Best and Worst of NFL’s Supplemental Draft

The NFL excels — between the combine, free agency, the draft, OTAs and minicamps — at keeping itself in the news year-round. The league all but shuts down, however, in the three to four weeks leading up to training camps, so besides the occasional police blotter item and Brett Favre speculation, what can we talk about?

The supplemental draft, that’s what.

So we take a stroll down supplemental Memory Lane, with both the good and the bad.

The Best Supplemental Draft Picks

1) Cris Carter (Philadelphia, 4th round, 1987)
The gifted Ohio State All-American was also at the center of the Norby Walters scandal, one of the most notorious pay-for-play NCAA episodes of the decade. The Eagles used only a mid-round pick to acquire a player who became one of the best young receivers in the league, before cocaine abuse cut his Philly career short. Once cleaned up, Carter jump-started his career again at Minnesota and retired in 2001 as one of only two receivers in history (at the time) with more than 1,000 catches.

2) Bernie Kosar (Cleveland, 1st round, 1985)
A confluence of unusual and fortunate circumstances — most notably, a bidding war with the USFL and the fact he was poised to graduate with two degrees after just two seasons playing at the University of Miami — allowed Kosar, an Ohio native, to enter the supplemental draft knowing he would play for his hometown Cleveland Browns. Kosar led the Browns to three AFC title games over his first five seasons, only to lose them all, including two infamous heartbreakers vs. Denver (“The Drive,” courtesy of John Elway, and “The Fumble,” courtesy of Earnest Byner).

3) Rob Moore (New York Jets, 1st round, 1990)
Coming out of Syracuse, he drew comparisons to another Orange great, Art Monk, and Moore did his part to deliver. In 10 seasons with the Jets and five with Arizona, Moore caught 628 passes and 48 touchdowns.

4) Mike Wahle (Green Bay, 2nd round, 1998)
Entered the supplemental draft after completing his military commitment for Navy. Though he started at the academy as a wide receiver, Wahle grew into an offensive lineman and eventually became part of the Packers wall that protected Favre during his prime. He later signed as a free agent with Carolina and helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl. Wahle started 138 of the 152 games of his 11-year career that ended with Seattle in ’08.

5) Jamal Williams (San Diego, 2nd round, 1998)
The only active player on our list, Williams came out of Oklahoma State and grew to become the quintessential space-eater in the Chargers’ 3-4 defense, three times being voted to the Pro Bowl and twice being named first-team All-Pro. Williams was released this offseason, but the Chargers aren’t finished with him. Williams signed with rival Denver, so he gets San Diego twice this season.

Vrabel still has leadership skills

By Stephen Brown

June 26, 2010

Can leadership be taught?

Sure, like any skill, it can be trained, but the better question is can it be learned? That’s the tricky part, because Chiefs head coach Todd Haley has to wait and see. Being the example isn’t for the faint of heart, and when leaders are called only a few get going.

The first fundamental is team. Even though the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t scheduled to practice again until training camp, team building is something Haley continues to preach. Playing as a unit is vital, but there’s a difference between getting the job done and excellence.

Doing your job wins division titles, but excellence wins championships. The Chiefs aren’t looking for ordinary, and fans want more, but if they’re going to rise above it they need leaders.

Vince Lombardi said having the capacity to lead is not enough, but the leader must be willing to use it. Haley sees potential, but he can’t say for sure. Taking hold of commitment will be up to the players.

We all dream about being the hero until we understand what being the hero means.

Character develops over time, but the pieces remain the same. Things like intellect, insight, character, and vision are the ingredients of leadership. I believe linebacker Mike Vrabel is that type of player for the Chiefs.

In a room full of youth, Vrabel is performing this role. There are others like Ron Edwards, but Vrabel is the one most mentioned by his teammates.

I’ll be honest – last season I wasn’t sold on Vrabel. I wasn’t sure about the move – his age, attitude and how he might feel about Kansas City. I was on the fence. I knew what sort of player he was with the New England Patriots, but I wasn’t sure how he felt about a team that was rebuilding. I didn’t see the value like Scott Pioli.

If I had spent eight solid seasons with the Patriots and won three Super Bowls, how eager would I be to move, especially if it was to a team that hadn’t won a playoff game in 15 years? Knowing me, I’d be pouting the whole way.

But with OTA’s and mini-camp, I saw a different side to Vrabel, a part that taught me something. I think fans need to understand the importance of having Vrabel.

Initially the two players the media focused most on in OTA’s were Brian Waters and Vrabel. It was a big shock after several OTA’s that the two were still there, but by time mini-camp was finished, it was apparent Vrabel was into what the Chiefs are doing.

I witnessed an older player who genuinely cared about the younger players succeeding and wanted them to learn how to win. Vrabel may not be on a team as victorious as the Patriots, but he’s around a general manager and coaches who know what it takes. Vrabel is turning 35 in August, so he may not see the full fruits of his labor, but I can tell he’s intent on leaving something positive behind.

Hardly the player I thought struggled with moving to Kansas City. Instead Vrabel is someone younger players are ready to follow. John F. Kennedy once said leadership isn’t salesmanship. Vrabel isn’t a poster child for Pioli or Haley – he’s too smart for that – but he honestly sees what the Chiefs are doing.

I know not every fan is sure about Vrabel and some might choose to give someone younger a chance, but it’s hard to replace the experience of playing for Romeo Crennel.

We learned with Herman Edwards that a team full of youngsters is just a group of inexperienced players. There has to be ones in charge, players like Vrabel who can lead so others can follow. Not trying to leave anyone out, but this goes for Waters and Thomas Jones, too. There’s just a handful on this roster who fit the category.

I want team, and the Chiefs need to be a team, but it’s not much good if you’ve lost the players to drive it. There’s only so much the coaches can do until the leader takes over. That’s been the missing link, but a gap the Chiefs know needs filled.

The Patriots and other successful team didn’t win multiple rings because they didn’t invest in leadership. There’s a reason the Chiefs picked so many team captains in the draft – they’re stocking up on potential leaders. Having an old dog like Vrabel will help nurture that future and help grow players like Eric Berry.

With OTA’s and mini-camp, I never got a chance to speak with Vrabel, but I heard plenty about him from the other players. Vrabel has meant a lot to them personally. In a way I did meet Vrabel, but not the guy I had pictured and one I’m glad the Chiefs have.

Hold on, stay patient, because July 30 is just around the corner.

Good day, Chief fans!

Training with Humpal multi-sport camp

June 27, 2010

By Danielle Wagner

NEW HAMPTON (KWWL) Former Iowa Hawkeye football player and Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Humpal is once again hosting his Training with Humpal multi-sport youth camp.

Boys and girls entering second through eighth grade are invited to attend this year's camp in New Hampton.

The day features coaching from football players, wrestlers and volleyball players.

This year's Training with Humpal is July 17 at New Hampton High School. If you register before July 10th, the cost is $50.

All proceeds benefit local charities and help fund two scholarships.