By Josh Wolff
June 21, 2008

After starting all 37 games that he played in at the University of Virginia, many thought Branden Albert would be a first-day selection in the 2008 NFL draft. But after showcasing incredible athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, his stock skyrocketed and he became the 15th pick overall by the Chiefs.

While primarily a guard in the college, Kansas City saw enough mobility and strength in Albert to project him as the team’s future left tackle. He now is charged with the task of anchoring a rebuilding offensive line as a rookie.

The 23-year-old recently took a few minutes to talk to PFW about barbeque food, transitioning to tackle, the Chiefs’ offensive scheme and Julius Peppers.

Branden Albert

Albert: I’ve tasted a couple of places: LC’s Bar-B-Q and Gates Bar-B-Q. Those places have great food.

PFW: How are you enjoying your time in Kansas City so far?

Albert: I am enjoying it real well. I just got a new house, so I’m excited about that. I’m also excited about the new season and being a part of this new era that’s going on in Kansas City.

PFW: Being a guard in college and now moving to left tackle in Kansas City, how is the transition going?

Albert: It’s going pretty well. There are times where I’m doing very well and there are times where I’m struggling. But for the most part, I’m getting it and learning on the run.

PFW: How is the offensive line play different in the NFL?

Albert: It’s the terminology. It’s basically the same scheme I’m used to because (Chiefs offensive coordinator) Chan Gailey runs the same scheme that I ran in high school just with different terminology and terms of plays. But basically, it’s the same scheme. It’s been helping me along, too, so the only thing I have to work on is my technique at left tackle.

PFW: What’s the biggest difference you’ve seen so far from college to the NFL?

Albert: You’re going against a great player every day in practice. Every play, everyone is going hard — every play — nobody is taking a play off.  You’re not playing against scout-team players; you’re playing against guys who are veteran players, some guys who are Pro Bowlers. You’ve got to practice against those guys every day.

PFW: Which Chiefs players have you become friends with?

Albert: Dwayne Bowe and Brian Waters. Most of my rookie class I am pretty good friends with, too. A lot of guys, but those two that I mentioned, I talk to and do stuff with on a regular basis.

PFW: With Waters being a veteran, what has he done in the first couple of months to help your maturation and development?

Albert: He’s always telling pointers on the football field about situations I might get myself into. He’s telling me technique stuff and stuff about Willie Roaf. He tells me if I work hard enough, I could be like Willie. It’s a great compliment for me, but I have to prove that I have the potential to be that great. He helps me out a lot with my technique and just learning the game.

PFW: Which player are you most looking forward to playing against in the NFL?

Albert: I would have to say Julius Peppers.

PFW: What makes Peppers so enticing to play against?

Albert: He is one of the perennial Pro Bowl defensive ends in the NFL. I am the type of guy who likes challenges, and he’ll probably be one of the best challenges that I will face. [Editor’s note: The Chiefs play at the Panthers on Oct. 5] He’s been the best in the league and has done it for a long time. So, he’ll present a big challenge to me and I’m looking forward to it.