Post by TNChief on Jul 12, 2003 10:25:18 GMT -5
Chiefs reach terms with Mitchell, two other picks
By IVAN CARTER
The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs have agreed to contract terms with three draft picks, including second-rounder Kawika Mitchell, who will enter training camp as the backup middle linebacker to Mike Maslowski.
The 6-foot, 253-pound Mitchell was a three-year starter at South Florida after transferring from Georgia. He flew up draft boards after turning in an impressive performance at the pre-draft combine.
The Chiefs spent a second-round choice (47th overall) with the hopes that Mitchell will add much-needed speed and playmaking to a linebacking unit that often lacked both last season.
The team also reached agreements with fifth-rounder Jordan Black, an offensive linemen out of Notre Dame, and sixth-rounder Jimmy Wilkerson, a defensive end out of Oklahoma.
Contract terms were unavailable.
The remaining unsigned Chiefs draft picks are running back Larry Johnson (first round), offensive tackle Brett Williams (fourth round) and defensive tackle Montique Sharpe (seventh round).
The team signed cornerback Julian Battle (third round) and safety Willie Pile (seventh round) in May.
As of Friday night, Mitchell and Atlanta cornerback Bryan Scott were the only second-round picks to have reached contract agreements. Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer is the only first-round pick with a contract.
Chiefs team president/general manager Carl Peterson said talks with the agent representing Johnson were going smoothly. He said he expects Johnson to be signed before the team reports to training camp next Sunday.
Johnson, who was selected 27th overall in April's NFL draft, is represented by longtime agent Marvin Demoff, whose dealings with Peterson go back to Peterson's days with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"We've had good talks," Peterson said. "(Demoff) and I go back 25 years, so I see no reason on earth why we can't get it finished in time for camp. I think (Johnson) knows the importance of getting to camp on time. He's going to get a lot of reps."
If Johnson signs next week, he would snap the Chiefs' streak of first-round picks who have missed the opening of camp. Offensive tackle Victor Riley, who was taken with the 27th pick in 1998, was the last first-rounder to report on time.
By IVAN CARTER
The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs have agreed to contract terms with three draft picks, including second-rounder Kawika Mitchell, who will enter training camp as the backup middle linebacker to Mike Maslowski.
The 6-foot, 253-pound Mitchell was a three-year starter at South Florida after transferring from Georgia. He flew up draft boards after turning in an impressive performance at the pre-draft combine.
The Chiefs spent a second-round choice (47th overall) with the hopes that Mitchell will add much-needed speed and playmaking to a linebacking unit that often lacked both last season.
The team also reached agreements with fifth-rounder Jordan Black, an offensive linemen out of Notre Dame, and sixth-rounder Jimmy Wilkerson, a defensive end out of Oklahoma.
Contract terms were unavailable.
The remaining unsigned Chiefs draft picks are running back Larry Johnson (first round), offensive tackle Brett Williams (fourth round) and defensive tackle Montique Sharpe (seventh round).
The team signed cornerback Julian Battle (third round) and safety Willie Pile (seventh round) in May.
As of Friday night, Mitchell and Atlanta cornerback Bryan Scott were the only second-round picks to have reached contract agreements. Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer is the only first-round pick with a contract.
Chiefs team president/general manager Carl Peterson said talks with the agent representing Johnson were going smoothly. He said he expects Johnson to be signed before the team reports to training camp next Sunday.
Johnson, who was selected 27th overall in April's NFL draft, is represented by longtime agent Marvin Demoff, whose dealings with Peterson go back to Peterson's days with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"We've had good talks," Peterson said. "(Demoff) and I go back 25 years, so I see no reason on earth why we can't get it finished in time for camp. I think (Johnson) knows the importance of getting to camp on time. He's going to get a lot of reps."
If Johnson signs next week, he would snap the Chiefs' streak of first-round picks who have missed the opening of camp. Offensive tackle Victor Riley, who was taken with the 27th pick in 1998, was the last first-rounder to report on time.