Grigsby tackling Chiefs linebacking job
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
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NORMAL -- Boomer Grigsby has had 18 practices of intense on-the-job training with the Kansas City Chiefs.
As a result, the former Illinois State All-American isn't just gunning for a spot on the roster. He wants a spot on the field as the Chiefs' starter at middle linebacker.
"I believe I'm entering camp No. 2, but (defensive coordinator) Gunther (Cunningham) has stated that position is open," Grigsby said Tuesday. "I'm going to make every effort to try to take that spot."
While NFL scouts were uncertain whether Grigsby would be quick enough to play outside linebacker or big enough to play inside, the 5-foot-11, 249-pounder played exclusively in the middle during Kansas City's mini camp and OTAs (organized team activities).
"That's the only spot I've rolled at. I played with the twos (second team) and threes (third team) so I took more reps than probably anybody," said the Chiefs' fifth round draft choice. "I tried to act like a veteran and not a rookie. I took that mentality, and it worked for me."
Grigsby likes the fiery Cunningham.
"Gunther is known for his (colorful) language and aggression and how tough he is," said Grigsby. "He's the kind of coach I like to play for. I'd rather have a swift kick in the butt than a pat on the back. I would already fight for him, and I've known him for a short time."
As a middle linebacker, Grigsby was calling signals and making adjustments for a defense he has only recently learned.
"I don't really think it was that tough. I have a solid position coach in Fred Pagac. He's really good at getting it across in a way I can understand it," said the three-time Gateway Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
"You have to be bold and blunt. You can't be biting your fingernails making calls. You have to be confident and aggressive. The best way to learn something is to do it, and that's what I got."
Grigsby said the Chiefs' defense fits his talents "ideally. It's a 4-3 scheme and the middle linebacker needs to be fast. I had to run down the field with (wide receiver) Dante Hall on fly routes. I'm not as fast, but there's technique to it. I got a head start."
Grigsby, who will battle current first team middle linebacker Kawika Mitchell among others for playing time, has impressed the Chiefs thus far.
"He's a natural leader who has come in here with a chip on his shoulder," Kansas City director of college scouting Chuck Cook said on the kcchiefs.com Web site. "Guys coming out of I-AA football have that. But he's already shown that the game is not too big for him."
Grigsby was the second linebacker chosen by the Chiefs in the NFL Draft. Derrick Johnson was the team's first round pick and is playing outside linebacker.
"They were looking for fast, aggressive, head hunter linebackers," Grigsby said. "That's why they drafted me and Derrick Johnson."
Grigsby, who expects to play on most if not all of the Chiefs' special teams units, knows he needs to continue to impress his coaches in training camp beginning July 27 in River Falls, Wis.
"Knowing the defense is one thing, but it's also doing the fundamentals right," he said. "I need to make as many plays as I can in training camp and prove I'm a playmaker and an asset to them on the field. You're good enough to be here. You have to seize the opportunity. I don't have a doubt in my mind I can play here."
Grigsby expects to finalize his first professional contract soon, possibly by the end of the week.
He will receive a base salary of $238,000 if he is on the Kansas City roster for the entire season. The sides are discussing how much of Grigsby's signing bonus he will get right away.
It is common for teams to hold back 20 percent of a signing bonus until a player shows he will participate in off season conditioning programs.
"I feel like Kansas City knows I'm not going to miss off season workouts," he said. "So I would like for them to remove that."
Grigsby and the Chiefs have agreed the contract will be for three years.
"After the third year, if you performed well at all you immediately go from making 380 (thousand) to almost double that," he said. "In the NFL, the money is in your second contract."