The Kansas City Chiefs select Doug Free, offensive tackle from Northern Illinois. Enter the second round, where names are less familiar and the choices are more controversial. Arrowhead Pride made this pick because, well, we just had a 15 year Hall of Fame offensive lineman retire and we'd like to hopefully rebuild what was the greatest offensive line of the century (21st that is).
Doug Free's durability is one thing that got my attention. Since his first start as a freshman, Free was able to rack up 49 consecutive starts for the Huskies. Free has definite potential to be a fantastic tackle with his size, athleticism and durability. His college coach Joe Novak said:
No question, Doug has the talent to play on Sundays. Knock on wood, I believe he's going to be a first-round draft pick. Doug Free's a lot better athlete than Ryan Diem. (Free) can run! You just don't see many offensive linemen that can run at that size like he can. What's impressive is he'll sit back in pass protection and then we'll throw the ball down the field and he'll run down field and block a safety. I mean, get downfield! You just don't see kids who can do that. He's special. Our kids call him 'Doug Freak' because he runs so well.
As one elite offensive lineman leaves, we welcome another hopeful into the ranks. Keep checking out Field Gulls for mock draft updates.