Vrabel, however, has received reps inside during nickel sets this week, so his presence at the...

Vrabel, however, has received reps inside during nickel sets this week, so his presence at the position is certainly new, but not a shock. The real surprise in personnel came from the position directly in front of Vrabel. There, DE Wallace Gilberry was taking reps at defensive tackle.

Insider Blog: Saturday at Mini-Camp

Josh has a good write-up on this afternoon's practice.

over 1 year ago Joel Thorman 7 comments 0 recs |

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Wow!

He’s not even big enough to be a “real” DE let alone a DT. With that said, I love Gilberry. With limited time in games he sure does make the best of it.

Jamaal Charles...Enough said.

by Chiefsfan85 on Jun 12, 2010 6:29 PM CDT reply actions

He started showing up in nickel last season.

I remember the talk, some of it being my own, about Gilberry as being a ‘tweener who might make the move to LB, but then, whenever I saw him play last season, I got a definite sense that here was a lineman, and I just hoped he could play “big enough.” Could be, though, that Gilberry was Gunther’s last shot at drafting a young Leslie O’Neal, specifically for rushing the passer from the middle, and he’s turning into that. A bit smaller 6’2’’ versus 6’4’’ and 270 versus 280, but…

by hmills110 on Jun 12, 2010 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions

He started playing pretty well towards the end of last year.

I hope he keeps after it.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Jun 12, 2010 8:12 PM CDT reply actions

While it's still early, Vrabel in the middle of the nickel was something I was hoping to see this year.

During the first set of team drills (an emphasis on first and second down plays), Romeo Crennel marched out his nickel defense. The personnel grouping instantly stood out with OLB Mike Vrabel aligning in the interior. He was flanked by OLBs Andy Studebaker and Tamba Hali.

Doesn’t mean we’ll see it or hear of it ever again. I was speculating, also, that they’d go bigger, with Sheffield in place of Studebaker. But it might be optimal, especially if the rookie movement prevails in the secondary. That’d be a VERY young defense, otherwise.

by hmills110 on Jun 12, 2010 10:03 PM CDT reply actions

Sounds like Travis Daniels is showing well.

Then again, going stride-for-stride with D-Bowe on a fly pattern really doesn’t say a whole lot, imo. Bringing him DOWN by yourself if he has the ball is a totally different proposition, though.

by hmills110 on Jun 12, 2010 10:07 PM CDT reply actions