Taylor, Edinger Familiar With Two Chiefs Players

Vikings wide receiver Travis Taylor saw how good Chiefs running back Priest Holmes could be before most of the NFL became familiar, and kicker Paul Edinger knows all about Kansas City wide receiver Freddie Mitchell.

Minnesota takes on one of the premiere running backs in the NFL Friday night in Priest Holmes. Vikings wideout Travis Taylor, who played with Holmes in Baltimore before the running back moved to Kansas City where his career took off, said the talent was always there.

“You could see he always had that kind of ability,” Taylor said. “He rushed for 1,000 yards (in 1998) before I got there, then he got banged up a little bit and then Jamal Lewis showed up. Lewis was the fifth pick in the draft so you know he was going to get the ball.

“But Priest has always had it – quickness, speed, power, he can catch the ball out of the backfield. That offense in Kansas City fits him perfectly. The guy is unbelievable. I’m glad he’s getting the chance to showcase what he can do.”

Edinger on Mitchell

Fifth-year wide receiver Freddie Mitchell, a first-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001, is now with the Chiefs and trying to crack the lineup as the No. 2 wideout. Mitchell and Vikings place-kicker Paul Edinger grew up together in Lakeland, Fla., and attended the same high school.

“We still talk on the phone about every other night,” Edinger said. “We played Little League baseball and youth football and basketball and all that stuff together. Freddie did it all and he was pretty good at it.”

Edinger believes Mitchell’s career has yet to take off because of the situations he has been put in.

“Every year he was with Philly they brought in a veteran receiver and he didn’t get much of an opportunity. Two years ago it was Antonio Freeman and last year it was Terrell Owens.

“He proved he can make the big catch when he was in there, but it was obvious Philly wasn’t going to give him a shot. I think he’s in a good situation now in Kansas City. He’s real happy battling for that No. 2 spot.”