Gosselin: Chiefs see promise in rookie class

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06:15 PM CDT on Saturday, August 21, 2010

Column by RICK GOSSELIN / The Dallas Morning News
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Head coach Todd Haley of the Kansas City Chiefs knows what a quality draft looks like.

His father, Dick Haley, presided over a Pittsburgh draft in 1974 as personnel director of the Steelers that produced four future Hall of Famers: Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert , John Stallworth and Mike Webster.

His 2010 Chiefs have not played a down yet, but Todd Haley knows Kansas City may have already struck gold with its draft last April.

"This is a unique group," Haley said of his seven-player class. "Every one of these guys could be a big help this year. A couple years from now, you might say this [draft] was the catalyst for the Kansas City Chiefs becoming a good football team."

After a 4-12 finish in his first season as head coach, Haley needs this rookie class to have an impact.

First-round draft pick Eric Berry is a walk-in starter at strong safety for the Chiefs. Second-round pick Dexter McCluster gives Haley a Reggie Bush-type offensive dimension with his three-pronged ability to run, catch and return kicks. Third-round pick Javier Arenas will be the team's primary kick returner and nickel cornerback.

Third-rounder Tony Moeaki could start at tight end, and fifth-rounder Kendrick Lewis could start at free safety.

Third-rounder Jon Asamoah pencils in as the third guard behind Brian Waters, who has started in Pro Bowls, and Ryan Lilja, who has started in Super Bowls. Fifth-rounder Cameron Sheffield is making the transition from defensive end in college to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme and could wind up in the nickel pass-rush package.

"It's the most mature and professional group of rookies I've ever been around," Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli said. "From the moment they arrived here, they're all about football all the time. They're not getting caught up in the hype. They don't think they have arrived in any way. That's critical for their development. Their work ethic is as strong as I've seen – on the field, in the classroom and off the field. It's a really interesting group."

It's also a high-character group. Six of the seven draft picks were team captains last season. Only Sheffield missed out on that college distinction.

It's also a high-achievement group. Berry was a two-time All-American. McCluster made All-Southeastern Conference twice at different positions, running back and wide receiver. Arenas also was an All-SEC selection and Moeaki the MVP of an Iowa team that finished 11-2, ranked No. 7 in the nation.

"They've all got skill and the other stuff as well – the mental toughness, the will, the discipline," Haley said. "They don't get flustered. You can dig at them, poke them, throw little barbs at them, but they don't rattle. You can't shake them."

Winning in the NFL starts in April. The Chiefs could be on their way.

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