Anyong Bluth
04-23-2008, 12:50 PM
Smith nearing decision
Wade Smith | Chiefs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan) | Interested: Ravens (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bal)? Chiefs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan)?
Smith is getting close to making a decision about a new team, writes John Clayton. The free-agent offensive lineman visited the Chiefs this week and has a visit scheduled with the Ravens Thursday. Smith made the all-rookie team in Miami in 2003 and is only 26. He could make a decision in the next day or two.
Chiefs targeting Ryan?
If Matt Ryan somehow drops past the Falcons, who have the No. 3 pick in the draft, all signs point to the Chiefs taking the former Boston College quarterback at No. 5. The Chiefs are the team most desperate for offensive line help, but it may be a reach for K.C. to take tackle Ryan Clady of Boise State five picks into the draft.
One rumor making the rounds is Brandon Albert of Maryland. Though it may seem like a longshot for him to rise into the top five, he has a chance. He's a 6-foot-6 athlete who projects to be a guard on some teams. Others believe he could develop into a top NFL tackle.
Broncos, Chiefs vying for Vanderjagt?
Mike Vanderjagt | Cowboys (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal) | Interested: Broncos (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=den)? Chiefs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan)?
The Broncos were expected to work out Vanderjagt on Monday, according to The Denver Post. Vanderjagt, who is still the most accurate field-goal kicker in league history (86.5 percent, 230-of-266), has also auditioned for the Chiefs. Vanderjagt, 38, last played for the Cowboys in 2006, but was released after 10 games.
Sidenote:
The Raiders' great debate
While Al Davis may be deciding between Darren McFadden and defensive end Chris Long, sources talking to the Raiders say Davis is in love with DE Vernon Gholston's speed and athletic ability, writes John Clayton. It's not out of the question for Gholston to move ahead of Long as the week goes on because of Davis' fondness for speed. At the moment, it's a three-way debate in Oakland regarding the No. 4 pick.
Mel Kiper Chat:
Rick-Lowell, MA: Why do I keep hearing that Chris Long may fall out of the top 5? I think Long and Dorsey are the 2 guaranteed not to fall past 5. Am I wrong?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Mel Kiper: I don't think Long. I think Long goes two to St. Louis or 5 to KC. He would be an interest as a 3-4 OLB standpoint. He could play on his feet.
TD (OH): Mel, The breaking news in you sector of the industry is the Allen trade ... period! How does the trade affect the first ten picks?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Mel Kiper: KC could all of a sudden could look DE over OT. They could look at Chris Long or Harvey over Brandon Albert. I think Harvey, if he goes at 5 would be one of the major reaches of the first round. He's No. 23 on my board.
Louis (DC): Did the Vikings overpay for Allen?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Mel Kiper: They know they're a DE away from being a dominant defense. Allen is a talented football player. They know at 17 they're not going to get a DE of his caliber. The thing about Minnesota is that they don't know if they have the right QB. The jury is still out on Jackson. This is a real good football team that is a QB away.
Wade Smith | Chiefs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan) | Interested: Ravens (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bal)? Chiefs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan)?
Smith is getting close to making a decision about a new team, writes John Clayton. The free-agent offensive lineman visited the Chiefs this week and has a visit scheduled with the Ravens Thursday. Smith made the all-rookie team in Miami in 2003 and is only 26. He could make a decision in the next day or two.
Chiefs targeting Ryan?
If Matt Ryan somehow drops past the Falcons, who have the No. 3 pick in the draft, all signs point to the Chiefs taking the former Boston College quarterback at No. 5. The Chiefs are the team most desperate for offensive line help, but it may be a reach for K.C. to take tackle Ryan Clady of Boise State five picks into the draft.
One rumor making the rounds is Brandon Albert of Maryland. Though it may seem like a longshot for him to rise into the top five, he has a chance. He's a 6-foot-6 athlete who projects to be a guard on some teams. Others believe he could develop into a top NFL tackle.
Broncos, Chiefs vying for Vanderjagt?
Mike Vanderjagt | Cowboys (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal) | Interested: Broncos (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=den)? Chiefs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan)?
The Broncos were expected to work out Vanderjagt on Monday, according to The Denver Post. Vanderjagt, who is still the most accurate field-goal kicker in league history (86.5 percent, 230-of-266), has also auditioned for the Chiefs. Vanderjagt, 38, last played for the Cowboys in 2006, but was released after 10 games.
Sidenote:
The Raiders' great debate
While Al Davis may be deciding between Darren McFadden and defensive end Chris Long, sources talking to the Raiders say Davis is in love with DE Vernon Gholston's speed and athletic ability, writes John Clayton. It's not out of the question for Gholston to move ahead of Long as the week goes on because of Davis' fondness for speed. At the moment, it's a three-way debate in Oakland regarding the No. 4 pick.
Mel Kiper Chat:
Rick-Lowell, MA: Why do I keep hearing that Chris Long may fall out of the top 5? I think Long and Dorsey are the 2 guaranteed not to fall past 5. Am I wrong?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Mel Kiper: I don't think Long. I think Long goes two to St. Louis or 5 to KC. He would be an interest as a 3-4 OLB standpoint. He could play on his feet.
TD (OH): Mel, The breaking news in you sector of the industry is the Allen trade ... period! How does the trade affect the first ten picks?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Mel Kiper: KC could all of a sudden could look DE over OT. They could look at Chris Long or Harvey over Brandon Albert. I think Harvey, if he goes at 5 would be one of the major reaches of the first round. He's No. 23 on my board.
Louis (DC): Did the Vikings overpay for Allen?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Mel Kiper: They know they're a DE away from being a dominant defense. Allen is a talented football player. They know at 17 they're not going to get a DE of his caliber. The thing about Minnesota is that they don't know if they have the right QB. The jury is still out on Jackson. This is a real good football team that is a QB away.