Kansas City Chiefs Draft Needs

Posted by Jimmy Boyd - Google+

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The Kansas City Chiefs finished tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the worst record in the NFL at 2-14. Due to the Jaguars having a better division record, Kansas City was officially the worst team in the league. Having the No. 1 overall pick in the draft is typically a sign that your team is a long way from contending, but I don’t think that’s the case with the Chiefs. Kansas City has had a great offseason to this point. It started with the hiring of head coach Andy Reid and GM John Dorsey. The Chiefs then went out and traded for Alex Smith to at least sure up the quarterback situation in the short-term. They also added several free key agents, including corners Dunta Robinson and Sean Smith, tight end Anthony Fasano and defensive lineman Mike DeVito. On top of that, they were able to re-sign WR Dwayne Bowe and used their franchise tag on starting left tackle Branden Albert. Here’s a look at the Chiefs five biggest needs at this point heading into the draft.

Offensive Tackle:

While the Chiefs used their franchise tag on Albert, it’s looking more and more like he’s not in their long-term plans. The Chiefs have made it clear that they are willing to trade Albert for draft picks and you have to figure that multiple teams would be interested. Kansas City also released starting right tackle Eric Winston this offseason. In my opinion, these moves have made it clear that the Chiefs are going to use their first round pick on at this position. The consensus is that they will take Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel, but Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher is also in the mix.

Inside Linebacker:

The Chiefs have one of the most underrated inside linebackers in the game in Derrick Johnson, but have struggled to find someone to team up with him in the middle of their 3-4 defense. This is one area of their defense that I think they have to address in the draft and they should be able to find someone in the later rounds who can make an immediate impact.

Wide Receiver:

Re-signing Bowe was a big step in the right direction for the Chiefs offense, but they need to add more weapons on the outside if they want to get the most out of Smith. There’s still hope that 2011 first round pick (No. 26 overall) Jon Baldwin will emerge with better quarterback play. They also have a solid slot receiver in Dexter McCluster and have added in free agent Donnie Avery. Still, I think this team can’t settle with going into the season with this group of guys. Dorsey comes over from Green Bay, where they have done a great job of finding talent at this position in the later rounds.

Free Safety:

Kansas City has one of the rising stars at strong safety in 2010 first round pick Eric Berry, but they have struggled to find someone who can play alongside him at free safety. A ball-hawk in the middle of the field would really make it hard on opposing quarterbacks to throw on the Chiefs, who are now loaded at cornerback.

Outside Linebacker:

A lot of people might question why I have outside linebacker listed when the Chiefs just sent Tamba Hali and Justin Houston to the Pro Bowl, but I’m a firm believe that you can’t have enough guys who can put pressure on the quarterback. More than anything, the Chiefs need to add some depth in case one of these two players get hurt. This clearly isn’t a pressing need heading into the draft, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see Kansas City take a chance on someone in the 3rd or 4th round.

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About the Author: Jimmy Boyd is known for his consistency. He's a proven winner in college and pro football, college and pro basketball and pro baseball. He finished as the No. 1 ranked MLB handicapper in 2007 by earning $1,000/game bettors $50,050. He also finished as the No. 1 ranked basketball handicapper in the 2008-09 season, profiting $1,000/game bettors 38,530. His basketball plays have banked $1,000/game bettors nearly $80,000 the last five years. Check out Jimmy's premium picks for tonight!

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