Chiefs GM Pioli Prefers Mature Players In NFL Draft
by Joel Thorman on Feb 11, 2010 5:22 PM CST
in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Draft
Email
PrintOne of the things I like about Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli is that he doesn't over-emphasize the importance of the NFL Combine. What I mean is that he seems to place a higher value on several years of game tape versus how fast someone can run in shorts.
"Like I said," Pioli told season ticket holders on the Chiefs Fan Forum last night, "the measurables are important, but at the end of the day, we’re not drafting players or signing players to get them in shorts and tennis shoes and run around on Arrowhead’s field and show us how high they can vertical jump."
Indeed that's the case. Vernon Gholston comes to mind when talking about NFL Combine risers.
Like the Combine being just another piece to the puzzle, Pioli says the maturity level of a player is considered as well.
"One of the things that we’ve tried to stay focused on and that I’m a firm believer in is the maturity level of players," he said. "Players that are more mature are going to be fewer problems for the club. It’s a lot easier to develop and deal with mature players. I prefer mature players."
Pioli was speaking in reference to a question about drafting underclassmen, which he didn't rule out. There is sometimes a stigma attached to underclassmen that they're not mature enough to handle the NFL.
Like the Combine, he doesn't get caught up in labels and numbers as the end all be all. What matters, he says, is how they fit into the puzzle.
While the pre-draft interview process has become a "cat-and-mouse game" because of the players' preparedness from their agents, he doesn't downplay the importance of character in making a decision of how a player fits into the Chiefs plans.
This is even more true, in my opinion, after the Larry Johnson situation over the last four months.
57 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Sweet...
maybe McClain is Pioli’s choice after all. Make it happen!!!
Things to get the Chiefs back on the winning side of football:
1. Haley resign as offensive coordinator or do the following;
a. Feed JC more
b. Take the cuffs off of Cassel and let him air it out
2. Fire Clancy "Calls" Playslikeass
god I hope so
Berry will almost assuredly be gone by 5 and McClain is easily the next best pick for us imo.
Bask in the glory that is Kwame Harris. Poor Alex...
a lot of mock drafts
are putting both DEs at the top three. Washington is rumored to take a QB or LT. If no QB is taken, that may allow us to trade down and leave Berry and Okung on the table. Berry is good, but teams typically don’t give big money to safeties. I agree with building from the inside out too.
"We’re not drafting players or signing players to get them in shorts and tennis shoes and run around on Arrowhead’s field and show us how high they can vertical jump."
Tell that to Donald Washington.
D.J. #56 - Pay The Man & Play The Man
The only thing more lame than mock draft's is the sarcasm font.
by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 11, 2010 5:36 PM CST reply actions
yeh
didnt they draft washington because he was a raw athlete…..i guess thats not a really reach in the 4th
DWash is the next great conerback......
….in the UFL.
The question is not how far. The question is, do you possess the constitution, the depth of faith, to go as far is as needed?
Most Players
are immature pricks anyway.
by Rowdy Chief on Feb 11, 2010 5:37 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Maturity
Great story of how the Colts decided between Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. They were leaning towards Leaf and someone asked them both a question on how they would spend the inevitable millions that they would make as a starting QB. Peyton said he was going to buy a house and invest the rest. Leaf said he was going to “take his boys to Vegas”. The rest is histroy.
I think maturity is HUGE. Thats why the interview is the only part of the combine I would take any stock in.
"I've only been in love with a beer bottle and a mirror" - Sid Vicious.
by craig in calgary on Feb 11, 2010 5:40 PM CST reply actions
good story
I also like the one on the NFLn commercial where Peyton says “if you don’t draft me, i’ll be kicking your butts for the next 15 years”
* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
What would you guys want more?.....
….Broken records, the modt wins in the decade of the 90’s, two Superbowl appearances, one ring and all the double stuffed Oreos you could eat….. or….. Makin’ it rain wit your boys in Vegas? Woot woot!!!
The question is not how far. The question is, do you possess the constitution, the depth of faith, to go as far is as needed?
“Players that are more mature are going to be fewer problems for the club. It’s a lot easier to develop and deal with mature players. I prefer mature players.”
Soooooo you’re saying you like mature players.
The question is not how far. The question is, do you possess the constitution, the depth of faith, to go as far is as needed?
Hmm
Sooooo I do think he likes mature players. I think.
"Charles In Charge"
"Defense Wins Championships"
i don't know.
i think he might be leaning toward mature players.
Seriously mates, when have I ever been sarcastic?
Oh and in case you were wondering, that hug offer is still there when you are ready UC :p
Is there an echo in here?
The question is not how far. The question is, do you possess the constitution, the depth of faith, to go as far is as needed?
Ah immature and greedy....
I like your simplistic approach to the subject there Rowdy.
The question is not how far. The question is, do you possess the constitution, the depth of faith, to go as far is as needed?
The thing about most players is
They’re greedy pricks anyways.
D.J. #56 - Pay The Man & Play The Man
The only thing more lame than mock draft's is the sarcasm font.
by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 11, 2010 5:58 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
You know who I find are immature and greedy pricks?
Most players.
"I've only been in love with a beer bottle and a mirror" - Sid Vicious.
by craig in calgary on Feb 11, 2010 6:02 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
I was at a bar one time...
And there were these greedy pricks…they much have been players.
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Feb 11, 2010 6:10 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Most players are:
a) Greedy
b) Immature
c) Pricks
d) ALL OF THE ABOVE
"I've only been in love with a beer bottle and a mirror" - Sid Vicious.
by craig in calgary on Feb 11, 2010 6:10 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Except for Tebow
and McClain
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
LOL
Best one yet.
D.J. #56 - Pay The Man & Play The Man
The only thing more lame than mock draft's is the sarcasm font.
by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 11, 2010 7:02 PM CST up reply actions
I am gonna be the first to get one!
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
Wonder how much he'll pay Jamaal Charles for that number
by Joel Thorman on Feb 11, 2010 6:19 PM CST up reply actions
Yea I was just thinking about that.
Shoot. Charles better not change his number. I’m getting his jersey in april for my birthday. But LB’s by NFL rules aren’t permitted to wear number 25 correct?
"Charles In Charge"
"Defense Wins Championships"
NFL number rule since 73
Numbers 50 to 59 are worn by linebackers and offensive linemen.
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
Cool.
So ya think I’ll be safe in getting my JC jersey in april before the draft anyhow?
"Charles In Charge"
"Defense Wins Championships"
Oh yeah
Rules are rules…unless McClain wants to be Rb or Oline….lol
I think Charles is the safest jersey to get right now…besides Tyson Jackson.
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
Don't forget the ninties!
Check out my blog on software development:
http://www.turnleafdesign.com/
Oh shoot thats right
Maybe he will shoot for 52
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
He can't
unless David Herron gets cut or quits the team, because thats his number.
by Green-Monster on Feb 12, 2010 5:29 AM CST up reply actions
You guys are nuts
Just because there is a PICTURE in this story of McClain you jump to the conclusion the Chiefs are going to draft him. Because he’s mature… Never mind that he was never even mentioned in the piece. There’s a picture, so McClain must be mature. LOFL!
BUT HE CELEBRATES BY CLAPPING
He’s gotta be mature.
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Feb 11, 2010 6:27 PM CST up reply actions
He is very mature, and only a Junior.
Mature well beyond his years. He has the mind of a present day Vrabel and the physical tools of a young Junior Seau
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
haha
The mind of a present day Vrabel? I’m not sure A. what that really means or B. how that could be proven.
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Feb 11, 2010 6:34 PM CST up reply actions
Well
If you know anything about Vrabel you know what I am talking about. He a very vocal leader and knows everything about the 34 defense. He is a very good teammate. Very mature and classy dude. He has 12yrs of NFL experience.
I am just saying that McClain has all those qualities; Leadership, Great Teammate, Classy, and everything you would expect from an NFL veteran.
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
a - then why make a negative comment
And b – there are plenty of places that you can read about him and what he meant to that team.
Extensive knowledge of all responsibilities for every player in a 3 4 defense
by BJ Kissel on Feb 11, 2010 6:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
he has stubble...
and could grow the black version of “The Vrabel”.
but i agree with Matt, his on field decisions and leadership do seem Vrabel like.
any particular reason you are anti McClain?
by BJ Kissel on Feb 11, 2010 7:02 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I'm not anti-McClain, I'm anti-taking an Inside Linebacker 5th overall
ILB is not a core position, especially in a 3-4.
Actually McClain and Seau have a lot in common
Junior Seau entered draft as a junior and was picked 5th overall….looks like McClain will do the same.
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
And then we will laugh when all the pundits call it a reach.
I want Rolando on this Defense bad, all my posts on this subject give that away. He has everything to be a great defensive leader.
What I find funny is
that there is zero mention in this post and it’s replies about how most players in today’s league are just pricks anyways. Why does it matter who we draft when they’re all a bunch of dicks?
D.J. #56 - Pay The Man & Play The Man
The only thing more lame than mock draft's is the sarcasm font.
by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 11, 2010 6:58 PM CST reply actions
who says we were reffering to guys the chiefs draft?
I think the point was that WE don’t draft those guys
by BJ Kissel on Feb 11, 2010 7:08 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
This may have been the only time he's done this...
but didnt Pioli draft Chad Jackson, receiver out of florida a few years ago, based on his amazing combine numbers alone?
Pioli Prefers Mature Players
he seems to place a higher value on several years of game tape versus how fast someone can run in shorts
If not in Shorts, how about in Speedo’s?
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
Mature playas...
the perfect article to be flanked by K-Y ads. Yeah, I just grossed myself out a little, too…
Run Run Pass Punt, repeat as needed for 60 min.
ty, Scott Pioli ...
“Players that are more mature are going to be fewer problems for the club. It’s a lot easier to develop and deal with mature players. I prefer mature players.”
please let this end any and all Brandon Marshall coments … please!
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
Whilock Rocks!
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
