Dorsey slides to Chiefs

Early this morning the three draft choices ahead of the Chiefs started to take shape. It began to circulate in NFL circles that defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey might slide to Kansas City.

With Virginia defensive end Chris Long going to the St. Louis Rams and the Atlanta Falcons taking Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, it all fell into place for the Chiefs. They knew the Raiders would take running back Darren McFadden and that left arguably the best defensive player in this draft at their doorstep.

The Chiefs took the full 10 minutes to make the selection at #5 after failing to come to terms with the New Orleans Saints on a trade that would have netted the Chiefs the 10th overall pick, a seventh-rounder this year and a number one pick in 2009. Despite the offer, head coach Herm Edwards couldn’t pass on a can’t-miss defensive talent like Dorsey.

Not many believed he would slide so far. The pre-draft consensus was he’d go second or third overall.

His NCAA accolades are impressive to say the least. Dorsey won the Nagurski Award, Outland Trophy and Lott Award as the nation’s premier defensive tackle.

The Chiefs get a player who will help reshape a defensive line in need of an impact player. But even with the loss of Jared Allen, adding Dorsey gives the Chiefs a young and aggressive front four.

“I don’t look at as ‘I fell to the Chiefs’,” said Dorsey. “Each team had what they wanted to do and I didn’t come in with any expectations.”

Edwards already indicated that whomever he drafted in the first round would start. The likely plan for Dorsey is to slot him next to last year’s third-round pick, Tank Tyler. Edwards said if the Chiefs had to line up on defense tomorrow, last year’s free agent defensive tackle acquisition, Alfonso Boone, would move to left defensive end. Tamba Hali would line up at right end.

“I look at it as a positive,” said Dorsey. “I’m going into a great system where I can play immediately. I know veterans are guaranteed so many spots, and I know that just because I’m a high draft pick does not mean that I will play. I have to work for it and I am looking forward to that.”

The one thing that separates Dorsey from other defensive tackles is his effort. He was known as a high-motor player at LSU and promised he’d bring that to Kansas City.

“I bring relentless effort, first and foremost,” said Dorsey. “I feel like I will come out and give my all, no matter what. I’m a guy who come in and works hard. I’m going to try and go out to earn the respect of my teammates and coaches.”

Dorsey already had the respect of KC’s scouting department, however. Chiefs Vice President of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich said the defensive tackle was the highest-rated player on the Chiefs’ board, and they never thought the team would have an opportunity to draft him.

There was some concern over a stress fracture in his foot, but Edwards indicated it wasn’t a major issue. In fact, his ability to play through the injury was a credit.

“[Dorsey] was wounded halfway through the season,” said Edwards. “He found a way every week to play. That tells you what type of guy he is and he comes out of a program where they know how to win. That’s important, too. You want to get players like that who have played in big games. He’s played in a National Championship.”

Instant Analysis: Glenn Dorsey

Audio: DT Glenn Dorsey