INDIANAPOLIS – In the previous two days at the NFL Scouting Combine, offensive lineman Billy Turner was one of few players to have been confirmed as either talking to the Chiefs or pending an interview.
Day Three proved eventful, as numerous players are confirmed for both categories.
Feb. 22, 2014; Indianapolis; Florida State linebacker Telvin Smith addressing reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.
• Inside linebacker Telvin Smith, Florida State
Smith, who also had interaction with the Chiefs at the Senior Bowl, said he has an interview scheduled with the Chiefs in the coming days at the Combine. His official measurements are 6-foot-3, 218 pounds.
While he carries a slight frame, Smith said he’s working hard to gain weight and it’s been a challenge.
“It’s tough,” he said. “That’s probably the toughest thing that I have when it comes to football, it’s putting on weight.
“It’s not as big to me as it is to other people. But because I know I have this job, a part of the job, I’ll try and do it.”
Still, he hopes his current lack of bulk doesn’t take away from his proven play at Florida State.
“I’m an emotional football player,” Smith said. “I play with my emotions on my sleeve on the field, so hopefully they’ll see that in my film and see that I can help the organization.”
Projected as a second-round pick by NFLDraftScout.com and CBSSports.com, Smith made his name in college as a playmaker and as one of Florida State’s emotional leaders.
Moreover, he has a knack for defending the pass, a skill he hopes will entice a team in need of that versatility.
“You just got to say to yourself when that ball goes in the air, I want to come down with it,” Smith said of his mentality in pass coverage. “When I drop in zone, I’m a ball-hawk, I’m a playmaker.
“When it gets around you, you get that opportunity, you have to take advantage of it whenever you get it. And that’s what I do. Anytime I get that chance, I’m going to take advantage of it.”
Smith admits he didn’t follow the NFL action closely this season due to his focus on helping Florida State win the national championship.
However, he’s aware the Chiefs had a strong season.
“I know they had a good team,” Smith said. “They obviously have (quarterback) Alex Smith, they have a good running back in (Jamaal) Charles and the defense is going to get better. I know they need a linebacker that can move and cover, so hopefully I’ll be their fit. It’s on them whether they like me to fit.”
Smith also said he interviewed with the Chicago Bears on Friday night.
• Defensive end James Gayle, Virginia Tech
Gayle said he spoke to the Chiefs at the Senior Bowl, but hasn’t talked to the team yet at the Combine. He was scheduled for numerous team interviews Saturday night.
The Hokie’s official Combine measurements are 6-foot-3, 259 pounds.
Gayle said he played mostly in a 4-3 defense at Virginia Tech, but appeared comfortable if called upon to transition to a 3-4.
“I don’t think it would be that hard to transition,” Gayle said. “Of course, I’m going to have to get in my playbook. But I’m an athletic guy, so I feel like I can play outside linebacker. It’s not like I’m trying to make the transition to corner.”
Gayle is projected as a fifth-round draft pick by NFLDraftScout.com and CBSSports.com.
• Defensive end Tevin Mims, South Florida
Mims said the Chiefs are one of the teams he talked to at the Combine. His official measurements are 6-foot-4, 260 pounds.
Mims played in a 4-3 defense at South Florida, but said transitioning to a 3-4 shouldn’t be a big problem.
“I don’t think it would be that hard,” Mims said. “I played with my hand on the dirt and standing up in college, so I don’t think the transition would be that difficult.”
As to what he knows about the Chiefs, it’s clear Mims if familiar with the organization.
“Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Andy Reid, Jamaal Charles, I mean I could just go and on,” Mims said with a smile. “It’s a great organization, great coaches, great players. If they were to pick me up, I’d be more than thrilled to play for them.”
Mims isn’t currently projected to be drafted by NFLDraftScout.com and CBSSports.com.
• Other notable players
USC WR Marqise Lee said the #Chiefs are one of the teams he will meet with today. Also said has meetings with Jets, Lions.
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) February 22, 2014
Texas A&M receiver Mike Evans said the #Chiefs were the first team he met with yesterday. Said he talked to WR coach David Culley.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) February 22, 2014
Concordia DE Zach Moore said he’s interviewed with the #Chiefs. — Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) February 22, 2014
Arizona State DT Will Sutton, who lost 13 pounds since the Senior Bowl, said he met twice with the #Chiefs there and has another set up here — Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) February 22, 2014
Minnesota DT Ra’Shede Hageman said he has an interview scheduled with the #Chiefs.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) February 22, 2014
