THOUGHTS ON THE CHIEFS' DRAFT STRATEGY & MOCK DRAFT #1 FOR KANSAS CITY FANS
The Chiefs have 8 picks in the first five rounds, an extra pick in the 2nd round & 2 extra in round five. They traded their sixth round pick for Idekchuku Ndukwe(how'd that work out?) & their 7th for the last pick in the draft last season(Ryan Succop, so that was very good). The only way they will accumulate additional selections is by trading down or trading a player, like Glenn Dorsey(please). Dorsey will never excel in a 3-4 scheme & as the 5th overall pick, he's supposed to be All-Pro material. Playing for the Saints or Falcons, he might, but not in this defense. Let's begin this discussion by identifying the Chiefs' needs going into this draft.
DEFENSE
Nose tackle - Currently have Ron Edwards & Shaun Smith & neither are quality starters.
Inside Linebacker - Derrick Johnson had better be starting in September plus a draftee hopefully.
Outside Linebacker - Need an edge pass rusher who can team with Hali for 20+ sacks a season.
Strong Safety- We had a good one, coaches didn't help him, he went to Houston & became a star.
Free Safety - Jarrad Page is all we have, can Crennell coach him up or does he go too?
Defensive End - Zero depth if Magee starts this year & no, Dorsey isn't depth.
Cornerback - Another solid cover guy would be nice, but maybe not this draft.
OFFENSE
Tackle - Even if Albert stays put, they still need another high quality tackle.
Center-Guard - A good swing man for depth & possible future starter.
Tight End - Brad Cottam hasn't played a full season in pros or college. Pope isn't the answer either.
Wide Receiver - A future #1 pass catcher, one that will consistently catch 80+ passes.
Kickoff & Punt Returner - Remember Tamarrick Vanover? How about Dante Hall? They change games.
This draft class is deeper on defense than offense, so the Chiefs can get quality defensive help clear into the middle rounds, 4 & 5. In my mind, there are 4 players would could be picked with the 5th overall pick. OT's Russell Okung, Bryan Bulaga, Trent Williams & safety Eric Berry. Not knowing how the braintrust of Pioli, Haley, Weis & Crennell thinks of their current roster, it's difficult to forecast their intent. But since this is my website & my mock draft, I'm going to do it my way. Please hold your nasty comments until the end.
1. Russell Okung OT - Since I honestly believe the Redskins will select Trent Williams, who could be better in a zone-blocking scheme, I honestly believe Okung will be there when the Chiefs make their selection. I prefer Okung to Eric Berry because unless he's surrounded by pass rushers & run stuffers, he won't have the desired impact. If he's your only defensive playmaker, offenses game plan for him & he doesn't make many plays. It's no mistake that Bernard Pollard played so well for the Texans, they already had several defensive playmakers, Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing etc. Does Troy Polamalu & Ed Reed play with a lot of defensive playmakers? Absolutely. Take the tackle whether or not they want to move Brandon Albert. Okung is powerful, 2nd most bench press reps at the combine, he has very long arms & for a guy weighing 307 pounds, he has very quick feet. He gave up one sack the past two seasons at Oklahoma State. Plays with an obvious mean streak, which is a good thing.
2A. Golden Tate or Arelious Benn WR - Both should go right at the top of round 2, the Chiefs have the 4th pick in the round. Both have many good points, Tate's running ability after the catch is superior, he reverts to his running back past, very dangerous open field runner. Good punt returner too. Benn is a very polished route runner who is already NFL ready in that department. Excellent hands as well. Tate's route running needs refinement, Benn isn't much of a threat after the catch. Both have excellent body control & always high catch the ball. Tate ran 4.42, Benn, 4.48, but both play faster than they time. Both are juniors, disregard Benn's stats as Illinois was a mess last year & he suffered because of it. If neither is available in this spot, I'd settle for Nate Allen, a free safety from South Florida. These picks will be null & void if center Markice Pouncey or OLB Jerry Hughes are available.
2B. Koa Misi OLB - Want a non-stop motor to rush the passer opposite Tamba Hali? This kid from Utah could be the guy. Very quick 1st step, explosive tackler who really whacks people, plays with a mean streak. Runs sideline to sideline with ease & his pass drops at the combine were acceptable for now. Intense, football means a lot to Misi. Several family members played at Hawaii or for colleges on the mainland.
3. Torell Troup NT - Massive space-eating, run-stuffing prospect from Central Florida. At 6' 2" & 314, this kid ran a 5.10 forty-yard dash. He's got a solid anchor(big strong butt) & a powerful upper body. Tough, will play hurt but he might only be a 2-down lineman, removed on 3rd down for a pass rusher like many nose tackles.
4. Larry Asante SS - Was a demon as a strong safety for the Cornhuskers last year. Slightly smaller version of Bernard Pollard, big hitter, great run support, went to Nebraska as a linebacker & actually played LB 1 season in Lincoln. If they want an in-the-box safety who makes a lot of tackles, Asante is a good prospect.
5A. Clay Harbour TE - This Missouri State grad might not last this long after a super pro day workout for scouts. At 6' 2" & 252, he doesn't have ideal size. But he is very strong & with some patient coaching his blocking could be O.K. He does catch the ball very well & uses his body to shield defenders. Might be the most athletic TE prospect this year, excelled at the combine in every test & drill plus he's very smart.
5B. Mike McLaughlin ILB - Tough, hard-nosed inside linebacker. Very high football IQ, team captain & an extremely vocal leader. Called the defense for Boston College last two seasons. Not real speedy but was top-3 for his position in the agility drills at the combine, plus he had a vertical jump of 38", that's impressive for a guy weighing 245 pounds. An fierce tackler who will blow up ball carriers when he gets his shot. But he will miss a few in the open field. Fills quickly & uses his excellent upper body strength to shed blockers before they get into his frame.
5C. Joe Hawley C-G - Super strong small area blocker. Started 33 straight at UNLV, played both guard spots & center. Long arms & a powerful upper body, he did the 3rd most bench press reps at the combine amongst all offensive linemen putting 225 pounds up 35 consecutive times. His overall physique looks kinda dumpy but he can play. He made all the line calls for the Rebels & the game is important to him. Could make a solid interior swing man.
I'll have another Chiefs' version of the mock draft next weekend. If you want to comment, criticize or condemn please feel free to do so in the comment section or email me at rich@richsfootballreport.com
Russell Okung - Offensive Tackle - Oklahoma State
Golden Tate - Wide Receiver - Notre Dame
Arelious Benn - Wide Receiver - Illinois
Koa Misi - Outside Linebacker - Utah
DEFENSE
Nose tackle - Currently have Ron Edwards & Shaun Smith & neither are quality starters.
Inside Linebacker - Derrick Johnson had better be starting in September plus a draftee hopefully.
Outside Linebacker - Need an edge pass rusher who can team with Hali for 20+ sacks a season.
Strong Safety- We had a good one, coaches didn't help him, he went to Houston & became a star.
Free Safety - Jarrad Page is all we have, can Crennell coach him up or does he go too?
Defensive End - Zero depth if Magee starts this year & no, Dorsey isn't depth.
Cornerback - Another solid cover guy would be nice, but maybe not this draft.
OFFENSE
Tackle - Even if Albert stays put, they still need another high quality tackle.
Center-Guard - A good swing man for depth & possible future starter.
Tight End - Brad Cottam hasn't played a full season in pros or college. Pope isn't the answer either.
Wide Receiver - A future #1 pass catcher, one that will consistently catch 80+ passes.
Kickoff & Punt Returner - Remember Tamarrick Vanover? How about Dante Hall? They change games.
This draft class is deeper on defense than offense, so the Chiefs can get quality defensive help clear into the middle rounds, 4 & 5. In my mind, there are 4 players would could be picked with the 5th overall pick. OT's Russell Okung, Bryan Bulaga, Trent Williams & safety Eric Berry. Not knowing how the braintrust of Pioli, Haley, Weis & Crennell thinks of their current roster, it's difficult to forecast their intent. But since this is my website & my mock draft, I'm going to do it my way. Please hold your nasty comments until the end.
1. Russell Okung OT - Since I honestly believe the Redskins will select Trent Williams, who could be better in a zone-blocking scheme, I honestly believe Okung will be there when the Chiefs make their selection. I prefer Okung to Eric Berry because unless he's surrounded by pass rushers & run stuffers, he won't have the desired impact. If he's your only defensive playmaker, offenses game plan for him & he doesn't make many plays. It's no mistake that Bernard Pollard played so well for the Texans, they already had several defensive playmakers, Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing etc. Does Troy Polamalu & Ed Reed play with a lot of defensive playmakers? Absolutely. Take the tackle whether or not they want to move Brandon Albert. Okung is powerful, 2nd most bench press reps at the combine, he has very long arms & for a guy weighing 307 pounds, he has very quick feet. He gave up one sack the past two seasons at Oklahoma State. Plays with an obvious mean streak, which is a good thing.
2A. Golden Tate or Arelious Benn WR - Both should go right at the top of round 2, the Chiefs have the 4th pick in the round. Both have many good points, Tate's running ability after the catch is superior, he reverts to his running back past, very dangerous open field runner. Good punt returner too. Benn is a very polished route runner who is already NFL ready in that department. Excellent hands as well. Tate's route running needs refinement, Benn isn't much of a threat after the catch. Both have excellent body control & always high catch the ball. Tate ran 4.42, Benn, 4.48, but both play faster than they time. Both are juniors, disregard Benn's stats as Illinois was a mess last year & he suffered because of it. If neither is available in this spot, I'd settle for Nate Allen, a free safety from South Florida. These picks will be null & void if center Markice Pouncey or OLB Jerry Hughes are available.
2B. Koa Misi OLB - Want a non-stop motor to rush the passer opposite Tamba Hali? This kid from Utah could be the guy. Very quick 1st step, explosive tackler who really whacks people, plays with a mean streak. Runs sideline to sideline with ease & his pass drops at the combine were acceptable for now. Intense, football means a lot to Misi. Several family members played at Hawaii or for colleges on the mainland.
3. Torell Troup NT - Massive space-eating, run-stuffing prospect from Central Florida. At 6' 2" & 314, this kid ran a 5.10 forty-yard dash. He's got a solid anchor(big strong butt) & a powerful upper body. Tough, will play hurt but he might only be a 2-down lineman, removed on 3rd down for a pass rusher like many nose tackles.
4. Larry Asante SS - Was a demon as a strong safety for the Cornhuskers last year. Slightly smaller version of Bernard Pollard, big hitter, great run support, went to Nebraska as a linebacker & actually played LB 1 season in Lincoln. If they want an in-the-box safety who makes a lot of tackles, Asante is a good prospect.
5A. Clay Harbour TE - This Missouri State grad might not last this long after a super pro day workout for scouts. At 6' 2" & 252, he doesn't have ideal size. But he is very strong & with some patient coaching his blocking could be O.K. He does catch the ball very well & uses his body to shield defenders. Might be the most athletic TE prospect this year, excelled at the combine in every test & drill plus he's very smart.
5B. Mike McLaughlin ILB - Tough, hard-nosed inside linebacker. Very high football IQ, team captain & an extremely vocal leader. Called the defense for Boston College last two seasons. Not real speedy but was top-3 for his position in the agility drills at the combine, plus he had a vertical jump of 38", that's impressive for a guy weighing 245 pounds. An fierce tackler who will blow up ball carriers when he gets his shot. But he will miss a few in the open field. Fills quickly & uses his excellent upper body strength to shed blockers before they get into his frame.
5C. Joe Hawley C-G - Super strong small area blocker. Started 33 straight at UNLV, played both guard spots & center. Long arms & a powerful upper body, he did the 3rd most bench press reps at the combine amongst all offensive linemen putting 225 pounds up 35 consecutive times. His overall physique looks kinda dumpy but he can play. He made all the line calls for the Rebels & the game is important to him. Could make a solid interior swing man.
I'll have another Chiefs' version of the mock draft next weekend. If you want to comment, criticize or condemn please feel free to do so in the comment section or email me at rich@richsfootballreport.com
Russell Okung - Offensive Tackle - Oklahoma State
Golden Tate - Wide Receiver - Notre Dame
Arelious Benn - Wide Receiver - Illinois
Koa Misi - Outside Linebacker - Utah
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