A former Chicago Bears second-round draft pick in the 1996 NFL draft, Engram has started 113 games in 14 NFL season.

He’s 37 years old and coming off a five-reception, 61-yard season in five games last season with the Kansas City Chiefs.

It’s unclear what sort of role the Browns have envisioned for Engram, but he could provide a mentor for young receivers like Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi and Carlton Mitchell.

His top season was in 2007 when he recorded 94 receptions for 1,147 yards and six scores.

Perfect place for Engram to try and re-establish his career.  Browns President Mike Holmgren had Engram in Seattle when the receiver caught the most passes in team history.

This time last year I really thought that Engram could provide a solid second option to Dwayne Bowe, but wasn’t able to show much before the Chiefs turned their attention to Chris Chambers.

Smith has played in 23 games for Kansas City, rushing 147 times for 507 yards and 3 touchdowns.  He has also caught 32 passes for 200 yards.  He spent the final 8 games of last season on injured reserve and the first 7 games of this year on the PUP list.

Engram was signed in the offseason and appeared in five games for the Chiefs this season.  He caught 5 passes for 61 yards.

Neither of these moves were much of a surprise.

By all accounts, Smith’s knee is finally healthy and there’s certainly no doubt about his body.  While he’s been rehabbing he has been conditioning like a mad man and looks like one of the most chiseled players in the league.  Hard to argue with KCChiefs.com’s Josh Looney that has deemed Smith’s look as “Body by Haley”.

Engram was simply lost in the revolving door that is the Chiefs wide receivers.  When he was first signed I thought he would have a great season playing opposite Dwayne Bowe but he never established himself and Haley started looking for other veteran options at WR.  Things started to really look bad for Engram the last couple of weeks when he was a healthy inactive and then the claiming of Chris Chambers off of waiver this week all but sealed Engram’s fate.

The Kansas City Chiefs returned to the practice field this morning for the first of two practices today.  As always, filing reports from River Falls are Josh Looney @ KCChiefs.com, Bob Gretz @ BobGretz.com & CBSSports.com and the staff at UWRF.

Ashley Lelie practiced with the Chiefs for the first time after signing with the team earlier in the day and wore No. 17.  Wade Smith and DaJuan Morgan returned to the practice field.  Smith was out 10 days and Morgan missed two weeks.  Joining the rehab zone for the first time was Tyler Thigpen.  Other players missing the morning practice were G Tavares Washington, Kolby Smith and Zach Thomas.

Working with the first team offense at right tackle is Barry Richardson for the first time during training camp.  Previously, Damion McIntosh and Herb Taylor shared the spot; both are now working with the No. 2 line.

The No. 1 offense continues to work without the services of Dwayne Bowe.

Ryan Succop hit three of his four field goal attempts.  He had makes from 39, 41 and 50 yards but missed from 54.

There were new faces returning kicks: Bobby Engram, RB Dantrell Savage and Maurice Leggett.

Tyson Jackson turned in his best session of pass-rushing since arriving in River Falls.  He beat McIntosh with a nice inside move.  Jackson then teamed with Ron Edwards to blow up a lead draw.

Starting safety Bernard Pollard injured his right foot and left the practice field with a trainer.  Mike Brown took his spot with the No. 1 defense.

During the goal line session, Larry Johnson dove over the pile at the line for a touchdown.

Later during the same session, Jackie Battle fumbled and the defense recovered.  The offensive players came in arguing that Battle was down, an assertion that Todd Haley quickly came in and confirmed.

Offensive miscommunication on the final play of practice as CB Ricardo Colclough jumped a goal line pass and took it 100-yards for a pick six.

The return game continues to worry Haley as he tries to rebuild it as he goes during training camp.  Engram has experience in his career, but can he still get it done at his age?  At the very least we know he’ll catch the ball, something that Quinten Lawrence is having trouble with right now.  I still think Jamaal Charles is the man for the job, especially if some of his reps on offense are taken by Jackie Battle.

Is this any way to rebuild?  Some would say no, but the Chiefs duo in charge obviously disagrees.  What appears to be at work here are two factors: the 2000 New England Patriots and the desire to win as many games as possible in the 2009 season.

When Bill Belichick was hired to take over the New England Patriots for the 2000 season, he and Pioli assessed the roster they inherited and then went out and signed a bus load of veteran free agents.  They did not commit big dollars or lengthy contracts to those guys, but they raised the level of competition and also the chance to win games.  That didn’t happen with the 2000 Patriots, as they went 5-11 after finishing 8-8 the season before.  But the 2001 Patriots won the Super Bowl.

Of course, in early August we don’t know what kind of contributions that Toomer et al. will make to the ‘09 Chiefs. There’s no guarantee they all make the final roster, although right now with the state of the names on that roster, it would be a surprise if all five of those veterans are not part of the final 53-man group that gets ready to play Baltimore in the regular-season opener.

Last year, no matter if you were a fan of the Herm Edwards-led youth movement or not, it was hard to argue the team was doing everything they could to win ballgames.  This season, even in early August, you’d be hard pressed to make the same argument.  Again, we have a long way to go, but I would be very surprised if — barring injury — all of the veterans Gretz mentioned weren’t on the team when the Chiefs break camp.

Not everyone is as optimistic that all of those veterans will make the team.  Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star took to his Twitter account with who he thinks will be the odd man out.

People keep calling me crazy, but I think Toomer’s signing is bad news for Bobby Engram.  Or at least a wake-up call for him.  Engram has had as many drops as anyone, and Haley has called him out several times for falling during routes.

It just doesn’t add up to me that they’d add another aging possession receiver.  Bradley has looked pretty good.  Darling is a decent reserve.  My point is, there’s no reason to keep two aging, well-paid receivers if one clearly is better.

And with Engram having some early bumps, I think it compelled the Chiefs to bring in another veteran. I’d be surprised if they keep both.

Am I a jinx?  Seriously.   Coming into camp I was beating the drum for Derrick Johnson and he gets hurt right off the bat.  Then on the other side of the ball, Engram has been the object of my football affection and the Chiefs sign another veteran very similar to him.  Though I don’t think they are as similar Babb thinks they are.  Engram is 100% a possession receiver, but Toomer went deep plenty with the Giants throughout his career, even at the end.  With that being said, I could see this move more being used to send a message to Engram that his spot on the team isn’t set in stone.

Meanwhile, one player that seems to have cemented his status with the team is Larry Johnson.  And as John Marshall of the Associated Press notes, Johnson finally seems content.

The Chiefs are experiencing a new version: content Larry.

Well, maybe it’s not completely new.  Johnson claimed to be content before last season.  Turned out to be an impostor.  This time, though, Johnson, through his actions and attitude, seems to be serious.  And Todd Haley, for one, seems convinced.

“From the day I took the job, Larry Johnson has appeared to enjoy football and enjoy working at it, and I’m excited about it.  I’ve not had an issue with Larry Johnson and what he’s done.”

Impressed by the new regime’s vision, Johnson became a model player, working hard in the weight room, setting an example on the field, doing everything asked of him without a word back.  Away from the field, he stayed out of the news, kept his focus on the upcoming season, not the next nightclub.

Lean, quick and powerful, Johnson has been sharp through the start of camp, bursting through holes, punishing tacklers who dare try to stop him.  In other words, he has looked more like the Pro Bowler than the guy who spent the past two seasons running up the backs of his offensive linemen.

The contentment, though, is in his countenance and disposition.  The scowl has melted away, replaced by a determined glare on the field, smiles off it.  He’s been almost happy-go-lucky at training camp, ribbing teammates and bantering with reporters.

Johnson has goals, too.  He wants to set the Chiefs career rushing record — he’s 432 yards behind Priest Holmes — and wants to get the Chiefs back to the playoffs and win a Super Bowl.  This certainly appears to be a new Larry.

“I like the organization I’m in.  It just feels comfortable.”

And so far, content, Larry.

Maybe I can be a jinx in a good way (or maybe I’m just wrong a lot)?  Because there was no doubt in my mind that Larry Johnson had played his last game in a Chiefs jersey.  And unlike my rah-rah approach with Engram, there were plenty of people that felt the same way about LJ.  But he has proved all of us wrong at every corner ever since he settled his legal troubles.  Surely, no matter how much he has matured and loves the new regime, part of his new motivation has to be rooted in the massive base salary his is due this season.  But no matter the reason I hope he stay on the straight and narrow (and out of the clubs)!

E-mails and voice mails in response to the start of our coverage of Derrick Thomas’ upcoming induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame have not been positive.  In fact, they are running about 3 to 1 in criticizing DT’s personal life and arguing against his enshrinement.

It’s no secret Derrick had some issues.  He had seven children out of wedlock with five women, something that has been well-documented.  And, yes, Derrick did not leave a will, and his affairs were a mess upon his untimely death.

But understand this: We are celebrating Derrick Thomas’ career and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame because of his abilities as a football player.  The Hall of Fame – just like baseball’s shrine and those of other sports – elect its players based on what they did on the field of play. Personal behavior is not part of the equation.

I figured this might have to be addressed at some point.  Even here at our small little site here, there have been more than a few people that have expressed their distaste for my endless praise of Thomas.  While it’s hard to argue with their points about DT’s issues in his personal life, they don’t seem to want to talk about the other part of his life off the field, which was dedicated to charity and community service.  With that being said, I have to disagree with Covitz that players are elected simply for what they did on the field.  There have been plenty of players left out of their respective sports’ Hall of Fame because of their life away from the game, but most of those are gambling related.

Derrick Thomas was one of the greatest players to ever play linebacker in the NFL.  He also was involved with countless charities and community organizations when he wasn’t in between the lines.  And, yes, he had issues in his personal life.   But who doesn’t?  He didn’t cheat or gamble on the game he loved.  He was human.  Something we unfortunately found out far too early.

We all know about the coaches that will be working under Todd Haley this season.  But what about the other coaches that have bouncing around camp?  Bob Gretz took a look at the four coaching interns that will be camping with the Chiefs.

Anthony Pleasant – A former DE/OLB who played 14 seasons in the NFL with the Browns, Ravens, Falcons, Jets, 49ers and Patriots, where he won a pair of Super Bowl rings.  He appeared in 202 games with 58 career sacks.

Richie Anderson – A former NFL fullback who made the 2001 Pro Bowl while playing with the New York Jets.  He also played for the Dallas Cowboys.  He retired after 12 seasons in the NFL with 318 carries for 1,274 yards and four touchdowns.  Anderson also caught 397 passes for 3,149 yards and 14 TDs.

Jamar Cain –  Member of the coaching staff at Cal Poly where he handles the defensive line.  He spent the previous three seasons working on Terry Allen’s staff at Missouri State.

Chip Taylor – Member of the coaching staff at Valparaiso where he handles the defensive backs.  He did a training camp internship last summer with the Arizona Cardinals.

Haley has talked a little bit about how important it is to have Pleasant around the players as they adjust to the 3-4.  I could see him scoring a position with the team throughout the season if he continues to impress the coaches with his knowledge of the new scheme.  Another name to keep an eye on here is Taylor.  This is his second training camp internship with Haley, who can clearly understand how much work it takes to climb up the coaching ladder and might look to help Taylor out along the way.

There are still plenty of young players that will contribute — if not start — for the Chiefs this season, but one of the most influential players could be one of the oldest.

It’s early in camp, but Cassel seems to have found a rhythm with Bobby Engram, the slot receiver when the Chiefs use a three-receiver formation.  Cassel found Engram on a short crossing route in practice Sunday, and Engram turned it into a long gain.  The veteran has been impressed with the Chiefs new quarterback.

“Right now he’s been spot-on.  One thing I like about him is his mentality.  He’s got that short memory.  If he throws an incomplete ball or an interception, he’s right back throwing it with just as much confidence on the next ball.  Not every quarterback has that, but the great ones do.”

Haley has still declined to declare publicly that Cassel is the starter, but the new contract erased any doubt.  Cassel has taken all of the first-team snaps at camp, and Tyler Thigpen has conceded his job is now to be the best reserve quarterback he can be.

When we were talking about Engram’s potential fantasy impact, I deemed him as potentially one of the best value picks in the league.  And his fantasy impact will obviously be felt on the real field as well.  Cassel will need a safety valve and without Tony Gonzalez around and the current options at TE yet to impress, Engram is the perfect player to fit that role.  I had predicted a 64-80 catch season for Engram, so even if you meet in the middle that’s 72 catches.  If he can stay healthy, Cassel-to-Engram is something you are going to hear a lot of this season.

Following the Chiefs second day of training camp — first in pads — Kansas City head coach Todd Haley met with the media.  Here are the highlights:

On today being different:

“You have the OTA’s, and it’s not a lot different.  But you have the pads on and it’s a little longer practice and the fans definitely add to it.  I was definitely nervous and forgot to blow my whistle a few times.  You know, as an assistant coach you are not allowed to wear a whistle.  The head coach gets it.  That’s something I’ve got to get used to.”

If Bobby Engram will help with the younger players:

“That’s why we brought him here, but we expect him to be able to play.  But that was a big part of it.  I’ve known Bobby all the way back to 2001 and he seems genuinely excited to me.”

On Larry Johnson’s turnaround in attitude:

“As a coach, the way I’ve been taught is to go by what I see.  When I said clean slate for everybody I meant it.  Going by what I see I’m excited about the player.  It was nice to see him out there.”

Expectations for Mark Bradley:

“There’s no doubt Mark has ability and needs to just be a consistent player.  He’s had some ups and downs in his career to this point and had some injuries and nicks.  It’s not a one day you’re in and one day you’re out thing.  He’s got to show he can be out here every day and be the same guy every day.”

The team’s comfort level with Ryan Succop after releasing his only competition:

“I don’t know if I was necessarily comfortable.  The numbers have to come from somewhere to get all these rookies signed.  You may only have one field goal in a game in the pre-season.  This was the best direction to go right now.”

On Matt Cassel:

“Matt’s Matt. He’s this way every day.  He’s got great enthusiasm.  He’ll be standing by me and I’ve got to tell him to be quiet five or six times.”

Bobby Engram is the forgotten man on this defense to me.  Obviously Dwayne Bowe is the potential star, but after that people talk about the Chiefs receivers like they are question marks.  Engram is anything but.  If there’s one guy who I’ll trust to catch a pass on 3rd and 7, it’s Bobby Engram.  I have no doubt he will help Bowe to take that next step, especially when it comes to being a professional off the field, which is a big part of the package.

The aspiring broadcasters were staggered by the volume of instructions and tips for calling a game or working as a studio analyst.

Know the players’ names.

Know their numbers.

Their colleges.

Their strengths and weaknesses.

And say it clearly, quickly and intelligently.  Holmes, who took part in the program late last month, was surprised at the amount of work broadcasters do.

“I have a new appreciation for anyone who sits in that booth because I didn’t realize how much work goes into it.  Mentally, it was draining.”

The program, directed by the NFL Broadcasting Department for the last three years, brought in instructors from the league’s broadcast partners who offered their expertise in myriad areas, including field reporting, game analysis, tape study, editing, studio preparation, radio production and control-room operation.

Holmes provided color commentary for a tape of the Chicago Bears’ 24-20 win over Philadelphia from last season, and he benefited from some lessons from Dick Vermeil, his former coach with the Chiefs, who has had a distinguished career as an analyst.

“He talked to us about preparation.  They were giving him credit as the one who invented the flip board, where you have the offensive and defensive (depth charts on each side) and can use it for tidbits about each player.”

Vermeil said Holmes showed enough potential that he recommended him for a position with NFL Network.

“Priest always had a unique response to everyday questions regarding football but expressed himself in a different way than most guys asked the same question.  I thought fans might find that interesting coming from one of the great running backs like Priest Holmes.”

Of all the former Chiefs out there, Priest Holmes probably would have been the last person I expected to try his hand at broadcasting.  Not because he wasn’t articulate during his time in Kansas City — he was always one of the best to hear from after a game — but because he completely disappeared from the public eye once he retired.  Coming from the world of radio, I know just how difficult it is to call sports on TV and radio.  If Holmes is willing to put the time in, I think can he be a great analyst and if he’s not then I guess he can go work for FOX.

Todd Haley’s first training camp as a head coach in the NFL is just over a week away and for the sake of the franchise hopefully he has a better career than most of the first-time head coaches the Chiefs have hired over the years.  Bob Gretz took a look at how Kansas City (then Dallas) had success with their first rookie head coach, but not much since.

The most successful head coach in league history was Hank Stram.  Before he was hired to coach the Dallas Texans for the 1960 inaugural season of the American Football League, Stram had never before been a head coach.  Although he wasn’t Lamar Hunt’s first choice to lead the team – the Chiefs founder initially offered the job to Bud Wilkinson and Tom Landry but they turned him down – Stram proved wildly successful with three AFL championships and a Super Bowl victory.  In that first season under him the Texans had an 8-6 record.

Stram was the exception among the other first-time head coaches the Hunts have hired over the history of the franchise: Paul Wiggin, the late Frank Gansz and Gunther Cunningham.

In two and a half seasons, Wiggin was 11-24.  He started 5-9.  Gansz was 8-22-1 in his two seasons as head coach, with an opening 4-11.  Cunningham’s two seasons leading the team produced a 16-16 record.  Only Gunther had a winning record in his first season, at 9-7.

Marv Levy, John Mackovic, Marty Schottenheimer, Dick Vermeil and Herm Edwards had all been head coaches before.  All but Mackovic had been a head coach on the pro level.

Previous head coaching experience guarantees nothing when taking over an NFL team.  But it’s sure helpful in making smooth transitions and getting teams up and running and winning more quickly.  There’s no on the job learning of the basics and that allows the coach can take his role to the next level.

It should be fascinating to see how Todd Haley adjusts to running training camp for the first time in his life at any level.  I think he will get a huge boost from not only working under Bill Parcells over the years, but he just saw Ken Whisenhunt make the same adjustment two years ago with the Cardinals.  So far he has seemed up to the task and I’m confident there won’t be any major issues when the Chiefs leave for River Falls at the end of next week.

The fantasy profiles of Chiefs players keep coming in, today it’s another one from our friends at KFFL.com.  Everyone is trying to figure out who will get the bulk of Tony Gonzalez’ 94 catches from last season.  Will it be new WR Bobby Engram?

Engram has been no stranger to injury in his career, and at 36 years old he may be even more susceptible than ever before.  Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is of the same possession-receiver mold, so how many passes can realistically come Engram’s way?  He has to learn a new offense and has to work with quarterback Matt Cassel, who is looking to prove last year wasn’t a fluke.

In point-per-reception leagues, consider Engram only if you want to make a very late investment.  Any upside he once had is gone; we see no reason to draft him in 2009.

I’m going to have to disagree with KFFL here.  I’ve been pretty clear that there aren’t many fantasy starters on the current Chiefs roster.  But there are plenty of potential value picks and Engram is one of them.  Again, if you are going to count on the veteran wide out to be a starter, just give up on the season now before it starts.  But with Todd Haley’s history with the passing game, the Chiefs likely to be coming from behind plenty this year and no Tony Gonzalez as a safety valve that means Engram is the perfect option to be your first WR off the bench.  How often can you fill your bye weeks with someone that is (health withstanding) all but guaranteed 4-5 catches every week.  That’s a 64-80 catch season.  Not too shabby for a backup.

The plus/minus scale for the Chiefs offensively did not balance out in this offseason.  On the minus side is Tony Gonzalez, traded to Atlanta and taking with him about 20 percent of the passing game over the last few years.  On the plus side would be 36-year old, 14-year receiver Bobby Engram.  He’s a possession/slot receiver at the end of his career.

Whether it was at tight end, wide receiver, or in the backfield, the Chiefs needed to add another weapon for Matt Cassel to work with.  It didn’t happen and that could have season-long consequences.

As proven and consistent NFL receivers, the Chiefs offense has WRs Engram and Dwayne Bowe.  That’s it.  Mark Bradley has shown flashes, but he’s not consistent and is often injured.  Devard Darling seems to have the skills, but has never been given the opportunities.  Jeff Webb and Terrance Copper are journeymen types.

Cassel is going to need top notch protection because there are not many receivers available who can create plays with their speed, quickness or moves.

While it’s a concern, I think that Todd Haley’s offense will hide a lot of the shortcomings in the receiving corps.  Clearly the Chiefs do not have a Larry Fitzgerald or Anquan Boldin, but there’s no reason Bowe and a guy like Darling can’t be a poor man’s version of them.  And how many people thought Steve Breaston could be an impact player in the league?  Not many fifth round picks turn in big time seasons their second year in the NFL, but that’s exactly what he did last season.  As we go along, I think everyone needs to remember this isn’t going to be a one year fix.  Just because you are thin at a position, that doesn’t mean you overpay for someone that doesn’t fit with where you want to ultimately go.

Yesterday, we brought you the story of former Chiefs second round pick Junior Siavii, who has resurfaced with the Dallas Cowboys trying to make the roster as a backup.  Today Tampa Bay Online talks to Jimmy Wilkerson, another former Kansas City lineman.  The difference between the two is Wilkerson is already expected to play a big role.

Wilkerson played the past six seasons primarily on special teams.  Kansas City allowed Wilkerson to start in only five of 72 games from 2003 to 2007 before letting him walk after that season.  He signed with the Bucs last year, and he hoped they would recognize what the Chiefs did not.  The Buccaneers have.

Wilkerson had five sacks while playing defensive tackle and defensive end last season.  Tampa Bay rewarded Wilkerson by naming him its starting left end opposite former first-round pick Gaines Adams, a decision coach Raheem Morris isn’t regretting.

“You can’t say enough positive things about what Jimmy Wilkerson has done since he’s been here.  He’s been a hard, go get ‘em worker in everything he’s asked to do – special teams, inside rusher.  Whatever you can think positive about Jimmy Wilkerson, you can say about him.”

Wilkerson slimmed down from 290 pounds to 265, but he added muscle and strength and improved his quickness.  Coaches say the 6-foot-2 Wilkerson has been one of the hardest workers this offseason, and they expect him to fill the void left by former left end Kevin Carter, who was not re-signed.  Defensive line coach Todd Walsh is still wondering how he ended up in Tampa.

“How he got out of Kansas City, I’ve yet to know.  We are so pleased with what he’s doing. We feel that we haven’t lost a step in that position.  He’s here every day.  And I think he knew coming into this season that he was going to have more of a role and more snaps a game.  Jimmy has really taken care of himself weight room-wise, conditioning-wise, and he’s out there going 100 miles an hour every snap.  That’s a credit to him as to how hard he works in the offseason.”

Awesome.  I think this is another one we can put at the feet of Herman Edwards.  Don’t get me wrong, starting for Tampa Bay now isn’t like starting for the 2002 Bucs but you can’t deny he would be a perfect fit for what Todd Haley and Scott Pioli are trying to do.  Even if you are using last year to keep score: Kansas City Chiefs Defense – 10 sacks, Jimmy Wilkerson – 5 sacks.  I repeat… Awesome.

Speaking of former Chiefs, a couple were selected last night in the inaugural UFL Draft.

The UFL Las Vegas franchise selected former Chiefs LB Gary Stills.  The 34-year-old Stills played seven seasons in Kansas City and also spent time in the now-defunct NFL Europe.  Stills will play for former Giants coach Jim Fassel.

A player that spent much less time in Kansas City, BJ Sams, was selected by San Francisco.  Sams appeared in three games for the Chiefs last season accumulating 238 return yards.  He was released after the team signed Mark Bradley.  Sams will play for former Vikings and Cardinals coach Dennis Green.

Stills was the type of guy that Haley has talked about a lot this offseason, someone that can really make a difference on special teams.  Sams was the perfect example of an Edwards-signing: specialty player that no longer was good at said speciality.  He is a player that could make for some good highlights for the UFL if he can get into the open field.  He should be able to perform in the watered down UFL the way Edwards wanted him to in the NFL.

The Chiefs have few, if any, more important tasks during the remaining portion of the offseason than to get Cassel comfortable in his new surroundings.  Cassel, Thigpen and Ingle Martin all took a share of the snaps behind center. Brodie Croyle, after last fall’s knee surgery, was limited to light passing in individual drills. Haley said the Chiefs were hopeful Croyle would be ready to practice at the start of training camp.

Cassel is the only one of the group new to the Chiefs.

“It’s new surroundings for everybody, for myself and all the new guys in the locker room, rookies and veterans.  That’s always tough. You make your adjustments and you meet new people and it’s a new playbook. You just dive right in, and you try get a handle on it.”

Second to the Brian Waters soap opera, Matt Cassel’s transition to Todd Haley’s offense will dominate the chatter right through training camp.  If you think otherwise, just look at the fact that almost everyone reporting on the first practice seemed to make a big deal out of Dwayne Bowe dropping Cassel’s first pass and the second being thrown wide.  Listen, folks: Can we wait until training camp starts before anyone worries about Matt Cassel?

New Chiefs wide receiver Bobby Engram talked to KJR’s Dave Mahler from the Kansas City OTA. Engram, a 13-year veteran, explained why he signed with the Chiefs and had some surprising words for those that feel he’s near retirement.

Engram said he chose Kansas City during free agency because of his relationship with head coach Todd Haley, and also that he liked the organization’s approach in putting a team together.  He also said right now he’s working out a lot in the slot with the opportunity to compete for a starting position. Engram also said as one of the veterans on a young team that he taking on more of a mentor role in Kansas City.

Now 36 years old, Engram said he believes he could play for more than a couple more years if he stays healthy.

“I don’t want to put a number on it.  People think I’m crazy when I say I could play for another five years.  They’re like, ‘Get out of here.’ But the way I feel I could.”

Back when the Chiefs first signed Engram, I talked about why he was a better choice than Torry Holt.  Not only is Engram happy to come in and compete for a starting spot but also to mentor to the younger players.  If anyone can teach Dwayne Bowe how to be a professional receiver, it’s Engram.

When looking at the starting defense during practice yesterday, Glenn Dorsey was noticeably absent on the defensive line.  The Kansas City Star reported the second year player is battling a shin injury, but Dorsey doesn’t sound too concerned.

“I’m taking it day by day.  I’m going to try to pick it up a little more every day. It’s just sore. It’s nothing major. I don’t want to take chances with it, set myself back for the season. I’ll be doing the whole practice in no time.”

The Chiefs had Dorsey lined up as their starter at right defensive end during a walk-through portion of practice. When the Chiefs started working for real, he was replaced by rookie Alex Magee.

Just like with everyone at this early of a stage, patience is going to be key.  However, unlike Cassel’s situation, Dorsey is learning a new position and every practice he misses could set him back and give Magee the leg up on the job starting opposite first round pick Tyson Jackson.

Former Missouri and Kansas City wide receiver Will Franklin was claimed off waivers after being released by the Detroit Lions.  This time Franklin is headed to Oakland.

Franklin was one of the first cuts by Todd Haley, but he was picked up by the Detroit Lions on waivers.  But the Lions cut him after only one month with the team.

Anyone still think the Chiefs will regret letting Franklin go?  The Lions and Raiders have been interested.  The end.

“I don’t think it’s like we are supposed to forget what happened last year.  I think it’s about not letting it get in our way as we get ready for this year. Everything is new, so there’s no reason to hold onto the past.”

And in what could be one of the biggest departures from Herm Edwards, according to Bobby Engram,other than everyone having a clean slate Haley let it be known each player is on equal ground:

“I think that Todd did a good job the other day in the team meeting of stating, ‘I don’t care if you are a draft pick, I don’t care whether you are a free agent, I don’t care what your situation is or how you got into this room, you are a Kansas City Chief now and our number one goal is to win games and the only way we can do that is together.’”

The message was loud and clear that there is no going backwards this season.

Clearly we need to see Haley and Pioli follow through with this message of “all for one and one for all” but they are certainly convincing in the early going.  And while I don’t expect players like Flowers and Engram to come out and rip the new administration the way Brian Waters did, they also could have not said anything at all.

To trade or not to trade, that is the question.  And the folks over at Arrowhead Pride just might have the answer.  Could the Broncos looking for a quarterback and Giants need of a wide reciever help the Chiefs acquire extra picks and fill their own multiple needs?  The Broncos have the two first round picks to work with and New York has a total of 10 they could ship out to move up into the top half of the first round.

I have no doubt the Chiefs will be big time dealers on draft day.  Besides Pioli’s past activity, we all know the Chiefs still have a lot of holes to fill and will have trouble addressing those needs by sitting on their hands from the top of the first round until day 2.  And as we get closer to the draft the more I believe the #3 pick will be moved.

It sure looks like the Jeff Garcia train is about to arrive in Oakland.  The Press Democrat is reporting the Raiders and Garcia are on the verge of a deal that would bring the 39-year-old in to back up JaMarcus Russell.  Garcia has played for five NFL teams over the past six seasons.

Garcia’s final game with Tampa Bay was a 31-24 upset home loss to the Raiders.

Anyone that thinks Garcia will be Oakland’s starter by week 5, please raise your hand.  We’ve heard the same story several times where Garcia will come in and backup (enter name of QB) and then he ends up not only starting but playing well.  I’d much rather face Russell than Garcia when the first Raiders/Chiefs game comes rolling around.