Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
After finishing my training camp visit with the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday, I reflect on the trip to Western Wisconsin with one overriding thought:
The Chiefs are not as bad as many people think.
This team is on the way up. After finishing 4-12 last season, the Chiefs' brass tore up the roster and became dedicated to a youth movement. The Chiefs don't plan to sign anyone older than 30 and have just a dozen players with six or more years of NFL experience.
Things may be tough in the short term for this team that plans to use eight or nine rookies in significant roles this season. But the Chiefs are moving up. They will not go backwards. They are getting better. It may take a couple of years and another strong draft to help complete the makeover, but strides have been made.
Coach Herman Edwards deserves much credit. There was a great spirit at the Chiefs' camp. Everyone is bent on learning and getting better. Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, a 26-year NFL coaching veteran, said that the entire coaching staff is recharged by the youth and by the competition at the camp.
Don't expect Kansas City to be a serious playoff contender this year. But don't expect the Chiefs to flounder for much longer, either.
This team is headed in the right direction.
NOTE: I am off to downtown Denver to film an NFL Insiders segment. I will return to the blog later this afternoon. As always, thanks for reading.
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
