BJ Kissel of the Chiefs dot com interviewed Chiefs GM Brett Veach before tonight’s preseason game against the Titans on KCTV-5 and Veach gave us some details on their recent trades.
I’m going to pull out a few quotes from his brief interview with BJ. Veach was asked about the recent trades - the one for LB Reggie Ragland and for OL Cameron Erving.
“Anytime you have an opportunity to get two younger players that still have multiple years left on their rookie deals and guys we took a liking to during the draft process. You look into those situations and think if they can help your roster.”
That both are still on their rookie deals is notable because the Chiefs gave up draft picks. They didn’t give up draft picks for high priced players. They gave up picks for players still on rookie deals. For cap purposes, that’s important.
Now for Cam Erving....
“With the addition of Cam I think it gives us some back end depth at the tackle position, particularly the swing tackle position.”
This was the most interesting part of the interview for me. Veach confirmed our suspicions that the Chiefs view Erving as an offensive tackle. It makes sense more now that we saw the Chiefs cut Jah Reid. Erving was also considered a center and guard prospect coming out of Florida State so his position really was a question.
“With Reggie we think he may not be 100 percent but we feel with our training staff and a few weeks here into the season we can get him up and running. He will be a positive addition to the middle of our defense.”
Ragland was a asecond round pick last year but was hurt all of last season. He was a big time prospect out of Alabama but dropped on draft weekend. It’s worth the risk.