Chiefs believe 'sky's the limit' for Dee Ford

INDIANAPOLIS -- Having to change positions from rush end to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme put Dee Ford behind in the learning curve during his rookie season in Kansas City.

He failed to record a tackle in his first six games and 11 of his first 12, but Ford closed with a better December, with four tackles and a sack in two of the he last three games of the season.

"He got better every week as he went and then he got a little more playing time down the stretch the last quarter of the season and took advantage of it, he had a few sacks in there," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "Love his attitude. He'll get in that weight room and get a little stronger and I think the sky's the limit for him."

Ford is also vying for time with Justin Houston, who is expected to be resigned, if not given the franchise tag, and Tamba Hali, who hopes to return as he enters free agency.

The No. 23 pick in last year's draft, Ford is expected to be a bigger contributor in his second seasonwhether Hali returns or not.

"I don't know all about the Tamba thing," Reid said, "but I think the more play time (Ford) gets the better he gets and that's how it works (in his) second year."