Thorpe vying for Chiefs’ No. 3 WR job

By Krupka  |   Monday, June 05, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Kansas City Chiefs
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At the end of minicamps, the Kansas City Chiefs believe they have found the top contender for their third wide receiver position. From scout team and practice squad to the third receiver in just a year is a real possibility for Craphonso Thorpe.

Last year's fourth-round pick has shown plenty of improvement so far. The coaching staff has liked what they've seen, and even more so, quarterback Trent Green has sung the praises of the young wideout.

"Craphonso has all the talent in the world and I've told him that...He'd be on the scout team and you look at the card and run the play on the card. He just showed tremendous athletic ability with what he could get done on the football field. It's up to him and I said you've got to get to that point to where you're not thinking," said Green.

Thorpe impressed the coaches at Kansas City Chiefs' minicamp, showing the strength and agility to shed corners playing press coverage, and was catching the ball consistently--two things he struggled with mightily last year.

He was slowed last year because of an injured leg suffered in college. The former FSU Seminoles standout was one of the fastest players in the nation. He ran for the Seminoles' track-and-field teams, and used his speed on the football field to blow past coverage and get open. At 6-1, 188 pounds, he has the size needed to play in the NFL; it's just a matter of being prepared and producing on the field.

His right leg, which he shattered in a 2003 game against the NC State Wolfpack, seems to be fully healed now. While it's true that Thorpe returned to action only nine months after his injury, it's just now that he seems to be regaining that speed and strength in the leg. It's a testament to his character and love for the game to be able to come back that soon from such a serious injury.

Like his quarterback said, he has all the talent in the world, but needs to stop overthinking. So far this offseason, it looks as though Thorpe just might have taken that advice to heart and is displaying his talent and ability for all to see.

While there still is a long way to go, don't be surprised if No. 12 lines up as the third receiver Week One at Arrowhead Stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals. Until then, he's just going to have to continue proving himself.

Get more Craphonso Thorpe insights at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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