LJ on their mind? Chiefs appear to be planning to draft a running back - Page 4

Hammock Parties · 04-20-2007, 01:42 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/160/story/77543.html

LJ on their mind?

Chiefs appear to be planning to draft a running back to back up or replace Johnson.

By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Maybe the Chiefs are truly concerned about Larry Johnson’s welfare. Perhaps it’s a sign they believe he is ready to hold out or they’re preparing to trade him.

Or it could be just something as simple as the Chiefs doing their predraft homework.

Whatever the reason, they met this week at Arrowhead Stadium with at least four of the higher-profile running backs available in the coming draft: California’s Marshawn Lynch, Ohio State’s Antonio Pittman, Florida State’s Lorenzo Booker and Louisville’s Kolby Smith.

Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson, widely considered the top running back available in the draft, did not visit with the Chiefs this week. Neither did some of the other top runners, including Arizona’s Chris Henry, Auburn’s Kenny Irons, Penn State’s Tony Hunt and Alabama’s Kenneth Darby.

The Chiefs were unavailable Thursday to speak about their motives. But the agents for all of the players said the Chiefs told them they planned to draft a running back in an early round.

“They’ve put that out there,” said Smith’s agent, Jerrold Colton. “They said they want the running-back duties shared a little more to save the wear and tear on (Johnson).”

That part makes sense. Johnson was the busiest NFL back ever last season when he set a league record with 416 carries, and coach Herm Edwards has said he would like to reduce the burden on Johnson.

Edwards also indicated recently there was a good chance the Chiefs would draft another running back.

The puzzling part is that the Chiefs are looking at some premier backs. Lynch probably will be selected by the time the Chiefs make their first pick, 23rd in the first round. Pittman is a likely second-round selection.

Booker and Smith, though, could be available in the latter half of the seven-round draft.

The Chiefs have an accomplished backup to Johnson in Michael Bennett. He didn’t help them much last year, mainly because of injuries.

But he once rushed for more than 1,000 yards with Minnesota. The Chiefs like that he’s fast and that he’s a good complement to Johnson.

Johnson and the Chiefs have worked on a new contract that would give him a raise, but they don’t have an agreement yet. Johnson has not threatened to hold out if he doesn’t get a new deal and has been participating in the offseason workout program.

The Chiefs also might be willing to trade Johnson if the right trade offer came along.

listopencil · 04-20-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Yeah Carl did, and Dicky V went ape shit over it.

Looks like the pick turned out pretty good. How's your RB depth? Do you have anyone that could realistically challenge LJ for playing time? If not-draft a RB. I'm not saying necessarily with a 1st or 2nd. But RB depth is a good thing.

FAX · 04-20-2007, 08:18 PM

Depth? Depth? We don't need no stinkin' depth.

FAX

listopencil · 04-20-2007, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coryt

Make it happen Laz! Maybe you could add in the Jared Allen trade to Washington for #6, and we can get this instead:

Round 1
#3 WR Calvin Johnson, else OT Joe Thomas
#6 RB Adrian Peterson
#23 DT Alan Branch, else trade down for DT Justin Harrell, recoup 3rd/4th

Round 2
#54 OT Doug Free, else WR Jason Hill (depends on pick #3)

Round 3
#84 DE Ikaika Alama-Francis
I like Wade with extra 3rd

Rounds 4-7
BAA, like to see an OG, and another DE

I heard Branch has stress fractures in both of his legs.

listopencil · 04-20-2007, 08:25 PM

I've also heard that Branch merely has shin splints rather than fractures. Take your pick on which rumor to believe. I'm waiting for confirmation.

FAX · 04-20-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by listopencil

I've also heard that Branch merely has shin splints rather than fractures. Take your pick on which rumor to believe. I'm waiting for confirmation.

God. You make him sound like Mr. Glass.

What's he even doing in the draft?

FAX

Hammock Parties · 04-20-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

God. You make him sound like Mr. Glass.

What's he even doing in the draft?

FAX

WAITING TO BE TRADED FOR LARRY JOHNSON!!!

FAX · 04-20-2007, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

WAITING TO BE TRADED FOR LARRY JOHNSON!!!

I think Mr. listopencil wants Branch to be a goat.

He's making this stuff up to throw us off.

FAX

Silock · 04-20-2007, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by listopencil

I've also heard that Branch merely has shin splints rather than fractures. Take your pick on which rumor to believe. I'm waiting for confirmation.

Not even close to a big deal either way. Takes a max 4 weeks off of repetitive motions and onto an elliptical or bike to stay in cardio shape. I wouldn't bat an eye about this.

EDIT: Bike, not treadmill >.<

listopencil · 04-20-2007, 09:25 PM

There's also a rumor going around that the Broncos are talking to Houston about trading with them for that #10 pick in round one. Could be Branch/Okoye there. Nothing concrete. Just sayin'...

listopencil · 04-20-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

WAITING TO BE TRADED FOR LARRY JOHNSON!!!

I think you would have to trade LJ and your first rounder to have a chance. And I'm not sure how much that chance would be. Depends on who would give you the best value. Inside the top ten is crazy compensation. That shit's like gold.

Hammock Parties · 04-20-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by listopencil

I think you would have to trade LJ and your first rounder to have a chance. And I'm not sure how much that chance would be. Depends on who would give you the best value. Inside the top ten is crazy compensation. That shit's like gold.

Larry Johnson is worth 10 Alan Branches.

listopencil · 04-20-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Larry Johnson is worth 10 Alan Branches.

Not on draft day.

04-20-2007, 01:42 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $800478	LJ on their mind? Chiefs appear to be planning to draft a running back http://www.kansascity.com/160/story/77543.html LJ on their mind? Chiefs appear to be planning to draft a running back to back up or replace Johnson. By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Maybe the Chiefs are truly concerned about Larry Johnson’s welfare. Perhaps it’s a sign they believe he is ready to hold out or they’re preparing to trade him. Or it could be just something as simple as the Chiefs doing their predraft homework. Whatever the reason, they met this week at Arrowhead Stadium with at least four of the higher-profile running backs available in the coming draft: California’s Marshawn Lynch, Ohio State’s Antonio Pittman, Florida State’s Lorenzo Booker and Louisville’s Kolby Smith. Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson, widely considered the top running back available in the draft, did not visit with the Chiefs this week. Neither did some of the other top runners, including Arizona’s Chris Henry, Auburn’s Kenny Irons, Penn State’s Tony Hunt and Alabama’s Kenneth Darby. The Chiefs were unavailable Thursday to speak about their motives. But the agents for all of the players said the Chiefs told them they planned to draft a running back in an early round. “They’ve put that out there,” said Smith’s agent, Jerrold Colton. “They said they want the running-back duties shared a little more to save the wear and tear on (Johnson).” That part makes sense. Johnson was the busiest NFL back ever last season when he set a league record with 416 carries, and coach Herm Edwards has said he would like to reduce the burden on Johnson. Edwards also indicated recently there was a good chance the Chiefs would draft another running back. The puzzling part is that the Chiefs are looking at some premier backs. Lynch probably will be selected by the time the Chiefs make their first pick, 23rd in the first round. Pittman is a likely second-round selection. Booker and Smith, though, could be available in the latter half of the seven-round draft. The Chiefs have an accomplished backup to Johnson in Michael Bennett. He didn’t help them much last year, mainly because of injuries. But he once rushed for more than 1,000 yards with Minnesota. The Chiefs like that he’s fast and that he’s a good complement to Johnson. Johnson and the Chiefs have worked on a new contract that would give him a raise, but they don’t have an agreement yet. Johnson has not threatened to hold out if he doesn’t get a new deal and has been participating in the offseason workout program. The Chiefs also might be willing to trade Johnson if the right trade offer came along.
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04-20-2007, 08:18 PM	#47
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	Depth? Depth? We don't need no stinkin' depth. FAX
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04-20-2007, 08:25 PM	#49
listopencil Immanentize The Eschaton Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In Partibus Infidelium Casino cash: $-1064120	I've also heard that Branch merely has shin splints rather than fractures. Take your pick on which rumor to believe. I'm waiting for confirmation. __________________ *While you live, shine. Have no grief at all. Life exists only for a short while and time demands its toll.*
Posts: 56,879

04-20-2007, 09:25 PM	#54
listopencil Immanentize The Eschaton Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In Partibus Infidelium Casino cash: $-1064120	There's also a rumor going around that the Broncos are talking to Houston about trading with them for that #10 pick in round one. Could be Branch/Okoye there. Nothing concrete. Just sayin'... __________________ *While you live, shine. Have no grief at all. Life exists only for a short while and time demands its toll.*
Posts: 56,879