Just so you'll know what the Chiefs are up to for the next few months, here are some highlights of the upcoming NFL schedule: Feb. 18 - Teams can begin to designate a franchise player. For the Chiefs, it would be surprising if it's anyone besides Dwayne Bowe but Branden Albert and Dustin Colquitt could also be candidates.

Feb. 20-26 - The NFL scouting combine takes place in Indianapolis. Between player workouts and interviews, the Chiefs will begin to refine their draft board.

March - College pro days are scattered throughout the month. Some schools haven't set a specific date yet. But, of note to Chiefs fans, Texas A&M (Luke Joeckel, March 8), North Carolina State (Mike Glennon, March 14) and USC (Matt Barkley, March 27) have. On a local note, Missouri's pro day is March 7.

March 9-11 - Teams may begin negotiating with potential unrestricted free agents from other clubs.

March 12 - The free agency signing period begins.

April 25-27 - The NFL draft.

The Chiefs will also begin their first off-season conditioning program under new coach Andy Reid in the spring. Practice will begin in May. 3