NFL Draft Wishlist: Kansas City Chiefs
A long and painful season has come to an end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Aside from the tragedy of losing a player to a senseless act, the Chiefs turned in an awful performance from start to finish that lead to the firing of Head Coach Romeo Crennel and subsequent resignation of G.M. Scott Pioli.
On the bright side, the Chiefs hit a home run by hiring Andy Reid as their new head coach. It looks as if Reid is going to have full control over player personnel, otherwise, Pioli would still be with the team.
Injuries and poor quarterback play were what ultimately doomed the 2012 season for the Chiefs. Andy Reid has the luxury of addressing that quarterback position with the No.1 overall pick and many expect him to do just that.
Outside of the quarterback position, the Chiefs are a talented group when healthy. If they can get a true franchise signal caller and buy into what Reid wants to do, they could end up being a playoff team next year, just as the Colts were this season.
Let’s take a look at a couple of guys the Chiefs will have a chance to get in April’s NFL Draft who could help them go from the worst team in the league to a possible playoff team.
Round 1, Pick 1: This pick absolutely HAS to be a quarterback. I recently did a 1st Round Mock Draft on KnowItAllFootball.com for the 20 teams who did not make the playoffs and had Mike Glennon of N.C. State going to the Chiefs with the first pick. That was before I saw him in his bowl game vs. Vanderbilt. Today, after seeing all of the top-rated quarterbacks play their bowl games, the Chiefs need to take Georgia’s Aaron Murray (above) 1st overall.
*UPDATE: Murray has decided to stay at Georgia for his senior year. This pick should still be a quarterback. It looks to be a four-man race at the combine between Geno Smith, Ryan Nassib, Tyler Wilson, and Matt Barkley.
Round 2, Pick 2: With this pick, Kansas City needs to address the guard position left vacant by the retirement of Ryan Lilja. Kentucky’s Larry Warford, a big-bodied guard hardened by his play in the SEC, should be available. He would fit in K.C. nicely.
Round 3, Pick 1: The Chiefs should focus on defensive end with this pick. They need someone to be able to generate more of a pass rush going forward. Some publications have Michigan State’s William Gholston falling here. If he is available Reid and the Chiefs need to pounce.
Round 4, Pick 2: The Chiefs needs to think about life after Dwayne Bowe. Kansas State’s Chris Harper is expected to be available at this point in the draft and would be a perfect fit to replace Bowe. Harper is a big bodied receiver who began his college career as a quarterback at Oregon before transferring to K-State. He could be the steal of the 2013 draft.
Round 5, Pick 1: The Chiefs need to add some depth to their line-backing corps, especially inside. North Carolina’s Kevin Reddick was highly regarded at the beginning of the college season, ranked by many as the No. 2 overall ILB behind Manti Te’o. A lackluster senior year has sent his draft stock tumbling. If his numbers are good at the combine, I’d advise the Chiefs to take Reddick, as he could end up being this years Vontaze Burfict.
Round 6, Pick 2: If there is one thing we learned over the past two season, it’s that you can’t have enough options at quarterback. It is the one posotion where if you lose your starter, your season is likely over unless you have a solid backup. Andy Reid like his quarterbacks and he’ll find value at the position this late in the draft with Jordan Rodgers (Aaron’s little brother) out of Vanderbilt. Like Aaron, Jordan is a smart player who can make most of the throws and limit mistakes.
Round 7, Pick 1: I always feeling like it makes the most sense to take your biggest gamble in the seventh round on a guy many people have written off for one reason or another. If it doesn’t work out, it only cost you a 7th rounder. If it pays off, lightning in a bottle. Given that, I’d take a reach on Arkansas running back Knile Davis. Davis had a disappointing season, which I blame on all the craziness that went on in Fayettville this year. When healthy, Davis is lethal. I liken him to former Ravens great Jamaal Lewis, a big, powerful back with elite speed.
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