Message simple for K.C. ownership: Young Chiefs need time

"We were probably one of the oldest teams in football," explained Edwards, "and without getting rid of all the veterans we basically became one of the youngest teams in football -- and that's the transition.

"We already had some young players that were here. First- and second-year guys. Now, all of a sudden, we've added 35 rookies to the mix. When you look at our football team, we have 12 players with six or more years' experience. Everyone else going to camp has five years or fewer."

One of them is starting quarterback Brodie Croyle. The Chiefs made a commitment to him last season, and they're sticking by it. They don't question his ability to play; they would simply like to see him hang around for 16 games to get a read on the guy.

Then there's the offensive line. Willie Roaf is gone. So are Will Shields and Casey Wiegmann. The Chiefs are in the process of -- dare we say it? -- rebuilding around holdovers Brian Waters and Damion McIntosh, with first-round draft pick Branden Albert the prized prospect. Look for him at left tackle.

"It's not a concern," Edwards said of a unit that will feature three new starters. "The offensive line has to play together. That's the key for us now. If they play together they have a chance to be successful."

Both the offensive and defensive lines are critical to Edwards' makeover, with the Chiefs determined to be more physical on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Having first-round pick Glenn Dorsey will help, with the defensive tackle wowing coaches and scouts with his play at last weekend's camp.

"He can be special," said Edwards.

So can this team, but it must be given time. I don't know if the Chiefs finish last in the AFC West, but I do know they don't finish first. Look, they had to get worse before they got better, and last year they bottomed out with a 4-12 finish.

Now they are doing the right thing by going young, fast and strong.

That's smart. San Francisco did it in 2000 when, following its first losing season since 1982, it started a raft of draft picks. The 49ers finished 6-10, but their rookies gained invaluable experience.

A year later they were in the playoffs.

The same thing could happen in Kansas City if the Chiefs are allowed to grow. That's where the patience comes in. If Chiefs fans don't know what they're in for, at least the team's chairman of the board should.

"Our expectations are to win," said Edwards, "and the first thing is to establish our home identity again. We lost that a little bit.

"What's great for us is that there are so many young guys on this team who, whatever happened in the past, weren't part of it. So they have no idea what we went through. All they understand is that they're going to have an opportunity to come here and play right away.

"We're going to be young. We're going to be energetic. And we're going to be physical. And I think we're going to have a chance to win our share of games. It's just a matter of winning that first one."

I don't know where it happens, but, I must admit, I like the Chiefs' early schedule. They open at New England; then play the Raiders at home before going to Atlanta, returning to face Denver and traveling to Carolina. Then they have a bye.

Do the math, and after New England you find opponents with a combined 22-42 record. That doesn't mean Kansas City beats them, but it does mean it should have a chance.

"We'll be competitive," said Edwards. "No doubt about it. I feel better about us right now than I did last year because of the young guys."

Clark Hunt should, too. He has the nucleus for an improved team, but growing takes time. The Chiefs have 12 draft picks, and rookies don't step in and star overnight. Sure, plenty of rookies should step in for Kansas City, but I don't know how successful they will be.

"I think, without us saying it, our fans know what we're going through," said Edwards. "They're pretty knowledgeable. We're going through a transition phase, and they get it. They understand where we're going."

Hunt should, too. That doesn't mean the picture is glum. That was last year. On the contrary, things are looking up in Kansas City with the influx of young talent. The Chiefs should be one of the most intriguing clubs this season -- not to see them win but to watch them develop. But that takes time, and time means patience.

Hunt can start practicing now.

"He wants to be involved in this, too," said Edwards. "We talked about this when I first got here. He knew we were going to go through this. He knew we were inheriting a veteran football team, and that, eventually, we would have to go this way.

"After last year it was evident. Now, it's time. We've really got to go in this direction."