Concentration impresses Vermeil at Chiefs camp

Associated Press

RIVER FALLS, Wis. -- As the Kansas City Chiefs start training camp, settling on a starter at right tackle is among their top concerns. The offensive line hadn't changed since 2001 until free agent John Tait signed with Chicago during the off-season.

John Wellbourn, acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles where he started at guard the last four seasons, is the favorite, but Chris Bober and Brett Williams also worked out at the position during Thursday's first practice session. Bober is a free agent formerly with the New York Giants, and Williams was a fourth-round draft choice last year.

Offensive coordinator Al Saunders said getting the job settled quickly is a major issue for the team, and coach Dick Vermeil said he hoped to have it decided by the first preseason game against the Giants on Aug. 13.

''You can't go into the season and not have a definite starter because then you're in a flux,'' said Saunders. ''One of the main reasons we've been effective as an offense is the continuity and consistency of that offensive line and the way they play together. You don't get that until you have your group set, so the sooner we get this resolved, the better.''

Wellbourn started at right tackle in the first game of his rookie season at Philadelphia before injury took him out of action the rest of the year. Bober has switched between center and tackle, and Williams didn't play in his rookie season.

Meanwhile, Vermeil said he was impressed with the level of concentration he saw on the first day.

''We worked as if we've been practicing for a week,'' he said. ''There were no mental mistakes. No offsides, no guys jumping. The only illegal procedure we had was on a punt. They showed real good discipline, and I was very pleased.''

One of the most intriguing matchups of the day was between second-year cornerback Julian Battle and third-year wideout Marc Boerigter. During an 11-on-11 drill near the end of practice, they ran side-by-side down the right sideline before Boerigter hauled in a 40-yard strike from quarterback Trent Green.

But Battle never gave up, got his arm between the ball and Boerigter's body and wrestled it loose.

Vermeil said training camp matchups like that will make both players better.

''When you're running routes against Julian Battle you're running routes against a quality, quality corner,'' he said. ''It's good for him to be going against a quality receiver, and its good for the receiver. I really think he (Battle) is going to ascend rapidly in this training camp. Bo started out good today, too. Bo just has to catch the ball consistently.''

First-round draft pick Junior Siavii worked out mainly with the second and third units. Gunther Cunningham, the former Chiefs' head coach now back with the team in his old job as defensive coordinator, said Siavii's first day may have been less than impressive, but he's confident the rookie defensive tackle will live up to expectations.

''You didn't really notice him out there today,'' Cunningham said. ''I think he's a little apprehensive, like all young guys are. It's not that they're worried about the offensive line. They're worried about the schedules and getting lunch on time and things like that. It will take him a couple of days to get in the rhythm, but he'll be fine.''

The only injury reported Thursday was to wide receiver Eddie Kennison. Vermeil said he fell and landed awkwardly on his wrist.

''I don't think it's anything serious,'' the coach said. ''But he had to go off the field, and he'll have it x-rayed.''