Monty Beisel arrived at Kansas City as an undersized college defensive end who was initially asked to bulk up to play the position in the NFL.

A true 'tweener, he was a standout special teams player who never did fit into the defensive line position.

It was only after he was moved to linebacker in his second season -- after a corresponding slimming down process -- that he was allowed to walk down the avenue to an extended NFL career, one that has now taken him to NFL champ New England as a possible replacement for Patriots standout inside backer Teddy Bruschi.

The Chiefs may only now appreciate what they had and lost in Beisel, a player they said they wanted to retain without making the necessary financial commitment to support that announced intention.

Beisel played all three linebacking positions, and over the past two seasons started games both in the middle and at the right outside spot because of injuries to starters. Forced to be a jack of all trades, he never mastered any one in particular and never consequently became as proficient a linebacker as he might have been.

But New England recognized his potential as an inside backer in the 3-4, a scheme that may fit him best.

Kansas City, after his departure, is now scrambling for bodies in the linebacking corps.

Shawn Barber is still recovering from a second knee surgery and likely will open the '05 season on PUP. Strong-side backer Scott Fujita faces an uncertain '05 future as he awaits surgery on an ankle that was slow to heal late in the '04 campaign.

Starting MLB Kawika Mitchell lost the team's confidence last year and has been replaced in the middle by free agent acquisition Kendrell Bell. Mitchell will either be a backup to attempt to play an outside spot for which he appears to have little aptitude.

Backups Quinton Caver and Fred Jones are free agents who played primarily on special teams after failing to step up when injuries gave them a chance last year. Third-round draft choice Keyaron Fox doesn't yet appear ready for prime time just yet. Mike Maslowski, the team's record-holder for single-season tackles, will be hard pressed to play again after yet another knee surgery.

Beisel, after signing with the Patriots, is looking a lot better to the Chiefs now that he's gone.

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