Chiefs Gretz:Draft Class

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-26-2008, 01:47 PM

http://www.bobgretz.com/chiefs-footb...html#more-1484

Draft Class
August 26, 2008 - Bob Gretz |

The Chiefs dirty dozen draft class of 2008 was cut by half last weekend in Miami. Of the 12 players drafted by the Chiefs back in April, only six were on the field and available to play against the Dolphins. The others were in various stages of injury and rehab, including four players who are going to play a lot of football for the team this season.

Here’s where they stand right now after three pre-season games:

1. DT Glenn Dorsey - got the most playing time of his career against Miami and made an impression on the Chiefs coaching staff. “He’s exactly what we thought he would be when we drafted him,” said Herm Edwards. “He’s a powerful man inside. He can control the double-team. He’s getting better with his pass rush, he’s getting a better feel.”

2. LT Branden Albert - has not yet returned to practice from his foot injury, but is progressing on schedule and he may be able to practice next week. Does that mean he’ll play in the season opener against New England? “Not necessarily,” Edwards said. “We will have to wait and see. With a veteran guy, you might do that, but with a young guy, I’m not sure that’s fair to him or the team. We’ll see what kind of progress he makes when we start next week.”

3. CB Brandon Flowers - did against Miami what he has done in the previous two games: he showed up in the middle of the action and made plays. Flowers also showed again that he’s not afraid of sticking his nose into the run defense. He was being blocked, he took on the blocker, held him in place and then threw him aside and made the tackle on the ball carrier. “He’s gotten better every game,” said Edwards. “He’s fearless. He reminds me of Ronde Barber (Tampa Bay) in the way he’s not afraid to tackle somebody. He’s learning and importantly, he’s learning from his mistakes. That’s what you are looking for as a coach. I think he can be special in that nickel back role, where he covers the guy in the slot.”

4. RB Jamaal Charles - was not on the field in Miami, but he’s back to practice this week and should get a few snaps against St. Louis.

5. TE Brad Cottam - also was not on the field against the Dolphins, but he also returned to practice this week and should play against the Rams.

6. S DaJuan Morgan – continues to make plays and make mistakes when given the opportunity to play. “He’s learning and again, what we are seeing from him is that he’s not re-learning the same lessons all the time,” said Edwards. “He’s going to be a play maker.”

7. WR Will Franklin – underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday and is out two to four weeks. He did not play in Miami.

8. CB Brandon Carr – continues to improve on almost a daily basis. “He’s growing up,” Edwards said. “He made a big play down in Miami with that interception in the end zone. He was in man-to-man coverage with his back to the quarterback and he turns and makes the catch, not just knocking it away, that’s big. That’s really big for him. That should help his confidence a lot.”

9. RT Barry Richardson – made a big step forward in his play down in Miami. “We were pleasantly surprised,” said Edwards. “He did a good job in pass protection. He has really improved.”

10. WR-KR Kevin Robinson – continues his rehab from June knee surgery and is probably headed for the PUP list when the roster gets cut to 53 players.

11. DE Brian Johnston – has had an up-and-down pre-season, but generally had an up against Miami. “He did OK, he’s getting better,” Edwards said of Johnston.

12. TE Michael Merritt – was signed on Monday and should move to the Non-Football Injury List by the close of league business on Tuesday as he recovers from his broken leg.

08-26-2008, 01:47 PM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $552813	Gretz:Draft Class http://www.bobgretz.com/chiefs-footb...html#more-1484 Draft Class August 26, 2008 - Bob Gretz \| The Chiefs dirty dozen draft class of 2008 was cut by half last weekend in Miami. Of the 12 players drafted by the Chiefs back in April, only six were on the field and available to play against the Dolphins. The others were in various stages of injury and rehab, including four players who are going to play a lot of football for the team this season. Here’s where they stand right now after three pre-season games: 1. DT Glenn Dorsey - got the most playing time of his career against Miami and made an impression on the Chiefs coaching staff. “He’s exactly what we thought he would be when we drafted him,” said Herm Edwards. “He’s a powerful man inside. He can control the double-team. He’s getting better with his pass rush, he’s getting a better feel.” 2. LT Branden Albert - has not yet returned to practice from his foot injury, but is progressing on schedule and he may be able to practice next week. Does that mean he’ll play in the season opener against New England? “Not necessarily,” Edwards said. “We will have to wait and see. With a veteran guy, you might do that, but with a young guy, I’m not sure that’s fair to him or the team. We’ll see what kind of progress he makes when we start next week.” 3. CB Brandon Flowers - did against Miami what he has done in the previous two games: he showed up in the middle of the action and made plays. Flowers also showed again that he’s not afraid of sticking his nose into the run defense. He was being blocked, he took on the blocker, held him in place and then threw him aside and made the tackle on the ball carrier. “He’s gotten better every game,” said Edwards. “He’s fearless. He reminds me of Ronde Barber (Tampa Bay) in the way he’s not afraid to tackle somebody. He’s learning and importantly, he’s learning from his mistakes. That’s what you are looking for as a coach. I think he can be special in that nickel back role, where he covers the guy in the slot.” 4. RB Jamaal Charles - was not on the field in Miami, but he’s back to practice this week and should get a few snaps against St. Louis. 5. TE Brad Cottam - also was not on the field against the Dolphins, but he also returned to practice this week and should play against the Rams. 6. S DaJuan Morgan – continues to make plays and make mistakes when given the opportunity to play. “He’s learning and again, what we are seeing from him is that he’s not re-learning the same lessons all the time,” said Edwards. “He’s going to be a play maker.” 7. WR Will Franklin – underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday and is out two to four weeks. He did not play in Miami. 8. CB Brandon Carr – continues to improve on almost a daily basis. “He’s growing up,” Edwards said. “He made a big play down in Miami with that interception in the end zone. He was in man-to-man coverage with his back to the quarterback and he turns and makes the catch, not just knocking it away, that’s big. That’s really big for him. That should help his confidence a lot.” 9. RT Barry Richardson – made a big step forward in his play down in Miami. “We were pleasantly surprised,” said Edwards. “He did a good job in pass protection. He has really improved.” 10. WR-KR Kevin Robinson – continues his rehab from June knee surgery and is probably headed for the PUP list when the roster gets cut to 53 players. 11. DE Brian Johnston – has had an up-and-down pre-season, but generally had an up against Miami. “He did OK, he’s getting better,” Edwards said of Johnston. 12. TE Michael Merritt – was signed on Monday and should move to the Non-Football Injury List by the close of league business on Tuesday as he recovers from his broken leg.
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