Q&A with DICK VERMEIL - Mini-Camp

**dirk digler** · 06-17-2005, 04:02 PM

Looks like Fredex is coming to town.

http://kcchiefs.com/news/2005/06/17/..._dick_vermeil/

Q&A with DICK VERMEIL
Jun 17, 2005, 4:30:21 PM

Q: What happened with Az Hakim?

DICK VERMEIL: “Az and his agent got together and they really felt his best situation was not here for him. Then he and I discussed it. I told you all along that I wanted what was best for him and I think he’s going to end up in New Orleans.

“I was little disappointed, but I understand. That’s just the nature of this game. You can’t have everything you want.”

Q: Why wasn’t it a better situation for him? Was it contract related?vermc2

VERMEIL: “Everything’s related: the total situation wasn’t as good. You’re trying to get somebody for the minimum and somebody else’s is offering you more. I think he did what anyone else would do.”

Q: Are you bringing anyone else in?

VERMEIL: “We might.”

Q: Freddie Mitchell?

VERMEIL: ‘We might. We’re in contact with Freddie because we had him in here before.”

Q: Did Az have expectations that maybe were higher than they might have been? Did he think he might be a starter?

VERMEIL: “I never told him he would. The only thing I told him I told you: come in and compete and we’ll give you an opportunity. If you’re not a starter you can compete for a third or fourth wide receiver.”

Q: Was there any indication that he might be having second thoughts?

VERMEIL: “No, we had agreements, but we kept thinking about it. It wasn’t the best opportunity for Az and I’m happy for him.”

Q: Was it a case where he had a signed contract and you had to release him?

VERMEIL: “Almost.”

Q: Who do you like as your third receiver?

VERMEIL: “Dante Hall right now.”

Q: But keeping in mind what you said in the past that you don’t want him taking a whole lot of opportunities, who are the other candidates?

VERMEIL: “A bunch of them are. We drafted one, Jeris McIntyre comes back and looks really good, John Booth comes back and looks real good. They’re all better football players today. There’ll be a lot of competition. I think Richard Smith is in the thick of it.”

Q: How did Brian Waters look?

VERMEIL: “He did a good job. Those guys who know what they’re doing come in and do good jobs. It’s not a real tough practice. He’s about the same weight he was last year this same time.”

Q: Is mini-camp a different pace than the OTA’s?

VERMEIL: “It’s a little longer practice. We include some running game. The OTAs are more of a passing camp.”

Q: They seem a little more high-spirited.

VERMEIL: “Well, you do more things that require that.”

Q: You had Kevin Sampson going with the first team at right tackle. Any significance to that? Is that the way it’s going to be when camp opens?

VERMEIL: “It could. We’ll work them both. We might even put Jordan (Black) back over there before we leave for camp. Just working them both.”

Q: Didn’t see Will Shields out there today.

VERMEIL: “No, I don’t work him. He’s here at the meetings this morning.”

Q: How did Willie Roaf do?

VERMEIL: “He was in every offensive play that the starting offense was in. When you see something look good it feels good.”

Q: Because that was one of your concerns that those guys were not there.

VERMEIL: “I know it, but it’s nice to see how well Jordan Black and those guys have responded in getting those reps.”

Q: You saw again a little of the athleticism of Derrick Johnson today.

VERMEIL: “Yeah. He’s a special athlete.”

Q: Did it surprise you?

VERMEIL: “No, it didn’t surprise me. He’s a first round pick and the 15th pick, so you’d expect him to do a lot of good things. But he’s done well in every way, every way. His attitude has been outstanding; his work ethic has been outstanding and his athletic skills outstanding. And, how about Kris Wilson? Kris Wilson was special on the field today. It’s great to see him back 100%.”

Q: As you get ready to head to training camp is this the most comfortable and confident you’ve been with a team since you’ve been here?

VERMEIL: “It’s the most talent we’ve had unless we don’t screw it up. It’s more talent than we’ve had any time before.”

Q: I know you don’t deal with contracts, but what do you think the chances are of having Derrick when camp begins?

VERMEIL: “I believe it will happen. I believe he’ll be there.”

Q: Is contract a hold up for, say, Freddie Mitchell?

VERMEIL: “No, we decided to go with Az Hakim because he already knew the offense. I felt I owed him an opportunity. It didn’t work and now we’ll bring Freddie in probably if we can talk to him tonight. We’ll see, But I’m pleased with what I see in Jeris McIntyre. He’s a better football player.”

Q: Do you think there’s a decent chance a deal can get done with Freddie Mitchell?

VERMEIL: “I think there’s a decent chance. I do.”

BigChiefFan · 06-17-2005, 04:10 PM

I thought Hakim was officially signed? Oh well, I thought he'd be better than FRED-EX.

Thig Lyfe · 06-17-2005, 04:15 PM

Hmm... I think that secretly Vermeil has a Rod for Gardner.

Flustrated · 06-17-2005, 04:17 PM

Anyone else sick and tired of DICK never mentioning BO as the 3rd WR? If they cut him it will be a HUGE mistake, epecially when you take special teams into account.

**Reaper16** · 06-17-2005, 05:42 PM

Will Rod sign for vet minimum, though? Regardless, I really don't like the prospect of "Fred Ex-communicated from the Eagles" coming in and tampering with the character and chemistry of our offense.

TRR · 06-17-2005, 05:54 PM

Wow....Hakim was a perfect fit. Looks like money is a real factor for him after all.

I don't want Freddie Mitchell. He has had his opportunity.

Hopefully Rod Gardner will be cut soon.

06-17-2005, 04:02 PM
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $2954644	Q&A with DICK VERMEIL - Mini-Camp Looks like Fredex is coming to town. http://kcchiefs.com/news/2005/06/17/..._dick_vermeil/ Q&A with DICK VERMEIL Jun 17, 2005, 4:30:21 PM Q: What happened with Az Hakim? DICK VERMEIL: “Az and his agent got together and they really felt his best situation was not here for him. Then he and I discussed it. I told you all along that I wanted what was best for him and I think he’s going to end up in New Orleans. “I was little disappointed, but I understand. That’s just the nature of this game. You can’t have everything you want.” Q: Why wasn’t it a better situation for him? Was it contract related?vermc2 VERMEIL: “Everything’s related: the total situation wasn’t as good. You’re trying to get somebody for the minimum and somebody else’s is offering you more. I think he did what anyone else would do.” Q: Are you bringing anyone else in? VERMEIL: “We might.” Q: Freddie Mitchell? VERMEIL: ‘We might. We’re in contact with Freddie because we had him in here before.” Q: Did Az have expectations that maybe were higher than they might have been? Did he think he might be a starter? VERMEIL: “I never told him he would. The only thing I told him I told you: come in and compete and we’ll give you an opportunity. If you’re not a starter you can compete for a third or fourth wide receiver.” Q: Was there any indication that he might be having second thoughts? VERMEIL: “No, we had agreements, but we kept thinking about it. It wasn’t the best opportunity for Az and I’m happy for him.” Q: Was it a case where he had a signed contract and you had to release him? VERMEIL: “Almost.” Q: Who do you like as your third receiver? VERMEIL: “Dante Hall right now.” Q: But keeping in mind what you said in the past that you don’t want him taking a whole lot of opportunities, who are the other candidates? VERMEIL: “A bunch of them are. We drafted one, Jeris McIntyre comes back and looks really good, John Booth comes back and looks real good. They’re all better football players today. There’ll be a lot of competition. I think Richard Smith is in the thick of it.” Q: How did Brian Waters look? VERMEIL: “He did a good job. Those guys who know what they’re doing come in and do good jobs. It’s not a real tough practice. He’s about the same weight he was last year this same time.” Q: Is mini-camp a different pace than the OTA’s? VERMEIL: “It’s a little longer practice. We include some running game. The OTAs are more of a passing camp.” Q: They seem a little more high-spirited. VERMEIL: “Well, you do more things that require that.” Q: You had Kevin Sampson going with the first team at right tackle. Any significance to that? Is that the way it’s going to be when camp opens? VERMEIL: “It could. We’ll work them both. We might even put Jordan (Black) back over there before we leave for camp. Just working them both.” Q: Didn’t see Will Shields out there today. VERMEIL: “No, I don’t work him. He’s here at the meetings this morning.” Q: How did Willie Roaf do? VERMEIL: “He was in every offensive play that the starting offense was in. When you see something look good it feels good.” Q: Because that was one of your concerns that those guys were not there. VERMEIL: “I know it, but it’s nice to see how well Jordan Black and those guys have responded in getting those reps.” Q: You saw again a little of the athleticism of Derrick Johnson today. VERMEIL: “Yeah. He’s a special athlete.” Q: Did it surprise you? VERMEIL: “No, it didn’t surprise me. He’s a first round pick and the 15th pick, so you’d expect him to do a lot of good things. But he’s done well in every way, every way. His attitude has been outstanding; his work ethic has been outstanding and his athletic skills outstanding. And, how about Kris Wilson? Kris Wilson was special on the field today. It’s great to see him back 100%.” Q: As you get ready to head to training camp is this the most comfortable and confident you’ve been with a team since you’ve been here? VERMEIL: “It’s the most talent we’ve had unless we don’t screw it up. It’s more talent than we’ve had any time before.” Q: I know you don’t deal with contracts, but what do you think the chances are of having Derrick when camp begins? VERMEIL: “I believe it will happen. I believe he’ll be there.” Q: Is contract a hold up for, say, Freddie Mitchell? VERMEIL: “No, we decided to go with Az Hakim because he already knew the offense. I felt I owed him an opportunity. It didn’t work and now we’ll bring Freddie in probably if we can talk to him tonight. We’ll see, But I’m pleased with what I see in Jeris McIntyre. He’s a better football player.” Q: Do you think there’s a decent chance a deal can get done with Freddie Mitchell? VERMEIL: “I think there’s a decent chance. I do.”
Posts: 66,415

06-17-2005, 04:10 PM	#2
BigChiefFan MVP Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: In the Top 10 Casino cash: $9924205	I thought Hakim was officially signed? Oh well, I thought he'd be better than FRED-EX. __________________ A 35 year drought can make you thirsty.
Posts: 15,777

06-17-2005, 04:15 PM	#3
Thig Lyfe Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Thigpen's America Casino cash: $10004900	Hmm... I think that secretly Vermeil has a Rod for Gardner.
Posts: 25,680

06-17-2005, 04:17 PM	#4
Flustrated Ventura 2012 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: iowa Casino cash: $10004900	Anyone else sick and tired of DICK never mentioning BO as the 3rd WR? If they cut him it will be a HUGE mistake, epecially when you take special teams into account.
Posts: 482

06-17-2005, 05:42 PM	#5
Reaper16 Eat/Sleep/Procrastinate/Repeat Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dystopia Casino cash: $10017397	Will Rod sign for vet minimum, though? Regardless, I really don't like the prospect of "Fred Ex-communicated from the Eagles" coming in and tampering with the character and chemistry of our offense.
Posts: 33,369

06-17-2005, 05:54 PM	#6
TRR The Priest and I Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CO Casino cash: $9870185	Wow....Hakim was a perfect fit. Looks like money is a real factor for him after all. I don't want Freddie Mitchell. He has had his opportunity. Hopefully Rod Gardner will be cut soon.
Posts: 7,262