FEATURE STORIES

July 26, 2006

Draft Choices/Free Agents

By Jude Harder
UW-RF Public Affairs

The Kansas City Chiefs went with defense in this year’s NFL Draft, selecting defensive end Tamba Hali in the first round and safety Bernard Pollard in the second. Both are products of the Big Ten Conference; Hali coming from Penn State and Pollard from Purdue.

Hali is a native of Liberia, an African nation ravaged by constant civil war during his childhood. He fled the country when he was 10-years-old, leaving behind his mother, whom he has not seen since. He does remain in contact with her and hopes to reunite in the near future. His life story is one of perseverance and success even when placed in the worst of situations.

On the field, Hali received All-American first-team honors in 2005 along with being named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. He had 65 tackles, 11 sacks and 17 stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Hali should form a potent pass-rushing duo with talented left defensive end Jared Allen for years to come for the Chiefs. His ability to make plays in the backfield should also help in a division which is stacked with a stable of very good running backs.

Coach Herm Edwards believes strongly in building up the middle with defensive linemen and that is exactly what he did with his first pick as the Chiefs head coach.

In the second round the Chiefs drafted hard-hitting safety Bernard Pollard. He comes to training camp looking to provide the Chiefs with an option at strong safety and as an ace on the special teams unit. In his collegiate career Pollard blocked three punts and five field goals.

In an interview with ESPN, Edwards said of Hali and Pollard, “They bring a physical presence to your defense, and both play with a lot of passion.”

With Trent Green not getting any younger the Chiefs decided to draft a quarterback in the third round, selecting Alabama’s Brodie Croyle. He holds Crimson Tide career records for pass completions, yards passing and touchdown passes. In camp he will compete with Damon Huard and newly acquired quarterback Casey Printers for the second and third-string quarterback jobs.

Later in the draft the Chiefs selected cornerback Marcus Maxy of the University of Miami; guard Tre Stallings of Mississippi, wide receiver Jeff Webb of San Diego State, and safety Jarrad Page of UCLA. All will compete for time at their respective positions and for spots on the special teams units.

The Chiefs didn’t tap into the free agent pool this off-season as much as they had in the past couple years, but they did sign some players who could really contribute to the team this year.

With starting right tackle John Welbourn retiring the Chiefs signed tackle Kyle Turley, who has been out of football for two years. He was once considered one of the best tackles in football when he was with the New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Rams.

The Chiefs also landed cornerback Lenny Walls from the Denver Broncos. He should provide an instant upgrade at the position. At 6-4 he stands as the tallest cornerback in the NFL. Also competing for time at cornerback will be Chris Johnson, a free-agent acquisition from the St. Louis Rams.

Another new face is defensive tackle James Reed, who should battle for playing time in the Chiefs rotation, while providing the team with another experienced performer. He is entering his sixth season in the NFL and has proven his durability by not missing any games. Edwards is very familiar with Reed, having coached him the last five years with the New York Jets.

The Chiefs also signed defensive tackle Ron Edwards to compete for time in the line. Edwards, who has battled injuries the last few years, comes to the Chiefs looking for a fresh start after spending his first five seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

Offensive lineman Ian Allen was also added this off-season to provide depth in the line.