LJ on their mind? Chiefs appear to be planning to draft a running back - Page 2

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.

PastorMikH · 04-20-2007, 07:13 AM

Hey, it worked the last time we had a RB threatening to hold out for more $ when he was already in a current contract.

htismaqe · 04-20-2007, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I don't think asking Jeff Webb to really be the return man is a good idea.....maybe it's just me.

It's just you.

Mecca · 04-20-2007, 07:41 AM

Maybe we'll pick Ted Ginn and it won't matter......

stlchiefs · 04-20-2007, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomahawk kid

I just bought an LJ jersey.

Shit.

Quick, go exchange it for a Trent Green jersey.

tomahawk kid · 04-20-2007, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlchiefs

Quick, go exchange it for a Trent Green jersey.

Yeah...have one of those too.

StcChief · 04-20-2007, 08:06 AM

If they draft a RB what's it say about Bennett....
I'm all for giving somebody else 10-15 carries a game.

How about we throw the ball a little more?

htismaqe · 04-20-2007, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StcChief

If they draft a RB what's it say about Bennett...

That his hammies are made of silly putty?

**Tribal Warfare** · 04-20-2007, 09:27 AM

Darby plays alot like Shaun Alexander so I have no problem with that

Coogs · 04-20-2007, 09:27 AM

It is just one week to go until the draft, and a month or so ago Holthaus or someone said to be prepared for a "Blockbuster" type trade. Time will tell.

Mr. Laz · 04-20-2007, 10:14 AM

Trade Trent Green and Larry Johnson to Cleveland for the 3rd pick of the draft.

Chiefs mock

Rd 1
#3 WR Calvin Johnson
#?? (trade down recoup a 3rd/4th) DT Justin Harrell

RD 2

#23 RB Antonnio Pittman

RD 3

#?? (trade from Rd 1) CB Jonathan Wade, Tennessee

#23 OG Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech

RD4-7 BAA

Player info:

OG Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech 6-3 326 40 5.20 Strongest member of the team with a bench press of 550 lbs...Quite the physical specimen...He is not flashy but you know what you are getting...Will be limited to playing inside at the next level and his best fit will be with a run orientated team.

CB Jonathan Wade, Tennessee, 5-10, 195: A sprinter originally recruited as a receiver, Wade started only one full season as a defensive back. He has obvious ability to run and jump with a 4.36 time in the 40 and a 40½-inch vertical jump, not surprising since he set a Louisiana high school record of 21.03 seconds in the 200 meters. His footwork and body control make him appear to have the talent to excel in man-to-man coverage, but he has a lot of work to do in order to learn the position.

WR Calvin Johnson 6-5, 239, 4.35: Simply one of the best wide receiver prospects to come along in quite some time and can be a matchup nightmare for defenses...Think Terrell Owens without the attitude...His talent wasn't always utilized in college but has the chance to be an impact, game-changing receiver at the next level...A lock to be one of the premier prospects available and he should come off the board in the Top 3-5 overall picks.

DT Justin Harrell, Tennessee, 6-4, 300: Harrell enters the draft with scouts concerned about his ability to come back from a biceps injury. He was one of college football's best run-stoppers before the injury. An emotional team leader, Harrell started 25 of his 35 games with the Volunteers and finished his career with 82 tackles (14 for losses) and four sacks.

RB Antonio Pittman, Ohio State, 5-11, 207: He is a strong inside runner with a knack for making the first tackler miss and enough speed to scare a defense after that, as evidenced by his 4.40-second time in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. Pittman started 25 games for the Buckeyes, racking up 2,945 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 557 carries; he also gained 314 yards on 37 receptions.

**BigMeatballDave** · 04-20-2007, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomahawk kid

I just bought an LJ jersey.

Shit.

Yeah, bought one a yr. ago.

Eleazar · 04-20-2007, 10:21 AM

I wouldn't melt down if we traded Larry Johnson as long as we got value, but that kind of goes for anybody.

Wile_E_Coyote · 04-20-2007, 10:22 AM

You've been following the Chiefs for how long now? They may draft a running back, but that does not mean that is the postion they will play him at. Teicher, I'm disappointed in ya

**BigMeatballDave** · 04-20-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

Trade Trent Green and Larry Johnson to Cleveland for the 3rd pick of the draft.

Chiefs mock

Rd 1
#3 WR Calvin Johnson
#?? (trade down recoup a 3rd/4th) DT Justin Harrell

RD 2

#23 RB Antonnio Pittman

RD 3

#?? (trade from Rd 1) CB Jonathan Wade, Tennessee

#23 OG Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech

RD4-7 BAA

Player info:

OG Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech 6-3 326 40 5.20 Strongest member of the team with a bench press of 550 lbs...Quite the physical specimen...He is not flashy but you know what you are getting...Will be limited to playing inside at the next level and his best fit will be with a run orientated team.

CB Jonathan Wade, Tennessee, 5-10, 195: A sprinter originally recruited as a receiver, Wade started only one full season as a defensive back. He has obvious ability to run and jump with a 4.36 time in the 40 and a 40½-inch vertical jump, not surprising since he set a Louisiana high school record of 21.03 seconds in the 200 meters. His footwork and body control make him appear to have the talent to excel in man-to-man coverage, but he has a lot of work to do in order to learn the position.

WR Calvin Johnson 6-5, 239, 4.35: Simply one of the best wide receiver prospects to come along in quite some time and can be a matchup nightmare for defenses...Think Terrell Owens without the attitude...His talent wasn't always utilized in college but has the chance to be an impact, game-changing receiver at the next level...A lock to be one of the premier prospects available and he should come off the board in the Top 3-5 overall picks.

DT Justin Harrell, Tennessee, 6-4, 300: Harrell enters the draft with scouts concerned about his ability to come back from a biceps injury. He was one of college football's best run-stoppers before the injury. An emotional team leader, Harrell started 25 of his 35 games with the Volunteers and finished his career with 82 tackles (14 for losses) and four sacks.

RB Antonio Pittman, Ohio State, 5-11, 207: He is a strong inside runner with a knack for making the first tackler miss and enough speed to scare a defense after that, as evidenced by his 4.40-second time in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. Pittman started 25 games for the Buckeyes, racking up 2,945 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 557 carries; he also gained 314 yards on 37 receptions.

As much as I like some of these guys, If we could get a top 10 pick, I would select Okoye.

boogblaster · 04-20-2007, 10:23 AM

LJ isnt goin anywhere .. he needs a backup tho .....

04-20-2007, 01:42 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $770478	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.
Posts: 297,532

04-20-2007, 07:13 AM	#16
PastorMikH Will KC ever be better? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Land of Red Dirt & Necks Casino cash: $9905087	Hey, it worked the last time we had a RB threatening to hold out for more $ when he was already in a current contract. __________________
Posts: 20,454

04-20-2007, 07:41 AM	#18
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-732950	Maybe we'll pick Ted Ginn and it won't matter......
Posts: 115,382

04-20-2007, 08:06 AM	#21
StcChief Playing for #1 Draft Pick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Just West of Lambs land Casino cash: $10004900	If they draft a RB what's it say about Bennett.... I'm all for giving somebody else 10-15 carries a game. How about we throw the ball a little more?
Posts: 25,901

04-20-2007, 09:27 AM	#23
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3027187	Darby plays alot like Shaun Alexander so I have no problem with that __________________
Posts: 43,455

04-20-2007, 09:27 AM	#24
Coogs In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Northern Kansas Casino cash: $-2295651	It is just one week to go until the draft, and a month or so ago Holthaus or someone said to be prepared for a "Blockbuster" type trade. Time will tell.
Posts: 21,910

04-20-2007, 10:14 AM	#25
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Trade Trent Green and Larry Johnson to Cleveland for the 3rd pick of the draft. Chiefs mock Rd 1 #3 WR Calvin Johnson #?? (trade down recoup a 3rd/4th) DT Justin Harrell RD 2 #23 RB Antonnio Pittman RD 3 #?? (trade from Rd 1) CB Jonathan Wade, Tennessee #23 OG Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech RD4-7 BAA Player info: OG Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech 6-3 326 40 5.20 Strongest member of the team with a bench press of 550 lbs...Quite the physical specimen...He is not flashy but you know what you are getting...Will be limited to playing inside at the next level and his best fit will be with a run orientated team. CB Jonathan Wade, Tennessee, 5-10, 195: A sprinter originally recruited as a receiver, Wade started only one full season as a defensive back. He has obvious ability to run and jump with a 4.36 time in the 40 and a 40½-inch vertical jump, not surprising since he set a Louisiana high school record of 21.03 seconds in the 200 meters. His footwork and body control make him appear to have the talent to excel in man-to-man coverage, but he has a lot of work to do in order to learn the position. WR Calvin Johnson 6-5, 239, 4.35: Simply one of the best wide receiver prospects to come along in quite some time and can be a matchup nightmare for defenses...Think Terrell Owens without the attitude...His talent wasn't always utilized in college but has the chance to be an impact, game-changing receiver at the next level...A lock to be one of the premier prospects available and he should come off the board in the Top 3-5 overall picks. DT Justin Harrell, Tennessee, 6-4, 300: Harrell enters the draft with scouts concerned about his ability to come back from a biceps injury. He was one of college football's best run-stoppers before the injury. An emotional team leader, Harrell started 25 of his 35 games with the Volunteers and finished his career with 82 tackles (14 for losses) and four sacks. RB Antonio Pittman, Ohio State, 5-11, 207: He is a strong inside runner with a knack for making the first tackler miss and enough speed to scare a defense after that, as evidenced by his 4.40-second time in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. Pittman started 25 games for the Buckeyes, racking up 2,945 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 557 carries; he also gained 314 yards on 37 receptions. __________________ Last edited by Mr. Laz; 04-20-2007 at 10:21 AM..
Posts: 95,626

04-20-2007, 10:21 AM	#27
Eleazar Beyond the Rapids Join Date: May 2003 Location: Langley, VA Casino cash: $-370000	I wouldn't melt down if we traded Larry Johnson as long as we got value, but that kind of goes for anybody.
Posts: 80,659

04-20-2007, 10:22 AM	#28
Wile_E_Coyote avatar down for remodel Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10004900	You've been following the Chiefs for how long now? They may draft a running back, but that does not mean that is the postion they will play him at. Teicher, I'm disappointed in ya
Posts: 6,009

04-20-2007, 10:23 AM	#30
boogblaster MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Verdigris Valley Campsite Casino cash: $10004900	LJ isnt goin anywhere .. he needs a backup tho ..... __________________ WR or S please
Posts: 10,305