Teicher: Welbourn moving back to guard - Page 2

tk13 · 03-29-2005, 02:17 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11253775.htm

Welbourn will be heading back to guard

By ADAM TEICHER

The Kansas City Star

The Chiefs traded with Philadelphia last year for John Welbourn hoping he could be a suitable replacement at right tackle for the departed John Tait.

The move was a gamble in the sense that Welbourn had been a guard for most of his NFL career. The position change didn't go as smoothly as the Chiefs hoped, and they will move Welbourn back to guard, where he will serve as a backup to starters Brian Waters and Will Shields.

“Will Shields hasn't told me 100 percent that he plans to return, though I think he will,” Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said. “At the same time, John is just better equipped to play guard. Now, if it ends up that he's our best right tackle, he'll play right tackle.”

Shields and Willie Roaf, who would both begin their 13th seasons this fall, indicated late last season that they would be back for 2005.

The Chiefs have no shortage of candidates to be their new right tackle. Jordan Black, who started four games late last season, will probably get the first shot, but the Chiefs will also give a long look to Kevin Sampson.

Chris Bober could also wind up with the job, but the Chiefs appear more comfortable with him as the backup to Casey Wiegmann at center. All three players are athletic and fit the Chiefs' right-tackle mold better than Welbourn, who is more physical than the others.

The Chiefs sent this year's third-round pick to the Eagles for Welbourn. That pick otherwise could have been used to bridge the gap in trade talks between the Chiefs and Miami regarding cornerback Patrick Surtain.

The Dolphins are asking for the Chiefs' second-round pick, and the Chiefs have reportedly offered a fourth-rounder. The Chiefs recently gained a third-round compensatory pick from the NFL to cover Tait's loss in free-agency, but comp picks can't be traded.

Having the extra pick, however, could make the Chiefs more comfortable in trading their second-round choice.

Injury updates

The Chiefs have several players who ended last season on the injured-reserve list or are in various stages of rehabilitation. Here is a look at the progress of several key players:

• Tight end Tony Gonzalez had foot surgery after the end of the season, but the Chiefs expect him to be ready for their June minicamp.

• Halfback Priest Holmes should have no issues with the knee injury that cost him the last half of last season. He has told Vermeil he will continue to train at home in Texas rather than join the Chiefs for their offseason conditioning program, which started Monday.

“Priest Holmes has always done what he's said he was going to do and been ready when he said he was going to be ready,” Vermeil said. “He tells me he's doing fine, so as far as I'm concerned he's doing fine.”

Holmes may join the Chiefs when practices begin in May.

• Wide receiver Marc Boerigter, who missed all of last season because of a knee injury, should be ready by training camp — and perhaps in time for minicamp.

• The Chiefs expect linebacker Shawn Barber to begin training camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list.

• Vermeil was hopeful but not definitive about linebacker Mike Maslowski, who missed the last season and a half because of knee ailments.

“All reports are good,” Vermeil said. “He seems to be progressing nicely. But none of the medical people have said with definition when he'll be ready. Knowing Maslowski, you'd have to say he'll be ready for training camp.”

Offseason program

The Chiefs opened their offseason program with a team meeting and barbecue. The events provided a welcome break for Vermeil after a solid three months spent on player evaluation.

“Sometimes when the players aren't around, you lose sight of the business you're in,” he said. “It's all about helping them be what they have the ability to be.”

htismaqe · 03-29-2005, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

“At the same time, John is just better equipped to play guard. Now, if it ends up that he's our best right tackle, he'll play right tackle.”

What about this little nugget. There'd be a revolution in KC if they benched Shields or Waters in favor of Welbourne.

Shields has played tackle before due to injury, and he played quite well.

I don't care who does what, as long as our best line is on the field.

If that's Roaf - Waters - Wiegmann - Welbourn - Shields, I'm ALL FOR IT.

**J Diddy** · 03-29-2005, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

“At the same time, John is just better equipped to play guard. Now, if it ends up that he's our best right tackle, he'll play right tackle.”

What about this little nugget. There'd be a revolution in KC if they benched Shields or Waters in favor of Welbourne.

That wouldn't happen. He's looking at a backup/eventual successor to Shields.

**Fire Me Boy!** · 03-29-2005, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Diddy

That wouldn't happen. He's looking at a backup/eventual successor to Shields.

I know it wouldn't happen, and I just realized that I read this thing completely different from what it is... I read it as Vermiel saying if Welbourne was the best right guard then so be it. Just misread it... nevermind me. I'm tired. When I'm tired I'm stupid (and maybe a little dyslexic).

InChiefsHeaven · 03-29-2005, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufusmaqe

Bullshit.

You can like real football players and not like Maz.

Maz may have a "real football player" attitude, but he doesn't have the talent.

Well, agree to disagree. I think injury is more his problem. He's one of the few players I can recall noticing when he was just a special teams guy...I remember thinking "Damn, look at that hit...who the hell is #57??"

He has talent. No, maybe not pro-bowl talent, but he has talent. Better than most of the slugs on our current D. That may not be saying much, but I just don't understand how somebody could not like Maz...

...just me I guess...

**Fire Me Boy!** · 03-29-2005, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

Well, agree to disagree. I think injury is more his problem. He's one of the few players I can recall noticing when he was just a special teams guy...I remember thinking "Damn, look at that hit...who the hell is #57??"

He has talent. No, maybe not pro-bowl talent, but he has talent. Better than most of the slugs on our current D. That may not be saying much, but I just don't understand how somebody could not like Maz...

...just me I guess...

I agree with you. Maz is a fan favorite simply because he's earned his due. He's a lunch pail kinda player, just a hard worker. He doesn't have the most talent, but he's very driven and that's why he finally cracked the starting lineup. What he lacks in talent he makes up for in passion, and that's something that's nice to see. While I don't think Maz should be back (although I'd love to see him return to KC as a coach) I'll always root for the guy when he's on the field.

Eleazar · 03-29-2005, 08:45 AM

WTF? All we need is Keyaron Fox.

**alpha_omega** · 03-29-2005, 08:46 AM

Sounds like Philly knew they had a backup guard all along.

patteeu · 03-29-2005, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

“At the same time, John is just better equipped to play guard. Now, if it ends up that he's our best right tackle, he'll play right tackle.”

What about this little nugget. There'd be a revolution in KC if they benched Shields or Waters in favor of Welbourne.

Dont' get too concerned. From the article:

"... they will move Welbourn back to guard, where he will serve as a backup to starters Brian Waters and Will Shields."

Coach · 03-29-2005, 08:57 AM

I would have to agree on that Welbourn is better off playing as a RG than a RT. Plus he did have that knee problems when he first came here. So now that he should be healthy, and the knee shouldn't be a concern, then it'll be interesting in TC.

As for the RT, my money is on Jordan Black. He performed not too bad before he got injuried IIRC.

As for benching Shields or Waters, that's reeruned.

Speaking of O-Line, I wonder what Donald "Snacks" Willis condition is this year?

htismaqe · 03-29-2005, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

Well, agree to disagree. I think injury is more his problem. He's one of the few players I can recall noticing when he was just a special teams guy...I remember thinking "Damn, look at that hit...who the hell is #57??"

He has talent. No, maybe not pro-bowl talent, but he has talent. Better than most of the slugs on our current D. That may not be saying much, but I just don't understand how somebody could not like Maz...

...just me I guess...

Yeah, he looked great running 10 yards behind Shannon Sharpe as he set single-game records for a TE...

Lunch pail guys don't win championships...

htismaqe · 03-29-2005, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach

Speaking of O-Line, I wonder what Donald "Snacks" Willis condition is this year?

Retired.

Coach · 03-29-2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufusmaqe

Retired.

Huh, I guess I missed that then. I just knew that Vermeil wasn't too happy about his weight issue and was placed on the PUP list to begin the 04 season, thus moving him to the IR.

Chiefnj · 03-29-2005, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufusmaqe

Yeah, he looked great running 10 yards behind Shannon Sharpe as he set single-game records for a TE...

Lunch pail guys don't win championships...

How many middle linebackers in the league can keep up with top TE's on downfield patterns? Where was the secondary help?

InChiefsHeaven · 03-29-2005, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufusmaqe

Yeah, he looked great running 10 yards behind Shannon Sharpe as he set single-game records for a TE...

Lunch pail guys don't win championships...

Your'e right, Shannon Sharpe was probably the suckiest TE to ever play the game. Maz should hang his head for getting beaten by such a peice of shit...

InChiefsHeaven · 03-29-2005, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

I agree with you. Maz is a fan favorite simply because he's earned his due. He's a lunch pail kinda player, just a hard worker. He doesn't have the most talent, but he's very driven and that's why he finally cracked the starting lineup. What he lacks in talent he makes up for in passion, and that's something that's nice to see. While I don't think Maz should be back (although I'd love to see him return to KC as a coach) I'll always root for the guy when he's on the field.

Thank you. I'd couldn't decide to rep you for your post or your av...consider it a two for one...

03-29-2005, 02:17 AM
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1462500	Teicher: Welbourn moving back to guard http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11253775.htm Welbourn will be heading back to guard By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The Chiefs traded with Philadelphia last year for John Welbourn hoping he could be a suitable replacement at right tackle for the departed John Tait. The move was a gamble in the sense that Welbourn had been a guard for most of his NFL career. The position change didn't go as smoothly as the Chiefs hoped, and they will move Welbourn back to guard, where he will serve as a backup to starters Brian Waters and Will Shields. “Will Shields hasn't told me 100 percent that he plans to return, though I think he will,” Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said. “At the same time, John is just better equipped to play guard. Now, if it ends up that he's our best right tackle, he'll play right tackle.” Shields and Willie Roaf, who would both begin their 13th seasons this fall, indicated late last season that they would be back for 2005. The Chiefs have no shortage of candidates to be their new right tackle. Jordan Black, who started four games late last season, will probably get the first shot, but the Chiefs will also give a long look to Kevin Sampson. Chris Bober could also wind up with the job, but the Chiefs appear more comfortable with him as the backup to Casey Wiegmann at center. All three players are athletic and fit the Chiefs' right-tackle mold better than Welbourn, who is more physical than the others. The Chiefs sent this year's third-round pick to the Eagles for Welbourn. That pick otherwise could have been used to bridge the gap in trade talks between the Chiefs and Miami regarding cornerback Patrick Surtain. The Dolphins are asking for the Chiefs' second-round pick, and the Chiefs have reportedly offered a fourth-rounder. The Chiefs recently gained a third-round compensatory pick from the NFL to cover Tait's loss in free-agency, but comp picks can't be traded. Having the extra pick, however, could make the Chiefs more comfortable in trading their second-round choice. Injury updates The Chiefs have several players who ended last season on the injured-reserve list or are in various stages of rehabilitation. Here is a look at the progress of several key players: • Tight end Tony Gonzalez had foot surgery after the end of the season, but the Chiefs expect him to be ready for their June minicamp. • Halfback Priest Holmes should have no issues with the knee injury that cost him the last half of last season. He has told Vermeil he will continue to train at home in Texas rather than join the Chiefs for their offseason conditioning program, which started Monday. “Priest Holmes has always done what he's said he was going to do and been ready when he said he was going to be ready,” Vermeil said. “He tells me he's doing fine, so as far as I'm concerned he's doing fine.” Holmes may join the Chiefs when practices begin in May. • Wide receiver Marc Boerigter, who missed all of last season because of a knee injury, should be ready by training camp — and perhaps in time for minicamp. • The Chiefs expect linebacker Shawn Barber to begin training camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list. • Vermeil was hopeful but not definitive about linebacker Mike Maslowski, who missed the last season and a half because of knee ailments. “All reports are good,” Vermeil said. “He seems to be progressing nicely. But none of the medical people have said with definition when he'll be ready. Knowing Maslowski, you'd have to say he'll be ready for training camp.” Offseason program The Chiefs opened their offseason program with a team meeting and barbecue. The events provided a welcome break for Vermeil after a solid three months spent on player evaluation. “Sometimes when the players aren't around, you lose sight of the business you're in,” he said. “It's all about helping them be what they have the ability to be.”
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03-29-2005, 08:45 AM	#21
Eleazar Beyond the Rapids Join Date: May 2003 Location: Langley, VA Casino cash: $-370000	WTF? All we need is Keyaron Fox.
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03-29-2005, 08:46 AM	#22
alpha_omega Supporter Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Liberty Casino cash: $1111251	Sounds like Philly knew they had a backup guard all along.
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03-29-2005, 08:57 AM	#24
Coach Champs! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5678476	I would have to agree on that Welbourn is better off playing as a RG than a RT. Plus he did have that knee problems when he first came here. So now that he should be healthy, and the knee shouldn't be a concern, then it'll be interesting in TC. As for the RT, my money is on Jordan Black. He performed not too bad before he got injuried IIRC. As for benching Shields or Waters, that's reeruned. Speaking of O-Line, I wonder what Donald "Snacks" Willis condition is this year? __________________ Super Bowl IV, LIV, LVII & LVIII Champions 2020, 2021, 2023, & 2024 AFC Champions 1985 & 2015 Major League Baseball World Series Champions 1980, 1985, 2014, & 2015 Major League Baseball American League Champions 2015 American League Central Division Champs
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