Report: Chiefs Work Out Former Broncos and Raiders WR Ashley Lelie
by Joel Thorman on Aug 13, 2009 7:00 PM CDT
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp
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On 610 Sports this morning Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli said he could see 3-5 more players being added to the roster before opening day.
Apparently he's working on that.
Chris Hamblin of 610 Sports reports (via DTR in the FanShots) that the Chiefs worked out WR Ashley Lelie after practice today. (Update: Now it's on his Twitter account)
Lelie has been underwhelming as a receiver throughout his career to say the least. Drafted with the 19th overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Denver Broncos, he has amassed 3,749 yards and 15 touchdowns throughout a seven year career with four different teams.
Previous stops include the Broncos (4 yrs), Atlanta Falcons (1 yr), San Francisco 49ers (1 yr) and Oakland Raiders (1 yr).
The trend I notice there? The final three those teams desperately needed wide receivers when Lelie was signed and they let him go after just one season (the Falcons traded for his rights).
His highlight and only full 16 game season includes a 1,084 yard, seven touchdown performance in the 2004 season with the Broncos. Here are his career stats.
Former Bronco AND Raider? This one would be tough to swallow. If he couldn't impress at least one coaching staff in the last four years then I don't see him fitting in with the Chiefs. No matter how questionable the receivers are.
First thoughts on the Chiefs working out Lelie?
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if he is healthy
he may be a good deep threat receiver. I remember early in his career he could make some plays. Not starter material but perhaps #3 or 4 IF he is healthy
well
at least they are still looking around for talent. Although I’d be surprised if they find it in this guy.
Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.
Doesn't fit the mold
He is unproven and has never been tough enough or solid enough for any team, and in addition, he doesn’t know how to win. He doesn’t seem to be the type of player Pioli and Haley want…
-Robbie
I think he's terrible
I’d hate to see this guy as a Chief.
"I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
I hate Ashley Lelie
He ruined it for Hawaii players. If it wasn’t for him guys like Devonne Bess and Ryan Grice Mullen would have been drafted in mid rounds.
Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.
Deep threat
I like trying to add some deep threat. Super fast, the only year he played in a decent offense in denver im pretty sure he had over 1000 yards. ..worth a shot i think
I remember him burning the Chiefs all the time.
Although, that was under Vermeil’s defense. And like Bestofthewest said, the last two teams he was with had below-average QBs. I’m on the fence on this one. He hasn’t worked out with other teams, but then Pioli has a knack for making chicken salad…
He was traded
Big dispute about his contract. He wanted a new one.
by Joel Thorman on Aug 13, 2009 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's some info on the contact dispute
Lelie did win a battle over his option bonus. The Broncos tried to recoup a portion of his signing bonus and option bonus after he held out. Denver received some of his signing bonus and collected money from fines incurred during the holdout, but an arbitrator ruled Lelie didn’t have to give up a prorated part of his option bonus, so Lelie saved $220,000. This year, many draft picks’ agents wanted option bonuses included in their contracts. “That hurt the Broncos and it hurt the whole league,” Sundquist said. “I don’t agree with the ruling.”
by Joel Thorman on Aug 13, 2009 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember it being that the money he was being fined
Was more than he was going to make that season or something crazy like that. He woulda actually gone into the red.
by Joel Thorman on Aug 13, 2009 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Possible
Could be that one guy we always hear about that travels around the League, gets picked up for the ump-tenth gillion time before breaking out of his shell…..BUT….I doubt it here. Leave him on the street. AL DAVIS Liked him for Pete’s sake.
lol!
Word. (But of course, so did Randy Moss, right?)
Ashlie played great for us but was never able to supplant Rod Smith as an elite-level #1. He had some spectacular long balls, which is I’m sure what caught the eye of his other teams. But, as I recall, he wasn’t too tough going across the middle so he was pretty much a one trick pony. He wanted the contract of a big time player, but he didn’t really have the game in him, IMHO, and I believe that’s why Shanahan let him go.
You always hope the best for a guy that helped you win games. If the Chiefs pick him up, I certainly won’t harbor any ill will against him. But unless you just need a field stretcher that doesn’t have a lot of other dimension, I’d probably pass.
"Talk about the Broncos and I'm gonna 'put my dukes up'. I'm gonna hit you with these rings." -- Rod Smith's rebuttal to Jamie Dukes
by broncosmontana on Aug 14, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Won't Harbor any ill will against him
You mean you won’t go Eddie Kennison on us. LOL….Just kidding.
Big Gulps EH????? All right.....Welp....See Ya Later!
LOL!
Absolutely! ; )
Naturally, Kennison is a touchy topic for Bronco fans, but it was good that he was able to find success for you guys under Vermiel. Good players should play, with their full hearts. Vermiel clearly provided that to him. He just couldn’t find that spark in Denver. But mainly, of course, I’m grateful to him for the bulletin board material. ; )
I’ve really enjoyed the KC-Denver rivalry through the years, and I’m hoping we can get that back on track this year where it belongs — vieing for the top of the division. It’s just crazy how we’re sharing a Patriot pedigree all of a sudden! Hopefully, it leads to good things.
"Talk about the Broncos and I'm gonna 'put my dukes up'. I'm gonna hit you with these rings." -- Rod Smith's rebuttal to Jamie Dukes
by broncosmontana on Aug 14, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
The whole Neil Smith thing does me in as well I guess. You bastards.
Big Gulps EH????? All right.....Welp....See Ya Later!
by XtaC69Chief on Aug 14, 2009 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions
First impression
sign him. Let the Rodney Wright’s & Terrance Copper’s compete against him. May the best man win
Plus, Lelie’s always had hands
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 13, 2009 7:16 PM CDT reply actions
More likely
To be the Jeff Webb that he would be competing against. If he gets signed, I’ll bet Webb is gone. Haley said he wanted 10 receivers in camp…and Webb has been invisible.
Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.
Tom Jackson
off topic..Tom Jackson picked denver as the surprise team on monday night countdown..errrrrrrrrr
Lelie's speed, height, and hands
next to Bowe; on a corps that included Toomer, Engram, and Bradley – now that’s giving your young QB some help. Who needs tight ends? They’re just extra lineman anyways
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 13, 2009 7:19 PM CDT reply actions
Folks
We’ve got our first Lelie fanboy.
by Joel Thorman on Aug 13, 2009 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I have a horrible tendency
falling for players who have done me right by Madden. What can I say, I’m a romantic?
by KansasCityShuffle on Aug 13, 2009 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey now
I’m no fan of Lelie, but Shanahan did spend a mid -1st round pick on him…I certainly have no problem with them looking at a guy drafted higher than Bowe was.
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Aug 13, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Haven't we talked a lot about
Shanahan’s suspect drafting?
by Joel Thorman on Aug 13, 2009 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
His last 2 qb’s sucked no, his last 3 qb’s sucked and he had his best years under Plummer. Vick seemed to be opposed to throwing to his wr’s, Smith/Hill playin in san fran, and Russell in Oakland, when has Lelie really had a chance to shine the last few years?
by mcclanahanman on Aug 14, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
damn guys...
Normally im all for adding guys that could possibly turn out to be a good signing, but theres something about this guy i have never liked. I personally dont think hes up to the Pioli/Haley standard. Id rather us go for Harrison. Sure, hes old and got his own issues, but i think he fits what we are trying to get out of our receivers a lot better.
Virtus In Arduo
by carthagechief on Aug 13, 2009 7:23 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
No on Harrison
Lelie has baggage that a Chief fan at least swallow if he plays well.
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 13, 2009 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Yea, Harrison shot a guy
While shooting at another guy. And then had the guy shot again. And since he’s still alive after the LAST 7 slugs, Harrison might have to go after em AGAIN.
Btw, did anyone see the story on Harrison in ESPN the magazine over the offseason? Legend has it that Harrison was the King of West Thompson street. It goes on to say that he beat the shite out of a 6’5 280 lb guy because he didn’t apologize for a past transgression.
“Hey, you see that guy over there? He’s about 6’5. I’m 5’2. Watch this.”
“…..you must have just saw Rocky.”
Name it.
I could get more sacks with my sack
Indy knows receivers and Harrison ain't one of theirs NO more
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 13, 2009 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions
well
If Pioli signs him, then either he does fit the mold or we’re just looking for training camp depth.
So if we sign him who do we cut?
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 13, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions
meh
one of the kick return guys who keep dropping kicks and can’t establish themselves as the guy.
Have you met Buck'O
maybe ricky wright?
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 13, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Harrison is no longer the dominant player he once was.
After years of getting 10-yard cushion, he’s really struggled the last year or two against press. His speed is no longer respected, and he’s not physical enough to fight off a physical corner. Sorry. He’s just over the hill.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
Speed
Lelie might not be the guy. but i think addind some speed to our WR’s would really help..between engram and toomer i feel like we already have the type of receiver that harrison would be at this point in his career
yeah, but at what cost?
we can always hold out for next years draft for a true burner…i see your point on harrison, but, id rather have a known element than adding another question mark to that position
Virtus In Arduo
by carthagechief on Aug 13, 2009 7:31 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I bet the cost is minimal.
A reach for up-side, with little cost for down-side. This deep into training camp, the culture is established and might be just the thing for this 6’3’’, 200 lb. speed threat to discover the mental side of the game.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
If he isn't good enough
for the brocos, raiders, falcons, or 49ers, he isn’t good enough for the chiefs.
All losses in the 2009 season will be Herm and Carls fault.
Played for the Broncos in the post-Elway meltdown, before Cutler.
The other organizations were having their own issues, too. If he buys into the program and gets into football shape post haste, there is tremendous upside in this acquisition. If nothing else, he’s a tall, fast WR that the Chiefs CBs haven’t yet faced in camp. A true 1st-round talent, which Bradley and Darling are not. If he falls short in camp, Chiefs can cut him without great cost. Even if he just lights a fire under Devard and Darling, that’ll be a good thing.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
totally agree
His impact for you guys could be more favorable than I initially thought when posting my earlier comment above. Probably worth a reasonable look, if just to provide some competition or an occasional deep ball.
I did like Lelie as a Bronco. He just seemed reluctant to accept the clear challenge from Shanahan to supplant Rod Smith (whose years, even at the time, were numbered) as a player or a leader. But that’s okay — some guys are more comfortable when they’re not “the guy”. If you can get him on the cheap, and it doesn’t cost you a spot for a venerable, tough-nosed leader, it could be worth it.
"Talk about the Broncos and I'm gonna 'put my dukes up'. I'm gonna hit you with these rings." -- Rod Smith's rebuttal to Jamie Dukes
by broncosmontana on Aug 14, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
He was good enough for the broncos, although he wasn’t worth what what he was askin to be paid, he was a #2 askin for #1 money.
Vick seemed to be opposed to throwin to his wr’s
Smith and Hill throwin him the ball in San Fran
Russell throwin him the ball in Oakland
When has he gotten the chance to shine? Lelie is a deep threat period, like JJ Birden was in KC a situational guy that’s it.
by mcclanahanman on Aug 14, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I would in a heartbeat
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 13, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I would... but
IMO, Webb is getting cut anyway.
Would I swap Lelie for Bradley? for Darling?
I’m thinking no
"I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
Pioli has not shied from signing and cutting
ala Pardum
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 13, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Lelie has had half a career
to prove himself and other than 1 season has been uncrappy at best. I would rather sift thru other teams young cast offs when the first cut comes looking for a hidden nugget.
All losses in the 2009 season will be Herm and Carls fault.
Pioli's already sifting and scheming for just that.
This pickup, like Toomer before him, says the Chiefs have continuing issues with the WRs and want to look at some more players. This pickup has both more up-side and more down-side than Toomer/Engram. Nobody will cry, except maybe Lelie, if he doesn’t make the grade.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
good question.
id have to say no.
Virtus In Arduo
by carthagechief on Aug 13, 2009 7:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes
I don’t like Lelie, but I like Webb even less. Where Lelie is probably a C- or a D+ as a receiver, I see Webb as a D- or an F.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
3. Maurice Carthon will be the most hated man on the Chiefs' coaching staff within two years.
4. Larry Johnson has already played his last meaningful game for the Kansas City Chiefs. He's gone before the 2009 season starts.
5. Larry Johnson will gain 0 yards rushing for the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
I have faith in our guys...
Seems like due diligence on available FA’s
If they sign him, I trust Haley sees something in him…if not they checked…no harm
Are you sure?
Only link I find is to Bleacher Report and that’s a BS site.
by Joel Thorman on Aug 13, 2009 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Meh On Lelie
I was never impressed with him as a receiver. Terrible hands and questionable football IQ. He’s got decent physical tools but he’s been in the league long enough that if he hasn’t figured it out by now he’s probably never going to. But maybe Haley and his staff can accomplish something with him if he’s signed.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
3. Maurice Carthon will be the most hated man on the Chiefs' coaching staff within two years.
4. Larry Johnson has already played his last meaningful game for the Kansas City Chiefs. He's gone before the 2009 season starts.
5. Larry Johnson will gain 0 yards rushing for the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
and the best part is Iggles were not probably a win for Chiefs anyway
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
Eagles just got serious....
I can understand them signing Vick. They were getting to be this generation’s Bills…
Virtus In Arduo
by carthagechief on Aug 13, 2009 7:40 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
DO NOT SIGN LELIE
Garbage with a capital G. He’s a god awful receiver.
Screw this guy
He’d be a terrible addition
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
by Buck'O on Aug 13, 2009 7:43 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Well Pioli payed for the trip
who is on the way out then and why
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 13, 2009 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather bring Eddie Kennison
Out of retirement than sign lelie. Lelie has bronco written all over him. Mark Bradley is a solid number 2 receiver. Don’t know what you guys are talkin bout.
Kennison was a Bronco once tooo
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 13, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions
He's awful next...
If he cant make it with the gong show of WR in Oakland what value is he?
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
Matt Jones
I would rather sign Matt Jones!!
by albuquerquechiefsfan on Aug 13, 2009 8:58 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I Would Like That Signing
Jones has his issues, but he’s also got talent and finally appeared to be putting it together last year. He’s also young, tall and very fast. He’d be a pickup I would actually get excited about.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
3. Maurice Carthon will be the most hated man on the Chiefs' coaching staff within two years.
4. Larry Johnson has already played his last meaningful game for the Kansas City Chiefs. He's gone before the 2009 season starts.
5. Larry Johnson will gain 0 yards rushing for the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
If he can keep his nose out of the powder...
he would be a great pickup for the Chiefs.
Yup
My thoughts exactly..
by albuquerquechiefsfan on Aug 13, 2009 10:44 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Will Franklin
I just watched Will Franklin catch a nice corner of the endzone touchdown. I hope this isn’t going to come back to bite us. He’s with the Raiders now.
by raiderhater77 on Aug 14, 2009 12:24 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I brought this up awhile back
http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2009/8/3/976350/espn-chiefs-leaning-towards#19187994
The responses (or lack thereof) were quite underwhelming.
Odd how things change when a report comes out, yes?
Once, I urinated a whole hotdog.
by LarryDoggyDog on Aug 14, 2009 12:28 AM CDT reply actions
When I try to link to comments, the URL leaves off at the pound sign and leaves off message id.
But your link to your comment went right through.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
I would look at him
He has to be an upgrade to Webb, how many years is it going to take for him to get into the game?
confusing
hes been out of football and didnt fit the blocker role as a WR that they want a WR to fill at times…
add in that toomer engram bowe copper darling seem to be the locks, bradley has to be right there…lawrence is on the list…
so how do they fit enough WR’s? Keep 2 Qb’s?
obviously
if signed its just a preseason tryout, but why do that to get less snaps for a Taurus johnson etc
forgot
Turtle has a spot locked down missed that comment.
vick to the eagles is awesome, I dont like Vick never have…Hated him as a QB, regardless it will be cool since we play them this year….to get to see him play…
To me its like if you saw cris carter try to make a comeback on monday night with the dolphins, only to fumble and tip 2 picks…then get hurt…great game.
We won't see Vick... He will be a backup for Mcnabb. Count on it.
Unless they bring him in as a RB or something like that, I doubt he will even see the field this year.
Sign Ashley...
I like his deep speed and if he can run kicks all the better.
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