on him, so he had to move around a little bit.”

For his part, Murray appeared pleased of what he was able to do on the field.

“The knee’s great,” Murray said. “It feels awesome. The best thing is there’s no second thought. There’s no while I’m back there in my drop, moving around the pocket, my rollouts, there’s no, ‘Be careful of the knee. Don’t step into a throw.’ It’s all just go out there and play and have fun and execute the play. It feels awesome. It’s doing extremely well right now.”

Murray threw four interceptions, two coming off tipped passes, during 11-on-drills. But for the most part looked fine, even tucking the ball and running after being flushed out of the pocket.

Also of note, Murray looked good moving around when considering he underwent knee surgery on Nov. 25, just six months ago.

Dee Ford announces presence. The team’s first-round pick (23rd overall) signed his contract Saturday, and then promptly turned in an interception off quarterback Aaron Murray on the first play of 11-on-11 drills.

“The biggest question is can I drop in coverage,” Ford said. “I think I answered that question. It was great teamwork, got batted the ball to me. I just reacted off of that. It was fun.”

Ford, who wore No. 55 instead of No. 90, later beat sixth-round pick offensive tackle Laurent Duvernay-Tardif off the edge with a pretty swim move.

The No. 55 is symbolic because it’s the number Chiefs great and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas wore at the University of Alabama.

“I’m not trying to be Derrick Thomas,” Ford said. “But he’s a guy that definitely inspired me. The opportunity presented itself, so I took it.”

Former Missouri star shines.
Again, it’s important to not get too caught up in what’s done in shorts and helmet.

But it’s also hard not to ignore when a player stands out based on what he does on the field. One such player was wide receiver Jerrell Jackson, who played collegiately at Missouri.

Jackson made some nice catches in traffic, including a leaping sideline grab down the field over a defender.

Strong safety makes plays.
Another player who made it hard for observers to ignore was former Brigham Young University standout, strong safety Daniel Sorensen.

Sorensen, who measures 6-foot-2, 208 pounds, recorded two interceptions off quarterback Aaron Murray, one coming on a tipped pass down the field and the other in traffic in the middle of the field.

On the right.
The Chiefs’ sixth-round picks, offensive tackle Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and guard Zach Fulton, both spent time on the right side of the offensive line during 11-on-11 drills.

Duvernay-Tardif lined up at right tackle, with Fulton at right guard.

Dressler impressed.
Is it too early to declare that Canadian Football League import, wide receiver Weston Dressler, is legit?

OK, perhaps it’s way too early to declare that because once again, the team is in shorts and helmet. See a theme here when it comes to tempering enthusiasm?

Nevertheless, Dressler looked pretty good coming out of his breaks and catching the ball with his hands. He also impressed during 11-on-11 drills by getting behind third-round pick cornerback Phillip Gaines, who runs a 4.38 40-yard dash, on a deep route.

Dressler wore jersey No. 13 as a request he made of the Chiefs when he left the CFL to pay respect to the Saskatchewan Roughriders fans.

Speaking of speed.
Running back/specialist De’Anthony Thomas has quite the burst once the ball is in his hands.

“I just feel like I’m a playmaker,” Thomas said. “Wherever coach puts me on the field, I’m going to help this team get to the promise land.”

On one play during 11-on-11 drills, Thomas caught the ball out of the backfield only to have linebacker Ben Johnson, one of the team’s undrafted free agent signing, come up to meet him in the open field.

Johnson appeared to have the angle, but Thomas did a juke move and sprinted away from the linebacker to the sideline.

The team’s fourth-round pick also showed good hands. During warm-ups, Thomas snatched a poorly thrown ball at his knee with just his right hand and didn’t lose stride.

UDFA free agent wide receivers.
The Chiefs didn’t select a wide receiver during the draft, but signed two intriguing options in Darryl Surgent of Louisiana-Lafayette and Albert Wilson of Georgia State.

Both players made the most of their chances during 11-on-11 drills. Wilson, in particular, looked very quick coming off the line of scrimmage.

As to what Surgent and Wilson need to do to boost their chances of having a shot at the roster?

“They need opportunities,” Reid said, “just more and more and more.”

Other signal callers.
Aaron Murray wasn’t the only rookie quarterback on the field, as Jonathan Jennings of Saginaw State and Terrance Owens of Toledo were invited for tryouts.

Jennings has a strong arm, but at times struggled with accuracy during 11-on-11 drills. Owens, a southpaw, also has a nice arm, but has a long winding motion before releasing the ball.

Both face a steep challenge when considering the Chiefs already have Alex Smith, Chase Daniel, Tyler Bray and Murray.

Familiar faces.
Some members of the 2013 Chiefs practice squad were present Saturday, including safety Malcolm Bronson, offensive tackle Chandler Burden, wide receiver Frankie Hammond, tight end Demetrius Harris, cornerback Vernon Kearney and wide receiver Fred Williams.

Harris came on strong towards the end of the practice with a nice catch after having some passes go through his hands.

Bronson, an All-American at McNeese State, spent time at free safety whenever he was on the field.

Find those lanes, Murray.... please, please....find those lanes.

Good to see gaines is getting out jumped for balls by dressler who is 5'8. We've found our fade guy in the redzone!

I think Sorenson and Wilson make the team.

Despite recent injury, Chiefs not treating rookie QB Aaron Murray with kid gloves
By TEREZ A. PAYLOR
The Kansas City Star

Despite suffering a torn ACL in his left knee a little more than six months ago, fifth-round quarterback Aaron Murray was not limited in drills Saturday.

Murray, who is listed at 6 feet 1 and 207 pounds, wore a large brace on the knee and proceeded to take a number of snaps and make a number of throws during team and individual drills.

“We’ve been keeping a close eye on it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “He’s done everything up to this point — he went through today’s work and he’ll keep getting stronger as he goes.”

Reid said Saturday’s practice benefitted Murray because it’s the first time he’s faced a pass rush, limited as it might have been (they practiced in helmets and shorts).

“He had to move around a little bit, you got to see his movement ability,” Reid said. “You’ve got to do that in the National Football League, you’ve got to do it out here so he did that and he did some nice things.”

As a senior at Georgia, Murray completed 225 of 347 passes for 3,075 yards with 26 touchdowns and only nine interceptions before his season ended Nov. 22 against Kentucky. Murray said he had surgery on the knee three days later and vowed to be healthy enough to participate in his pro day in April, which he was.

“The knee is great, it feels awesome,” Murray said. “The best thing is there’s no second thought ... there’s no ‘be careful of the knee, don’t step into the throw.’ It’s all just go out there and play and have fun and execute the play.”

Murray looked fairly nimble on Saturday; he scrambled to avoid the rush on one occasion and generally seemed unencumbered. He did toss four interceptions — including two on deflections — but he was generally the most accurate of the three quarterbacks in attendance, as Toledo’s Terrance Owens and Saginaw Valley State’s Jonathon Jennings also struggled to find the strike zone.

Reid, of course, was not concerned by interceptions that came in the first non-padded practice of the year.

“There’s a little bit of a rush in his face, he’s moving and he’s got new receivers and a bunch of different things that go into that,” Reid said. “That’s a tough thing ”

Regardless, Murray was noticeably enthusiastic about his first day of practice.

“It’s a nice mental hurdle to get over, knowing I just have to trust it,” Murray said of his knee. “I can’t worry about what’s going on in front of me.”

Thomas chooses jersey number

After two weeks of limbo, former Oregon star De’Anthony Thomas — the Chiefs’ fourth-round pick — has finally been issued a jersey number.

“When I arrived (Friday), No. 1 was in my locker,” Thomas said. “I’ll just establish the number and keep working and keep contributing to this team.”

However, it seems unlikely that will be Thomas’ number come the regular season. Thomas, who is 5 feet 9 and 174 pounds, is listed as a running back on the team’s official roster, and the NFL requires running backs to wear numbers between 20 and 49 by the regular season. The league makes exceptions before that, due to the high number of players on each roster, but as the season draws nearer, more players get cut and thus, more numbers become available.

Of greater concern to the Chiefs is that Thomas won’t be able to remain in Kansas City after the three-day minicamp. The NFL prohibits players from working out with their new teams until they’ve completed their college’s academic calendar is complete, and the final exams for Oregon — which runs on the quarter system — won’t be complete until June 13.

That means Thomas miss most of the next few weeks while his new teammates begin OTAs.

“He has to go back (to Oregon),” Reid said, “so the next time he’ll be with us is that last mandatory minicamp (on June 17-19).”

Reid, however, said Thomas, who has also missed the last two weeks of organized workouts, and running-backs coach Eric Bieniemy have been working closely every day.

“He was able to do everything today, and he’s actually holding on to what we’ve given him pretty good,” Reid said.

Thomas spent most of his time at running back on Saturday, but he did occasionally line up as a slot receiver, a position that perhaps best fits a player of size and also happens to be a need, as last year’s starter, Dexter McCluster signed with Tennessee this offseason after a career season.

“You saw, we had him all over the place,” Reid said, “so that’s what we’re gonna do with him. (Spread Game Analyst) coach Brad (Childress) and Eric are kinda working with him — Brad’s doing a little bit with spread stuff and Eric does stuff with him from the backfield and a couple of split out things.”

Others present

A few players who participated on the practice squad last season also participated in the camp Saturday, including cornerback Vernon Kearney, safety Malcolm Bronson, tight end Demetrius Harris, tackle Chandler Burden, receiver Fred Williams and receiver Frankie Hammond.

Lmao....off of OTAs?

No updates? Do I have to do everything!


You guys suck.

Chiefs rookies get physical in the trenches at minicamp
By TEREZ A. PAYLOR
The Kansas City Star

For the standard observer, it’s safe to say there’s not much that can be gleaned from a non-padded rookie minicamp practice.

But that’s not the case for the Chiefs’ coaches and front-officer officials. For them, the three-day rookie minicamp — which concludes Monday — is a a chance for them to see, up close and personal, how the players they selected this year move around, respond to coaching and absorb concepts.

And for the players, such as sixth-round pick Zach Fulton, it’s a chance to get adjusted to a few challenges, despite the fact they aren’t wearing pads.

“It is pretty physical, despite popular belief,” said Fulton, a guard from Tennessee. “It does get pretty physical down in the trenches. I’m still working on my hand placement and my footwork and things like that. It’s the fundamentals.”

But that’s now all Fulton, who is listed at 6 feet 5 and 316 pounds, is working on. Now that the Chiefs’ strength and conditioning coaches have gotten their hands on all the rookies, they attack their weight-room weaknesses in hopes of building up their bodies.

“We’ve lifted for about two weeks now since we’ve been here, I think it’s helping out a lot,” Fulton said, who has spent both days of the minicamp at right guard “They want me to be more flexible, that’s what they want … it will help me move a lot better, move a lot faster.”

That makes sense. Fulton didn’t finish among the top combine testers in the 20-yard shuttle or three-cone drill, which help measure a player’s agility. Athleticism is a necessary trait for a lineman in Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s offense, due to the heavy reliance on zone blocking, but the club drafted him anyway because they liked his physical style.

“He’s more of a road grader,” said area scout Pat Sperduto. “(Tennessee) had four different offenses while he was up there and a couple head coaches, so he had gone through a lot of change and he adjusted and adapted to all the different styles that they had … his style is roll off the ball and move people and that’s kind of his gig. He does a great job of setting a pocket presence for the quarterback. He is strong and can squat down and hold the rush out.”

Now the goal is to make him better, and Fulton isn’t the only rookie looking to do that. Third-round cornerback Phillip Gaines said he weighed in at 183 pounds when he arrived in Kansas City, which is 10 pounds less than he weighed at the combine in February.

“I honestly don’t know how big I can get, but I’m sure once I start eating right and lifting right, I could definitely get to the 190s consistently,” Gaines said.

Gaines is optimistic the extra weight, whenever it comes, will help him with his press-man technique, which the Chiefs’ corners use regularly.

“That way they can’t move you off your place,” Gaines said. “Once you get that and the technique and the strength, all of that bundles into one and you get a good corner.”

Sixth-round pick Laurent Duvernay-Tardif said he weighed in at 307 pounds when he arrived in Kansas City, though he is listed at 321 pounds. After the draft, Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said he could easily see Duvernay-Tardif end up between 325 and 330 pounds, and Duvernay-Tardif’s lean frame — he doesn’t have much of gut — belies this.

“Over the last couple months with the combine and everything I was trying to get a bit leaner, but I think I can put a couple pounds on easily,” Duvernay-Tardif said. “If coach wants me at 315 I will go at 315, 320 without any problem, I think.”

In the meantime, Duvernay-Tardif said the Chiefs’ strength coaches are emphasizing the power clean, which will help him get out of his stance in pass protection.

“Especially on (the) two-step drop, when you want to be really aggressive on the line,” Duvernay-Tardif said.

The Chiefs haven’t been afraid to experiment with Duvernay-Tardif either, as he lined up at right tackle on Saturday and left guard on Sunday. His athleticism is apparent, though he remains raw, and the upside is noticeable, much like Fulton’s, whose size and strength — he simply looks bigger than Duvernay-Tardif — shined at times this weekend.

But during a camp that’s all about self improvement, don’t expect Fulton to go crowing about his current areas of focus. The hope is he’ll soon improve his flexibility, which will improve his ability to get to the second level and execute combination blocks. The sooner he does that, the sooner he’ll have a chance to compete for playing time.

“I think I’m OK in that aspect,” Fulton said. “But I think I can be a lot better.”

Rookie Mini-Camp Report – Practice #2
by Bob Gretz

After working the first practice of the Chiefs rookie mini-camp indoors on Saturday, head coach Andy Reid took his squad outside for work in practice No. 2 on a muggy Sunday afternoon.

On top of that, Reid put them through almost two hours of work at a very brisk pace. Those players who were not in tiptop condition struggled near the end of practice. Given that only a handful of players had actually been in an NFL mini-camp before, it’s not a surprise that the youngsters got an education in just what the pros expect from productive physical condition.

The roster for the three-day mini-camp stands at 65 players, broken down this way:

2014 Chiefs draft choices – 6.
2014 undrafted rookie free agents – 11.
Players designated as first-year – 13.
Tryout players – 35.

They worked only in helmets, with no other pads and no tackling. That makes it folly to divine any real evaluation of talent. All one can do is see which players get the most practice snaps and how they are used.

Here are observations from Sunday’s practice:

– Quarterback Aaron Murray appears to be at full-go in practice, coming just six months after a torn ACL and surgery on his left knee. He seemed to be able to move around without much trouble, even with a brace on that leg.

– And please, for those fans that don’t like short quarterbacks and their penchant for having passes knocked down, Murray had two throws rejected by defenders. He also threw an ugly interception when he was flushed left and let go of an errant pass that was grabbed by tryout linebacker Nate Dreiling from Pittsburg State.

– Murray did hook up on a nice deep post pattern to first-year tight end Demetrius Harris. The former basketball player was able to get behind safety Malcolm Bronson on the play and Murray put the ball in a great position for Harris to catch with his hands.

– When the Chiefs lined up on offense the first offensive line group was set up this way: left tackle Chandler Burden, left guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, center Alonzo Harmon, right guard Zach Fulton and right tackle Ryan McGee.

– That L.D.T. was working at guard is a good sign for him. If the Chiefs believe he can play guard and tackle, the Canadian’s roster opportunity increases in dramatic fashion. He told the media he weighed in for the camp at 307 pounds, making him the leanest 300 pounds plus on the roster.

– The busiest offensive player was fourth-round draft choice De’Anthony Thomas, who lined up all over the place in Reid’s offense: in the backfield, as a wing back and in the slot. He caught at least a half-dozen passes on short routes in the middle of the field (between the hash marks), hoping the speedy University of Oregon product can produce yards after the catch.

– Here’s the lineup for the first defensive unit: Chas Alecxih, Kona Schwenke and Kenneth Carter. The outside linebackers were Dee Ford and Corey Miller, with Dreiling and Alonzo Highsmith. The cornerbacks were Phillip Gaines and Vernon Kearney, with safeties Dan Sorenson and Kacy Rodgers II.

– They worked some special teams in this segment, with emphasis on the kick return squad. Back to return kickoffs were Thomas, rookie wide receiver Albert Wilson, Canadian Football League import Weston Dressler, rookie running back Charcandrick West and first-year wide receivers Frankie Hammond and Fred Williams.

The Chiefs will wrap up the rookie mini-camp with a Monday practice. The veterans will be on the field come Tuesday for the first OTA session of the off-season.

:rockon:

Adjustments continue in rookie minicamp
by Herbie Teope

Two afternoons of practice are officially in the books, with one more day to go on Monday to conclude the Chiefs’ three-day rookie minicamp.

The practice tempo Sunday remained fast during 11-on-11 drills, but this time around appeared to offer fewer mistakes compared to Saturday.

Quarterback Aaron Murray, who threw four interceptions the previous day, only had one. His pick came courtesy of undrafted free-agent signing, former Tennessee-Martin inside linebacker Ben Johnson.

Of course, one of the biggest storylines from Day One was Murray’s ability to practice without limitations even with a brace on his left leg.

That carried over, as Murray once again showed no hesitation to tuck the ball and run when the pocket collapsed around him.

While the former Georgia Bulldog will battle rust considering he’s six months removed from a knee operation, it’s important to keep in mind the layoff and he’s throwing mostly to fellow rookies.

And of course, everyone is in shorts and helmet, making it difficult to properly assess full performance.

Here are other Sunday observations:

Gaines settling in. Cornerback Phillip Gaines, the team’s third-round pick (87th overall), had an interception on Saturday and looks comfortable among the rookies.

It’s probably for good reason.

The former Rice Owl has familiarity with the Chiefs’ defensive scheme based on his college experience playing in press-man coverage. Knowing what to expect helped his transition to what’s he’s seen so far in minicamp.

“It’s very similar,” Gaines said of the scheme comparison. “A lot of the time we press-man and it kind of takes away thinking for corners. When you don’t have to think, you can play as fast as you want. Like you said, at Rice and here there is a lot of press-man, so it’s all good.”

Still, Gaines knows he has some areas to work on before the Chiefs are in full pads, mostly his technique.

“I’m really working on hand placement,” he said, “feet movement and staying in front of the receiver because we don’t have pads on, so we can’t get into them too much. You just want to stay in front of them, have good technique and run with them up the field.”

Gaines, who left Rice weighing 185 pounds, said he arrived in Kansas City at 183 pounds. But he didn’t sound concerned about gaining weight in the coming months before the start of the regular season.

“I’m sure once I start eating right and lifting right,” Gaines said, “I could definitely get to the 190s consistently.”

Moving around. It’s early in the offseason process, but it’s also a good sign offensive tackle Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has versatility.

Duvernay-Tardif, the second of the Chiefs two sixth-rounds picks, played right tackle on Saturday. But he moved inside Sunday, a position he became familiar with since being drafted and prior to the minicamp.

“Over the last two weeks I was practicing as a guard,” Duvernay-Tardif said before the afternoon practice. “Yesterday (Saturday) I went as a tackle, I don’t know exactly why, but today I’m going back as a guard.”

With Duvernay-Tardif moved to guard, Ryan McKee, a tryout invite from Southern Mississippi, played left tackle.

Duvernay-Tardif, who said he currently weighs 307 pounds, has been playing organized football for nine years, the first seven on the defensive line before switching to the offensive line in 2011.

The McGill University product said while he played various positions on the offensive line in college, he added he’s more comfortable on the left side at tackle or guard.

And that flexibility could come in handy once organized team activities (OTAs) kick off in full bloom as the Chiefs attempt to identify and develop a swing tackle.

But even then, he’ll also have to adjust to the speed of the outside pass rushers in the NFL from what he was accustomed to facing in Canada.

“Well, of course it’s different,” Duvernay-Tardif said of the speed he’s faced in minicamp. “But especially the alignment where I’m not used to having a rusher that far on the edge. So I think I just need to get used to guys that are more vertical and I think I’m going to be able to catch that.”

Calm before the storm. There are numerous positions primed for competition, but one battle sure to command attention is wide receiver since the Chiefs didn’t address it during the NFL Draft.

The Chiefs currently have 11 wide receivers under contract, and six are participating in rookie minicamp: Weston Dressler, Frankie Hammond, Jerrell Jackson, Darryl Surgent, Fred Williams and Albert Wilson.

Each had moments the past two days in shorts and helmet, with Jackson leading the way on the first day with nice grabs, and Dressler not far behind.

Sunday saw Dressler step to the plate again with a pair of athletic grabs during 11-on-11 drills. The first came on a nifty sideline catch where he extended to catch the ball while keeping his feet in the field of play. The second came on a sliding catch down the middle of the field between two defenders.

In the meantime, this can’t be stressed enough – it’s important to not get carried away with too much from rookie minicamp. While the catches are nice to observe, the reality is the receivers are also going against rookie cornerbacks.

The real fun occurs when the entire team comes together for OTAs and training camp. How the wide receivers perform against veteran cornerbacks and once the team is in full pads with contact will offer a proper gauge.

Crash course. That best describes the previous two days and likely Monday’s final day of rookie minicamp for running back/specialist De’Anthony Thomas, who will miss the next set of OTAs due to Oregon’s quarter system.

Thomas, who will be back for the mandatory OTAs on June 17-19, has shown a nice burst in shorts and helmet, and flashed the speed he’s known for.

While some could fear the former Oregon Duck will fall behind as he misses the OTAs on May 27-29, June 3-5 and June 10-13, there is one thing that will surely stick in his mind.

And that’s the booming voice of running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who yelled, “Finish! Finish! Finish!” any time Thomas or any of the running backs had the ball.

Status check. The Chiefs wrapped up the second day Sunday afternoon, moving 64 players outdoors after practicing indoors on Saturday with 65.

Absent was defensive tackle Risean Broussard, who signed a reserve/future deal with the Chiefs on Jan. 29. He’s listed at 6-foot-2, 278 pounds.

The Chiefs are expected to update Broussard’s status Monday.

http://www.kansascity.com/2014/05/25...-duvernay.html
By TEREZ A. PAYLOR
(highlights)

Practice observations

• Fifth-round quarterback Aaron Murray threw only one interception Sunday (after throwing four Saturday), but his accuracy was still a little off. Still, that’s to be expected only six months after an ACL injury.

• Tennessee-Martin inside linebacker Ben Johnson made a nice play when he picked off Murray once on a rollout.

• Running-back coach Eric Bieniemy is going to ride fourth-rounder De’Anthony Thomas this camp. Biemiemy was constantly screaming at Thomas and others to finish each play.

• CFL transport Weston Dressler made a sliding catch. He’s shown good hands and some shiftiness, so it will be interesting to see how he fares when the whole team gets here.

• Former Florida wide receiver Frankie Hammond had a nice practice. Hammond, who spent the 2013 season on the practice squad, flashed some quickness and was on the receiving end of a number of passes.

• Basketball-player-turned tight end Demetrius Harris has dropped some passes the last few days. Some of that has to do with spotty quarterback play, but you’d still like to see more consistency.

Thomas at running back is plain stupid. They're going to waste time with him there just like we did with McCluster. He's fine for the occasional gadget play out of the backfield but otherwise put him at ****ing receiver!

Meh nothing to get too excited about. Just hope they stay healthy and get ready for TC.

Its rookie minicamps dude...
Posted via Mobile Device

Rookie Mini Camp Day Two Recap


OL Laurent Duvernay-Tardif


Q: Have you been able to process all that’s happened? Have you come to grips with all that’s transpired in the last few weeks?
Q: What about the speed of the game that you’re seeing from your fellow rookies, especially like yesterday when you lined up against Dee Ford?

Q: Where are you at on your kick step and your ability to get out to block those edge rush guys?

Q: Did you play left tackle at McGill?

Q: So are you pretty comfortable on the right side then?

Q: They weigh you guys when you come in. What did you guys check in at when you got here?

Q: Is that where you want to be or do you want to be at 320?

Q: How long have you been playing organized football now?

Q: Did football ever negatively impact your studies because of practices or games?

Q: Did it happen the other way where your studies got in the way of your football?


Q: And you were helping deliver babies the first two days of the draft?

Q: If you had been drafted that day the Chiefs would have had to wait?

Q: How hard is it to have the mindset where you want to help people, but then on the field you want to hurt them?

Q: Considering all the juggling that you’ve had to do in your life, you’ve learned to compartmentalize. Does it make this easier because all you’re focusing on is football?

Q: You’re now around all these guys who are used to American football. Do you feel like you are behind where these guys are as far as technique and knowing the game?

Q: They’ve been working you out a little bit, they find out where you’re strong at as far as training. What’s the biggest area you need to improve in strength-wise that they told you?

Q: You think that will help you in pass protection then?
G Zach Fulton

Q: What can you get out of this camp?
Q: It’s hard to stop those linemen when they get going, isn’t it?
Q: What do you do when you don’t have pads on?
Q: There has been a little work on the running game.
Q: Like getting to the second level and working on combination blocks. Where do you think you are with that?
Q: Has anything surprised you about this camp so far?
”
Q: No surprises with the physicality?
Q: What benefit do you think an NFL weight program would mean to you?
Q: What one area in particular do they want you to get better at?
”
Q: How’s that going to help you?
Q: Do they feel it’s a high ceiling for you to do that?
CB Phillip Gaines

Q: How’s it going so far?
Q: Was it helpful mentally to be around here before minicamp started?
Q: How hard are Al Harris and Emmitt Thomas coaching you so far?
Q: Are you just trying to come in here and show that you’re ready to be a hard worker?
”
Q: What are you working on in your game?
Q: What happened with the interception yesterday?
Q: What about guys getting vertical on you? Weston Dressler got behind you yesterday one time and you’re probably not used to that.
Q: How similar is the press man coverage you did at Rice to the one here?
Q: How much did you weigh when you got here?
Q: How much do you think you can get to? Can you get stronger?
Q: What kind of benefit do you think an NFL weight training program will have for you?

I think Reid likes his Oline big ... DUVERNAY-TARDIF will probably be another guy in the mix at guard.

I still wonder whether or not they want Allen to be the swing OT

That's the most God awful post formatting I've ever seen.

Repost

The raw version is a wall of text

Get Phillip Gaines in the weight room right now and have him work his ass off . I don't see a reason why this kid can't be 190 with added bulk by the time camp starts in two months.

Later Allen....

Chiefs Wrap Up Rookie Mini-Camp; OTAs Next
by Bob gretz

The smoke cleared early Monday afternoon for the 65 players taking part in the Chiefs rookie mini-camp.

After three practices over the Memorial Day weekend, Andy Reid and his coaching staff put their camp roster through some quick and intense work that tested them mentally and physically. It wasn’t quite football, but it was as close as the league rules would allow.

With more than five dozen young men trying to grab attention from the coaching staff, it’s impossible to legislate against physical contact. In Monday’s session, a couple of guys wearing No. 48 collided in the end zone; it was tight end Dustin Greenwell and safety Shann Schillinger. Both tryout players walked away, but it caught the head coach’s attention.

“Let’s be smart out here,” Reid loudly told his team. “Smart, smart, smart.”

It turned out to be a very “smart” mini-camp as the Chiefs started with 65 players and went through Monday’s practice with 64 players. Only nose tackle Risean Broussard went down with an injury, tweaking a knee that Reid said was not a serious problem.

“It was good to get through this camp and work with these guys,” Reid said. “It was great to get some of the guys that have been here for a few weeks some work with plays with helmets on and working offense against defense.

“It’s been a good lead in to Phase III, and that begins (Tuesday).”

Per the labor agreement, the off-season program for players is divided into three phases over essentially a 10-week period. Phase I involves conditioning, weight lifting and some meeting time. In Phase II they can add walkthrough sessions on the practice field but can’t go offense against defense. Phase III allows for structured practices with players wearing helmets and offense going against defense. It all ends with the team’s full-squad mini-camp in the middle of June.

“I gave the veterans time off this past weekend, and they’ll all be showing tomorrow and ready to go.”

The Chiefs roster currently stands at the NFL limit of 90 players under contract for the 2014 season, but there figures to be a few changes in the landscape after evaluation of the rookie mini-camp and the 35 players that took part on a tryout basis.

“There’s a tremendous amount of competition,” Reid said of the Chiefs roster situation right now. “You see those kids that have not been with other teams that we invited as tryouts for this camp and there’s not a huge drop-off; there are some quality athletes.”

Reid allowed that a few of tryout players would find their way onto the roster.

“I don’t think it would be a huge number,” he said.

A few other tidbits from the rookie mini-camp:

– The head coach said it appeared that first-round choice outside linebacker Dee Ford spent a lot of time learning his new position. “I think he’s done a great job of jumping in the book and learning the drops and the things you need to do in pass coverage. It’s not an easy thing. I’m happy with what he’s done there.”

– Reid said sixth-round draft choice Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is probably more suited to play guard than tackle. “I’d tell you he’s more natural at guard than tackle,” Reid said. “We want to make sure he learns both.”

– L.D.T. showed quick improvement over three days at both guard and tackle. “A lot of this is new for him and we understood that,” said Reid. “We knew it was going to be big jump for him. That’s a position that you can develop. It’s going to take some time, but you can see he’s intelligent, he’s a hard worker and you can see he’s a tough kid. Those are things you like to work with on the offensive line.”

– At last year’s rookie mini-camp tight end Demetrius Harris was a basketball player, but Reid said he’s now a football player and showing some obvious talents. “I think this camp was great for him; I thought he played exceptionally well,” Reid said. “He’s so big and he’s worked so stinkin’ hard in that weight room, he’s lived in that weight room and you can tell, he’s functionally stronger.”

Rookie Mini Camp Day Three Recap from the mothership

@Jacobs71: Demetrius Harris bounced back today and won some jump ball battles in the Redzone. He made some tough contested catches.

@Jacobs71: Jerrell Jackson also had a solid day. He put 3 solid days together. Interested to see him with Smith, Bray & Daniel.

@Jacobs71: Weston Dressler had a couple of really good catches today. Made a great adjustment on a low ball. Maintained possession on sliding catch.

@Jacobs71: I do not remember Aaron Murray throwing any interceptions today. #Chiefs

@Jacobs71: On the TD jump ball in the corner of the endzone. That was Demetrius Harris over Daniel Sorensen. Harris high pointed & out leaped him.

@Jacobs71: Veteran OTAs begin tomorrow. So rookies will see the tempo jump a bit.

@Jacobs71: Andy Reid stated that he thinks Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is more natural at the guard spot than the tackle spot. They want him to learn both.

@Jacobs71: Here is Demetrius Harris ( @D_NFL_Harris ) catch earlier today. Courtesy of @65TPTPhotog of @KCChiefs http://t.co/SAfLFA789A

@Jacobs71: #Chiefs Roster Breakdown: QBs: 4, RB: 9, WR: 11, TE: 5, OL: 16, DL: 12, LB: 13, DBs: 16, Specialist: 4

@aaronmurray11: Bachelorette or NBA playoff basketball. Never thought I would be picking the first 😂 #teamjosh #givehimarose @jmurbulldog

Aaron Murray is now dead to me

Whoa, Murray is a bit sam with that bachelorette shit

LOL! Good to hear that Harris bounced back big time today though.

What is it with SEC QBs turning into vaginas around their fiances/wives?

Murray is talking about the bachelorette b/c his brother is on the show, and thus he has to choose between supporting his brother or nba playoffs.

I'd dvr the bachelorette (and watch it on fast forward commercial free, and skipping anything but his scenes), and watch sports live if I was in that situation.

Oh.

Well, I suppose that's acceptable.

Man this draft class isn't exciting one bit lol.

Actually, I believe there could be real jewels in this draft class. (Gaines,Murray, Pepe Le Pew) Though the problem concerning this draft class it was so deep that every team has improved and depending which "steals" turn out to be better than the others it could equalize everything out .

The Browns had an awful draft

remains to be seen. If they come away with a legit franchise QB then it's A+ draft for them.

Didn't we set an NFL record last year for avg Kickoff return yardage ??

Thomas is gonna nail some TDs this year . I think he'll get 9.

And will be a playoff team this year. Ray Farmer will turn that ship around. If Manziel pans out he will be genious.

Manziel was the only good pick, and that was more because they had nothing to lose by trading up and taking him.

The rest of their draft was a giant abortion. It reminded me of a Carl Peterson/Dick Vermeil draft. That bad.

we will have nothing to show for Jeff Allen/Rodney Hudson/Jon Asamoah because Reid is grooming his own late round picks to replace them

even more fat scott wasted picks

There's no way the other three teams in the North suck enough for the Browns to earn a title.

Further, either the Jets, Dolphins, Steelers/Ravens/Bengals will be WC contenders so that's not likely either.

I really hope he makes big strides. Would be huge to add him and Kelce to our TE group.

Murray's brother is on the Bachelor? How many chicks is he banging?

Think he's on the bachelorette, so probably none

That Mr Tomhawk.

WUT?

Chiefs shift gears to organized team activities
by Herbie Teope
(highlights)

Adam Teicher‏@adamteicher·3 mins
Justin Houston and Brandon Flowers are not at first off season Chiefs practice

I bet Houston wants a new deal.

They're voluntary, dipshit

Evan Silva‏@evansilva·3 mins
#Chiefs lucky Jamaal Charles is a good soldier. Has been one of NFL's most underpaid players for awhile & still reporting to voluntary OTAs.

Booger.


Mizzou Football‏@mizzoufootball·16 mins
Kansas City is #MizzouMade! @K_Rutland22 @JerrellCJackson @ChaseDaniel @Underrated_Dom at @KCChiefs practice today. pic.twitter.com/Rraa1UrDRn

Who is that tall sexy man throwing that football?

Arrowhead Addict‏@ArrowheadAddict·8 mins
I spy something red… RT @KCChiefs: #Chiefs OTA's are officially underway! pic.twitter.com/WAlgKKIKoY

LOL



Terez A. Paylor‏@TerezPaylor·1 min
Travis Kelce, Eric Fisher and Kyle Williams are still working back from their injuries.

Brokedicks

Wonderful