Webb and Hannon ready for 2007

Hammock Parties · 03-12-2007, 10:50 PM

http://chiefs.scout.com/2/626377.html

Webb and Hannon ready for 2007

By Mike Nugent
Warpaint Illustrated Beat Writer
Posted Mar 12, 2007

As I finish my interview with Chris Hannon and Jeff Webb, the Chiefs young wide receivers, Webb walks out of the locker room. Hannon leans in close to tell me something.

“I’m faster than he is,” says Hannon.

“Really?” I answer, incredulously.

“Yeah,” he confirms, “I’m the fastest guy on the team.”

Webb reenters the locker room, and approaches us.

“Webb,” Hannon asks, “who the fastest guy on the team?”

Webb points at Hannon.

“Chris.”

“Whoa,” says Hannon with a big smile, “I can’t believe he actually admitted it.”

The first thing you notice about Hannon is youthful exuberance. Webb is a bit more low key, but emotional nonetheless. Who could forget the image of tears running down his face after being told by the media he would be a member of the 2006 Chiefs?

Both guys are confident, with that swagger that only NFL wide receivers and cornerbacks possess. Webb was selected in the fifth round of last year’s draft out of San Diego State University. Hannon was an undrafted free agent, but both guys know they belong and can play in this league. Neither is a particularly cocky guy, but both seem very self assured and comfortable with being a Chief, despite their lack of experience.

Maybe it’s the cornerbacks. Everyday in practice, Hannon and Webb go against two of the NFL’s finest defensive backs - Patrick Surtain and Ty Law. For a young wide receiver, going against a premier cornerback every other rep or so is like taking a class on being an NFL wide receiver. Going against two is like taking a master’s class. You can’t take a rep off.

Webb’s eyes widen as he talks about the opportunity to practice against KC’s veteran corners.

“We compete a lot against Ty Law and Surtain, and we just look at that as a privilege to go against two of the best corners in the league and getting our average up,” says Webb. “I just look at that as a blessing, to go against those two, getting better everyday. I don’t look at it like just another practice. I look at it as getting better for the future, for the organization.”

Hannon nods in agreement.

“They show us the ins and outs of how cornerbacks think,” says Hannon, “how they do the things they can get away with. When we go against regular corners, it’s easier.”

“A lot easier,” adds Webb.

Webb and Hannon have been anointed by some as the future of the Chiefs at the wide receiver position, and are figuring huge in the team’s plans for 2007. Webb has been on the roster all season. The Chiefs pulled Hannon up from the practice squad before the last regular season game to protect him from would-be pilferers in the offseason. The two plan to stay in Kansas City this offseason to workout with the quarterbacks and each other.

Of the two, only Webb got the opportunity to see the field this past season, but he made the most of his chances. He played quite a bit of special teams as a gunner, and got to return one kick - and what a return it was. On his first and only touch, Webb took the ball 50 yards, giving fans and the coaches a glimpse of his playmaking ability. If he’s able to be that sort of game breaker in the passing game, the Chiefs will have caught lightning in a bottle. He could add a spark to an ailing passing attack next season.

Hannon is more of an unknown commodity. The coaches are impressed with his size and speed, and apparently he’s an excellent route runner, something that many young wide receivers struggle with in their initial years. Of the pair, Hannon is the less polished, but got plenty of big game experience at the University of Tennessee.

Next season could be the breakout year for these two. Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards has already said there will be open competition for most positions next year, and wide receiver appears to be no different. There likely will be some changes in the receiver corps this offseason, so with a strong showing one or maybe even both could get the opportunity to be a starter.

For now, Webb and Hannon are both focused on developing themselves so that when they finally get the call from the coaching staff, they’ll be ready. Both receivers are on the roster. Both have a great receivers coach in Charlie Joiner, and both have the raw talent to make it in the NFL. It’s just a matter of getting the mental part down - learning the playbook, the reads and adjustments, the types of things really good wide receivers are fluent at.

“For me, it’s been a learning experience, learning the ins and outs of the NFL, learning the ins and outs of the playbook,” says Hannon. “I was on the practice squad, so I had to learn multiple receiver positions, and it’s been very challenging for me, but I conquered it. Man, I’m back on the roster.”

They have to learn how to be pros. It’s one thing to have ability, and it’s another to have drive. To be successful, they need to have both. Having role models on the team to teach them how to be pros also helps.

“The terminology, the playbooks, that’s been the difference between college and the pros,” says Webb. “The team chemistry is a lot different from college to pros. I’ve just been a sponge with everything people say and everything people do. I watch the way Eddie Kennison and Dante Hall carry themselves. I look at that and try to better myself as a player.”

Looking at the two players, it appears the Chiefs could have picked up both their future wide receivers in the same year. The coaching staff believes that and constantly reminds Webb and Hannon that they are the new generation of Chiefs receivers.

“The coaches will say stuff like that,” says Hannon. “They put us on the scout team to go against the number one defense, and we eat ‘em up.”

This article originally appeared in Warpaint Illustrated the Magazine. If you want more information about the only Magazine Dedicated to the Kansas City Chiefs, hit the banner below to learn how you can get 56 issues of Sports Illustrated when you order Warpaint Illustrated the magazine.

Archie Bunker · 03-12-2007, 10:55 PM

Nice read. They have a decent chance to earn some PT this year; I hope they take advantage of it.

If just 1 of the 2 pan out I'd be happy.

ferrarispider95 · 03-12-2007, 10:56 PM

I hope Webb can take Parker's job this year and move him (parker) down the depth chart or right off of it.

Thig Lyfe · 03-12-2007, 10:57 PM

Cool guys.

ferrarispider95 · 03-12-2007, 10:57 PM

Where did we pick up Hannon? Don't remember drafting him, but I could be mistaken.

FAX · 03-12-2007, 10:58 PM

Good read. Thanks for posting, Mr. GoChiefs.

FAX

**Tribal Warfare** · 03-12-2007, 11:01 PM

Whoohoo pumping up players who didn't even break the starting lineup

booger · 03-12-2007, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferrarispider95

Where did we pick up Hannon? Don't remember drafting him, but I could be mistaken.

Rookie Undrafted FA last year from tennessee

suds79 · 03-12-2007, 11:03 PM

I'll be honest.

I've never even heard of this Hannon guy before this article.

Oh well. Hopefully something will come of it. Big & fast is a good start.

**RealSNR** · 03-12-2007, 11:03 PM

I'll believe it when I see it.

Hope they prove me wrong and turn into stars, but I just don't see it happening. My expectations for them are jack shit, not even going to get my hopes up.

I've been hosed too many times by Derrick Mayes, JJ Moses, Dave Klemic, Richard Smith, Jeris McIntyre and a whole host of other genuinely crappy players.

|Zach| · 03-12-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Whoohoo pumping up players who didn't even break the starting lineup

No pleasing some people...

Writers get bashed for posting obvious stuff...writers get bashed for writing about players who are not starters.

**Tribal Warfare** · 03-12-2007, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (Zach)

No pleasing some people...

Writers get bashed for posting obvious stuff...writers get bashed for writing about players who are not starters.

Just looking at the facts

Extra Point · 03-12-2007, 11:14 PM

I remember both these guys in preseason play. I'm with Archie Bunker on his assessment.

**RealSNR** · 03-12-2007, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Whoohoo pumping up players who didn't even break the starting lineup

I wouldn't go too much into that. We all know the only reason why Boomer is still on the team is because they wouldn't have anyone to replace his silly column on kcchiefs.com

Hammock Parties · 03-12-2007, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Whoohoo pumping up players who didn't even break the starting lineup

How is this article pumping anyone up? There's no mention of 1,000 yards or anything.

03-12-2007, 10:50 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $1030478	Webb and Hannon ready for 2007 http://chiefs.scout.com/2/626377.html Webb and Hannon ready for 2007 By Mike Nugent Warpaint Illustrated Beat Writer Posted Mar 12, 2007 As I finish my interview with Chris Hannon and Jeff Webb, the Chiefs young wide receivers, Webb walks out of the locker room. Hannon leans in close to tell me something. “I’m faster than he is,” says Hannon. “Really?” I answer, incredulously. “Yeah,” he confirms, “I’m the fastest guy on the team.” Webb reenters the locker room, and approaches us. “Webb,” Hannon asks, “who the fastest guy on the team?” Webb points at Hannon. “Chris.” “Whoa,” says Hannon with a big smile, “I can’t believe he actually admitted it.” The first thing you notice about Hannon is youthful exuberance. Webb is a bit more low key, but emotional nonetheless. Who could forget the image of tears running down his face after being told by the media he would be a member of the 2006 Chiefs? Both guys are confident, with that swagger that only NFL wide receivers and cornerbacks possess. Webb was selected in the fifth round of last year’s draft out of San Diego State University. Hannon was an undrafted free agent, but both guys know they belong and can play in this league. Neither is a particularly cocky guy, but both seem very self assured and comfortable with being a Chief, despite their lack of experience. Maybe it’s the cornerbacks. Everyday in practice, Hannon and Webb go against two of the NFL’s finest defensive backs - Patrick Surtain and Ty Law. For a young wide receiver, going against a premier cornerback every other rep or so is like taking a class on being an NFL wide receiver. Going against two is like taking a master’s class. You can’t take a rep off. Webb’s eyes widen as he talks about the opportunity to practice against KC’s veteran corners. “We compete a lot against Ty Law and Surtain, and we just look at that as a privilege to go against two of the best corners in the league and getting our average up,” says Webb. “I just look at that as a blessing, to go against those two, getting better everyday. I don’t look at it like just another practice. I look at it as getting better for the future, for the organization.” Hannon nods in agreement. “They show us the ins and outs of how cornerbacks think,” says Hannon, “how they do the things they can get away with. When we go against regular corners, it’s easier.” “A lot easier,” adds Webb. Webb and Hannon have been anointed by some as the future of the Chiefs at the wide receiver position, and are figuring huge in the team’s plans for 2007. Webb has been on the roster all season. The Chiefs pulled Hannon up from the practice squad before the last regular season game to protect him from would-be pilferers in the offseason. The two plan to stay in Kansas City this offseason to workout with the quarterbacks and each other. Of the two, only Webb got the opportunity to see the field this past season, but he made the most of his chances. He played quite a bit of special teams as a gunner, and got to return one kick - and what a return it was. On his first and only touch, Webb took the ball 50 yards, giving fans and the coaches a glimpse of his playmaking ability. If he’s able to be that sort of game breaker in the passing game, the Chiefs will have caught lightning in a bottle. He could add a spark to an ailing passing attack next season. Hannon is more of an unknown commodity. The coaches are impressed with his size and speed, and apparently he’s an excellent route runner, something that many young wide receivers struggle with in their initial years. Of the pair, Hannon is the less polished, but got plenty of big game experience at the University of Tennessee. Next season could be the breakout year for these two. Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards has already said there will be open competition for most positions next year, and wide receiver appears to be no different. There likely will be some changes in the receiver corps this offseason, so with a strong showing one or maybe even both could get the opportunity to be a starter. For now, Webb and Hannon are both focused on developing themselves so that when they finally get the call from the coaching staff, they’ll be ready. Both receivers are on the roster. Both have a great receivers coach in Charlie Joiner, and both have the raw talent to make it in the NFL. It’s just a matter of getting the mental part down - learning the playbook, the reads and adjustments, the types of things really good wide receivers are fluent at. “For me, it’s been a learning experience, learning the ins and outs of the NFL, learning the ins and outs of the playbook,” says Hannon. “I was on the practice squad, so I had to learn multiple receiver positions, and it’s been very challenging for me, but I conquered it. Man, I’m back on the roster.” They have to learn how to be pros. It’s one thing to have ability, and it’s another to have drive. To be successful, they need to have both. Having role models on the team to teach them how to be pros also helps. “The terminology, the playbooks, that’s been the difference between college and the pros,” says Webb. “The team chemistry is a lot different from college to pros. I’ve just been a sponge with everything people say and everything people do. I watch the way Eddie Kennison and Dante Hall carry themselves. I look at that and try to better myself as a player.” Looking at the two players, it appears the Chiefs could have picked up both their future wide receivers in the same year. The coaching staff believes that and constantly reminds Webb and Hannon that they are the new generation of Chiefs receivers. “The coaches will say stuff like that,” says Hannon. “They put us on the scout team to go against the number one defense, and we eat ‘em up.” This article originally appeared in Warpaint Illustrated the Magazine. If you want more information about the only Magazine Dedicated to the Kansas City Chiefs, hit the banner below to learn how you can get 56 issues of Sports Illustrated when you order Warpaint Illustrated the magazine.
Posts: 296,711

03-12-2007, 10:55 PM	#2
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $-701022	Nice read. They have a decent chance to earn some PT this year; I hope they take advantage of it. If just 1 of the 2 pan out I'd be happy.
Posts: 6,219

03-12-2007, 10:56 PM	#3
ferrarispider95 She reads at a sophomore level Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: KANSAS Casino cash: $10004945	I hope Webb can take Parker's job this year and move him (parker) down the depth chart or right off of it. __________________ www.steerplanet.com Show Steers Directory and Forum www.emporiaks.org Free Emporia, KS Apartment Rental Listings
Posts: 1,493

03-12-2007, 10:57 PM	#4
Thig Lyfe Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Thigpen's America Casino cash: $10004900	Cool guys.
Posts: 25,680

03-12-2007, 10:57 PM	#5
ferrarispider95 She reads at a sophomore level Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: KANSAS Casino cash: $10004945	Where did we pick up Hannon? Don't remember drafting him, but I could be mistaken. __________________ www.steerplanet.com Show Steers Directory and Forum www.emporiaks.org Free Emporia, KS Apartment Rental Listings
Posts: 1,493

03-12-2007, 10:58 PM	#6
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	Good read. Thanks for posting, Mr. GoChiefs. FAX
Posts: 44,492

03-12-2007, 11:01 PM	#7
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2767187	Whoohoo pumping up players who didn't even break the starting lineup __________________
Posts: 43,419

03-12-2007, 11:03 PM	#9
suds79 MVP Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $10005036	I'll be honest. I've never even heard of this Hannon guy before this article. Oh well. Hopefully something will come of it. Big & fast is a good start.
Posts: 5,747

03-12-2007, 11:03 PM	#10
RealSNR Special Teams ACE!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Where the hell is SNR Casino cash: $-1304792	I'll believe it when I see it. Hope they prove me wrong and turn into stars, but I just don't see it happening. My expectations for them are jack shit, not even going to get my hopes up. I've been hosed too many times by Derrick Mayes, JJ Moses, Dave Klemic, Richard Smith, Jeris McIntyre and a whole host of other genuinely crappy players.
Posts: 93,268

03-12-2007, 11:14 PM	#13
Extra Point MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Prairie Village, KS Casino cash: $10004900	I remember both these guys in preseason play. I'm with Archie Bunker on his assessment. __________________ "Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." --Satchel Paige
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