2012 NFL Draft Buzz: Ryan Tannehill Listed Among Overrated Prospects

There's no doubt who Stewart Mandel believes is the 2012 NFL Draft's most overrated player: Ryan Tannehill. He leads out his column on the draft's most inflated stocks with the Texas A&M quarterback and he echoes the sentiments of many sportswriters around the league. While Tannehill might turn out just fine, there's also the chance that he won't become a franchise quarterback. However, he's likely to be taken high enough for anything less than that outcome to be a disappointment. Mandel writes:

I don't mean to pile on the Aggies quarterback, but Top 10? Really? I'm not sure Tannehill was even one of the top five quarterbacks in the Big 12 last year (coming in behind RG3, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma's Landry Jones, Kansas State's Collin Klein and Missouri's James Franklin). Nationally, Tannehill ranked 55th in pass efficiency, one spot below Notre Dame's Tommy Rees, a guy who probably won't even keep his starting job this fall. Tannehill is admittedly raw, having only taken over the starting role midway through his junior season. He's certainly athletic, having caught 12 passes for 210 yards against Kansas State as a freshman receiver. Maybe he could develop into an elite passer with the right coach; unfortunately, he's expected to go eighth overall to the Dolphins, where his offensive coordinator will be ... his college coach, Mike Sherman.

The Chiefs are a possible destination for Tannehill considering that he reportedly visited Kansas City and they also conducted a personal workout with him. The team said that they wanted to upgrade the position, so it's a possibility the team could take him at No. 11. However the Dolphins are definitely the favorites to grab him at No. 8.

For all news and information regarding the Kansas City Chiefs, please visit Arrowhead Pride.Also check out Mocking The Draft. Prospect profiles can be found at the National Football Post. Visit SB Nation's NFL Draft hub for more coverage.

NFL Draft Rumors: Mark Barron, Fletcher Cox Among Rising Prospects

As the Kansas City Chiefs sit at that pivotal No. 11 position in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, it's important to pay attention to certain stocks of players to see who could be available at that position and who could drop out of the top ten. It's hard to tell who is falling right now, but someone will have to make room for two players rising fast: Mark Barron, the safety from Alabama, and Fletcher Cox, the defensive lineman from Mississippi State.

Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauline has both players moving up fast and likely into the draft's top ten. About Mark Barron, he writes, "Barron stands head and shoulders above any safety in this draft, and teams believe his talents have been understated. He was once pigeonholed exclusively at strong safety, but more and more decision-makers feel Barron can handle the duties of free safety. He's presently rated as the draft's sixth-best player on a number of boards around the league."

As for Fletcher Cox, Pauline writes, "Several NFL teams have privately stated they believe Cox will be the best defensive player to come from the 2012 draft. Teams continue to fall in love with his versatility and potential. Cox could end up as a top-six choice."

The Chiefs could be a candidate for either player if they fall outside of the top ten. However, both are more likely to knock someone else down for the team to consider.

For all news and information regarding the Kansas City Chiefs, please visit Arrowhead Pride.Also check out Mocking The Draft. Prospect profiles can be found at the National Football Post. Visit SB Nation's NFL Draft hub for more coverage.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Mike Mayock Has Mark Barron To Chiefs For 'Best Safety Combo In League'

Eric Berry is already one of the best young safeties in the National Football League and the Chiefs defensive back actually missed all of last season. Yet his rookie year left enough of an impression that everyone is still well aware who he is. Well if the Chiefs add another high-impact safety, the back end of the Chiefs defense will be like no one else in the NFL. That's what Mike Mayock believes when he has Mark Barron of Alabama headed to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2012 NFL Draft's first round in his mock.

Mayock writes, "Let me preface this by saying GM Scott Pioli is risk-averse. You could look at Dontari Poe here, but there's so much "boom or bust" in him. Barron is one of the safest picks in the draft. Pair him with Eric Berry and you've got the best safety combo in the league."

Kendrick Lewis would then presumably move to nickel safety, which would still see plenty of action on the field and would round out the depth in the Chiefs secondary as well, which is a concern at this point in the offseason. Mayock has the Buffalo Bills landing Luke Kuechly immediately before the Chiefs select.

For all news and information regarding the Kansas City Chiefs, please visit Arrowhead Pride.Also check out Mocking The Draft. Prospect profiles can be found at the National Football Post. Visit SB Nation's NFL Draft hub for more coverage.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Luke Kuechly Could Land In Chiefs Lap

The Kansas City Chiefs are sitting pretty in the final mock over at Mocking The Draft, with Boston College LB Luke Kuechly available at No. 11:

Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College - This is a huge pick, he is one of the biggest steals in the draft. I think the Chiefs got a steal.

With Michael Floyd steadily rising up draft boards, it appears that offensive playmakers will once again dominate the Top 10: three QB's, two WR's and one RB are now projected to go before the Chiefs select at No. 11, which should give them almost the pick of the litter at nearly every other position.

Kuechly, an All-American LB who has been compared to the Dallas Cowboys Sean Lee, has been linked with Kansas City for some time, as he's the type of player that Chiefs GM Scott Pioli traditionally went for when he was working in the New England Patriots front office.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

VIDEO: Sports Illustrated's Peter King Talks Chiefs NFL Draft Needs

The Kansas City Chiefs have less needs now on the roster than any point in Scott Pioli's tenure as general manager. That's a great sign for the Chiefs and the momentum they have for the future, but they are not without their weaknesses, and Peter King recently addressed them in a quick video over at Sports Illustrated:

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Peter King Believes Chiefs Will Avoid Ryan Tannehill If Available

Ryan Tannehill is the No. 3 rated available quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft on most draft boards, or at least according to mock experts, but that doesn’t mean that a team who has publicly stated they are interested in upgrading the quarterback position will pounce if he’s available. Instead, Peter King of Sports Illustrated says the team is likely to trade down or pass on Tannehill if he’s available at No. 11 in tonight’s first round action.

King writes, “It’s likely Tannehill goes to Miami at No. 8, obviously. If he doesn’t, I don’t see how he gets past the 11th pick. Not that Kansas City will take Tannehill; I don’t believe the Chiefs will. But GM Scott Pioli will have interest in dealing down from 11 (he moved from 21 to 26 last year for a third-round pick), and if Tannehill or Barron is here, I guarantee he’ll get a taker for the pick.”

The Chiefs came out early in the offseason and said they wanted to increase the competition for Matt Cassel, then stated they were going after Peyton Manning. Tannehill would certainly bring an intriguing prospect to the mix, but the Chiefs are connected with other safe talents in the draft rather than a first round risk like Tannehill.

Still it’s a possibility for the Chiefs and it’s impossible to tell which direction Scott Pioli will go.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Take Mark Barron

The final mock draft of the 2012 NFL Draft season is up at SB Nation's main page, and the Kansas City Chiefs are projected to take Alabama safety Mark Barron, a move that, combined with former SEC safeties Eric Berry of Tennessee and Kendrick Lewis of Ole Miss, would give the Chiefs one of the strongest secondaries in the NFL:

11. Kansas City Chiefs, Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Full disclosure, I had dinner with Joel Thorman, our NFL editor and the head honcho at Arrowhead Pride. He sees the Chiefs drafting Barron to play with Eric Berry, who could roam the backfield. It would give them one of the best secondaries in the league.

One thing to watch out for? The Dallas Cowboys, rumored to covet Barron enough to make a trade up from No. 14 to try and grab him before Kansas City.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the 2012 NFL Draft, be sure to check out Mocking The Draft, Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation's NFL page.

NFL Draft 2012: Nose Tackle Identified As Chiefs Biggest Need By Pro Football Focus

As the 2012 NFL Draft gets started in just a matter of hours, Pro Football Focus has come out with each team’s primary need. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that position is nose tackle. While it’s not as important as some other team’s 3-4 defense considering how much KC actually changes its base set, the Chiefs still lack that dominant anchor in the middle for even half of the downs. Perhaps Jerrell Powe can grow into that role, but expect the Chiefs to draft another.

“The Chiefs’ roster is actually in pretty good shape, and for the most part they will be drafting for depth alone, but they could certainly do with a viable nose tackle for their 3-4,” writes Sam Monson. “Their scheme is a far more traditional 3-4 than most in the league, and they rely on three big down-linemen to stuff the run and tie up blockers for their linebackers. Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson have grown into that role pretty well, but Kelly Gregg was only ever a stopgap measure in the middle. If the Chiefs can find a nose tackle in the draft, then they’ll have the pieces in place. If they can find one that can also bring some pressure in sub-packages, then they’ll have hit the jackpot.”

The Chiefs are on the clock in tonight’s first round at No. 11.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Meet WIth Morgan State Tight End Lamont Bryant

Aaron Wilson of Scout.com has the latest on the Kansas City Chiefs pre-draft meetings with players an the latest is Morgan State tight end Lamont Bryant. It’s the sort of late tight end addition fans are used to in the seventh round and the Chiefs have two choices in the round.

Wilson writes, “Morgan State tight end Lamont Bryant visited the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks, according to a league source. Bryant is a 6-foot-5, 229-pounder who has played wide receiver, tight end and H-back and is projected as a late-rounder or priority free agent.”

The Chiefs recently signed Kevin Boss to a three-year free agent deal and have Tony Moeaki in the wings, but there’s no great blocking tight end on the roster. Plus health issues took out both Moeaki and Boss for significant time in 2011. The Chiefs could use another developmental player in the draft if they wanted to add one.

The NFL Draft starts tonight with the first round on ESPN and NFL Network at 7pm Central.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

Roger Goodell Discusses Moving NFL Draft Away From New York City

The NFL makes good business when they rotate their product. The city of Indianapolis just enjoyed the spoils of hosting a Super Bowl and were lauded with accolades for the job that they did. The NFL Draft could become the next event to move away from its familiar location at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says it’s not something the league is ready for just yet.

“We discussed it,” he explained this week in a media session. “Our biggest changes in the last few years was reducing the time in many of the rounds and moving it to primetime. Those had a great impact. We have discussed the idea of if you would move one of the rounds, one of the evenings or one of the days to another site because there is a lot of interest in doing this in other markets. We are still not there yet. We are still debating that.”

It’s hard to see a city like Kansas City ever putting on an event like this, but it would be easy to move it to other locales where TV events of this scale are put on — from Los Angeles, which really makes no sense to move without a franchise there, to DC and other potential places. It’s also hard to imagine how much impact on the local market it would make since it’s not nearly the fan-driven event that a Super Bowl is.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Luck To Colts, David DeCastro To Chiefs In Don Banks Latest

Don Banks has at least the first two selections correct. Andrew Luck is headed to the Indianapolis Colts. Robert Griffin III is also headed to the Washington Redskins. From there, it’s anyone’s guess who wants to make a mock for the 2012 NFL Draft as to where Minnesota, or the rest of the field, could go in tonight’s first round action. In his latest mock, Don Banks has the Chiefs going with David DeCastro to make it two Stanford products in the first 11 choices.

The Chiefs pick at No. 11, and in Don Banks seventh mock of the draft season, he has the team solidifying their line with the best guard available.

“I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility that the first-round trading game starts with the Chiefs slot,” writes Banks, “but if K.C. sticks, DeCastro represents the kind of solid, no-brainer selection that will never come back to haunt general manager Scott Pioli. I keep hearing the Chiefs could move down and target Dontari Poe, but I’m not buying that theory because Poe remains someone who will require some patience in terms of his NFL development.”

DeCastro and Eric WInston would make some incredible additions to a line that struggled to open up the running game and protect quarterback Matt Cassel last season. That would instantly turn around the Chiefs line to a major strength on an offense near the bottom of the league. With the return of Tony Moeaki and Jamaal Charles as well as new signings like Kevin Boss and Peyton Hillis, the results could be remarkable in the turnaround.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Dont'a Hightower Headed To Chiefs In Pro Football Talk's Latest

As if the Kansas City Chiefs needed any more names to choose from for the No. 11 overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. While most mocks have it pared down to a handful of names, Pro Football Talk wants to throw in another with their latest: Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower.

It’s Pro Football Talk’s fourth mock draft of the season, and this one gets the Chiefs a prospect that some had slipping to the second round. Of course, such prognostications are worthless in the end, and if the Chiefs love Hightower and believe he makes for a good value there, then they will take him.

Evan Silva writes, “Hightower is a thumping "Ted" linebacker with versatility.” He would replace Jovan Belcher in the middle of the defense and provide the Chiefs with an infusion of youth and ability in the middle next to Derrick Johnson, who was the team’s MVP last season. Tamba Hali and Justin Houston would round out the defense.

The other names often thrown around for the Chiefs include guard David DeCastro, linebacker Luke Kuechly and defensive tackles Dontari Poe and Michael Brockers. Safety Mark Barron has also been a recent addition. Everything will be revealed tonight in the first round.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Draft Order For First Round On Thursday

Tonight, the 2012 NFL Draft finally gets underway and the Indianapolis Colts will officially be on the clock at 7pm Central Time tonight with the pick of Andrew Luck as the first overall selection. From there, the Washington Redskins will be announcing Robert Griffin III. That’s when things start to get really interesting.

It will be a busy night for the CIncinnati Bengals and New England Patriots, who have two first round choices apiece. For the Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders, it could be a long first night of the draft. That’s the price they pay for Julio Jones and Carson Palmer respectively. As for the Chiefs, their first pick is at No. 11. Here’s the complete draft order for tonight:

NFL DRAFT – ROUND ONE
No. 1 Indianapolis Colts
No. 2 Washington Redskins (from St. Louis)
No. 3 Minnesota Vikings
No. 4 Cleveland Browns
No. 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
No. 6 St. Louis Rams (from Washington)
No. 7 Jacksonville Jaguars
No. 8 Miami Dolphins
No. 9 Carolina Panthers
No. 10 Buffalo Bills
No. 11 Kansas City Chiefs
No. 12 Seattle Seahawks
No. 13 Arizona Cardinals
No. 14 Dallas Cowboys
No. 15 Philadelphia Eagles
No. 16 New York Jets
No. 17 Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)
No. 18 San Diego Chargers
No. 19 Chicago Bears
No. 20 Tennessee Titans
No. 21 Cincinnati Bengals
No. 22 Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta)
No. 23 Detroit Lions
No. 24 Pittsburgh Steelers
No. 25 Denver Broncos
No. 26 Houston Texans
No. 27 New England Patriots (from New Orleans)
No. 28 Green Bay Packers
No. 29 Baltimore Ravens
No. 30 San Fransisco 49ers
No. 31 New England Patriots
No. 32 New York Giants

2012 NFL Draft Schedule: TV Info, Draft Time For First Round

The 2012 NFL Draft is finally here. After months of mock drafts, workouts, rumors, trades and failed trades, the moment everyone has been waiting for is upon us and the picks will become official starting tonight. For Kansas CIty Chiefs fans, it’s all about wondering which of the usual names will be announced. Then again, it could be a total surprise as well.

Will it be Luke Kuechly, the linebacker out of Boston College? Will the Chiefs fortify the defensive line with Michael Brockers or Dontari Poe? Will they round out the secondary with Mark Barron out of Alabama? Or solidify the offensive line with David DeCastro, the greatest guard to come out of college since Steve Hutchinson? Or will they throw the ultimate wild card and take Ryan Tannehill, the quarterback out of Texas A&M? It could be any of these which makes for a lot of drama heading into tonight’s first round action.

Remember rounds two and three take place Friday night. The rest comes Saturday afternoon. Here’s the info you need:

NFL DRAFT FIRST ROUND
When: Thursday, April 26 at 7pm CT
Where: Radio City Music Hall, New York City
TV: ESPN, NFL Network

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Bryce Brown Hopes To Be Drafted This Weekend

Though he went to three different schools in his collegiate career, and didn't enjoy much success at any of them, Bryce Brown hopes to hear his name called this weekend at the 2012 NFL Draft.

If Brown is drafted this weekend, then it will be a testament to Brown's size and athleticism. Brown stands at 6'2", 220 -- a very solid size for an NFL running back. Still, after leaving three different teams in his collegiate career, including quitting on Kansas State after just three games, commitment concerns will surround Brown.

"The thing I keep telling teams is: Don't forget about Bryce Brown," said Brown's agent, Eric Armstead. "If you do, you're going to regret it, because you can make yourself look like a very good administrator if you pick Bryce Brown up. He won't get drafted early, simply because of the issues he has had to deal with, but you don't want to let him get by you, because he is going to be good."

Of course, you'd expect an agent to say this -- he's simply doing his job. Brown, though, did run a 40 time of 4.37, which is extremely quick.

Mel Kiper isn't terribly impressed with Brown, either.

"There just isn't a body of work there with Bryce Brown," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper told the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times Free Press this week. "You can't look at what he did in high school, because this is not like the NBA, where high school tells you where you're going to be. I know he has the perfect physical components to be a good running back in this league, but the body of work is not there."

It's tough enough to forecast the first round of the NFL Draft, let alone the seventh round. It would be a mild surprise if Brown is drafted, but if he isn't, he'll likely be given a shot as an undrafted free agent along the line.

For more on the Kansas State Wildcats, and their former players, head over to Bring On The Cats and join the discussion.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: SI's Final Mock Has Chiefs Taking David DeCastro

With the NFL Draft now only a day away, NFL writers from all over the internet are putting up their final guesses as to how the first round will play out.

Over at SI.com, Don Banks has the Kansas City Chiefs taking Stanford OG David DeCastro with the No. 14 overall pick:

11OG David DeCastro Stanford Sr. 6-5 310

I wouldn't dismiss the possibility that the first-round trading game starts with the Chiefs slot, but if K.C. sticks, DeCastro represents the kind of solid, no-brainer selection that will never come back to haunt general manager Scott Pioli. I keep hearing the Chiefs could move down and target Dontari Poe, but I'm not buying that theory because Poe remains someone who will require some patience in terms of his NFL development.

At No. 11, Kansas City will have its pick of the top prospects from every position except QB and RB, which could give Scott Pioli a lot of options, including trading down.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

Mel Kiper Sends David DeCastro To Chiefs In Latest NFL Mock Draft

Sometimes the possible selections for the 2012 NFL Draft can become overanalyzed. Mel Kiper keeps it simple for the Kansas City Chiefs in his latest mock draft at ESPN. He has their biggest need as guard along the offensive line, and David DeCastro is the elite player available in this year’s draft. Thus, one plus one equals the right answer in this one.

Kiper writes, “I have guard down as a top need for the Chiefs, and DeCastro will fix that problem immediately. This is as elite as you’ll get from this position. He’s the best guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson, and is the kind of player who improves your running game overnight. Not a tough call.”

The Chiefs have Ryan Lilja, Rodney Hudson and Jon Asamoah lightly penciled in at this point on the roster along the offensive interior. Lilja has admitted publicly that he’s aware he did not play that well last season. The Chiefs have already upgraded the right tackle position from Barry Richardson to Eric Winston in free agency, so the line is already much better than the 2011 edition.

The addition of DeCastro would certainly make an already solid line even more amazing since he’s commonly called the best guard to come out in years. However it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs brass agrees that guard is a position of highest need on the team or whether they go with an impact player at an impact position.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft: Mark Barron To Chiefs At No. 11 In Mike Mayock's Latest

The Kansas City Chiefs already reached out for a safety early in the first round once in Scott Pioli’s tenure. The result was an immediate Pro Bowl season for rookie Eric Berry. Could Pioli do the same thing again for Alabama’s Mark Barron? Mike Mayock thinks so, as he has the safety headed to the Chiefs in his latest mock for the 2012 NFL Draft that starts Thursday night.

Moving Kendrick Lewis to the third safety spot would definitely vastly improve the Chiefs secondary. Lewis would still play a major share of downs given the pass happy nature of the NFL and specifically the AFC West. Having two elite-level playmakers at the safety positions would also allow give new head coach Romeo Crennel another impact player on the defense.

In Mayock’s mock, Luke Kuechly was taken at No. 10 by the Buffalo Bills, so he wasn’t even an option for KC to consider. Barron had 41 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 sack last year for the Crimson Tide.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Chris Owusu's Health Keeps Andrew Luck's Top Receiver Off Draft Boards

Typically the talent that surrounds the best overall player in the NFL Draft also receive a major share of attention from NFL teams as they gear up together for the jump from college to the pro level. Yet Stanford receiver Chris Owusu could be out of luck when it comes to potentially being drafted this weekend despite his ties to Andrew Luck, David DeCastro, Coby Fleener and other Stanford products. Given the attention on concussions in the NFL, that’s the way things have unfortunately fallen for Owusu.

“Owusu has received NFL medical clearance,” writes Jim Trotter, "but teams are still gravely worried about his three concussions in a 13-month span. “He’s off our board,” the GM said. “He was from the start. It wouldn’t matter if he was RG3, he’d still be off our board. With that kind of history it’s not worth the risk of him being seriously injured, especially with all the attention you’re going to receive. If you draft him you’re going to be under the microscope the whole time. Every time he gets hit it’s going to be magnified tenfold.”

While no team is going to say specifically that Owusu is off their board on the record — at least before the draft — it does create a potential low-risk, high-reward scenario for teams open to taking a chance on Owusu. He’s been medically cleared as noted earlier, so he’s available and ready to play in the NFL. Perhaps even a late round choice would secure the services of a player who would be typically taken much higher. That has to be worth a sixth or seventh round pick for some teams.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Luke Kuechly To Tampa Bay Buccaneers In Todd McShay's Latest

For all of the debate that the Kansas City Chiefs will have to choose between safe options like David DeCastro at guard or Luke Kuechly at linebacker in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft on Thursday night, Todd McShay’s latest mock makes it a non-issue. That’s because McShay has vaulted Kuechly higher than anyone else in his latest to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 5, according to Evan Silva.

It’s an interesting jump that makes sense in many ways, considering the top linebacker has come off the board around that spot in years past. Rolando McClain fell to No. 8. A.J. Hawk and Aaron Curry were both top-five picks as well. Kuechly grades as well as any of those guys, or even better, so the Bucs could jump on that for sure.

However, it is considered a new development since Kuechly often fell to the Chiefs in most mock drafts or even lower than that to the middle of the first round. That means that one of the big defensive linemen are bound to fall, or perhaps the Chiefs could go Stephon Gilmore.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Vontaze Burfict, JayRon Hosley Flunked Drug Tests, Per Jay Glazer

Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict chose the wrong time to allow his off the field behavior to go south. At the very least, the NFL Draft prospect can't even put up a front for a few months leading up to potentially the biggest day (and payday) of his life. This is definitely a case of buyer beware. With the word from Jay Glazer that Burfict and Virginia Tech cornerback JayRon Hosley have flunked recent drug tests, teams will have even more character concerns to consider on their draft boards besides the ones already known.

NFL teams were informed this week of 2 more players of note who have flunked drug tests: ASU LB Vontaze Burfict and Va Tech CB JayRon Hosley

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 25, 2012

It's hard enough for a player to gain the attention over dozens of other hopeful players at their draft position, but now Hosley and especially Burfict have a major challenge. Mike Adams was also recently found guilty of the same, however his draft stock should still keep him in the first two rounds since his frame and athleticism are so rare in an offensive lineman.

It will be interesting to see where these players fall after the fact. This weekend will tell the full story.

NFL Draft 2012: Ryan Tannehill, Kirk Cousins Top Two Quarterback Options For Chiefs Per Scouts, Inc.

As the 2012 NFL Draft looms in the next 36 hours, some clearer analysis is beginning to come out concerning particular players and teams. As Scouts, Inc.‘s Gary Horton surveys the quarterback market and where certain players could fall, he surmises that Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins are likely the guys that make the most sense to land with the Chiefs.

The Kansas City front office has checked in on both players, and Tannehill reportedly visited Kansas City. Whether or not the Chiefs are interested is one question, but the bigger is whether or not he will even be available by the time the Chiefs select at No. 11. Horton says not to expect a reach:

The Chiefs could easily take Tannehill at No. 11 if he dropped to them. They think he fits their offense perfectly with his ability to use a moving pocket and make the downfield throws. However, moving up to get him or taking one of the other QBs with pick No. 44 is unlikely. This may be a Tannehill-or-pass scenario for Kansas City, although there are recent rumors that the Chiefs might look seriously at Cousins in the second round. Both Tannehill and Cousins make sense, as they could sit and learn behind Matt Cassel for at least a year.

The Chiefs have the comfortable ability to take who they want knowing that at least an effective quarterback is in place for 2012 in Matt Cassel. While it’s easy to argue the merits of whether or not Cassel can take the team to the next level, it does give the Chiefs some leeway to choose without having to reach.

NFL Mock Draft: Sporting News Has Chiefs Deciding Between David DeCastro, Alameda Ta'amu In First Round

As the 2012 NFL Draft begins tomorrow night, mock drafts are sprouting up everywhere and even full-length ones are beginning to become standard works as the draft approaches. Russ Lande of Sporting News is the latest to unveil his, and he has the Chiefs addressing offensive line in the first round with David DeCastro out of Stanford after wrangling over another unexpected choice.

He writes, “The brass debates between nose tackle Alameda Ta’amu and DeCastro, but in the end goes with the safer choice in DeCastro.” Ta’amu is an impressive defensive tackle who actually goes in the second round in most mock drafts, so Lande is obviously higher on him than others. The Chiefs could use help along the interior of both lines, so it wouldn’t be surprising to address either position. However, Ta’amu is a new name to enter the picture.

Lande ultimately has Ta’amu falling to No. 24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers who take the Washington tackle to replace Casey Hampton in the middle.

As for the other rounds, Lande has the Chiefs taking cornerback Brandon Boykin of Georgia in the second round and defensive tackle Tydreke Powell of North Carolina in the third.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs draft rumors at SB Nation's blog Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chiefs Come Away With Luke Kuechly, Brandon Thompson In 7-Round Mock At NFL.com

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking for help all over in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, stating earlier this offseason that they are open to go in any direction. Judging by the draft haul projected by Chad Reuter in his incredible seven round mock for NFL.com, Reuter believes they will do just that.

Luke Kuechly is the first round choice for the Chiefs, one that would make the Chiefs linebacking corps among the best in the NFL. From there, the team moves to defensive line for Brandon Thompson and safety for Brandon Taylor from Clemson and LSU respectively. In the end, the Chiefs avoid a quarterback and fail to grab any of the recognizable names most fans have connected the team with — even in the later rounds.

Here’s Reuter’s complete projections for the Cowboys including round chosen and overall selection in parentheses:
1 (11) Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
2 (44) Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
3 (74) Brandon Taylor, SS, LSU
4 (107) Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State
5 (146) Joe Looney, OG, Wake Forest
6 (182) Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota
7 (218) Eric Page, WR, Toledo
7 (238) Bradie Ewing, FB, Wisconsin

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Showing Interest In Arizona Linebacker?

The Kansas City Chiefs could be interested in former Arizona Wildcats linebacker Paul Vassallo in either one of their late rounds in the NFL Draft this weekend, or possibly an undrafted free agent over the summer.

Vassallo said he hasn't worked out for any teams, but listed the Chiefs among a list squads that have shown interest in him. Other teams on that list were the New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals.

The 6-foot-3, 247-pound linebacker of course would like to play for his hometown San Francisco 49ers. Vassallo said he's heard positive things from the teams that have been in contact with him and has a lot of confidence going into the weekend.

"I'm an instinctive, intelligent player that's willing to embrace his role," Vassallo said. "I'm going to bring a lot to the table and try to make any team more successful than they already are."

Read more about the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Will Shields Set To Announce Chiefs Second Round Choice

Two former Kansas City Chiefs offensive linemen will announce different picks in this year's upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. Will Shields will be announcing the team's second round choice at No. 44 and Willie Roaf will announce the New Orleans Saints' selection when the 2012 NFL Draft commences the second round on Friday night. The first night's selections are announced by the commissioner Roger Goodell.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chiefs Predicted To Grab David DeCastro By CBS Sports

The latest mock from CBS Sports' Rob Rang rings true with what others are saying: that the Kansas City Chiefs will select David DeCastro at the No. 11 spot in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft on Thursday night. The Chiefs could use an upgrade along the line and DeCastro seems like the ideal talent at that spot in the draft to help them out.

"Few talent evaluators invest as heavily in the offensive and defensive lines as routinely as Chiefs' general manager Scott Pioli," writes Rang. "The addition of right tackle Eric Winston as a free agent certainly eases some concern up front but it should be noted that he wasn't just a salary cap casualty in Houston -- he didn't pass the team physical due to recurring ankle problems. As such, the ultra-safe DeCastro could provide another healthy, tenacious body up front to help return the Chiefs to the effective offense they rode to winning the AFC West division in 2010."

If the Chiefs add both Winston and DeCastro in one offseason to bolster the line, the Chiefs will suddenly have one of the best lines in the NFL. DeCastro has a chance to be an All-Pro guard and other young players like Jon Asamoah and Rodney Hudson certainly have their finest seasons ahead. Winston is already considered one of the best right tackles in the game and Branden Albert is steady at left tackle.

For the running game the Chiefs plan on featuring, a stellar line is necessary. DeCastro would certainly deliver that.

NFL Draft 2012: Western Michigan Receiver Visits Chiefs

Though the Chiefs have the making of an improved receiving core for 2012, the team hasn't failed to keep its eyes out on the class of receivers in this year's NFL Draft.

One player who may be on their radar is wide receiver Jordan White, a fairly unknown player out of Western Michigan. The team had him in for a visit and also flew to Western Michigan to work him out, an indication that they might be interested in investing in the incredibly productive receiver.

White finished with a ridiculous 140 catches and 1,911 yards in 2011, both of which led the country. His efforts were rewarded with his second consecutive nomination as a finalist for the Biletnkioff Award, given annually to the top receiver in college football.

He is considered a borderline draftable player, and may end up having to sign with a team as a college free agent in order to extend his football career.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Keith Nichol Just Looking To Make A Roster

Former Michigan State wide receiver and quarterback Keith Nichol is hoping that his versatility and willingness to move around the field will help him land a spot on an NFL roster. Nichol has worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots and is expected to be either a late round pick, or go to a team as an undrafted free agent.

Nichol is used to making adjustments and realizes he'll likely have to show how much he can contribute to special teams in order to find a home in the NFL.

"There are guys who make tons and tons of money and all they do is special teams," Nichol said. "I don't feel I'm just a receiver or quarterback or anything. I feel I can contribute in a lot of areas."

Nichol recorded 50 catches for 625 yards in his career at Michigan State.

Read more about the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft: Greg Cosell Has Luke Kuechly To Chiefs At No. 11

One of the best and most underrated talent evaluators in the NFL media is Greg Cosell. He’s been interesting and unique in his observations for NFL Media all throughout this offseason, so with the release of his first ever mock draft, it’s something Chiefs fans should pay close attention to. As he unveils his choices, he has Luke Kuechly heading to the Chiefs at No. 11.

Cosell loves Kuechly and says that anyone trying to take anything away from the Boston College linebacker is completely missing the point. He writes:

The Chiefs under Romeo Crennel are quietly building an excellent defense. Focus on linebacker: It’s a very good group that features Tamba Hali and Justin Houston on the outside, and Derrick Johnson inside. You add Luke Kuechly to the mix, and you may well have the best 3-4 linebacking unit in the NFL. I’m tired of hearing about Kuechly’s average athleticism. I watched game after game after game and he played fast with urgent reaction speed. He played with his eyes better than any linebacker I can remember evaluating. His so-called inability to play physically? Watch the NFL as extensively as I do, and you’ll know that very few linebackers take on blocks. That’s a time-worn cliché that really has little practical application.

It’s hard to ignore that kind of production in college and a player who projects so well on a team that could use the upgrade. Romeo Crennel has to love the thought of having Eric Berry back and ready to play alongside a unit strengthened by the addition of Kuechly.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Brock Osweiler To Chiefs In Third Round

The Kansas City Chiefs were expected to address the quarterback position at some point this offseason since the team came out and said they wanted to upgrade the competition for Matt Cassel in a public statement. That rarely happens at Arrowhead, but then the Chiefs followed suit with another public declaration that they were interested in Peyton Manning. It was a clear sign that Cassel could be out or, at the very least, he would contend with someone else to be the 2012 starter.

However that hasn't unfolded the way fans believed it might. Instead, the team signed Brady Quinn to a modest back-up deal while other options like Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton and Chad Henne signed elsewhere. The team lost out on Peyton Manning to the Broncos and the best options in the draft will be long gone by the time the Chiefs select. However, Walter Football's Charlie Campbell believes the team might strike for their long-term quarterback in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft with Brock Osweiler.

"The Chiefs grab a quarterback to groom for a year or two behind Matt Cassel. Osweiler is visiting Kansas City before the draft," writes Campbell. "Osweiler (6-6, 242) is big-armed pocket passer who has surprising mobility. The former basketball player has good athletic ability for being so tall. Looking at him, one would think he would be a statue in the pocket, but that is definitely not the case as he is a good scrambler."

The pick makes sense for the Chiefs in a number of ways and it's hard not to love some things about Osweiler's game. His stock has been rising in multiple mocks, so this is a move that's easy to imagine played out in the third round. It depends on draft value and who is left on the board, but Campbell continues to make solid picks for the Chiefs in his latest mock.

NFL Draft 2012: Mel Kiper Compares Luke Kuechly To Brian Urlacher

The praise for Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly has been effusive throughout this entire season leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft. After leading the NCAA in tackles the last two seasons and winning seemingly every possible trophy and accolade he could earn, it’s clear that Kuechly is not only a first round choice but could go in the top half of the draft. Yet perhaps his greatest compliment comes today courtesy of ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. who compares him with Chicago Bears great Brian Urlacher.

Kiper took to Twitter today to say that Kuechly reminds him of Urlacher coming out of school. Urlacher was a late riser up draft boards and was the hottest commodity coming into the 2000 NFL Draft out of New Mexico. Kuechly could be taken around the same position, and he’s often listed as heading to the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round at No. 11.

There’s a possibility that Kuechly could be off the board for the Chiefs by the time they choose. The Buffalo Bills could take him at No. 10 and even the Panthers could strike at No. 9. If the Chiefs pass, the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets are also landing spots at No. 12 or 16 respectively.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chiefs Picking Dontari Poe

Dontari Poe is considered to be a risky selection as the 11th overall pick, but the most recent SB Nation NFL Mock Draft indicates that it may be worth it to the Kansas City Chiefs to take that risk on the defensive tackle out of Memphis.

There have been comparisons of Poe to Haloti Ngata, but that could be far-reaching. Nevertheless, Poe's draft stock is sky-high. Here is what Ryan Van Bibber had to say about the Poe selection in the mock:

Some are skeptical about whether or not Poe will realize his full potential. Kansas City should be willing to take that chance and bet on their ability to help him live up to those Haloti Ngata comparisons.

Read more about the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride. For more news and notes on the NFL Mock Draft, be sure to visit Mocking the Draft. Check out the NFL hub page for more news and analysis around the league.

NFL Will Remove Camera Coverage Of Green Room During Draft Selections

It was the single most annoying facet the NFL could correct as a viewer of the Draft process, so the league should be applauded for its latest announcement. Given the presence of cameras everywhere at the NFL Draft, it’s become a regular feature for the camera to show a prospect on the phone who is being selected before commissioner Roger Goodell can announce the choice. Now that won’t be happening this weekend.

“We realized that we have been doing the viewer a disservice in that we have lost some of the excitement of when the commissioner walks up to the podium and announces the pick for the first time,” said Eric Weinberger, the executive producer of the NFL Network. “We’re not going to tip when the kids are on the phone with their team. The first time the public hears officially that a young man is chosen is going to be from Commissioner Goodell’s mouth.”

It’s always annoying to have the suspense removed as the viewer when you see the family hugging and the prospect crying even before the announcement is made. There’s something about having to wait until the announcement is made at the podium — those few seconds where the question hangs in the air between the analysts going silent and the commish speaking up. Perhaps it’s all too dramatic, but if you’re a fan of the draft then you know the feeling.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Trumaine Johnson To Chiefs Secondary In Second Round

One small school prospect that has made the rounds to more teams than almost any other pro prospect is Trumaine Johnson out of Montana. Teams seem to covet his versatility in the secondary as well as his athleticism. Charlie Campbell of Walter Football has Johnson heading to the Chiefs in the second round of his latest mock for the 2012 NFL Draft.

He writes, "The FCS-standout Johnson has an excellent combination of size and speed. The 6-foot-2, 204-pounder has unique physical tools and consistent production. He became a starter as a true freshman and recorded four interceptions. Despite missing four games in 2009, Johnson had five interceptions with 12 passes broken up and 54 tackles. He had four interceptions with seven passes defensed and 44 tackles in 2010. "

Johnson would certainly help bolster the Chiefs secondary after injuries took their toll on Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis. Both hope to come back in 2012 healthy and ready to play, but the injuries exposed a thin secondary at safety where players like Sabby Piscitelli earned significant playing time. That’s not a good sign.

The Chiefs also lost Brandon Carr to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency this season. While the team signed Stanford Routt, it makes sense to add another young impact corner. Routt’s deal is a three-year deal, but it could easily be shortened if Johnson comes along, yet Routt’s presence also gives Johnson time to adjust to the competition level of the NFL.

The Chiefs struck gold once on a small school corner with Carr from Grand Valley State and Johnson could be the next find. He’s already visited with the Chiefs, so they will know the product well and Campbell likely has a very solid guess at this point in the second round. Other positions could be addressed, but someone who can be versatile in the secondary could be an asset more coveted than others.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Luke Kuechly To Chiefs In Latest NFL.com Mock

The latest mock draft to come in from NFL.com is from Chad Reuter who believes the Chiefs will ultimately go with help in the middle of the defense with their first overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. With his latest mock, Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly is the choice at No. 11 for the Chiefs.

Reuter writes, “Kuechly’s ability to find his way through traffic in the run game and also drop into coverage instantly upgrades the Chiefs’ defense.”

The only surprise in Reuter’s draft is that he has Michael Floyd heading to the Buffalo Bills at No. 10, which means names like Riley Reiff and Quinton Coples fall farther than expected to No. 16 and 19 respectively. David DeCastro, the other favorite for the Chiefs first round choice, falls at No. 13 to the Arizona Cardinals.

Kuechly would certainly provide a three-down upgrade in the middle where Jovan Belcher and Brandon Siler are expected to contend for the starting spot next to Derrick Johnson. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali would round out a starting linebacking corps that would rival any in the NFL.

NFL Draft 2012: Chris Owusu Provides Late Round Receiver Option

Chris Owusu has had a rough hand dealt to him in his college football career. You would think the primary receiver for Andrew Luck would have a high draft stock, but instead concussions have taken their toll on the talented Stanford wideout. So instead of prepping to hear his name called early in the 2012 NFL Draft, he's hoping at least one team will take a flier on him at all.

"As far as was Chris Owusu is concerned, I root for this kid," said NFL Draft analyst Mike Mayock. "He's a good kid with production and a lot of explosion, given his natural skill set. I think with his history of concussion and where the NFL is today with safety, especially regarding the concussion issue, I think it's going to be very difficult for him to be drafted."

Owusu is a 6-2, 200 lb. receiver who suffered his third concussion this last season. He was still medically cleared to play after that, so it's hard to tell if he will be drafted at all or whether some team could sneak him up their draft board knowing he could provide value with the added risk of injury. He could make a solid pick for the Chiefs who have two choices in round seven. Adding another receiver as well as a special teams player would definitely help on multiple levels.

NFL Draft 2012: Coby Fleener's Stock Could Be Falling

The Kansas City Chiefs already signed Kevin Boss to a one-year deal and they have Tony Moeaki in house. But given the durability questions surrounding Moeaki, the Chiefs could decide to go with a tight end in the draft if the value is right. After all, the team has already stated they can go in any direction they want in the 2012 NFL Draft. With that in mind, a value could be coming in Stanford tight end Coby Fleener.

The reason is that Fleener's status could be dropping with the word that his game is not as great as everyone is making it out to be. Bob McGinn of the Journal-Sentinel received word from some team scouts who didn't think Fleener was that great.

"He wasn't even the best tight end on their team," another scout said. "No. 11 (sophomore Levine Toilolo), that's the real deal. He might be the most overrated guy in the draft. He's awful as a blocker. Despite his workout numbers he's really not a quick-twitch, dynamic-moving guy. He's a straight-line, build-up player. All these reports about him being an athlete and this and that, they're assuming that because he ran fast. He's really just a red-zone, jump-ball player."

Perhaps this is all draft smokescreen, but if not, it could really make the Chiefs offense into a more dynamic spread than it already is with a receiver like Fleener on hand. The Patriots flex Aaron Hernandez out wide as did the Colts with Dallas Clark. Fleener could be the same kind of player. Of course, the Chiefs would have to believe it was the best value around to take him since tight end is not the greatest need, but a player that slips in the draft is the kind of guy who could become the best value. Just ask Justin Houston.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs In Prime Position For Trade Back If Ryan Tannehill Falls

The Kansas City Chiefs could themselves be interested if Ryan Tannehill falls to them at No. 11. Widely considered the third best quarterback in the draft, several teams have checked in on the Texas A&M signal caller at some point or another, including the Chiefs. But the Chiefs could also reap the rewards of Tannehill’s presence at that spot by trading back, according to Peter King. That’s the move that Scott Pioli would likely make instead.

The Chiefs personally worked out Tannehill and he also reportedly visited Kansas City. There’s been some work done there, in other words, to know the prospect well enough to take him or leave him. The signs out of KC point to nothing in particular, as always, so it’s hard to tell what they’ll do. But NFL Draft analysts believe KC will leave him alone, and could trade the pick away for a team that does like Tannehill enough to move up.

The No. 11 position is perfect for trading up since it would not cost as much as a top spot like No. 3 with the Minnesota Vikings or No. 7 with the Jacksonville Jaguars to leap potential landing spots for Tannehill like the Cleveland Browns or Miami Dolphins. It’s that last spot that could prohibit the Chiefs from getting the chance to work with Tannehill one way or another.

Peter King reported on the weekend rumor that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is pushing his front office to take the quarterback. He writes:

Sunday night, respected Dolphins beat writer Armando Salguero reported the Ross item is not true and said a highly placed club source told him, animatedly, that Ross hasn’t told anyone who to draft. And this morning, I got a call from someone saying Florio was right on; Ross wants the quarterback. So what will happen here? I don’t know. But I do think it’s less of a lock Tannehill goes no lower than eight than it was a couple of weeks ago. If Miami passes on him at eight, I expect him to go either to a trade-up team with Kansas City at 11 or to Seattle at 12.

The Chiefs would certainly try to use that leverage in the same way they did last year when the Browns wanted to trade up to No. 21, the Chiefs original draft position in the 2011 NFL Draft, to secure nose tackle Phil Taylor. The Chiefs got the No. 27 choice in the draft while also gaining an early third round choice. In the end, they took Justin Houston and Jon Baldwin in exchange for Phil Taylor essentially.

To do so in this draft would also be helpful because the Chiefs could use an impact rusher, linebacker, guard, safety or even quarterback prospect. If they moved back a bit more, Brandon Weeden could be a first round target to secure a quarterback or Mark Barron would also be interesting. David DeCastro could fall a bit more, as could Luke Kuechly. With so many interesting options in play, picking up an extra pick or two would make for the best value overall.

Then again, if the Chiefs are enamored with Tannehill and not telling anyone, they could surprise and just walk away with the player they want the most. Given last year’s feeding frenzy in the first round with the Jags trade up to get Blaine Gabbert, the Vikings reach for Christian Ponder, and the Titans pick of Jake Locker, it’s hard to imagine Tannehill slipping that far. But NFL Draft history shows us that it’s possible he drops farther than anyone imagines. That’s the beauty of the drama that the NFL Draft holds.

NFL Draft 2012: Quinton Coples Could 'Drop Like Melting Icicle'

In our latest edition of Chop Talk last night, Dan Kadar of Mocking the Draft discussed the interests of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2012 NFL Draft coming up next weekend and mentioned North Carolina's Quinton Coples as his guess for the Chiefs at the No. 11 slot. It's a new thought that flies in the face of the typical names, but the potential for greatness is there. However as Dan Pompei notes, the potential for disaster is there as well.

"The tape on North Carolina's Quinton Coples could make him drop like a melting icicle on draft day," writes Pompei. "Despite being one of the most gifted players in the draft at any position, Coples rarely plays like it. "At times you don't even know he's in the game," one general manager said. "He is a lethargic player who goes through the paces."

Coples had 15 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks last season. Some of the rumors that come out at this time are definitely intended to send a player's stock down to help the team that really wants him, so it's possible Pompei is being fed a line here. That said, he's not the first guy to question Coples' ability at the pro level.

Pompei's colleague at the National Football Post Wes Bunting loves Coples' game and says he can "be as good as he wants to be in the NFL." Bunting goes on to write, "The game comes very easy to him and he can be dominant if he learns to use his arms even better to slip blocks in the pass game, but with more time I expect that to improve. The sky is the limit as long as he's willing to work at his trade and keep his motor running."

Coples is expected in most mocks to go in the top 10 of the draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Michael Floyd Possible First Round Choice For Chiefs, Per Mike Mayock

Now that we're only within a few days of the 2012 NFL Draft, some new names are being bandied about for the Kansas City Chiefs first round choice at No. 11. While Luke Kuechly, Michael Brockers and David DeCastro make sense for the Chiefs, Mike Mayock has a surprise name in store -- one that would certainly make the Chiefs offense and even roster layout very interesting: Michael Floyd.

The wide receiver from Notre Dame is among the top one or two wide receivers in the entire draft class, but the Chiefs already have Steve Breaston, Dwayne Bowe and last year's first round choice Jon Baldwin in house. To take Floyd would give the Chiefs one of the best wide receiver groups in the NFL, but it would also be a luxury pick unless it opened up a trade of Bowe to another team.

However, Mayock believes it's a real possibility. "Once you get past Jacksonville, I would say that Miami at eight, if they don't take a quarterback, need a wide receiver very badly. The Panthers I think will take a defensive lineman but they need a wide receiver at nine. The Bills at ten need a wide receiver. I think the Chiefs and the Seahawks at 11 and 12 both need receivers and then the Jets at 16."

While it's not likely to happen, it's definitely interesting that one of the most respected draft experts is open to the possibility. It's even more drama to add to the fire that will finally go out this weekend.

For more information on the Chiefs upcoming draft class and more rumors, check out Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Brandon Weeden Could Be Gone For Chiefs In Second Round

The buzz on Brandon Weeden is strong at the right time leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft. This is the key point where a player wants to have his stock rise, and Weeden is the right quarterback at the right time. While Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III and even Ryan Tannehill are assured of a high draft spot, Weeden has been late to the first round party. Perhaps his time as come.

Dan Pompei of the National Football Post writes, "Brandon Weeden is starting to look like a key player in the draft. A good chance now exists the QB is going to be selected in the later stages of the first round, and it seems likely teams will try to jockey for position to get Weeden. If the Browns don't select Tannehill early, they could take him with the 22nd pick. Or another team could try to jump the Browns by moving up from the early second round. The Browns also could try to move down in the late 20s to take Weeden."

The Chiefs were among the teams mentioned for Weeden in the second round, and he would provide fantastic value if he falls that far. That said, Pompei is likely right that a fourth quarterback goes in the first round. There are just too many holes to fill for a franchise quarterback at the next level that someone won't try to trade up and get Weeden if he falls too far. The Browns at No. 22 certainly make the most sense.

Instead the Chiefs will likely have to wait until a later round and grab a Russell Wilson or B.J. Coleman if they want a developmental player.

2012 NFL Draft: Chiefs Could Move Into Top-5 To Take Matt Kalil

The Kansas City Chiefs are very interested in drafting USC Trojans offensive tackle Matt Kalil, the problem is that Kalil is expected to be drafted within the first five picks and the Chiefs hold the No. 11 selection. Other teams at the top of the draft who are interested in Kalil are the Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Rams. The Vikings pick No. 3 and the Rams have the No. 6 pick.

The Sporting News' Russ Lande is reporting that the Chiefs will move up if Kalil is available at No. 4:

If Kalil isn't selected by the Vikings, our sources tell us the Chiefs (who own the 11th overall pick) will attempt to trade up to obtain him. Kansas City recently signed former Texan Eric Winston to play right tackle and have 2008 first-round pick Branden Albert at left tackle. Albert is solid but not great and has only one year remaining on his contract. In 2012, Kalil could take over at left tackle, which would allow the Chiefs to move Albert to guard.

If the Chiefs are going to go after Kalil that means they will be passing on the chance to draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, plus if they get Kalil it will greatly improve their offensive line which was not good in 2011.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Kirk Cousins Remains Possibility For Chiefs, Broncos In Second Round

The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos are both likely looking for a young quarterback to develop for the future in the 2012 NFL Draft if they can find one to their liking at the right spot. ESPN's Bill Williamson says either team could be looking at the same product out of Michigan State: Kirk Cousins. When asked about Cousins in a recent mailbag, Williamson linked the two rivals together as potential competitors for the quarterback.

Williamson writes, "The Broncos have studied Cousins and they like him. He will likely be taken in the second round. I would not be shocked if Cousins ends up in Denver. However, I think the Chiefs could also take him. Kansas City has the No. 44 overall pick in the second round, and the Broncos pick at No. 57."

Wes Bunting compares him with Andy Dalton to a degree, but he also says his game has serious flaws. He writes:

A solid athlete who isn't overly impressive physically, but he has enough to make it in the NFL. Needs to take that next step in his understanding of the offense this year and cut down on the mental errors. However, he's a good kid, a hard worker and has some real similar qualities to some of the senior quarterbacks who came off the board this year (Ponder/Dalton). Nevertheless, his struggles with pressure could hold him back from ever becoming an NFL starter.

For the Chiefs, it would be about bringing in a guy who could supplant Matt Cassel as the Chiefs starter and work with Ricky Stanzi and Brady Quinn in the depth chart.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: David DeCastro Remains Chiefs' Pick For Drafttek

For the last few months, Drafttek has provided weekly mocks leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft, and for the most part they've stayed with David DeCastro, the Stanford guard, at the No. 11 position. As the draft nears within just four days, the Chiefs are still being linked with DeCastro once again in their latest mock.

The Drafttek report reads, "The Chiefs' choices appear to be between David DeCastro and Luke Kuechly. Either would be fine choices. The best bet is that the Chiefs take David DeCastro. The draft is deeper at guard, but DeCastro is the better value. He will lock down an offensive line spot for ten plus years, more than likely at a multiple Pro Bowl level. A DeCastro pick would be similar to the Eric Berry choice. The positional value is not the highest, but the player value is."

It's hard to fault a team for taking a safe choice such as this despite possible impact talents at position like pass rusher or cornerback. DeCastro is likely to become an instant fan favorite along the line and someone who, like Eric Winston, makes the entire line better. The addition of those two bodies would make a huge difference for the Chiefs offense in 2012.

NFL Draft Rumors: Ryan Tannehill Favored By Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross

It’s generally bad news when a team owner gets involved right before the NFL Draft. After all, a team’s front office has been working all season long, scouts have filled out reports over the course of years on a player, but the man who pays the bills can come in at the last second and change everything. While the Miami Dolphins might have already liked Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Pro Football Talk reports that the Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is lobbying for the choice at No. 8 in the 2012 draft.

Mike Florio writes, “Ross desperately wants to turn the page on yet another embarrassing offseason, which has seen the Dolphins fail to hire Jeff Fisher as coach and Peyton Manning as quarterback. They also whiffed on new coach Joe Philbin’s pupil with the Packers, Matt Flynn, even though it’s unclear whether the Dolphins decided they didn’t want Flynn or Flynn decided he didn’t want the Dolphins, or a little bit of both.”

The Browns, Dolphins, Chiefs and Seahawks are all teams in the first half of the NFL Draft linked with Tannehill. The Eagles were also rumored to be interested in possibly trading up. It’s hard to tell what’s a smokescreen at this point and what is truth, but the Dolphins are among the safest bets if Tannehill’s stock is as high as people think it might be. Given their inability to bring in anyone else and the loss of Brandon Marshall, that could be an offense in trouble.

NFL Draft 2012: Amini Silatolu Has Scheduled Private Workouts With Chiefs And 8 Other Teams

One of the more intriguing prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft is Amini Silatolu out of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Silatolu, a 6-foot-4, 311-pound consensus All-American left tackle at the Division II level, projects as a left guard at the NFL level.

Silatolu was invited to workout at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and graded out well. In particular were his measurements and workout times. Silatolu bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times, had a 31 1/2 inch vertical leap, an 8-11 broad jump, a 4.87 20-yard shuttle and a 7.95 three-cone drill. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.43 seconds.

The Chiefs have scheduled a private workout with Silatolu, but the offensive lineman has other suitors. Other teams scheduled to work out Silatolu are: Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts and the Carolina Panthers.

The first round of the NFL Draft will take place on Thursday night in New York City. The Chiefs pick at No. 11.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Linked To Two 'Most Overrated' Prospects In Ryan Tannehill, Dontari Poe

Ryan Tannehill is the quarterback reach in the draft, filled with potential yet the same amount of question marks. Dontari Poe wowed everyone at the NFL Combine yet failed to play up to such potential in games against subpar competition while at Memphis. While both players could go early in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, they are also included again and again among those players most “overrated” heading into the draft. The Chiefs are, rather interestingly, linked to both.

Bucky Brooks is the latest to believe that both players’ values are inflated. Given the need for several teams at quarterback in the NFL, it’s not surprising that Tannehill’s stock has risen to levels higher than his actual value for now. Brooks writes:

Tannehill has become one of the most debated prospects in the scouting community following his ascension up the charts in recent weeks. His supporters see an athletic quarterback with outstanding physical tools and potential, but some scouts harbor concerns about his limited game experience and indecisiveness in the pocket. While the desperation for finding a franchise quarterback routinely boosts the value of prospects with potential, Tannehill’s game currently falls short of normal top-10 expectations.

The Chiefs could select Tannehill if he falls or even trade up if they like him enough. Only Scott Pioli and his inner circle at Arrowhed know what they think after they worked him out, interviewed him and watched his game tape. Tannehill also reportedly visited Kansas City, so a match could be there if they think he’s a better quarterback option than Matt Cassel.

As for Dontari Poe, the Chiefs could definitely use another young body along the defensive line and it’s hard to find an anchor in the middle like Haloti Ngata, Casey Hampton and the like. Paul Soliai just cashed in for millions this off-season despite playing half of his team’s downs for the Dolphins. It’s a sign of just how rare high-performing defensive linemen can be. Still Brooks says he has major bust potential:

After dazzling scouts with his impressive combination of size, strength and athleticism at the combine, Poe has experienced a meteoric rise up the charts in most war rooms. He has been pegged as a candidate to come off the board within the first 10 picks, but his lackluster production on tape should raise concerns about his ability to make an immediate impact as a pro.

Often referred to as the Underwear Olympics, Poe definitely impressed at the Comine, but it’s hard to tell how his game will translate to the pro level. Then again, names like Jason Pierre-Paul and Aldon Smith came with more promise than productivity in recent drafts and teams are enjoying the spoils of their draft haul.

It will be interesting to see where both players end up, and if the Chiefs end up with one of them, Pioli will be praised for his vision or criticized for passing up on safer options.

NFL Draft 2012: Mike Adams Stock Could Drop From Marijuana Use

Mike Adams was once a consideration for the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, at least according to early mocks that came out this year. Adams has a great build and strong experience from his time at Ohio State. Yet some personal concerns could knock him farther than draft boards than what were originally projected, providing a surprise target in the second round. Most recently, his admitted use of marijuana could put him in position for a great second round grab for the team.

"The positive test result will make Adams a moderate risk and could result in him sliding to the second round," writes La Canfora, "but other players in the same situation in years past still have ended up in the first round. Adams has told people he was unaware of the positive result at the time of combine interviews, which is why he did not tell teams then."

The Chiefs are often linked to David DeCastro in the first round, but if a guy like Mike Adams could be taken 30 picks later or so, that would be the better value. Could the Chiefs bank on that? Not likely. But some solid picks are still there among interior linemen in the draft if they so choose. Mike Adams might just be the best of them, despite character issues and concerns.

NFL Draft 2012: Stephon Gilmore Earns Recommendation For Chiefs In First Round

As the 2012 NFL Draft creeps closer, various names will pop up involving the Kansas City Chiefs that have not been found in mocks to date. Instead of David DeCastro or Luke Kuechly, other unfamiliar names like Stephon Gilmore will come into play. That's who CBS Sports' Rob Rang says Scott Pioli should at least check out when considering who to take in the first round at No. 11.

The Chiefs could be rather crowded already at the cornerback position. However, given the pass-happy nature of the NFL, the South Carolina corner's skill level would be a welcome addition on any team.

"The Chiefs reacted quickly to the loss of free agent Brandon Carr by signing former Oakland Raider Stanford Routt," writes Rang. "Of course, the Chiefs already have one of the league's better corners in Brandon Flowers on one side. However, considering the key to the winning the AFC West might be in slowing down Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers, the Chiefs might be intrigued by Gilmore's combination of size, athleticism and physicality - enough to consider him as a fall back option at No. 11 or potentially in a slight trade down scenario."

The team already has Routt and Flowers as mentioned, but they also have Jalil Brown and Javier Arenas as promising options as well as a solid vet in Travis Daniels. With needs elsewhere, it's likely that Pioli will look away from corner in the first round.

2012 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper Says Chiefs Need Dontari Poe, Amini Silatolu To Earn 'A' Grade

Looking forward to the 2012 NFL Draft, Mel Kiper has come out with a first for him -- a column that projects what it would take for each team to earn an "A" grade overall from him based on the team's first three rounds worth of choices. It's an odd exercise, but an interesting one to see how a team should position themselves from a guy who's the most well-known draft analyst around.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, the lines are the way to build, and that's something Scott Pioli would likely agree with. While he's been labeled a workout warrior and is as risky as anyone in the draft, Kiper likes Dontari Poe in the middle for the Chiefs at No. 11. The Memphis defensive tackle blew everyone away at the NFL Combine with his performance in several categories, but the game tape simply doesn't show the same on the field. In the second and third rounds, Kiper says the Chiefs stay with the lines with Animi Silatolu and Alameda Ta'amu.

"The Chiefs really need a nose tackle, and while Poe is not yet a finished product, and might even be as good or more successful in a 4-3, it's really hard to pass on his potential at this spot on the board," says Kiper. "Guard is a huge need for the Chiefs, and I'm going to take one of my favorite sleepers in the draft with Silatolu here. He'll be able to help them early, and anything the Chiefs can do to invigorate the run game will be key. Ta'amu is a wide body and good insurance piece for the Chiefs at NT. In fact, I can see Poe and him on the field at the same time."

If the Chiefs went this route, many Chiefs fans would be left scratching their heads for a bit, but the defensive line and front seven overall would have more depth, youth and raw ability than at any other point in the last five-plus years. As for Silatolu, he's a fast rising lineman who could take over for Ryan Lilja.

Give Kiper credit not only for an interesting concept or column but also for crafting something new for the Chiefs instead of following the same old formula of everyone else that likely won't come true.

2012 NFL Draft: Fletcher Cox Could Fill Need For Present And Future Plans For Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have been linked with the same names again and again in most mock drafts at the No. 11 position in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Luke Kuechly, David DeCastro and Dontari Poe are the most common names with Ryan Tannehill making some noise as well if the quarterback slips down. However, one name that should stand out more based on need, position and college production is Fletcher Cox.

There’s a likelihood that Cox could be taken in the top ten of the draft, which makes this a moot point. However, the Chiefs were third to last in the NFL in total sacks last season, and Tamba Hali is their only proven pass rusher. Justin Houston had a couple nice games at season’s end, but that doesn’t mean the team can bank on him to complement Hali all year long. The reality is that they need a third pass rusher.

He also fills a need at 3-4 end, something the Chiefs will have to think about in the future. Todd McShay described him recently and listed out the reasons why he’s likely to be a high pick:

As far as the defensive tackles, it’s a deep group, and there’s a lot of talent here. Fletcher Cox, the more tape I watch, the more he just grew on me, and I love his versatility. I think he plays the game hard. I think he can rush the passer both from the inside and the outside, different styles, more of a three technique.

On the outside he seals the edge and is stronger at the point of attack than when he plays on the inside, but I also see some ability to get off the quarterback with power moves and leverage moves as a left defensive end type or a 3-4 defensive end, as well, on occasion. I think he’s the best of the group, I really do, and I think he’ll continue to get better.

The Chiefs already have high-cost investments at defensive end, but only one on Scott Pioli’s watch as general manager — Tyson Jackson. While TJ has gotten better and Glenn Dorsey holds his own, neither player has been able to fully silence his critics since being drafted in the top five (or three for Jackson). In addition, Jackson is due a ridiculous $14 million next season. That figure is simply too much.

Cox would give the team some leverage and flexibility — something that Pioli seems to love. He drafted Jon Baldwin before he ever had to make a call one way or the other on Dwayne Bowe. He signed Stanford Routt before doing the same with Brandon Carr. Instead of waiting for his one option to work out. Pioli seems to like to add a position of need while also allowing that move to serve as a Plan B in case a player leaves in the future.

While there are definitely other great players available to take in the draft at that spot, perhaps none comes with the ceiling that Cox would bring at a position of need both right now and in the future.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: SI.com Thinks Luke Kuechly 'Makes Too Much Sense' For Chiefs

In the latest mock draft from SI.com, Don Banks throws more fire on the chatter around the Kansas City Chiefs taking Boston College LB with the No. 11 overall pick:

11LB Luke Kuechly Boston College Jr. 6-3 237

Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli loves productive and instinctive players like Kuechly, and it seems those two will have a little Boston connection going as well. This one makes so much sense it absolutely has to happen, which is usually the kiss of death.

Kuechly, a high character player with excellent measurables (6'3 240 with a 4.5 40) as well as production (one of the top two tacklers in the country in all three seasons), seems to be one of the safest picks at the top of the draft.

However, in a league where passing is becoming increasingly important, an interior linebacker isn't considered a premium position, which could make Pioli's decision on draft day more complex than it may seem.

For all the latest news and notes about the Chiefs draft plans, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft Rumors: Jaguars Want Chiefs To Trade Up For Ryan Tannehill, Per John Clayton

The Jacksonville Jaguars want out of their spot at No. 7 in the top ten. Every year this happens, where a specific team is just in a bad spot — just outside the fringe of elite level players. The Jags won’t find someone worthy of the No. 7 spot and will have to reach for something of need — Michael Floyd of Notre Dame, perhaps — and it won’t be worth it in the end. The Jags don’t need a quarterback, which means Ryan Tannehill, if he falls, would make for a great trade-up candidate.

John Clayton is reporting that the Jags are wanting the Chiefs to be that team. It would give the Jags another draft asset while they would only fall four spots to No. 11, so an impact player would still be in the cards.

As for the Chiefs, it would put them in the spot before the Miami Dolphins which would ensure that Tannehill would come to Kansas City if the Cleveland Browns don’t take him at No. 4. That last note seems to be more and more of a possibility so if Tannehill slips, KC could have an interesting scenario on their hands — if they like Tannehill, that is.

If all signs are positive on the Texas A&M quarterback, then Pioli has a choice to make. While moving up four spots at the top of the draft is likely to cost something rather nice, even for four spots, he might be able to hold the Jags at bay a bit with the leverage that they want out of that spot. Pioli’s been at this long enough to know where and how to take advantage of value.

The first round of the draft will certainly be an interesting one to follow. The Chiefs could do a number of things after the top ten and are one of the key franchises to follow. The Jags certainly hope they fall in love with one particular player to help them out of a minor jam.

2012 NFL Draft Class Weak In Pass Rushers, Could Shift Chiefs Away From David DeCastro, Luke Kuechly

For those of you hip to Football Outsider’s various equations that measure NFL statistics left-of-center, you know that the writers there often unmask many important points for the average reader. One of the site’s best measurement is their SackSEER formula which, well, it’s better if they explain it.

One important note, however, is that the generally held thought that there’s no dynamic pass rusher or two in this class but rather a few guys who could fare well seems to hold up when applying the metric. Nathan Forster writes:

On balance, SackSEER believes that 2012 will be a fairly poor year for edge rushers, with only one strong prospect and a slew of likely-to-disappoint high-round picks. Last year, SackSEER 2.0 projected eight edge rushers to hit 20.0 sacks or more, led by Von Miller, who had the seventh highest SackSEER projection of all-time. SackSEER 2.0 only projects four of this year’s prospects to reach 20.0 sacks in their first five years in the league -— and they’re not necessarily the four whom you would expect.

In short, this class is half as good as last year for guys who can rush the passer. That should significantly affect the draft strategies of several teams who might bypass a great player at a deep position for the ability to grab one of a few real pass rushers.

The top four for Football Outsiders are interesting: Nick Perry of USC, Whitney Mercilus of Illinois, Shea McClellin of Boise State and Chandler Jones of Syracuse. Andre Branch of Clemson is also projected just at the bottom line of those predicted for at least 20 sacks in their first few years in the league.

In short, consider that the Kansas City Chiefs were among the three worst teams in the NFL last season at rushing the passer — yet they were credited for having a great defense. If the Chiefs are going to succeed this year, the pass rush has to get better. The maturation of Justin Houston will help as will the return of Eric Berry to allow everyone else to do what they do. But they also don’t have enough pass rushers in general.

Romeo Crennel admitted as much in a press conference, saying the can’t have enough pass rushers (along with speed receivers). Given the shortage here, the Chiefs could be in a real position to grab one at No. 11.

This could affect the draft board position of players commonly linked to the Chiefs in mock drafts. Why would the Chiefs take David DeCastro, a great guard certainly, when the draft is particularly deep in interior linemen? In short, it’s the one position in the draft where getting a starter in the fourth or even fifth round is not a stretch. Do the Chiefs change their strategy accordingly?

What about Luke Kuechly? Does the upgrade from Brandon Siler and Jovan Belcher as a tandem to move up to Kuechly’s "safe pick" level worth skipping over the best pass rushers available in the draft?

These are questions that are impossible for those of us outside of the Chiefs war room to answer. The Chiefs continue to surprise in many drafts since Scott Pioli arrived. No one saw the Tyson Jackson pick coming. Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas both provided perplexing moments at first. Pioli knows what his team needs and they will stick to it. But if that need is pass rusher, it shouldn’t surprise if the Chiefs stomp on every mock to make the pick they need.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride and join the discussion.

NFL Draft Rumors: Buffalo Bills Meet With Ryan Tannehill, Fletcher Cox

The Buffalo Bills have the selection immediately before the Kansas City Chiefs, which means that it will be the last nail-biting pick before Scott Pioli knows whether he’ll get his man or not. Judging by the visit list recently for Buddy Nix’s roster, the Bills could be zeroing in on a quarterback talent to challenge Ryan Fitzpatrick in much the same way as the Chiefs wanted someone earlier this offseason to compete with Matt Cassel.

The Bills have reportedly been in the mix for an interesting defensive lineman as well. Marc Sessler of NFL.com writes:

The Buffalo Bills hosted a steady stream of big names this week: On Tuesday, Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore and Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox strolled through the facility. Rosenthal asked the question last month: Do the Bills have the best defensive line in football? Adding Cox to a cast that includes Mario Williams and Marcell Dareus might answer that question.

Stephon Gilmore has been the hot cornerback name leading up to the draft. Patrick Peterson enjoyed great buzz before the draft last year although it was clear all along he was the best corner prospect. That said, Gilmore’s jump into the top ten would be a late move but one that would knock other prospects down one spot if he made it.

The Chiefs could be interested in Cox and Tannehill both so it will be interesting what happens before this pick. The Bills could easily be setting up a smokescreen of some kind since offensive line is the team’s biggest need at this point. If the team doesn’t draft Riley Reiff or another capable tackle, that would be a surprise.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride and join the discussion.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Luke Kuechly To Chiefs At No. 11 In Wes Bunting's Latest

A survey of the latest mocks floating around for the 2012 NFL Draft has the Kansas City Chiefs likely zeroing in on one player. Sometimes that can be a sure sign of what’s to come or it means a team’s smokescreen heading toward draft weekend is working. Only hindsight will tell the truth. For now, the Chiefs are looking like the future home of Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, with Wes Bunting’s mock being the latest to predict such a future.

"With the need at offensive tackle addressed in free agency the Chiefs can now look at one of the safest players available in the front seven," writes Bunting. "Kuechly is a tackling machine with good size, natural instincts and above-average athleticism. Is the kind of talent who can make an impact inside from day one."

Such a safe pick makes an already solid defense that much better. While the team still has something to address at defensive tackle, adding Kuechly to the linebacking corps would cement the middle and provide another playmaker next to Derrick Johnson. It’s not the sexiest addition of a big-time pass rusher or a quarterback to contend for the starting role. However, if defense wins football games, the Chiefs would have one of the best.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride and join the discussion.

NFL Draft 2012: Philadelphia Eagles Look To Trade Up For Fletcher Cox, Not Ryan Tannehill

Before the 2012 NFL Draft, it’s impossible to figure out what is truth and what is fiction given the amount of smokescreens from front offices given to sportswriters and media figures. One such false notion is likely the sky-high stock that Ryan Tannehill has enjoyed over the last several days — one that had a bit too many teams interested in him. The news that the Philadelphia Eagles were interested in trading up for him is apparently wrong. Fletcher Cox was instead the major target.

NFL.com’s Marc Sessler reports, “Draft Insider’s Tony Pauline reported Tuesday the Eagles might maneuver up, but for the services of defensive lineman Fletcher Cox. This feels like an Andy Reid pick, and the 6-foot-4, 298-pound Mississippi State behemoth is a strong fit for Philly’s wide nine scheme.”

Apparently the rumor is right on and Rotoworld agrees that the Eagles could move up but not for the Texas A&M quarterback.

Rotoworld reports, “There’s been enough Cox buzz coming out of Philly that we’re inclined to believe Pauline’s report. The Eagles have shown pre-draft interest in Tannehill, but SI’s Peter King reported Monday that it’s not enough to move up particularly high. Jacksonville at No. 7 is shaping up as a hotspot in the draft. The Jaguars want to trade down, and teams could leap into that position to secure an impact pass rusher or the draft’s third-best quarterback.”

If this is the case, then maybe Tannehill’s stock is lower than what everyone was led to believe. For a while, it seemed like a team might have to trade up into the No. 3 spot to win the Tannehill sweepstakes. Instead, he might be there for the Chiefs to consider at No. 11 without having to swing a deal at all. The Eagles’ interest was clearly inflated. How much was everyone else’s?

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Predicted To Grab Ryan Tannehill At No. 11

The Kansas City Chiefs have been linked to Ryan Tannehill in a number of mock drafts or even trade-up scenarios in the 2012 NFL Draft, and the latest comes from Draft Breakdown’s Eric Stoner. He has the Chiefs taking the Texas A&M quarterback in the first round even with other popular options on the table.

It’s an interesting mock considering that David DeCastro falls all the way to No. 18 and Dontari Poe is also on the table before being taken at No. 14 by the Dallas Cowboys. The Chiefs have been linked to both. Even more surprising is Luke Kuechly falling to the Chicago Bears at No. 19. This is a clear “Chiefs love Tannehill more than any other” scenario that hasn’t really played out in any other mock this offseason.

Stoner is either onto something here given that the Chiefs have worked out Tannehill and the player has spent some time in KC, or else he’s completely mistaken by Tannehill’s stock and the Chiefs interest. It’s our belief the Chiefs will pass on Tannehill after doing their due diligence. However, it’s interesting to identify a mock draft that has the Chiefs thinking the complete opposite.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Luke Kuechly Should Be Chiefs First Pick, Peter King Says

There are a myriad of mock drafts that have the Chiefs taking various players in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft next weekend. However, one name at inside linebacker keeps coming up again and again for Scott Pioli to consider: Luke Kuechly from Boston College. Peter King finally submitted his mock draft for Sports Illustrated and he has the Chiefs taking Kuechly as well, noting how well he fits on the team.

King writes, "The alltime leading tackler in both school and Atlantic Coast Conference history is the perfect player for Kansas City G.M. Scott Pioli: whistle-clean character, great instincts. Kuechly isn't overwhelmingly physical, though. I'd like Dontari Poe here if I were sure he could consistently deliver on the athletic promise he showed at the combine."

King is right to also point out Poe. Poe has a higher potential ceiling of impact at a position of need. However, the Chiefs have a real chance to add a solid playmaker at No. 11 without any question marks. For a team still one year away from taking major risks in the draft, Kuechly fits very well.

NFL Draft 2012: Kelechi Osemele Visits With Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to look at potential prospects to bolster both the competition for starters and the overall depth on the offensive line, the latest possibility from the 2012 NFL Draft class is Iowa State’s Kelechi Osemele.

At 6-6, 347 lbs., his size is the first thing most people mention. Osemele’s technique is also praised and he should come off the board in the first couple of rounds — maybe falling to the third at the latest.

Wes Bunting believes that Osemele has a nice future at the next level, even if it comes with some limitations. He writes, “A big, thick kid with natural strength, athleticism and flexibility. Has improved his technique and overall range off the edge, but is better suited to play inside or on the right side at the next level.”

The Chiefs have Ryan Lilja and Jon Asamoah on the roster already at guard, but they are often tied to David DeCastro. They also lack any back-up tackle options after Eric Winston and Branden Albert other than developmental talent David Mims. Osemele would help at several aspects when considering the overall state of the line.

2012 NFL Draft: Scott Pioli Sees Value In 11th Pick

The Kansas City Chiefs have the 11th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and general manager Scott Pioli couldn't be more optimistic about it.

That's not necessarily because of who the team is going to select with that pick, but also the financial implications of it as well. Future financial obligations makes the draft slot unique in comparison to the 10 picks that precede it.

"There are some other elements to this whole thing ... Picks 1 through 10 have the value in the fifth-year option being the transition number, which is the average of the top-10 contracts of that player's position in the league," Pioli explained. "Picks 11 through 32, the fifth-year option number is based on the salary average of the third through 25th (players at the position).

"So the difference between pick No. 10 and pick No. 11, in terms of what that fifth year (salary) is, is a dramatic difference. There's going to be a different mindset and different thinking, I believe, with a lot of picks and people thinking about trades."

This means that the Chiefs could obviously pick up a valuable prospect for a cheaper price, or they could trade for really nice pieces because of their unique positioning in the draft.

Read more about the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Chiefs Work Out LSU Safety Brandon Taylor

Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs endured their fair share of injuries. In doing so, the team’s lack of depth at several positions was exposed, especially in the secondary. Injuries to both Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis gave way to a major drop-off in talent to the next level of the roster. Thus, it’s not surprising to find out that the Chiefs are working out potential assets before the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft.

Brandon Taylor is the latest prospect to be linked to the Chiefs scouts and coaching staff with a private workout, and the LSU safety would definitely aid a thin safety position on the roster. The starters might be in place, but Taylor’s game would work well to bolster the entire unit, aid on special teams and provide a bit more comfort knowing that Berry and Lewis both have to prove they are back and completely healthy.

Wes Bunting agrees that Taylor would be a good fit on a team in need of that third safety. He writes, " He can tackle in the box and in space, despite being a bit inconsistent at times. Displays some natural coverage ability and looks capable of maturing into tweener starter/nickel safety at the next level."

Taylor will have to overcome some health concerns to keep his draft stock up, which is why his personal workouts are going to be more important for his draft potential than others.

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2012 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Should Steer Clear Of Linebacker At 11

Peter King wrote in his MMQB section for Sports Illustrated that teams should stay away from taking linebackers up near the top 10 in the draft because of the success rate of guys in the past. That would include the Kansas City Chiefs who pick at No. 11 this year and have been linked to Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. via Sports Illustrated.

Look at the top 10 picks in the draft from 2001 to 2010. Six have been linebackers (if you count Terrell Suggs as a defensive end). The six are A.J. Hawk, Ernie Sims, Keith Rivers, Jerod Mayo, Aaron Curry and Rolando McClain. One of the six has made a Pro Bowl -- Mayo -- and he's made just one.

Contrast that to defensive linemen: Twenty-six were picked in the top 10 of the draft from 2001 to 2010 -- obviously counting Suggs as a defensive end -- and those 26 have made 29 Pro Bowls.

So could Peter King be telling us that a guy like Michael Brockers or even a Dontari Poe, who, in Poe's case especially, seem to be more risky picks than Kuechly?

I can definitely see Brockers being the pick if it was between he and Poe personally, but whoever ends up being the pick if it is a defensive player, that means that Romeo Crennel had signed off on that guy being someone he wants on his defense and that should be good enough for any Chiefs fan right now. His track record has been pretty good here.

For more coverage on the Kansas City Chiefs visit Arrowhead Pride to get all your Chiefs news.

2012 NFL Draft: Late Round Quarterback Options Include B.J. Coleman, Darron Thomas

he Kansas City Chiefs have been working out various quarterbacks leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft, presumably in the hopes of adding a potential rookie at the most important position in football if the fit and value are right. While the bulk of the attention is on those at the front of the class, and rightfully so, the Chiefs also have some options on the draft's final day if they so choose. Here are a few that could catch their eye.

B.J. Coleman - Chattanooga - 6'4" 233lbs
Coleman is a solid sleeper in this draft at the quarterback position. As the draft process has progressed, Coleman has become better known to scouts and fans. Coleman is a former Tennessee transfer who has natural size to play the position. He also has good arm strength and can make every NFL throw necessary. His accuracy can be spotty at times, but for the most part is solid.

Coleman isn't very mobile, but has some athletic ability. From a mechanics perspective, Coleman is decent, but his footwork needs attention. By all accountsm Coleman is a good kid and a hard worker. In the later rounds of the draft he is someone to watch as he has an NFL skill set and good upside, and could very well become an NFL starter.

Projection: 4th-5th Round

Chandler Harnish - Northern Illinois - 6'2", 215 lbs.
Harnish is likely more of a backup at the next level with upside as a developmental starter. Harnish started for parts of all 4 years in college, and is a smart, tough football player. He is an athletic player at the quarterback position who can do damage with his legs outside the pocket, having rushed for over 2,000 yards the past 2 seasons. Harnish doesn't have a great arm, but an adequate one.

He has good accuracy in the middle of the field but struggles when he has to drive the ball outside the numbers at times. Harnish has solid mechanics and footwork, but could still use improvement in both areas. He is a hard worker, who is tough and durable. Harnish will be an assest at the next level even if he isn't the starter. He will be a backup in the league for a long time with the potential to develop to the point where he can be an average starter.

Projection: 5th-6th Round

Darron Thomas - Oregon - 6'3" 220lbs
Darron Thomas is an intriguing player in this draft who is a work in progress and will be a developmental prospect for any team that takes a chance on him. A productive college player, Thomas made a curious decision to leave Oregon with a year of eligibility left. Thomas is a very good athlete who can be a danger outside of the pocket. Inside of the pocket, he has real good arm strength, but has mediocre accuracy at best.

Thomas' mechanics will need some work and so will his footwork as he operated out of a spread system at Oregon. Thomas makes good decisions, but will need to work on reads and progressions that come with a pro-style system. Overall, Thomas is an interesting proposition but is extremely raw, but will need hard work and improvements to be successful.

Projection: 7th Round-UDFA

Aaron Corp - Richmond - 6'4" 215lbs
Aaron Corp is a talented athlete and was a transfer to Richmond from USC. Corp possesses good size and a frame that can be built up with work. Corp has average to below average arm strength, but throws with good anticipation and accuracy for the most part.

Corp doesn't always trust his eyes and has a tendency to make poor decisions (as evidenced by his 17 INT this past year). He has solid footwork and mechanics, and is a hard worker. Corp will need some work to become a good player at the next level, but is smart, a good athlete and works hard. He will be a camp body at the very least, but has the potential to develop down the line.

Projection: 6th Round-UDFA

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Peter King Expects Chiefs To Pass On Dontari Poe In First Round

The greatest perceived need for the Kansas City Chiefs heading into the 2012 NFL Draft is likely to be at defensive tackle. Most NFL analysts identify the lack of an impact player at nose tackle for the Chiefs, and Michael Brockers and Dontari Poe are the names most commonly mentioned in mocks for the Chiefs at the position. But Peter King believes that Scott Pioli would pass if confronted with the option, despite the notion that the Chiefs will likely take someone to play DT from this draft class.

Kelly Gregg is no certainty to return (or even play) next season. While last year’s sixth rounder Jerrell Powe holds promise, he’s an obvious developmental tackle at this point. So the Chiefs are likely to strike somewhere. Poe, however, will not be the guy according to King’s latest column for Sports Illustrated.

King writes, “Here’s my biggest question about Poe: For such a marvelously disruptive pocket-presser, how did he have eight tackles for loss and one sack in 12 games last year? I can’t see Carolina reaching for Poe at 9, and I can’t see Kansas City taking him because of his poor college production, but I do think he’ll go somewhere soon after that. I could see Jets coach Rex Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who had Ngata at Baltimore, thinking they can make history repeat itself with Poe.”

If the Chiefs believe he has Ngata like potential, then that’s a choice worth making every time. To have such an incredible anchor in the defensive interior would make the Chiefs front seven among the top units in the league. That said, there’s no way of knowing and Poe is simply not a safe option at a draft slot where many other safe options should remain.

The Chiefs can reach for a project later, but to ignore a linebacker like Luke Kuechly or a guard like David DeCastro for the sake of a project lineman is likely not going to happen. King is right in his assumptions and Poe will likely be someone else’s boom or bust after draft weekend.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Peter King Believes Chiefs Could Trade Out Of No. 11 If Ryan Tannehill Falls

The Kansas City Chiefs are at a pivotal spot right outside of the top ten — the perfect place in the 2012 NFL Draft for a player who unexpectedly tumbles out of the first tier of players taken. It happens every year, and the Chiefs know that a prized prospect could fall to them in the right circumstances. Peter King of Sports Illustrated has another use for that pick: trading it to the highest bidder for Ryan Tannehill.

In King’s latest Monday Morning Quarterback column, the NFL analyst believes the Chiefs will not pull the trigger should the Texas A&M quarterback fall. Instead he has the Chiefs utilizing the position to gain some additional draft assets to a team desperate to trade up. King writes:

In the unlikely event Tannehill makes it out of the top 10, I believe he’ll be the 11th overall pick. That spot belongs to the Chiefs. I don’t see the Chiefs taking Tannehill. I see Kansas City taking the best offer for the pick, and there will certainly be offers for that pick if Tannehill slips. Still, the most likely scenarios are Tannehill to Cleveland at four or Miami at eight. But why 11? Because teams around the league know how much Seattle loves Tannehill.

And you can write this down: If Tannehill were to be there at 12, Seattle would take him, even though the Seahawks just paid medium dollar for Matt Flynn in free agency. That’s how much Seattle loves him. "At Tannehill’s workout,‘’ one source told me, "[coach] Pete Carroll was giggling like a schoolgirl watching him throw. His attitude was like, ’What are we even doing here? He’ll never be there for us.’ ’’

The Chiefs have worked out Tannehill privately and the word is that he’s also visited the Kansas City area this offseason. Thus it’s still a possibility that Tannehill emerges as the Chiefs pick, should he remain available. The Chiefs have publicly stated that they want to increase the level of competition at quarterback with Matt Cassel, and while they’ve signed Brady Quinn already, that hardly seems the move that anyone expected.

But if King is right, then the Chiefs could look later in the draft for another quarterback — perhaps Brandon Weeden or Russell Wilson — for the chance to trade down and acquire more picks. They did the same last year and gained a third round pick that became Justin Houston in the move from No. 21 with the Browns (Phil Taylor) to No. 27 (Jon Baldwin).

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: David DeCastro Could Fall To Second Round, Per Pat Kirwan

It's the sort of article that either deserves merit for its originality or scorn for its ridiculousness. The difference in response is likely to depend on your belief in Stanford guard David DeCastro. If you believe he's the Chiefs best option at No. 11 in the 2012 NFL Draft's first round, then you'll hate Pat Kirwan for writing that the top guard in the draft could fall to the second round. On the other hand, if you believe that's far too early for a guard, you'll finally have a columnist to back you up.

In his latest article for CBS Sports, Kirwan certainly praises DeCastro, so it's not an extreme opinion that refuses to acknowledge the lineman's talent. Instead, he does bring up some issues with his game and says that it's simply not a smart draft move to take a guard so high.

Kirwan writes, "Finally, I know David DeCastro is NFL-ready, yet still has room for growth, which makes him an intriguing prospect. I would not fault a team for taking him in the first round but I will not be shocked if he winds up at the top of the second round. Teams like to take tackles in the first round, and if they don't pan out, move them inside to guard like the Raiders did with Robert Gallery."

Given the amount of buzz over DeCastro, it's unlikely that he will fall near that far. In fact, he could very easily be the Chiefs choice at No. 11 or even earlier for the Bills one spot earlier. However, given Kirwan some credit to attempt at least a piece that runs counter-cultural to the ongoing adoration for DeCastro. It makes his piece an interesting one to read no matter your persuasion. That's hard to find this time of year.

2012 NFL Draft: Brandon Weeden Called 'Underrated' By Mel Kiper

The single black cloud over Brandon Weeden's scouting report is the fact that he will be 29-years-old come the start of the NFL regular season. If not for that, it's possible the Oklahoma State quarterback might be a solid first round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. He still might be, for that matter. Either way, Mel Kiper of ESPN believes Weeden is one of the most underrated prospects in the upcoming draft.

He writes, "It might feel odd to call a guy who is 28 and likely to go in Round 2 underrated. But evaluators agree that if Weeden were younger he'd be far higher. So what's my case? I think Weeden projects as a start-early QB who can help a franchise for 7-8 years, easy. And who in this league has a nine-year plan?"

Weeden could be a target for the Chiefs at No. 44 overall in the second round. The team could definitely use the challenge for Matt Cassel under center, and Weeden could be termed ready faster than most other quarterback options available to the team. Then again, Weeden could also be gone by that time given the likelihood of a run on quarterbacks earlier in the draft.

NFL Draft: Ryan Tannehill Labeled 'Overrated' By ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.

Ryan Tannehill is perhaps the most polarizing player in the 2012 NFL Draft class. Some mocks have the Texas A&M quarterback immediately following Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III at the top of the draft in the top five overall, perhaps a target for a trade up on the part of the Dolphins, Seahawks or Chiefs. Others say his value doesn't warrant such a high selection. Consider ESPN's Mel Kiper in the latter class. The analyst recently placed Tannehill on his list of overrated players headed into the draft weekend.

Kiper writes, "I love Tannehill's upside, and I think he has a great shot to be a good starter, but the market on him has gotten a little out of hand in some respects. Remember, if Matt Barkley, Landry Jones and perhaps Tyler Wilson were in this draft, we're talking about a likelier bet for late-first or second round for Tannehill. Again, he can be a good one, but a lot of it is projecting, because while his physical abilities are so impressive there is much work to be done."

The Chiefs have been linked to Tannehill if he falls, considering the team came out publicly stating they wanted to increase competition at the quarterback position this offseason. Tannehill earns high marks from some and the Chiefs have already held a private workout with the quarterback. It's impossible to tell, however, just what the team thinks of him at this time.

If any player has the potential to be taken extremely high or drop like Jimmy Clausen in this draft, it's definitely Tannehill. It's also likely to be one of the top storylines of draft weekend.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: David DeCastro Goes To Kansas City Chiefs In First Round

When a player is considered to be the greatest player to come out as his position in several years, does it really matter what position he plays? Besides kicker or punter, it seems safe to say that any other such descriptor would earn a top draft selection for that player. Andrew Luck has been described in such ways, and he’s predicted to be No. 1 in every mock for the 2012 NFL Draft around. But what about offensive guard David DeCastro of Stanford?

Apparently it’s not an important enough position to qualify in the top five overall players. That’s why DeCastro continues to fall just outside the top ten in many mocks to the Kansas City Chiefs. That’s the latest at WalterFootball.com as Walter Cherepinsky writes:

It’s unusual to see a guard at No. 11 in an NFL Draft, but the Chiefs made a similar pick two years ago when they selected Eric Berry at No. 5. Safeties never go that high, but Berry was just that good of a prospect. The same can be said about David DeCastro. DeCastro is no ordinary guard. He’s the top player at his position in a very long time. Most consider him to be the next Steve Hutchinson. The Chiefs need to improve the interior of their offensive line, and DeCastro would be a great addition along with recently signed Eric Winston.

DeCastro would definitely elevate the Chiefs’ offensive line play, potentially to the level of the line that was once the best in the NFL. At one point, several Hall of Fame candidates all lined up together — from Willie Roaf and Will Shields to Casey Wiegmann and Brian Waters. The Chiefs’ move to bring in Winston and DeCastro could remind some of days gone by.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Work Out Georgia Center Ben Jones

The Kansas City Chiefs are likely looking for interior line help in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, and their latest prospect visit features center Ben Jones of Georgia as the next candidate up for inspection. Jones is one of the better center prospects in the draft, and he's already worked out privately for the Ravens, Rams, Falcons and Jets among others.

Now the Chiefs have to consider whether they are interested in grabbing Jones later in the draft or a prospect like David DeCastro early. The team is likely to lose center Casey Wiegmann to retirement, but they drafted Rodney Hudson in the second round from Florida State last year to help ease that transition since Wiegmann went through the same retirement questions in 2011.

Hudson is versatile enough, however, to move over to a guard position if they like a center better like Jones. It would not surprise if the Chiefs grabbed a couple of offensive line prospects in the draft. However, tackle is also needed so only one interior lineman is likely.

"This has been a dream of mine to play in the NFL," said Jones recently in an interview with Aaron Wilson. "I'm soaking in the moment. I'm not really that nervous. Eerything has worked out and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Western Michigan DL Drew Nowak Linked To Chiefs

Western Michigan's Drew Nowak had no problem getting into the offensive backfield as a defensive lineman these last few seasons in the MAC. Now, NFL teams like the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs are hoping he can do the same for them as they survey the 2012 NFL Draft class for gems in the later rounds.

Nowak is 6-4. 295 lbs. and won the MAC Defensive Player of the Year Award last season for his incredible 91 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He also had 4 more quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble and 2 blocked kicks. Despite his performance, however, it's clear that he'll be a late round selection.

"These last couple weeks are about just being able to stay focused," said Scotty Smith, Nowak's trainer who runs the Green Bay branch of the Don Beebe franchise. "Not do anything too out of the box or crazy that's going to put him in a weird position, but just making sure if the phone rings and someone else wants to bring him in for a private workout, he's ready."

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft Rumors: Kansas City Chiefs 'Probably' Won't Trade Up For Ryan Tannehill

NFL Draft rumors continue to ramp up in intensity and quantity as the calendar creeps slowly toward April 26 -- the first night of the 2012 NFL Draft. Lots of talk has surrounded the Kansas City Chiefs in recent weeks, as some experts believe they may try to trade up to draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Pro Football Weekly, though, seems to think otherwise.

The Eagles and Chiefs have conducted private workouts with Tannehill, but a league source told The Plain Dealer that Kansas City (No. 11 overall pick) probably wouldn't trade up. Tannehill, whose draft stock has skyrocketed in recent weeks, will visit Cleveland on Sunday and Monday and then Buffalo (No. 10) on Tuesday. Miami and Seattle also are said to have interest in Tannehill.

Of course, none of this is canon, and there could be another source that comes out on Tuesday saying the Chiefs are a lock to trade up.

Regardless of if they do or do not trade up, quarterback Matt Cassel is squarely on the hot seat this year, as the Chiefs look to return to the playoffs.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride and join the discussion.

NFL Draft 2012: Could Scott Pioli's 'Warm Seat' Force Trade Up For Ryan Tannehill?

There’s no doubt that Ryan Tannehill is the most talked about, most debated and most puzzling prospect heading into the last week or two before the 2012 NFL Draft. The Texas A&M quarterback has gone from being a second-round prospect to now potentially landing at No. 3 in the entire draft, and many teams are kicking the tires on Tannehill’s potential. The Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins and Seahawks are among those who have been linked in one way or another.

Rob Rang of CBS Sports says that the Chiefs in particular should be a team to watch when it comes to potential trades up in the first round from their initial selection at No. 11. In doing so, he also says something quite interesting about the reason:

Those Bill Polian thoughts that Kansas City was very much in the Ryan Tannehill Hunt? That’s more than smoke, and perhaps even a crackling inferno, even as GM Scott Pioli calls trading up “irresponsible.” Tannehill had a visit and private workout with the Chiefs who have less-than-entrenched starter Matt Cassel under contract. Given the scouting moshpit around Texas A&M’s strong-armed, athletic passer in recent weeks, it’s no surprise to see Pioli and Kansas City taking a strong look.

Is Scott Pioli really on the hot seat in Kansas City? Yes, it’s a team that just fired its head coach, so that typically means the next to go is the general manager. However, Clark Hunt and Pioli have seemed on the same page from the outset — even through the drama that the team endured last in the 2011 season and through the playoffs.

In addition, it’s hard to argue the fact that the Chiefs are a much better team than when Scott Pioli first took over. The roster is loaded with young impact players, especially on the defensive end, and the Chiefs just landed an impressive free agent class due to the current regime’s ability to talk Eric Winston, for example, into staying here above all other potential destinations. Thus, it’s hard to imagine Pioli going anywhere no matter what happens to the team in 2012.

The bottom line is that while Rang’s prediction that the Chiefs could move up might be correct in the end, it will not be for the reasons that he states. It will be only that the Chiefs wanted Tannehill and nothing more. If they believe in the player and they can get him, they will take him. Any notion of a hot seat or trigger finger is unfounded and simply wrong.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Brandon Weeden Lands With Chiefs In Second Round

The Kansas City Chiefs have been checking out a multitude of quarterbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft class, so it’s not surprising to see them grabbing one in the latest Drafttek mock in the second round. Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden is the pick, and it’s a relatively safe one that would be applauded by most if the Chiefs are able to land him in the middle of the second at No. 44.

The Drafttek report reads, “The Chiefs continue their safe drafting ways in round two. Brandon Weeden represents the best QB value at this point. Yes, due to his age, he only projects to have about an eight year career. However, he is a first round talent in an older body. He can make all the throws. Weeden needs to learn to operate under center, and at his age, needs to come up to speed fast. He should be starting in year two. Is this the beginning of the end of Matt Cassel? It may very well be.”

The Chiefs added Brady Quinn this offseason to a one-year free agent deal and were reportedly in on Drew Stanton as well. It’s hard to tell what their vision there is at starter besides Matt Cassel, so the competition must be coming from the draft. After all, the team went public with their goal to push Cassel with better competition at the starting quarterback position. It’s hard to believe that Quinn is the result of that pursuit.

Weeden would add a strong starter from Oklahoma State who should make a fairly smooth transition to the next level based on his age and maturity compared to other young starters immediately thrown in.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Visit With Texas A&M RB Cyrus Gray For Personal Workout

As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to scout out possibilities for the future of the running back position in the 2012 NFL Draft, they’ve already spent some time with promising back Doug Martin from Boise State and now they turn their attention to another mid-round possibility in Cyrus Gray. Aaron Wilson reports that the Chiefs have held a private workout with Gray in recent days.

Gray ran 198 times last year for 1,045 yards and 12 touchdowns. He scored 30 times in his Texas A&M career, and is considered to be a third or fourth round selection. Drafttek questions his size and says there are limitations, but he could project as an every down back and compares him to Thomas Jones.

Wes Bunting has him as the eighth best running back available and doesn’t believe he has the same possibilities as Drafttek. Instead he writes, “An instinctive, well put together back with natural running skills inside. Isn’t ever going to be a cowbell back at the next level and isn’t overly dynamic in the open field. But can be productive in a two back system in the NFL.”

The Chiefs are looking to potentially add some long-term potential given the one-year contract Peyton Hillis signed and Jamaal Charles’ return from a torn ACL.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Select Linebacker And Guard In New NFL.com 2-Round Mock Draft

In NFL.com's latest two-round mock draft, Charley Casserly addresses the linebackers and the offensive line with the team's first and second-round picks. First, with the No. 11 overall pick, Casserly predicts the Chiefs will select Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly.

11) Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College. Needs at offensive guard and nose tackle can be filled with later picks.

Kuechly is this draft class' best inside linebacker and would join a group that had two Pro Bowlers in 2011, Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali.

Then, with the team's second-round pick, they select Iowa State guard Kelechi Osemele.

44) Chiefs: Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State. Physical inside player will help Kansas City's running game get back on track.

Osemele is a powerful guard that could help open running holes for the team's running backs and protect Matt Cassel in the pocket.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Draft 2012: Alabama's Josh Chapman Reportedly Set To Visit With Chiefs

Jayson Braddock has the word that Alabama nose tackle Josh Chapman is set to visit with the Kansas City Chiefs, a team definitely looking around for young options to add in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft along the defensive interior. They’ve already visited with Dontari Poe and Michael Brockers, so taking a closer look at Chapman makes sense.

Wes Bunting has Chapman as his seventh best available defensive tackle in the class and writes, “Has the making of a starting caliber nose at the next level in either a 3-4 and 4-3 front. Can consistently anchor on contact, is long armed and tough to move off the football. Also, is a better pass rusher than given credit for. Will likely fall because of medical concerns, but could be a real bargain because of it.”

Frank Cooney agrees and writes, “Previously, one of the questions about him was whether he had the dedication to be the best he could be. And when he is healthy, his best is impressive. Chapman is a short, stout, strongman who is especially good against the run. He plays with a powerful base and uses his strong arms and hands to discard blockers.”

Chapman certainly brings championship experience and should be well-coached coming from Nick Saban’s team. That would add a solid player along the line that already has Jerrell Powe from last year’s draft class and several other versatile linemen like Allen Bailey and Amon Gordon. Kelly Gregg’s return is also a possibility.

[Thanks to @Jason_Madson for the news tip]

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

Ryan Tannehill Being Evaluated By Chiefs, According To Report

Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill is becoming the center of this 2012 NFL Draft's best conspiracy theory, being associated with any team in the market for a quarterback that was left outside of the Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn moves in free agency:

Hmmmm. Ryan Tannehill had private workout with Chiefs, then visited KC. He'll be in Cleve Sun-Mon, then Buff. Plot thickens.

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) April 13, 2012

King intoned on his Twitter feed that his upcoming mock draft for SI would include trades, and "a weird one." Could Tannehill be part of - or the center of - a large, multi-team swap, and if so, which team would move up for him? The Browns are arguably too high to take him at No. 4, leaving the Dolphins (No. 8) and Chiefs (No. 11) in the mix later.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's NFL page, Arrowhead Pride and Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Projected First-Rounder Dontari Poe Visits The Chiefs

NFL.com reports that Dontari Poe has visited the Kansas City Chiefs along with three other teams - Carolina, Minnesota and Philadelphia - after a blistering NFL Combine performance that has the University of Memphis defensive tackle projected anywhere from the Top 10 of the NFL Draft to the bottom of the first round.

Earlier in the week, a NFL.com mock draft featuring four different contributors had Poe in drastically different places on the board - going as high as No. 9 to the Panthers, and as low as No. 30 to the 49ers (13th and 15th were the other spots). The knock on Poe is that he's a raw talent lacking the level of production normally seen in Top 10 or Top 15 picks, and the lack of success of Memphis overall is considered a factor.

The last highly-publicized defensive tackle the Chiefs took in the first round was Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2008, a move largely considered a bust.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, check out Arrowhead Pride, Mocking The Draft and SB Nation's NFL page.

NFL Mock Draft: Luke Kuechly Is 'Slam Dunk' For Kansas City Chiefs Per Todd McShay

In Todd McShay’s latest mock for ESPN leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select a “slam dunk to fill a great need.” It’s hard to argue with anything that nets that sort of description, but given the void next to Derrick Johnson on the inside of the Chiefs defense and the presence of Luke Kuechly, McShay believes it’s a potential marriage made in heaven.

McShay writes, “Kuechly is a slam dunk to fill a big need. He can be plugged in next to Derrick Johnson immediately to form one of the best 3-4 inside tandems in the league. He’s instinctive, productive and athletic, and he could allow for some scheme versatility.”

Kuechly was second in the nation in tackles in 2009 as a freshman (yes, a freshman) after replacing Mark Herzlich at Boston College. He then led the nation in tackles the last two seasons. He’s a three-time All American who took the BC tackles record in three seasons with 532. In the process, he won the Butkus Award, Bronco Nagurski Award and the Lombardi Award. In short, it’s hard to argue with the tape on this one.

If the Chiefs can add this kind of proven impact performer on a defense that already has Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali among its linebackers, the Chiefs could really become a playoff caliber unit along with the return of Berry, the presence of Brandon Flowers and the development of Justin Houston and the defensive line.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis And The High Risk And Reward Of The Chiefs Backfield

In one sense, the Kansas City Chiefs are loaded at running back. Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis and Dexter McCluster easily stands proud alongside any other NFL backfield and could end up leading the league in rushing. Then again, it’s also filled with questions — one that could make the Chiefs choose another one in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft.

Charles is coming off of an ACL injury, and there’s simply no way of knowing how he will respond until he’s placed in a game situation. While Charles maintains that his rehab is going well, the NFL has mixed results when it comes to running backs returning to form from such injuries.

Hillis had a down year last year signed a cheap, one-year deal to play with the Chiefs. The obvious hope for the former Cleveland Browns star is that he can regain his form of old and cash in next offseason. In short, his stay in Kansas City might not be for long.

As for McCluster, the Chiefs have never quite figured out how to use him as a major playmake a la DeSean Jackson. Instead, he’s been plugged into various scenarios to varying results, and now a new offensive coordinator must learn to do the same. He’s definitely a candidate to break out, but for now he’s definitely a complementary player on the Chiefs offense.

If things come together in the right way, the Chiefs could own the best running game in the NFL. If everything falls apart, as it did last season on the team, the Chiefs could be in trouble. This means that the team could aim for a running back in the upcoming draft.

“I think it’s another solid class,” GM Scott Pioli said of this year’s running backs class at the NFL Combine. “There are a number of underclassmen making it another solid class of running backs. I think overall, the entire draft, it’s a really solid class all along.”

The Chiefs have already visited with Doug Martin of Boise State and could be in play for a Lamar Miller type in the second round as well. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs find a back they like in this draft and how he will work into the system in 2012. Hopefully, the Chiefs won’t need anyone in the next year because everything went right. One way or the other, it’s likely to greatly affect the Chiefs’ playoff hopes in 2012.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Bills, Chiefs Could Tangle Over Luke Kuechly, David DeCastro

Of all of the players the Kansas City Chiefs have been linked to in various mock drafts, the team is typically connected with two: Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly and Stanford OL David DeCastro. Both players are the best at their respective positions. Both players fill a need. Both would also become solid values around the No. 11 selection in the 2012 NFL Draft.

However, Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs aren’t the only team around there thinking the same on both players. Instead, the Buffalo Bills could be potentially in on both as well.

He writes, “It could be that Kalil falls and if Buffalo wants to go trade up to No. 5 (Tampa Bay) or No. 6 (St. Louis), those teams would be all ears in terms of listening to offers. If Buffalo stays where it is, the sense around the league is that the Bills will have their choice between Kuechly or DeCastro and other good players who will be available at that spot.”

This could make the choice rather easy for the Chiefs if one of those players is already off the board by the time they must make their selection at No. 11. However if Scott Pioli likes one of those guys in particular, then the Chiefs might become a good candidate to move up the draft order to get their man.

As great as DeCastro is, this is also a draft loaded with great interior line prospects. The team could possible trade down in the draft to take a Cordy Glenn, or potentially wait until the second and hope Peter Konz is there, the best center in the draft. They could then move Rodney Hudson over with his versatility to left guard.

That means that Kuechly would be a likely trade target if they were going to move up a spot or two to ensure they will get their man. It’s easier to see the Chiefs moving down than up, but Kuechly is clearly in a class by himself for that inside linebacker slot. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs would respond if the Bills are truly in on those same players.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Chandler Jones Comparable To Calais Campbell, Per Adam Schefter

There are few voices surrounding all things NFL that are respected more than Adam Schefter, so when the ESPN analyst notes that 2012 NFL Draft prospect Chandler Jones of Syracuse is being compared to Calais Campbell of the Arizona Cardinals, that’s enough to warrant some extra attention. The reason is another pass rusher he brings up at the very spot the Chiefs are selecting at No. 11.

“[Jones] will be a first-round pick, and on draft day pass-rushers always seem to go higher than people think,” wrote Schefter. “See Freeney, Dwight, another former Syracuse standout who never was expected to go where he did, to Indianapolis at the 11th overall pick. I don’t have a precise feel as to where Jones will go just yet, but my belief is it will be a bit higher than people expect. Anyone who draws comparisons to Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell is going to be a high pick.”

Jones has been called a raw project in this year’s class, but he does project to go in the late first or early second round by many mock drafts. Romeo Crennel of the Chiefs has already come out saying that the team could never get enough pass rushers, and for a franchise that finished third to last in the NFL in total sacks, grabbing such a player makes sense.

Jones’ numbers from last year aren’t that great, with 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in 2011. They’re also about the same as his totals from 2010. He’s also coming off of a knee injury last season that will need attention.

As for Campbell, he had 8 sacks and 2 forced fumbles last year and seems like a good bet to continue to get better for the Cardinals as one of the better underrated pass rushers in the NFL.

It’s not likely that the Chiefs make such a move at No. 11, but as Schefter says, there’s a precedent there for what many would call a reach. The Colts would say they had the last laugh on that one, however.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Select Riley Reiff In SB Nation Mock Draft

In SB Nation's annual blogger mock draft in which representatives from each team's blog make picks for their team, Arrowhead Pride, SB Nation's Kansas City Chiefs blog, selected Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff for their team at No. 11.

The Chiefs are stunned when they see Reiff, considered by many to be a better prospect than Mike Adams (No. 10 to Buffalo), still available with the 11th pick. This is a best player available type of situation and the Chiefs select Reiff knowing full well they have two NFL starters already on the offensive line.

Reiff is the future replacement for LT Branden Albert, who is entering the final year of his contract. Reiff's availability means the Chiefs don't have to give Albert a long-term deal and could entertain trading him. Reiff comes from Iowa, where he was coached by Kirk Ferentz, a close friend of Chiefs GM Scott Pioli. Iowa linemen are noted for how well-coached they are and Reiff is no different. He pushes for playing time immediately but he's not truly in the plans until 2013.

The Chiefs could use help on the offensive line to keep Matt Cassel protected. Reiff would likely be the best offensive lineman on the board at this point.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Avoid High-Risk Prospects Like Ryan Tannehill, Dontari Poe For Luke Kuechly

The Kansas City Chiefs will have a major decision to make in the 2012 NFL Draft. Should they take a high-risk, high-reward selection that could put the franchise over the top or continue the long, steady ascent they’ve been focused on since the beginning of Scott Pioli’s tenure? The latest mock from Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks says the Chiefs will continue what they started with their first selection in the draft.

Banks has the Chiefs selecting Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, the leading tackler in college football last season. It’s a pick that instantly makes the Chiefs linebacking corps one of the best in the NFL, and gives the Chiefs one of the safest, well-rounded picks in the draft.

Banks writes, “If the Chiefs aren’t upwardly mobile in pursuit of quarterback Ryan Tannehill (see No. 7 Jacksonville), upgrading at inside linebacker with Kuechly would be a well-received pick. Again, I’m dropping boom-bust DT prospect Dontari Poe past a team that was thought be interested in him at one point this scouting season. Stanford guard David DeCastro is another sound option.”

Tannehill would be the most interesting one way or the other, for certain, but the price to move up for a quarterback that could not work out is likely too high for a team with obvious upgrades to make. Meanwhile, Poe is simply a hot Combine name that’s falling at the wrong time. It’s unknown if the Chiefs were ever that high on him.

Instead, Kuechly becomes the pick to work with Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and Justin Houston. With the return of Eric Berry from injury and other developments and upgrades, this becomes an elite-level defense in a hurry under Romeo Crennel in 2012.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Nose Tackle, Guard Remain Biggest Positions Of Need, Per Sports Illustrated

As the 2012 NFL Draft draws closer and closer, more coverage is going to be released and team needs are an essential part of any football site's list of columns once the draft is within reach. Chris Burke is handling the AFC team needs duties for Sports Illustrated, and he has the three primary areas of need for the Chiefs well-covered. He focuses on nose tackle, guard and quarterback overall, and while a case can be made for inside linebacker, it's not a bad write-up.

About the main position of need, Burke writes, "Kelly Gregg, in addition to being unsigned at the moment, is considering retirement, and Jerrell Powe far from engrained himself in the starting lineup last season. Kansas City needs a big body in the middle."

This is the reason why several have the Chiefs connected with players like Dontari Poe and Michael Brockers in the first round. The other positions listed by Burke also show the reasoning behind mocks that place Ryan Tannehill or David DeCastro with the Chiefs in the first round.

While Romeo Crennel says the Chiefs can go any direction, expect them to address one of these three positions -- or inside linebacker with Luke Kuechly -- in the first round of the NFL Draft.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Select Luke Kuechly

Another day, another 2012 NFL Mock Draft. SI's Don Banks has posted his latest and greatest NFL Draft projections, and he has the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly with the No. 11 overall pick.

If the Chiefs aren't upwardly mobile in pursuit of quarterback Ryan Tannehill (see No. 7 Jacksonville), upgrading at inside linebacker with Kuechly would be a well-received pick. Again, I'm dropping boom-bust DT prospect Dontari Poe past a team that was thought be interested in him at one point this scouting season. Stanford guard David DeCastro is another sound option.

This, of course, assumes that the Chiefs aren't trading up -- like Banks prefaces his pick with. Still, Kuechly would be a nice addition to Kansas City's defense. Kuechly led the country in tackles last year, and received the Dick Butkus Award in 2011. Kuechly also received the Vince Lombardi/Rotary Award, Bronko Naguriski Award, and Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2011.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Fletcher Cox, Peter Konz To Chiefs In Pat Kirwan's Latest

For every Kansas City Chiefs fan who does not want Ryan Tannehill to be the team’s selection in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Pat Kirwan of CBS Sports has some good news for you. In his latest two-round mock, Kirwan has the Chiefs solidifying the lines on both sides of the ball with some of the best available talent in the draft in Fletcher Cox and Peter Konz.

With the first choice in Cox, the Chiefs would add a ready-made defensive tackle who had 14.5 tackles for loss last year for Mississippi State. Kirwan writes, “Coaches love the way Cox plays football. Chiefs coach Romeo Crenel is a former defensive line coach. There may be a guy or two with more potential, but Cox is ready now.”

As for Konz, he’s typically regarded as the best center prospect in the draft, which means Rodney Hudson’s versatility comes in handy here. Kirwan writes, “He slipped down draft boards because of strength limitations. That can be fixed in an NFL weight room. He has the intelligence and technique to play early. There were times on tape when I felt he could really struggle with NFL nose tackles early in his career.”

If the Chiefs can add such significant talent on both sides of the ball, they would definitely come out with a successful 2012 draft class. They would also be much more likely to please the legion of fans who seem to loathe any thought of reaching for a quarterback.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Tannehill Trade Featuring Rams, Chiefs Shakes Up First Round

Apparently one monster trade in the first round is not enough for mock experts looking forward to the 2012 NFL Draft. The Washington Redskins already paid a major price to the St. Louis Rams to move up to the No. 2 selection to grab Robert Griffin III in a trade that shook up the top of the first round. In Will Brinson’s latest, the Kansas City Chiefs will do the same — trading up with the Rams at No. 6 to take quarterback Ryan Tannehill from Texas A&M.

Brinson writes, “That’s right, we’ve got a mock trade compounding a real one. Boom. The Chiefs clearly aren’t in love with Matt Cassel and Ricki Stanzi can’t seem to find the field. The Chiefs can hop the Fins and it only costs them a second-round pick.”

That’s not a bad price on moving up so many picks at the top of the draft, so Brinson is right about one significant factor — a swap of firsts and additional second is a reasonable price. However, that’s where this fantasy likely ends.

The Chiefs have definitely done their homework on the quarterbacks available in this draft, holding private workouts with Brock Osweiler and Tannehill among others with a couple of weeks to go. They have also stated this offseason that they want to improve the competition level at quarterback, with their only move being to sign Brady Quinn as a back-up in Tyler Palko’s spot from last season. That said, it’s hard to see the Chiefs pulling the trigger here.

Tannehill’s stock has been rising as the No. 3 quarterback on the board for most mocks. However, recent draft history is littered with a supposedly hot product falling to the late first or even second or third round (a la Jimmy Clausen, Andy Dalton or Ryan Mallett). The Chiefs still have some positions to upgrade with those first two picks, and Scott Pioli would have to be absolutely convinced Tannehill was his man in the end. Is that even possible at this point?

Everyone describes Tannehill with the possibility of a high ceiling, but it’s all potential at this point and it’s hard to tell how he will translate at the pro level. The Chiefs seem risk-averse enough to make a move like that. Instead, it’s likely the Chiefs will wait on a quarterback, if they take one, in the middle rounds and hope for success with a Kirk Cousins or comparable prospect.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Draft 2012: Syracuse DE Chandler Jones Works Out For Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are likely looking to add to their defensive front seven with one or even two selections in the first three to four picks in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. In the first round at No. 11, many mock drafts have them taking Michael Brockers of LSU or Dontari Poe of Memphis. Another name they are now linked with is Chandler Jones of Syracuse, a defensive end who could be enticing in the second round perhaps.

It’s clear he’s making his way up draft boards at this point (as defensive linemen usually do with just weeks to go before the draft). The Chiefs aren’t the only team in on Jones either.

“Jones says he has drawn interest from teams that use 4-3 and 3-4 schemes – he had workouts with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars among others,” writes Tyler Dunne. “Jones also met with the Green Bay Packers at the scouting combine.”

Jones is 6-5, 265 lbs. and the National Football Post’s Wes Bunting says he loves his frame at the pro level. However he cautions a bit when he writes, “I love his size and length. But I worry about defensive lineman who play upright, lack a great get off burst and struggle to change directions. I don’t see him as a big time pass rusher. But if he improves his pad level he could mature into a potential starting option.”

Last year, Jones had 38.5 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 1 interception.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Dont'a Hightower Could Be Kansas City Chiefs Longshot At No. 11

When you look up and down the Kansas City Chiefs roster and depth chart you begin to realize that this team doesn't have a lot of holes right now. That's not to say that positions couldn't be upgraded, but the number of spots on each side of the ball that scream 'upgrade is needed' aren't as many as some outsiders might tend to believe in regards to the Chiefs right now.

So when you look at a team that doesn't have a lot of holes and you try and find which players would be perfect fits for that teams' specific needs in the upcoming draft. You'd be hard-pressed to find a guy that fits the Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker position that's currently held by Jovan Belcher better than Alabama linebacker, Dont'a Hightower.

Many people will come out and scream that Hightower at No. 11 is way too high for him because he's projected as a late-first round pick. While I do share some of this same sentiment because a guy like David DeCastro will most likely be available when the Chiefs are picking in the No.11 spot, but it's undeniable that HIghtower fits our ILB to a tee as to what we need that guy to do.

He can't even be described as a "thumper" as many use that word to describe that particular position on the defense. He's more like a missile. He doesn't 'thump' into plays, he blows them up. He's a playmaking linebacker at a position on the defense that many don't believe a playmaker is needed. He showed in his time at Alabama that he can put his hand in the ground and rush the passer. That ability along with an understated athleticism to play against the pass could see him leading a Chiefs defense for the next 10+ years.

I don't necessarily think the Chiefs will take Hightower at No. 11. But if they do, I won't be upset one bit. The guy is going to step in and be a reason you win the game, not just a part of it.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Trade Up For Ryan Tannehill

In FOX Sports' Peter Schrager's latest NFL mock draft, he predicts that the Kansas City Chiefs will trade up from No. 11 to No. 3 to be able to select Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill at No. 3 overall.

Whaddya say, let's have a little fun. Matt Cassel is a fine enough middle-of-the-road starting quarterback, but he's not leading the Chiefs to the Super Bowl anytime soon. There also doesn't seem to be an overwhelming amount of confidence in him from the head coach and front office. Tannehill is not close to a finished product, but he has unlimited potential. Unlike his doubters - and there are many - I think he could end up being a tremendous NFL quarterback. The more I watch him on tape, the more I love what he can bring to an offense. He's mobile and smart and has the size and arm for the NFL. Using the ol' trade value chart, the No. 3 overall pick would cost Kansas City its first (11th overall), third (66th overall) and fourth (98th overall) selections. To get a franchise QB? If I'm Scott Pioli, I'm asking, "Where do I sign?"

This would mean that three quarterbacks would be the first three players off the board as Andrew Luck goes to the Colts and Robert Griffin III goes to the Redskins. However, the Chiefs' chances of trading up for Tennehill aren't very good because many believe that Tannehill could fall to the Chiefs at No. 11 if they were interested in him.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Brandon Weeden Makes Sense In Second Round For Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have already came out this offseason to say they were interested in adding some competition at the quarterback position. While Brady Quinn has been added as a free agent, his presence is likely not what fans and analysts believed Scott Pioli meant by that statement. Therefore, a move could be forthcoming in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Walter Cherepinsky believes the Chiefs could take Brandon Weeden in the second round to provide the main competition to Matt Cassel for the starting spot. The Oklahoma State star is definitely going to go around that spot or even earlier, and some team will love the experience the 28-year-old will bring.

He writes, “They’re pretty much stacked everywhere – except for that all-important signal-caller spot. It wouldn’t hurt to add competition for Matt Cassel. I don’t consider Brady Quinn competition. Brandon Weeden makes sense because he’s presumably ready to step in right away. The Chiefs can win the Super Bowl with good quarterback play, so they’re not interested in someone they can groom for a couple of years.”

If the Chiefs can stay healthy, they will definitely make some noise in the AFC West, even with the arrival of Peyton Manning.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Iowa WR Marvin McNutt Has Meeting With Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the 2012 NFL Draft, which is less than a month away. They're attempting to solidify a strict game plan and make decisions on which players they specifically will and will not be targeting. It appears that one of the names on their list is Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Marvin McNutt.

According to Aaron Wilson at Scout.com, the Big Ten all-conference player and Wide Receiver of the Year Award recipient has met with several NFL teams prior to the draft, including the Chiefs. He is the all-time leading receiver at Iowa and has somehow flown under the radar leading up to the draft, despite receiving good scouting marks and performing well at the 2012 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He figured to be a big asset if the Chiefs can manage to land him.

McNutt has also visited with the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals, so the Chiefs are far from the only team in the market for his services.

For all news and information regarding the Kansas City Chiefs, please visit Arrowhead Pride. For updates and perspective on McNutt and the Iowa Hawkeyes, check out Black Heart Gold Pants. For lots more on the 2012 NFL Draft, head on over to Mocking the Draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Likely To Bypass Ryan Tannehill For David DeCastro

The Kansas City Chiefs are likely to have a major decision on their hands when it comes time to turn in the card for their selection at No. 11 in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. As the first team out of the top ten, someone is likely to fall that could turn their head, while another is likely to be there as a Pro Bowl-caliber player over the next decade. Drafttek believes the Chiefs will go for the latter in David DeCastro in their latest mock.

Drafttek’s report reads, “Will Scott Pioli trade up for Ryan Tannehill? He may, but it would be very much out of character. The Chiefs should take David DeCastro. He is by far the best player available and the best Guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson. He will lock down an offensive line spot for ten plus years, more than likely at a multiple Pro Bowl level. When the floor for a player is a few Pro Bowls, you don’t walk, you run that card to the podium!”

Tannehill would certainly bring in the “competition” that was brought up earlier this offseason by the Chiefs front office in quotes concerning the state of the quarterback position. Yet that level of investment in the first round is not likely when such a player like DeCastro could be a Chief for the next decade. It’s more likely that the Chiefs will aim for a Brandon Weeden-type to be there in the second round or take a flier on a late-round option like Russell Wilson.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs' Prospect Visit List Includes Michael Brockers, Ryan Tannehill

The Kansas City Chiefs are working on their draft board like every other franchise at this point before the 2012 NFL Draft, and it’s interesting to see who is getting the attention of various scouts and coaches at this point. The Chiefs have spent some time alone with several quarterbacks, some name position players and some relative unknowns. It’s all in an offseason’s work for Scott Pioli’s crew.

Michael Brockers and Ryan Tannehill are the biggest names the Chiefs have spent any time with. This list is likely to grow, but as of now, here’s an unofficial look at who the team has connected with.

Chiefs Prospect Visit List:
LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers
*Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins
Arizona receiver Juron Criner
*Oklahoma tight end James Hanna
West Virginia linebacker Bruce Irvin
Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins
Montana defensive back Trumaine Johnson
Western Michigan defensive tackle Drew Nowak
Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler
California offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz
Oklahoma offensive tackle Donald Stephenson
*Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill
LSU safety Brandon Taylor

*- private workout

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Chiefs Invite 17 Local Prospects To Pro Day

While it might not guarantee anything specifically with the Kansas City Chiefs, the upcoming Chiefs Pro Day does provide local NFL prospects with the chance to showcase their talents heading into the 2012 NFL Draft. This year, seventeen prospects will get the chance to impress the KC front office including offensive tackle Donald Stephenson of Oklahoma.

As Josh Looney writes, “To be eligible for the workout, players must have attended a college or university within a 40-mile radius of Arrowhead Stadium. A player whose hometown is within a 40-mile radius of the stadium is also eligible to participate.”

He also notes that last year the Chiefs did not sign anyone who attended but five found their way onto NFL rosters. Cornerback Trey Hobson of Missouri, wideout Brandon Kinnie of Nebraska and All-Big Ten tight end Blake Dunsmore of Northwestern will also be attending this afternoon. You can find the complete list of players here.

2012 NFL Draft: Devon Still Among Names Chiefs Likely Considering At DT

As the Kansas City Chiefs consider their options for upgrading the defensive interior through the 2012 NFL Draft in one round or another, Russ Lande of Sporting News writes that Devon Still is one name they will likely consider early. The Penn State defensive lineman would help a need if he's the right fit for their 3-4 schemes given that the Chiefs definitely lack an impact developmental talent along the line. That is, unless last year's sixth round choice Jerrell Powe turns a corner in his first full offseason.

Lande writes, "The Kansas City Chiefs pick 11th overall and must upgrade their defensive line, so they could take Still in the first round if LSU's Michael Brockers is not available. Later in the first round, the New York Jets and No. 16 and the New England Patriots, who hold the 27th and 3st picks, could have interest in Still because he would fit well in their 3-4 schemes."

Still's stock has been up and down this post-season. It wasn't that long ago that he was considered to be a real first round option for the Chiefs, but lately it's possible he could even slide to the top of the second round. If the Chiefs could get a solid defensive tackle at that spot, that would likely make for the best draft value. Given the state of draft buzz one way or the other, it's impossible to tell how it will turn out until draft night.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Attend Missouri State Pro Day

As the Kansas City Chiefs take a closer look at a myriad of prospects to finish out their draft board heading into the 2012 NFL Draft over the last full weekend of April, more and more sightings of their scouts and coaching staff are reported here and there. The latest comes from the Missouri State Pro Day where the Chiefs were one of 14 teams there to check out players like running back Chris Douglas and nearly a dozen others.

Lyndal Scranton writes, “Douglas and former MSU receiver Jermaine Saffold were the standouts as scouts from 13 NFL teams clicked stopwatches and wielded notepads. The scouts issued a blanket ‘no comment’ afterward, but Douglas and Saffold filled out paperwork for multiple teams and running back Stephen Johnston for one team.”

The Chiefs were the only AFC West team in attendance, but other notable teams included the Steelers, Packers, Bears, Panthers and 49ers.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Tannehill Falls Past Dolphins To Chiefs At No. 11 In Pro Football Talk's Latest

The roller-coaster ride known as the draft stock of Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill heading into the 2012 NFL Draft is one wild ride. He was listed as a second- or third-round prospect only weeks ago before finally crescendoing as a possible No. 3 or 4 pick in the entire draft last week. Now he’s experiencing some pushback in various mock drafts, and Evan Silva is the latest to downgrade him to the No. 11 position for the Kansas City Chiefs to take in the first round.

Silva writes, “Kansas City can’t pass on Tannehill if he slips past Miami.” That’s a short piece of analysis that really explains nothing at all. The Chiefs can’t pass on him? Why not? If Tannehill is one of several quarterbacks with question marks in the draft, what would keep them from taking Brandon Weeden or Kirk Cousins or Brock Osweiler a bit later instead?

The reality is that if Tannehill slips by the Dolphins, he could just as easily slip by the Chiefs. Scott Pioli and Romeo Crennel have been clear that they would like to upgrade the competition at quarterback this offseason. However, they will also follow their draft board and personal opinions on a player, media coverage be damned.

The Chiefs will personally work out Tannehill before the draft. If they like him, they will take him. If not, they will let him go. It’s really that simple and there’s no way any NFL analyst can know one way or the other until the draft card is submitted.

Despite what Evan Silva writes, Tannehill is not a slam-dunk pick. Jimmy Clausen fell in 2010 to the late second round despite Mel Kiper’s insistence he was incredible. Ryan Mallet fell to the third round last year even though everyone raved about his arm leading up to the draft. Declarations on any quarterback other than Andrew Luck or RG3 are simple guesses thrown like darts at a wall.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over toArrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Pass Rusher Is 'Hidden Need' For Chiefs

Coming into the 2012 offseason, the two primary positions of need for the Kansas City Chiefs were both related to a tackle of some kind. Eric Winston signed early in the free agency period, which gave the Chiefs the offensive tackle they needed on the right side. Many fans and mock experts look to the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft for the defensive tackle the team needs. Andy Benoit of the New York Times agrees that nose tackle is needed, but he also believes another issue is pressing as well.

The Chiefs need a pass rusher, someone to truly bear the burden with Tamba Hali in getting to the quarterback. The Chiefs tied for third to last in the NFL last season in team sacks, and Benoit isn’t as enamored with Justin Houston as others. Check out his take below:

The Chiefs addressed their other outside linebacker position last season by drafting Justin Houston in the third round. Houston has some athleticism and showed improvement as a rookie. He finished with 5.5 sacks, though three of those came against Chicago’s depressingly overmatched right tackle Lance Louis. Houston has not yet shown to be a consistently dynamic edge presence against the pass. Perhaps that will change, but you can never have too many pass rushers anyway. Right now, the Chiefs only have one.

It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Chiefs add some help along the line in a versatile pass rusher who can do what Wallace Gilberry did two seasons ago. They could also make a move in the first round for a pass rusher instead of an all-around linebacker like Luke Kuechly. The draft has a few options for the Chiefs and it’s clear they will look to upgrade their pass rush. Romeo Crennel has already said as much.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over toArrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: OT Donald Stephenson Works Out For Chiefs

Coming into the 2012 offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs were expected to make a number of moves to the offensive line to help solidify and improve both the starting five and the overall depth. The signing of Eric Winston is one major move that will reap dividends for years to come, and the major work is already finished. The team might still take David DeCastro or another top guard in the first couple of rounds in the 2012 NFL Draft, but tackle depth still remains an issue.

To that end, it's interesting to note that the team has worked out Donald Stephenson, an offensive tackle from Oklahoma, in a private workout. Stephenson is a 6-6, 312 lb. workout beast who dominated the competition at the NFL Combine in the 40-yard dash, broad jump and vertical leap.

Stephenson presents an interesting prospect since information on him is so spotty. Wes Bunting doesn't even list himamong his 48 offensive tackle prospects for the NFL Draft at the National Football Post. Yet NFL Draft Scout has him at No. 9 overall within tackle prospects. Stephenson was All-Big 12 Honorable Mention last year. CBS Sports Dane Brugler compares him to Joseph Barksdale and writes, "Progressively improved since earning the starting job last season and carries a degree of developmental upside."

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Ryan Tannehill Could Fall Past Cleveland Browns To Dolphins, Chiefs

Ryan Tannehill’s stock has been surging over the past few weeks as various NFLD Draft analysts like Todd McShay continue to purport the notion that Tannehill is not that far of a drop from Robert Griffin III, and that he has the potential to be a great franchise quarterback. The buzz has mock experts curious if a team like the Dolphins or even Chiefs will trade up to take him before the Cleveland Browns could grab him at No. 4 overall. If you ask one Cleveland area sportswriter, it is a scenario that is hard to believe.

Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer has a hard time buying into the Tannehill buzz overall and doesn’t believe the Browns will be interested when the time comes. Instead, he believes the team will stick with adding skill position talent like Justin Blackmon.

Pluto writes, “I’d still be stunned if the Browns took him at No. 4, because he is not NFL ready. That’s supposed to be the case with Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck, the top two quarterbacks. I don’t think the Browns’ recent support of Colt McCoy is a smoke screen so they can grab Tannehill. I believe they would rather go with McCoy for another year and keep adding strong players on offense and defense with the top picks rather than jump at Tannehill.”

The Chiefs could be interested if he falls all the way to No. 11, and the Dolphins could pounce as well. Both teams were interested in quarterbacks this offseason, yet neither one made any significant moves at the position. The Chiefs have already come out and said they will pick solely based on value since they filled any major needs via free agency. Thus, there’s no telling what the team will do.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Work Out Versatile Tight End James Hanna

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to schedule private workouts with various players leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft, and the latest comes from the University of Oklahoma. Tight end James Hanna has reportedly scheduled a private workout with the Chiefs and will also spend time with the Vikings, according to Aaron Wilson of Scout.com.

“I showed my potential,” Hanna said in a telephone interview with Wilson. “I’m hoping some teams are interested in what I can do for them. Most teams just want to know that I’m committed to being a blocker when I need to be because most of them know that I’m capable as a receiver. They want to make sure I’m on board for blocking assignments, and I am absolutely. I’m extremely versatile. I can block pretty well. I can line up in the backfield or at wideout or on the line. Whatever I’m asked to do, I feel comfortable.”

Hanna would likely become a developmental pick for the Chiefs if taken since the team already has Tony Moeaki and Kevin Boss in house. Boss even signed a three-year deal, and Moeaki is among the more promising tight ends in the NFL if healthy. That said, Joel Thorman has some strong insights from Arrowhead Pride:

Tight end seems set in the near future for the Chiefs but Hanna seems to offer a unique skill set, especially if the Chiefs start featuring more two tight end sets, as the Chiefs have hinted at this year. If the Chiefs plan on featuring the tight ends more in the future, then they’ll need to start developing more tight ends.

Hanna had 27 receptions for 381 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Sooners last season. In 2010, he exhibited a strong red zone presence with 7 touchdown catches.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: David DeCastro Remains Popular Pick For Chiefs At No. 11

Another mock of the 2012 NFL Draft is out at SB Nation and David DeCastro is, once again, the pick du jour for the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 11. It’s becoming a regular occurrence in mocks around the Interwebs and for good reason: the Chiefs are in a perfect position to leap on what could be the best overall value in the draft.

DeCastro is largely considered to be one of the best overall players available in the draft. Some believe he’s the best interior-line prospect in years, but no team can afford to take a guard or center among the top picks in the draft. As the first team outside of the top ten, the Chiefs can take DeCastro knowing there is the right value at that spot.

Ryan Van Bibber writes, “The Chiefs are probably going to lose Casey Wiegmann, 38, to retirement, leaving a void in the middle of their offensive line. DeCastro flopped in his pro day try out snapping the ball, so Rodney Hudson may be the one snapping the ball this year. Snap struggles aside, DeCastro has elite level talent. The Chiefs line may be the envy of the league this year.”

DeCastro helped Stanford protect Andrew Luck and dominate the college football landscape last season, and the Chiefs would do well to add him to Eric Winston.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Ryan Tannehill's Stock Remains Impossible To Gauge

Consider Ryan Tannehill’s stock impossible to gauge for the 2012 NFL Draft. The frenzy surrounding Tannehill right now is more than anyone could have predicted early on this offseason. Before Robert Griffin III officially scaled draft boards around the league at option 1-A, Tannehill was hardly talked about. He was one of the best options as the third overall quarterback to be taken, but that now seems like a long time ago given the change in conversational tone these last few weeks.

Now? Todd McShay is calling him a certain top ten talent. Note: he doesn’t say pick but talent. He said of his change in grade, “I had to take a step back and realize he belongs in the top 10, and has a chance to be an elite NFL quarterback.” In short, McShay is caught up in the climbing stock as well. For good reason? That’s impossible to tell at this point.

Rick Spielman, general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, recently came out and said his team was looking to trade out of the third spot. Why wouldn’t they? After seeing the draft haul that the No. 2 position garnered for the St. Louis Rams, it’s easy to see why they’d want in on the action. Tannehill won’t create that type of buzz, but it’s possible someone will cash in several assets to take Tannehill at No. 3 — at the strategic spot ahead of the Cleveland Browns.

So Tannehill is climbing the charts like a shallow pop song, but is that set in stone? Will a team like the Chiefs have to trade everything to have a chance at him? Will they even want him? These are questions that cannot be answered until draft day. But what is clear that is it’s not a given that Tannehill will be gone by the time they choose at No. 11 — or even in the second round for that matter.

Everyone remembers the quarterback frenzy of last year when teams traded up for Blaine Gabbert, took Jake Locker in the top ten and grabbed Christian Ponder at No. 12. These came after Cam Newton, of course. Four quarterbacks in the top 12 supposedly sent out a signal that teams would do anything and everything to gain even the possibility of that franchise quarterback.

How quickly Ryan Mallett has been forgotten, then, and his precipitous fall to the New England Patriots in the third round. The Cincinnati Bengals stuck to their guns to take A.J. Green in the first round and hoped Andy Dalton would be there waiting in the second. Not everyone has to clamor for their quarterback of the future.

Going back even further, will any draftnik ever forget the decline of Jimmy Clausen on draft night? Mel Kiper, Jr. kept insisting to anyone who would listen that Clausen was one of the best available players in the entire draft. The end result was being selected 48th in the second round by the Carolina Panthers, almost an entire round after Tim Tebow. The alleged ups-and-downs of a player’s stock, in other words, cannot be trusted until the draft cards are turned in.

It is possible that Tannehill will become the next great NFL quarterback. It’s possible that a team will have to trade their first round choice this year, their first next year and another couple of choices to get him at No. 3 overall. It is also possible that Tannehill becomes this year’s Clausen or Mallett and suddenly finds himself the recipient of the pity of everyone watching the draft. Anyone who insists they know where Tannehill will fall was too quick to erase the memories of the last time we did this.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Set Up Personal Visit With West Virginia's Bruce Irvin

A team can never have enough pass rushers. Romeo Crennel echoed that sentiment already this offseason, and for a team that finished with the third-worst sack total in the NFL, adding a couple this offseason would not be a bad idea. That’s why Bruce Irvin fits the bill as a prospect to take a closer look at. Dan Pompei from the National Football Post says the Chiefs are among several teams meeting with Irvin in the weeks before the draft:

West Virginia’s Bruce Irvin may be heating up in the draft to the point he could creep into the first round. He is scheduled to take 12 visits to NFL teams. He is appealing both the 3-4 teams as an outside linebacker and 4-3 teams as a defensive end. Among the teams he is visiting are the Bears, Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins, Forty Niners, Jets, Panthers, Patriots, Texans and Titans. Part of the reason so many want to see him is coaches want to put him on the board and watch tape with him, and have a chance to see what makes him tick.

The Chiefs’ Justin Houston finally started to break through in the final third of the season with 5.5 sacks in the final 5 games. It’s obvious the coaching staff has high hopes for him to continue that learning curve through a full offseason. However, the team still needs various pass rushers to place alongside Tamba Hali and Houston and Irvin could be a great fit.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft: David DeCastro Heads To Chiefs In NFL.com's Latest

The Kansas City Chiefs will have some interesting personnel to choose between when they come up on the clock in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. As the first team sitting outside of the top ten, someone is bound to fall, as always, so what should the Chiefs do if they are faced with taking the best player in the draft at a number of positions? What if Trent Richardson falls their way? What if Justin Blackmon is available? Could a top corner fall?

David DeCastro is already tagged as the best lineman available in this draft and, since he is a guard, he is typically linked with the Chiefs since no other team would take him as high as a top ten pick. Yet it's also clear he's so good that he shouldn't fall much farther than that. Given the Chiefs focus on the offensive line this offseason and need for another young interior player, DeCastro could fit the bill.

Brian Baldinger of the NFL Network has DeCastro to the Chiefs in his latest mock draft. He writes, "The Chiefs want to lead the league in rushing, and DeCastro can assume the same position that he played at Stanford." The move would likely put Ryan Lilja as the primary interior back-up on the team. Immediately that gives the Chiefs a much better line than anything they've had since Scott Pioli arrived in KC.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Work Out Washburn Quarterback Dane Simoneau

The Kansas City Chiefs are leaving no stone unturned in their search for possible help and competition at the quarterback position. While they've checked in on the top prospects available to them from Ryan Tannehill and Brock Osweiler on down, they are also checking out smaller school prospects like Dane Simoneau from Washburn. Even after Simoneau recently worked out with Kansas State players at the K-State Pro Day, the Chiefs came back for more.

Rob Burkett writes, "Simoneau spent time in front of NFL scouts March 13 at Kansas State University's pro day... The quarterback then returned to Washburn on March 27, where he and other players went through various drills showing off what they were capable of in front of the Kansas City Chiefs. Simoneau took the process in stride."

“I was relaxed in front of them,” said Simoneau. “I thought it went really well.”

Simoneau is listed at 6-3, 227 lbs. and is a native of Salina, Kansas. He's started 42 games in his career, so experience is not an issue and he ranks 15th all-time in Division II passing touchdowns and 12th all-time in passing yards.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over toArrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Luke Kuechly's Stock Could Range All Over First Round

After weeks or even months of speculation that Luke Kuechly was a near-certain selection in the top 10 or 12 of the 2012 NFL Draft, Rob Rang now offers a new idea that Kuechly could slip all the way to the very end of the first round if a team like the Kansas City Chiefs do not take him. The value for that position at inside linebacker simply isn't there for many teams, which makes the Chiefs one of the few buyers for Kuechly -- at least at that early spot.

Rang writes, "he reality is, however, that inside linebackers have lessened in value as NFL offenses increasingly turn to the passing game. Should Kuechly 'slip' past Kansas City and Seattle, there are very few teams with obvious needs at inside linebacker. One veteran NFL scout, in fact, cautioned that should Kuechly slip outside of the top 12 picks, his slide might not end until the Giants pick at No. 32."

Certainly Kuechly would be a "find" for the Giants at the end of the first round, but it's definitely possible that KC would let him slide by. While many label him as a good fit, there are other linebackers to be had in the draft and a name like David DeCastro could prove too much to pass on.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Melvin Ingram Could Be Next Tamba Hali For Chiefs

Tamba Hali was a celebrated defensive star from Penn State when he was taken in the first round in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. While they hoped he would add to their pass rush, they had no way of knowing that he would eventually develop into one of the best in the NFL. Chad Reuter says the Chiefs could similarly strike gold in the 2012 NFL Draft if they take Melvin Ingram in the No. 11 spot, which is what he has in his latest mock draft.

Reuter writes, “In some ways, Ingram is a carbon copy of Chiefs star pass rusher Tamba Hali. Both are versatile defenders and lack the length most teams prefer in first-round picks. Ingram’s 31 1/2-inch arms are actually longer than the 30 3/8-inch figure Hali was saddled with coming out of Penn State. But that measurement hasn’t hurt Hali’s production in the NFL (53.5 career sacks) and isn’t expected to hurt Ingram’s.”

Ingram’s versatility is a big plus for this draft, and it’s a trait that Scott Pioli loves about his linemen. Romeo Crennel could work Ingram into various defensive schemes to utilize him alongside Justin Houston and Hali to bolster the Chiefs’ pass rush. That would make a strong defense even stronger for a team that could use some help getting at Peyton Manning now that he’s with the Broncos.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over toArrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Mike Mayock's Rankings Has Dontari Poe Falling, Fletcher Cox Climbing

The latest positional rankings are out from NFL.com’s Mike Mayock, one of the NFL Draft’s most trusted analysts, and the defensive tackle position is in a major state of flux. Dontari Poe is falling at the wrong time, while Fletcher Cox is catching fire simultaneously. How it will play out in the end is anyone’s guess.

The Kansas City Chiefs are definitely among the teams monitoring such players given the need along the defensive interior. The team is often connected to Poe, the tackle from Memphis, but just as quickly as Poe’s stock inflated after his strong showing at the NFL Combine, he’s now falling back down — at least according to the buzz of scouts and draft analysts.

Then again, why would anyone believe anything they hear this time of year? Everyone is giving out massive amounts of misinformation to change the perceptions of the players they really want. Perhaps the amount of bad news you hear about a player in the weeks before the draft should tell you how high he might be taken.

Here’s Mayock’s top five defensive tackles:
1. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
2. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
3. Michael Brockers, LSU
4. Dontari Poe, Memphis
5t. Kendall Reyes, Connecticut
5t. Devon Still, Penn State

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Dwayne Bowe Believes Chiefs Could Go Any Direction

The Kansas City Chiefs have already enjoyed a successful offseason by the standards of most sportswriters and NFL analysts given their free agent acquisitions. Right tackle Eric Winston shores up the weakest spot among the starters. Peyton Hillis provides the best tandem back with Jamaal Charles yet. Kevin Boss gives Matt Cassel another receiver and some insurance if Tony Moeaki isn't back to health. Given the players already brought in, star wide receiver Dwayne Bowe says he has no idea what the team will do in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft.

"With the way the team has gone and picked up free agents this offseason, you really don't know who will be the first round pick," said Bowe at the recent Nike uniform reveal. It could be a quarterback, a running back, a wide receiver, an offensive lineman or a defensive player. I don't know what it will be. I just hope it will be the right decision."

Brady Quinn was also brought in as a back-up quarterback and Stanford Routt was the first addition at cornerback this offseason to help replace the departed Brandon Carr. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs grab more help for the offensive line, take a defensive tackle or throw a curveball at quarterback.

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NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs' Top Need Is Nose Tackle According To Pro Football Weekly

The Kansas City Chiefs came into the 2012 NFL offseason with one primary need on their team above any other at right tackle. The signing of Eric Winston alleviated that concern, and with the NFL Draft approaching, they can now turn their attention elsewhere. Pro Football Weekly reports that the nose tackle position is the next they should address when looking ahead to the late April draft.

Playing a 3-4 defense, the Chiefs need run stuffers in the middle of the "D." With no proven nose tackle on the roster, an anchor for the defensive line becomes a top need. The Chiefs drafted a tackle last year in Jerrell Powe, though conditioning issues resulted in the sixth-round pick seeing the field in only one game last season. Veteran NT Kelly Gregg, who was signed last offseason, is a free agent and, at age 35, likely on his last legs. Adding a dynamic player in the middle of the line — similar to what Pioli had in New England with Vince Wilfork — would make the Chiefs’ defense one of the league’s premier units.

It’s impossible to tell if there is a Wilfork like player in this year’s draft. Every top nose tackle the Chiefs could conceivably select at the No. 11 position has question marks — from LSU’s Michael Brockers to Memphis’ Dontari Poe. It might be a better move for the Chiefs to wait until the middle of round two to select a Devon Still or Brandon Thompson. No matter what round it’s addressed, it’s clear that most people believe the Chiefs will address the defensive interior early on.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Adam Teicher Talks Chiefs Draft Options With Fox Sports

Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star took a few minutes to discuss who the Kansas City Chiefs could take in the upcoming NFL Draft, and the video is worth watching for draftniks looking for more insight. In a running series by Fox Sports, the Chiefs are "on the clock" here and Teicher discusses the possibility of grabbing a quarterback and other such projections. More than anything, he brings a very sensible take without making any bold predictions. Check it below:

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

Mel Kiper's NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Take Luke Kuechly, Devon Still In First Two Rounds

If the first two rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft fall the way that Mel Kiper has them in his latest mock over at ESPN, fans of the Kansas City Chiefs will likely rejoice. That’s because Kiper has the team taking a top flight linebacker and a solid defensive tackle in the first two rounds in Luke Kuechly of Boston College and Devon Still of Penn State.

Kuechly is Kiper’s choice at No. 11 overall, and that is a common selection in many mocks for the Chiefs. Kiper writes:

Kuechly is a rare talent at linebacker — instinctive, explosive, able to make plays from sideline to sideline, but very sound in reading plays into the backfield and making stops. Kansas City has a need here, and Kuechly is a safe pick, a guy who can get on the field early and pick up the nuances of the NFL game right away. A tackling machine at linebacker, he’ll make any defense better.

As for Still, he’s been named as high as the middle of the first round in past mocks. Although his stock seems to have taken a hit, there’s no doubting his talent in the middle for a team that could use a young dynamic presence to develop there. Kiper writes, “At one time a Big Board regular, Still fell some, but will still be considered a first-round value on some boards.”

While the Chiefs have offensive needs and could go in other directions (read: David DeCastro), there’s no denying that adding two impact defenders in the front seven would make an already impressive defense into a great one.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over toArrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chiefs Linked To Boston College LB Luke Kuechly

In the latest mock draft from SI.com, Don Banks has the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Boston College LB Luke Kuechly with their first round pick:

11LB Luke Kuechly Boston College Jr. 6-3 237

If Poe somehow lingers past No. 9 Carolina, the Chiefs will gladly jump on him. But in our scenario, Poe is gone and Kansas City will snap up Kuechly, upgrading their linebacking corps and adding the kind of smart, instinctive and versatile defender Scott Pioli looks for.

Kuechly, a standout LB who has been compared to the Dallas Cowboys' Sean Lee, had a dominant junior season at Boston College, with 191 tackles, including 12.5 for loss as well as 3 interceptions.

After a strong Combine showing where he ran a 4.5 40, he is seen as the one of the safer top prospects in the draft, with both the measurables and the production of a first-round pick.

For the latest news and notes about the Chiefs and the NFL Draft, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Ryan Tannehill Earns High Praise From Bill Polian

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of several teams spending some considerable time with Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft. Whether or not they are highly interested is unknown. What’s also unknown is whether they have the ammo to move up and take him ahead of other possible destinations. But what is becoming more clear is that several NFL analysts are growing to love his potential.

Bill Polian is the latest to weigh in on Tannehill’s promise and believes that the thought of Tannehill landing at No. 3 or 4 overall is a spot he deserves.

"Tannehill merits the attention based upon talent and a very, very high upside," Polian said. "He has not played as much quarterback as have Griffin and Luck, but he is immensely talented and he is a winner and he is a high-character guy and a very exceptionally smart guy, so he’s got all the characteristics. This is real."

However anyone who wants Tannehill is undoubtedly going to have to move up to those aforementioned spots since it’s not likely he will slip through.

"People who are interested in Tannehill are going to look to come up there and perhaps even come up with Minnesota and try and get in front of the Browns … or do business with the Browns," Polian said. "There’s a lot of action right around that 3-4 spot. That’ll be where all the action is."

The Chiefs would have to pay at least next year’s No. 1 as well as the No. 11 pick and likely a couple more nice selections to be able to grab Tannehill. If they make that move, they are going to have to believe in Tannehill as much or more than Polian and that he’s a very significant upgrade over not only Matt Cassel but the other potential draftees in this year’s class. That’s not very likely.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Draft 2012: Dontari Poe's Game Tape Is 'Very Average'

Former Memphis defensive lineman Dontari Poe is a player that has often been linked to the Kansas City Chiefs in recent mock drafts. The huge nose tackle has been considered a solid pick for the Chiefs, who go on the clock with the No. 11 overall pick, and could help them shore up the defensive line. However, Mike Mayock has recently dropped Poe down in recent mock drafts, stating that his game-tape is extremely average.

"Coming off the combine I wanted to show people what a freak this kid Poe is, and he is a physical freak, no doubt," Mayock said Monday. "However, the tape is very average, so how do you match the two up -- potential vs. his actual game footage? When I look at this kid I see a freaky athlete with a good motor. If you have those two things, over time, I believe over time you can develop into a high-quality NFL player. But the key is time ... so I moved Poe back with the expectation that he needs to get into a good locker room with a mentor in that defensive line group who can show this kid how to play football."

If the Chiefs are looking for an interior defensive lineman that can contribute right away, Poe might not be their guy. However, with his upside, and there's a lot of upside when it comes to Poe, they may overlook any potential problems with his game tape or how long it will take him to come into his own and grab him anyway.

Either way, Poe is likely going to be a first-round pick. The only question is whether or not teams will consider drafting him "taking a chance."

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more draft updates, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Draft 2012: Is Brandon Weeden The Best Fit For The Kansas City Chiefs?

Near the beginning of the NFL offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs came out saying in public what their fans hoped they would address: the need for more competition for the quarterback position. Matt Cassel has failed to fully win over teh fans in three seasons under center for the Chiefs and it calls his ceiling into question after so much time. While the team will still have Cassel as a major part of the equation, the team’s brass opened up about the longing to bring in someone else to contend with Cassel for the starting spot.

That said, the free agent market has not been kind to the Chiefs. Kyle Orton signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Peyton Manning spurned their advances. Other possibilities were quickly snatched up including Jason Campbell to the Bears and Chad Henne to the Jaguars. Thus the team could turn to the upcoming NFL Draft to address the issue.

Thus far, the Chiefs have been checking out a number of quarterbacks in personal workouts. Brock Osweiler from Arizona State and Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M are the latest names to come out linked to the Chiefs but they will not comprise the whole. Many more are likely to be considered and it’s possible that an unnamed candidate might be the best yet.

Adam Rank writes, “Brock Osweiler knocked the socks off scouts during his pro day, and he should grab the attention of a team with a veteran quarterback who can take some time to groom a quarterback of the future like the Broncos or Chiefs. But Brandon Weeden seems like a better fit for Kansas City, because it needs a polished quarterback who is ready to start right away — not a project.”

Weeden is often knocked for his age of 28, but his strong experience and resume of work at Oklahoma State speaks for itself. Such a steady veteran could actually quickly move beyond typical rookie struggles and nerves at the next level as well.

The Chiefs would not use their first round pick on Weeden at No. 11, but if they were able to trade down, he could become a possible late first round or second round selection. If the Chiefs want to wait for anything beyond that, Weeden will likely be taken.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Dontari Poe To Chiefs In ESPN's Latest

The Kansas City Chiefs might or might not bring back Kelly Gregg next season. Either way, expect the team to address the defensive interior in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. The Chiefs can now pick for value rather than need, according to head coach Romeo Crennel, and given the amount of talent along the defensive line in the first round, it would not surprise to see the Chiefs take a big presence at defensive tackle in the process.

That's the thought behind the Chiefs first round choice in ESPN's latest mock draft. Bill Williamson writes, "The Chiefs would be thrilled to see Poe on the board at 11. He is the best player available who fits their biggest need. Poe has a chance to be a dynamic player on a defense full of young talent."

Dontari Poe is often linked to the Chiefs at that choice, but there's also a chance the Memphis product goes earlier, perhaps to the Carolina Panthers two spots before the Chiefs. If so, Michael Brockers is another name who could fill the role.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Michael Brockers Makes Good Sense For Kansas City Chiefs

There aren't a lot of guys that haven't been linked to the Kansas City Chiefs at the No. 11 pick at this point in the process leading up to the NFL draft. I mean, we've been talking about the draft for the last couple of months and we're still a month away. One of the names though that has been brought up before for the Chiefs is starting to make more and more sense as we get closer. That player is LSU defensive lineman Michael Brockers.

It might not be the biggest need for the Chiefs right now, considering nose tackle, inside linebacker and interior offensive line depth are pieces of the puzzle that still need to be addressed. But Scott Pioli has shown a habit over the years as investing heavily on the defensive line and you can never have too much elite talent at that position.

Bring on as much beef as possible, as far as I'm concerned.

The National Football Post has Brockers listed at No. 5 on their big board. They had some pretty positive things to say about him that translate well to the NFL game. Via National Football Post:

Plays the run game about as well as any 6-6 prospect I have seen inside. Is able to keep his pad level down, gain leverage and sit into his stance. Showcases the ability to anchor vs. the double team as well, despite his size and is a bear to move off the football.

He's an instinctive kid who finds the football. That tells me he puts in the work, has a passion for the game and will continue to get better.

If Brockers already has the ability at 6'6" to come in and play well against the run in the Chiefs base 3/4 defense, then he's basically what we have right now in Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. Both of those guys also come from LSU and took a year or two to develop into the run-stuffers that they are right now.

Many people would argue that the Chiefs don't need to take another DE as high as No. 11 because it's immediately drafting for depth and not as a starter. Many of those people are looking towards Stanford guard David DeCastro. While DeCastro could most likely come in and play right away as a rookie, there just isn't any way of knowing how far the gap is between DeCastro and the next guard that could be available in the second round in Pioli's eyes. At least when you compare to the next DE that would be available.

When speaking philosophical on the importance of 3/4 DE's and offensive guards, it's always going to side on the defensive line. It seems like a place that Pioli believes in surrounding with top talent and it wouldn't surprise anyone if he went that route again with Brockers. Many would question the pick, but Pioli has had a pretty good track record thus far in Kansas City and we'd be wise to let it play out before we rush to judgement, no matter who the pick becomes.

Chiefs Interested In Unique Tight End Propsect

Jimmy Graham and Antonio Gates have blazed a unique trail to NFL success: limited (or in the case of Gates, zero) college football experience preceding a successful career as an NFL tight end.

The Chiefs have their eyes on a guy looking to follow the path created by Gates and Graham, as they've reportedly shown interest in Les Brown, an athletic tight end prospect who impressed at Baylor's recent pro day.

Brown's younger brother Braden in an offensive tackle for Baylor, but the elder Les didn't step foot on the football field during his time as a Westminster Griffin: he starred on the hoops team instead.

His physical results during the pro day suggest he's at least worth an NFL look, as he checked in at 6'4", 238 pounds, and ran a 4.44 forty. Not bad for a guy who has been in working in the business sector for the past two years.

Brown, despite having never played in the NFL, is technically a free agent, and cannot actually be drafted this year. He is free to sign with a team immediately.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

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NFL Draft 2012: Brock Osweiler Schedules Personal Workout With Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are doing their homework and taking some personal time with several of the top quarterbacks available in the 2012 NFL Draft. They will meet with Ryan Tannehill later this week, but they are also reportedly going to schedule something with Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler, who is the tallest quarterback in the draft at 6'-8", 240 lbs.

They are not the only teams taking a closer look at Osweiler, however, as even a division rival is inspecting him as a developmental pick. The Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins are among the other teams taking a closer look.

Wes Bunting believes he comes with several positives but several limitations as well, and writes, "If everything falls into place for Osweiler, meaning he develops as a quarterback mentally, has time to work at his trade and falls into a perfect fit for him physically (Steelers, Patriots, Raiders) he does have the talent to eventually fight for a starting job in the NFL. However, he rates much closer to a developmental later round pick and reminds me some of Cardinals QB John Skelton."

The Chiefs could bring in another quarterback, but after signing Brady Quinn and drafting Ricky Stanzi last season, they would have a full roster. It’s hard to tell how they would handle the glut of talent, but if the Chiefs are serious about creating competition, then that’s a good way to start.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Draft 2012: Robert Griffin III, Kendall Reyes Among Hottest Names

In his latest mailbag column, Adam Schefter of ESPN takes on a question that most people are asking: who are the hottest names leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft? Every year there are names that take a team by surprise and even the Chiefs fell right into that when they surprised everyone and took the rising stock of Tyson Jackson at the No. 3 choice in Scott Pioli’s first offseason with teh Chiefs.

This year, Schefter mentions an obvious candidate as well as a few sleepers that warrant mentioning.

Schefter writes, “Here are some at the defensive line position: Mississippi State’s Fletcher Cox, Connecticut’s Kendall Reyes, Syracuse’s Chandler Jones and SMU’s Taylor Thompson. Those are some, but there are others, and none more than Robert Griffin III. Back in December, right before the Heisman ceremony, I remember asking scouts about him and hearing he was a mid-first-round pick, maybe an early second. Now he’s locked into the No. 2 overall spot. Players are a lot like stocks, rising one day, falling the next, then rising again.”

Reyes and Thompson have been linked to the Chiefs in some mock drafts and one or the other might be taken by the Chiefs in the second round, although Reyes could slip into the bottom of the first. Defensive linemen are going to be a popular commodity as teams try to control the line of scrimmage and disrupt the passer. For the Chiefs, that goal becomes paramount with Peyton Manning in the AFC West.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chiefs Select Dontari Poe With 11th Pick

The most recent SB Nation NFL Mock Draft has the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Memphis Tigers defensive lineman Dontari Poe with the 11th pick.

With Poe's impressive workouts, the 6-4, 346-pound athletic freak has jumped high on the draft boards, despite having a few lackluster performances in the 2011 season, most notably his one sack against Austin Peay.

Nevertheless, Poe is ranked by NFLDraftScout.com as the second best prospect in the draft. Here is what Ryan Van Bibber had to say about the Poe selection:

"This would be the ideal pick for the Chiefs, whose defense lacks a solid anchor in the middle of the interior line. Poe should have an impact right away as an immovable object. Over time, Kansas City can develop his athletic ability that could make him a dual threat."

Poe had 44 reps with 225 pounds and ran 40 yards in an unofficial time of 4.98 seconds at the NFL Combine, indicating he definitely has the physical tools to do some damage in the league.

Read more about the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Chiefs Set To Visit With All-Big Ten Wide Receiver A.J. Jenkins

Romeo Crennel already made the statement this offseason that the Chiefs would look to add a few positions in the NFL Draft if possible. It was a list that included cornerbacks, pass rushers and one thing that University of Illinois star A.J. Jenkins would bring: speed to the wide receiving corps.

The All-Big Ten receiver is going through the typical pre-draft visit season and the Kansas City Chiefs are among the teams interested. Apparently they are not alone.

Tania Ganguli writes, “Jenkins is visiting the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday, then he has visits with the Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers scheduled soon afterward. He already met with Jaguars offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski at the combine.”

The Chiefs already have Dwayne Bowe, Jon Baldwin and Steve Breaston in the rotation, so it’s likely that the team would use Jenkins in multiple wide receiver sets as well as special teams. The team also has long-term questions at wideout given the lack of a long-term contract for Dwayne Bowe. For now, however, it’s about adding promising players at key spots and letting competition and development sort things out later.

Jenkins caught 90 passes for 1,276 yards and 8 touchdowns last season.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Draft 2012: Eagles, Chiefs Hold Personal Workouts With Ryan Tannehill

Let’s leave the incredulousness at the door on this one. It’s easy to dismiss a rumor or believe that you know what your favorite team will do on draft day based on your own take or analysis. But let’s also get one thing clear: every team only has so many days leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft to get ready. So when a team schedules a personal workout with Ryan Tannehill and has several personnel taking up their time to be there, well, that’s a major investment to say the least.

That’s why Peter King spent so much time this morning focused on two teams that are holding personal workouts with Tannehill: the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. King writes:

Fact is, this is the time of year — 24 days before Round 1 — when teams buzz from town to town to get their drafting ducks in a row. The Eagles working out Tannehill could just be Philly doing its due diligence on a good player. That’s what it probably is. But with the Eagles and quarterbacks, you never know. It could be more. The Eagles wouldn’t seem to have a quarterback need, with Michael Vick set to play the season at 32, and the Eagles wouldn’t seem to have the ammo to move up from their 15th spot in the first round — without including their 2013 first-rounder — to get their talons on a quarterback who might be picked as high as fourth (by Cleveland).

King goes on to write “By the way, Matt Cassel’s head shouldn’t rest too easy on the pillow tonight either. The Chiefs travel to College Station later this week to get their own private session with Tannehill.”

The Browns have checked in on him, as have the Seahawks and Dolphins among other teams. No one knows exactly where he will go, unlike Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, but it’s possible a team will want to move into the No. 3 or 4 position to get Tannehill if they fall in love with the former Texas A&M quarterback. The cost seems mighty high for a player with limited experience, but it could be the upside that everyone is focusing on.

This will not be popular for most Chiefs fans, since most believe the team still needs to use its draft picks well and not trade up for an unknown commodity. Perhaps the risk like this is something the team should take in 2013 when they have further bolstered the roster. At the very least, it provides intrigue leading up to the main event.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Draft 2012: Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles Schedules Personal Workout

It was an unfortunate ending for one of college football’s most productive players of all-time. Now Oklahoma’s Ryan Broyles hopes to show he can come back from the tragic ACL injury he suffered earlier this year with a reported personal workout to be held on April 12 in time for the 2012 NFL Draft, per Paul Domowitch.

Broyles had already set the career receiving record in FBS history earlier in the season with his 317th career catch against the Kansas Jayhawks, breaking Taylor Stubblefield’s record in the process. One month later, he tore his ACL at home against Texas A&M that ended his season and crushed his draft stock.

Broyles ended his career with 349 catches for 4,586 yards and 45 touchdowns, and he’s typically regarded as a mid-round selection. However, a strong workout could conceivably push him into Day 2 territory in the second or third round. It’s there that a team like the Chiefs could make a move if they felt the value was right by jumping on “damaged goods” knowing he still has considerable time to get better.

If anything, most Big 12 fans will be rooting for Broyles to land somewhere earlier than later since such an incredible career deserves strong consideration. Injuries are a part of the game, but it’s troubling when they happen at the end of such a stellar career like Broyles enjoyed.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Michael Brockers Falls To Kansas City Chiefs

The latest NFL mock draft from Sam Farmer has several teams addressing the defensive line in the top of the first round, which means the Kansas City Chiefs are going to have slimmer pickings than what some other mocks have. Luckily the 2012 NFL Draft class has plenty of players who can be impact-level players along the front line, which means the Chiefs still end up with Michael Brockers in Farmer's latest.

Farmer writes, "Lots of mock drafts have [Dontari] Poe going to the Chiefs, and that makes sense. Brockers can play inside or outside, and he upgrades the run defense."

Poe went earlier in Farmer's draft at No. 8 to the Miami Dolphins. Quinton Coples went next at No. 9 to the Carolina Panthers. Melvin Ingram is still on the board at the Chiefs spot at No. 11, but Brockers makes sense as well. Given the Chiefs need along the defensive interior and the need for nearly every NFL team for more bodies to rotate along multiple front-line positions, this is not a surprise move by Scott Pioli.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

Kansas City Chiefs Among Several Teams At Bethune-Cookman Pro Day

The Kansas City Chiefs were one of several teams at Bethune-Cookman’s recent Pro Day, but there’s likely one primary player the team was there to see: linebacker Ryan Davis. The 6-2, 256 lb. player would fit well into the 3-4 scheme of Romeo Crennel and could be a late round/undrafted gem.

Brent Woronoff of the Daytona Beach News-Journal writes, “Besides the Jaguars and Chiefs, scouts represented the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers.”

Davis also had a personal workout with the Jags and it’s clear he was the focus. The National Football Post’s Wes Bunting likes him and writes, “Is an athletic guy with a good looking body, intriguing athleticism and good production. A potential roster guy as a 34 OLB.”

As for Davis’ performance, it was good but 40 times only count for so much.

“Numbers are numbers. You don’t really know anything until you can see the film on them,” said Kansas City Chiefs special teams assistant Derius Swinton.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Take Melvin Ingram In NFL.com's Latest

The Kansas City Chiefs have been fairly active in free agency which likely allows them to draft the best player available instead of for need, at least in the first round. Now that the actual draft is right around the corner, mock drafts are going to start coming out of the woodwork. In NFL.com's Chad Reuter's latest mock draft, the Kansas City Chiefs take South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram in the first round with the No. 11 overall pick.

From Reuter:

In some ways, Ingram is a carbon copy of Chiefs star pass rusher Tamba Hali. Both are versatile defenders and lack the length most teams prefer in first-round picks. Ingram's 31 1/2-inch arms are actually longer than the 30 3/8-inch figure Hali was saddled with coming out of Penn State. But that measurement hasn't hurt Hali's production in the NFL (53.5 career sacks) and isn't expected to hurt Ingram's.

While some may disagree, in the end, you can't have too many pass rushers and with head coach Romeo Crennel at the helm, Ingram would likely be put to good use.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock draft updates, head to SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Mock Draft: Luke Kuechly, Kevin Zeitler Headed To Chiefs In Todd McShay's Latest

Todd McShay and Mel Kiper are the primary analysts for the 2012 NFL Draft for ESPN, and mock drafts from each typically get longer as the draft moves closer. Todd McShay has now come out with a two-round mock and he has the Chiefs settling some perceived issues of depth and competition when they grab Luke Kuechly at inside linebacker in the first round and Kevin Zeitler at guard in the second.

About Kuechly, McShay writes, “With Poe off the board, Kuechly addresses another big hole on defense and would team with Derrick Johnson to give the Chiefs range and playmaking ability inside. Kuechly has elite instincts and intelligence, and he proved at the combine that he is more athletic than many thought.”

Kuechly would be a great pick for the Chiefs since they made a nice splash at outside linebacker in the third round last year with Justin Houston. He took a bit of time to adjust to the pro level from Georgia, but Houston ended up with 5.5 sacks in the team’s last five games. Paired along with Houston and Pro Bowlers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali, Kuechly could do some great things.

As for Zeitler, he would likely come to training camp as the primary back-up on the depth charter for now like Rodney Hudson did last season until he’s ready for the starting nod. But Wisconsin linemen are well-coached and Zeitler could supplant Ryan Lilja early if he impresses.

In total, the Chiefs offensive line was a weakness last season and the additions of free agent Eric Winston and Zeitler along the front would definitely add some much needed depth and talent. At linebacker, the Chiefs would have one of the best starting units in the NFL.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more draft updates, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

2012 NFL Draft: Chiefs Free Agency Signings Allow Team To Avoid Drafting For Need, Per Romeo Crennel

According to Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel, the team's free agency signings allow them to avoid drafting for need in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft.

From The Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher:

"We've done a nice job of addressing some needs through free agency," Crennel said from Palm Beach, Fla., site of the NFL's annual meetings. "We've put ourselves in position, with the needs we filled, that when we go into the draft, we can look at the best athlete available and the guy we think can help our team the most.

"We won't have to draft for need. That gives us many more options."

The Chiefs have done a good job in free agency to bring in a decent crop of new players that should add with drafted players to give the team a more competitive team in 2012. They've signed tight end Kevin Boss, running back Peyton Hillis, quarterback Brady Quinn and offensive tackle Eric Winston.

While they've lost a handful of players, including cornerback Brandon Carr, they still should be able to grab the best player available when they go on the clock in the first round at No. 11.

Crennel said that the Chiefs will be looking to get more speed on the team and that there isn't a team that could use more pass rushers, but he's happy with the way the team is built right now.

"We have guys at most of the positions that are competitive and will be competitive," Crennel said. "You can never have enough speed on your team, enough pass rushers on your team. We're always looking for corners, we're always looking for pass rushers, we're always looking for speed receivers. If you can pick up some help in any of those areas, you've helped your team."

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more draft updates, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Draft 2012: The Chiefs And The Possibility Of Ryan Tannehill

Fans aren't the only ones calling for this. The Chiefs themselves have said they want to take action. If they like Tannehill enough, this is their chance.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Wisconsin's Kevin Zeitler Lands With Chiefs In Second Round

The 2012 NFL Draft has plenty of guards and interior offensive linemen who can play at the pro level, so it’s likely that a great number of teams will find starters or future starters this year in the draft — perhaps even in later rounds. The Cheifs have been linked with David DeCastro of Stanford in past mock drafts in the first round, but Charlie Campbell of Walter Football believes they can get a strong addition in the second round in Wisconin’s Kevin Zeitler.

Campbell writes, “Center Casey Wiegmann will turn 39 in July. He’s considering retirement, so if he follows through, the Chiefs will need an interior offensive lineman, depending on where they want to utilize 2011 second-rounder Rodney Hudson.”

The Chiefs already have Ryan Lilja at the left guard position and Jon Asamoah on the right side. Lilja could be replaced and listed as depth instead, or Zeitler could learn for a year and become a fill-in replacement along the line like Hudson did last season.

Wes Bunting of the National Football Post believes Zeitler can start sooner than later. He writes, “A tough, strong in-line guy who you can run behind and also has some coordination on the move. Not as effective in the pass game, but can mature into an average NFL pass blocker if he learns to get off the ball more consistently. Looks like a gritty type starter early on in his NFL career to me.”

To read more news, notes and analysis on the Chiefs, go to Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. For additional NFL Draft news, visit the SB Nation NFL hub page.

2012 NFL Draft Order: Chiefs Have Eight Picks In Seven Rounds

The complete 2012 NFL Draft Order has been released, post compensatory picks, and the Kansas City Chiefs will use eight picks in seven rounds.

Kansas City gets started in the draft with the 11th overall selection in the opening round and end it with the 218th overall pick, which comes in the final round. This is a look at all of the Chiefs draft selections for 2012:

1st Round: 11th overall

2nd Round: No. 12 in the round and 44th overall

3rd Round: No. 11 in the round and 74th overall

4th Round: No. 12 in the round and 107th overall

5th Round: No. 11 in the round and 146th overall

6th Round: No. 12 in the round and 182nd overall pick

7th Round: No. 11 in the round and 218th overall pick; No. 31 and 238th overall pick via New England Patriots

To read more news, notes and analysis on the Chiefs, go to Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. For additional NFL Draft news, visit the SB Nation NFL hub page.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chiefs Take Washington DT Alameda Ta'amu In Second Round

At this point, the only official defensive tackles on the Kansas City Chiefs roster are Jerrell Powe and Anthony Toribio. Both players are developmental players who made a negligible impact last year, and it's likely the Chiefs will address the position through free agency, the draft or both. Allen Bailey and Amon Gordon can certainly slide over given the situation, but Drafttek has some help for the Chiefs in their latest mock for the 2012 NFL Draft. They have the Chiefs grabbing Washington Huskies nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu in the second round:

This pick is in a tough area for the Chiefs. Ta'amu is a bit of a reach here, but fills the biggest hole on the team. With some work on his strength and technique, he has the body and motor to be a fine NT in the NFL. The Chiefs are rumored to be interested in Aubrayo Franklin; however, unless the Chiefs sign a veteran NT, this position needs to be addressed in the first four rounds of the draft.

Adding a nose tackle is going to be essential at some point this offseason for the Chiefs, but the team already has more bodies it can throw into the middle depending upon the package being run. Adding a wide body like Dontari Poe early or Ta'amu here would be a good move for the Chiefs.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

2012 Chiefs Free Agency: Kansas City Receives No Compensatory Picks

The Chiefs were scheduled to have eight selections in the upcoming draft prior to the NFL's announcement of compensatory picks, and that number has not changed.

The league announced that 15 teams - of which the Chiefs were not one of - would receive a total of 32 compensatory selections. The picks are calculated based on the impact free agents who leave a given team have with their new club the following season, as well as the impact of the free agents that you sign to you own team. The Chiefs had no major free agents move on during the 2011 offseason, and accordingly were not rewarded with a compensatory pick.

In all likelihood, the Chiefs will be in line for a compensatory pick next offseason because of Brandon Carr signing a lucrative contract with Dallas this offseason.

Compensatory picks are slotted at the ends of rounds, beginning in round three, and cannot be traded.

For more on the Chiefs offseason and free agency new, go check out Arrowhead Pride, and for all NFL free agency updates, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Take Dontari Poe In SB Nation's Latest

The Kansas City Chiefs have been zeroing in on defensive tackles in many mock drafts lately and the latest from SB Nation’s Ryan Van Bibber is no different. The latest 2012 NFL Mock Draft has the Chiefs taking Dontari Poe from Memphis to help plug the middle:

Poe’s athleticism is notable, especially for a 350-pounder, but there are questions about whether or not that will translate to him being a consistent threat in the NFL. Either way, the Chiefs can hope for the upside, or at least get a very good nose tackle.

Given the likely retirement or at least exit of Kelly Gregg, the Chiefs have no experienced or high impact player for the defensive interior. Poe would give them the big body to build around and develop on the front end. Now the Chiefs just have to hope that he’s still there when the real thing goes down in late April.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: David DeCastro, Eric Winston Additions Make Chiefs Offensive Line Dominant

The Kansas City Chiefs still have a few needs heading toward the 2012 NFL Draft, so mock drafts are still circling many of the same key points as of now. The Chiefs will likely add some further pieces until then via free agency, but the key issues may still remain. That's why it's not surprising to see the latest mock from Drafttek discussing the Chiefs guard and defensive tackle positions.

The Chiefs have a nice offensive line at this point, but the team fell prey to many injuries on offense last season and needs to protect Matt Cassel to maximize his potential. In the end, they went with David DeCastro in the first round of their latest mock:

Will the Chiefs grab Dontario Poe, the massive freak NT, David DeCastro the stud guard or will they take Luke Kuechly, the smart tackling machine linebacker? The money bet is DeCastro. He is considered the best Guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson and will lock down an offensive line spot for ten plus years, more than likely at a multiple Pro Bowl level. An offensive line of Albert, DeCastro, Hudson, Asamoah and Winston would serve notice that the Chiefs are looking to run the ball first.

With that line across the front, the running game of Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis has a real chance to lead the league in rushing once again. That attack should free the passing game and create the best offensive system Cassel has had since he came to Kansas City.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

2012 NFL Draft: Trumaine Johnson To Visit Chiefs Among Others

Former Montana All-American cornerback Trumaine Johnson is scheduled to visit the Kansas City Chiefs among other teams in preparation for the upcoming draft. Johnson is a two time All-American and three time All-Big Sky selection.

In 2011, Johnson recorded 54 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions. He also had 12 pass deflections while forcing one fumble. Johnson is a 6-foot-1 corner who was timed at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He is projected as a second-round pick in many mock drafts.

His size and skill make him an attractive option because he could potentially line up all over the field whether on the outside or in the slot. He perhaps could even play a little safety if the opportunity presented itself.

Johnson has already visited the Carolina Panthers and plans to work out privately for the Bears, Falcons and Bengals.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

2012 NFL Draft: LSU lineman Michael Brockers Visiting Kansas City Chiefs

Among many teams that LSU defensive lineman Michael Brockers has or will be visiting with before next month's NFL Draft, the former Tigers second-team All-SEC selection will be visiting with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Standing 6'6" and tipping the scales at 322 pounds, Brockers ran a 5.36 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine last month, and had a vertical leap of 26 and 1/2 inches. He also had a 8'9" broad jump.

However at the recent LSU Pro Day, Brockers was timed as fast as 4.97 in the 40-yard dash, while jumping 30 inches in the vertical leap.

Thus Brockers has seen his stock-rise in the past week as some NFL teams near the Top 10 in the draft order have been rumored to be placing him among their possible draft candidates.

Fox Sports posted a youtube video of Brockers highlights on the football field, which you can view here.

Head on over to Arrowhead Pride for more Chiefs discussion, or visit And The Valley Shook for continued LSU talk. Both are part of the SB Nation network of blogs.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Melvin Ingram Enters Conversation For Kansas City Chiefs

Melvin Ingram is mostly perceived as a top ten talent in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. As a dominant pass rusher for South Carolina, Ingram is expected to be taken between 5 and 10 overall in most mock drafts. That’s what makes it interesting for the Kansas City Chiefs to land him in Jonathan Bales’ latest mock for the New York Times

The Chiefs take Ingram at No. 11 in Bales’ latest entry. He writes, “After thinking about team needs and Ingram’s skills, I think this is the lowest he could possibly fall.” The Chiefs would not have him available at that spot if they did not win the coin flip with the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL Combine. The Seahawks ended up at No. 12 in the first round.

Ingram is likely to be an OLB in the 3-4 defense of the Chiefs, which means Ingram and Justin Houston will split time or be used in various ways depending on the sub package. It gives Romeo Crennel another high octane pass rusher to use with Tamba Hali and Houston, who came on strong with 5.5 sacks in the final 5 games of the regular season.

Wes Bunting of the National Football Post loves Ingram as the best outside linebacker in the draft. He writes, “He is an impressive pass rusher who can get after the QB in a number of ways. Ingram is raw with his technique and can get better, but his suddenness, length and natural feel for the game makes me think he’s one of the draft’s best senior pass rushers.”

Matthew Fairburn over at Mocking the Draft calls him one of the top pass rushers available in the first round and has him second off the board after Quinton Coples of North Carolina. He writes, “Melvin Ingram does not possess the physical ability of Quinton Coples, but he is a versatile and hard working pass rusher.”

Ingram had 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and 2 interceptions last year for the Gamecocks.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs offseason plans and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Boost Defense By Selecting Linebacker Luke Kuechly In First Round

When it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs, mock drafts have been varied. Different analysts have selected offensive linemen, defensive linemen and linebackers for the Chiefs with their first-round pick. In Sports Illustrated's latest mock draft, put together by Don Banks, the Chiefs get this year's best inside linebacker, Boston College's Luke Kuechly.

With Eric Winston signed during free agency, the Chiefs' top priority of finding a new starter at right offensive tackle has been addressed. That shifts the first-round spotlight on either inside linebacker, or the nose tackle slot. With Dontari Poe and Michael Brockers already selected, we're putting the Chiefs and Kuechly together, with the knowledge that K.C. general manager Scott Pioli was never known to over-value inside linebackers in the draft.

With Kuechly next to pro bowlers from the 2011 season, Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali, the Chiefs would have an extremely talented group of linebackers that could transform the defense into a top-10 unit.

For more on the Chiefs, head to Arrowhead Pride, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Kansas City's StoryStream.

NFL Mock Draft: Luke Kuechly Fits Chiefs Needs At No. 11 In First Round

The latest mock draft over at The Sporting News from Clifton Brown gives the Kansas City Chiefs the best overall linebacker in the 2012 NFL Draft class and that might be the very interior defender that could put the Chiefs over the top. Kuechly would be the Chiefs top pick at No. 11 in the first round.

The Boston College linebacker would fit between last year’s third round pick of Justin Houston from Georgia and defensive MVP Derrick Johnson. Placed with Tamba Hali, the Chiefs four linebackers would be among the best corps in the NFL. Houston came on strong last season with 5.5 sacks in the last five games of the season, and Johnson and Hali are Pro Bowl players.

Right now, the linebacker position is likely to come down to Brandon Siler and Jovan Belcher, both of whom recently re-signed for this 2012 season. Neither is a three down player at this point, so that’s the reason that many mock drafts have the Chiefs grabbing a linebacker this early.

Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has Kuechly as his best inside linebacker available in the draft by a large margin. He loves his all-around game in his scouting report:

He’s not the biggest, strongest or fastest of athletes. But he’s instinctive, plays faster than he times, finds the football in all areas of the game and can really tackle. He’s going to be a bit limited in coverage, but he’s instinctive enough to play on third down in zone and should end up being one of the NFL’s top tackling linebackers for years to come.

Kuechly was the top tackler in the nation last season with 191.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs offseason plans and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Tackle Profiles For The Kansas City Chiefs For Each Round

While the need may not be as pressing as before, here are some details on offensive tackle prospects that could interest the Chiefs in each of the seven rounds of next month’s NFL Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: West Virginia's Bruce Irvin To Visit Chiefs, Six Other Teams

West Virginia's Bruce Irvin, projected as either a defensive end or outside linebacker, will take seven visits in the coming weeks, including the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Scout.com.

Irvin will visit Tennessee, Buffalo, Cleveland, New England, New York (Jets) and Carolina in addition to meeting with officials from the Chiefs. Part of the reason for the multitude of in-person visits is Irvin's checkered past. The Atlanta native has had several run-ins with the law, starting at an early age:

Growing up under in tough circumstances in Atlanta, Irvin dropped out of high school and became a teenage drug dealer. He was sent to a juvenile facility.

He was recently arrested for destruction of property and disorderly conduct after allegedly breaking a sign at a Jimmy John's sandwich shop in Morgantown.

"I have a different story than a lot of these guys," Irvin said during the NFL scouting combine. "I grew up in a rough neighborhood in Atlanta, dropped out of high school in 11th grade and got in some trouble. I ran with the wrong crowd. I finally saw the light and got my GED, took the test and passed all five parts on the first time. That January I went to school and never looked back."

Irvin, a 6-foot-3, 245 lb. prospect, ran an impressive 4.43 40 at the Combine in February. He had 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for the Mountaineers last season.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, check out Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation's NFL page.

NFL Draft 2012: Whitney Mercilus Makes Sense For Chiefs, Cardinals

Whitney Mercilus is one of the more perplexing players garnering first round consideration in the upcoming NFL Draft. Unfortunately, every draft class has at least a few players who fit Mercilus' profile. The Illinois pass rusher has plenty of promise and led the nation with 9 forced fumbles in 2011. However, as only a one year starter, it's hard to tell just how good he will continue to be at the next level.

Every year these players emerge with promise and either fail to deliver as one year college wonders or they become a Jason Pierre Paul type that showcase the same skills at the next level as they continue to develop. Mercilus can go either way in the draft, but the fit might work well for the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Sporting News' Russ Lande.

Lande writes, "Mercilus will be one of the first defensive end/outside linebackers drafted. The Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals will consider drafting him in the top 15 given their need for pass rush help. If neither team considers him, the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos will have an interest in Mercilus as an end in their 4-3 schemes."

The Chiefs have Justin Houston and Tamba Hali on the outside, but another pass rusher to sub in and rotate would help in terms of depth and productivity.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs offseason plans and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Dre Kirkpatrick Falls To Chiefs In Sporting News Mock

The Kansas City Chiefs are without Brandon Carr in 2012 for the first time since they drafted him in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Grand Valley State. Carr started every game since coming into the league and formed a dynamic tandem with Brandon Flowers in the promising KC secondary. Now the team has moved on to Stanford Routt and likely hopes that another young corner will step up.

They might end up adding one if Russ Lande of the Sporting News is correct. In his latest mock for the 2012 NFL Draft, Lande has the Chiefs taking Alabama product Dre Kirkpatrick.

Lande writes, "The Chiefs upgraded at the right tackle position this weekend, grabbing Eric Winston off the scrap heap. The loss of Brandon Carr hurts, though, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Scott Pioli reached and grabbed Kirkpatrick with the 11th pick. A 6-0 DB with top-flight speed (think Patrick Peterson speed), Kirkpatrick is the rare tall cornerback who can keep up with the game’s fastest receivers."

Kirkpatrick is not the man corner that the Chiefs have went with in the past, so it would be interesting to see them pass up Janoris Jenkins if both are available. That said, Kirkpatrick would definitely be an asset for any team.

For more on the NFL Draft and the Chiefs offseason, check out Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Grab Cornerback Dwight Bentley In Second Round

The Kansas City Chiefs secondary is in a bit of a transition, but it still remains a young, dynamic part of the talented Chiefs defense. Eric Berry should return after missing the 2011 season and bring the impact player to the group that was lacking last season. Brandon Flowers is a strong No. 1 cornerback, but he's lost his partner of the last four seasons in Brandon Carr to the Dallas Cowboys. That means the Chiefs have had to shift things around a bit.

The team responded by signing Stanford Routt before Carr actually left with the knowledge that he'd likely leave if they didn't use the franchise tag. Alas, they used it on Dwayne Bowe at receiver instead, and Carr took the big bucks to play for Jerry Jones. Routt and Flowers will still form a solid duo at corner, but it wouldn't surprise to see the Chiefs address the position in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Drafttek has the Chiefs going cornerback in the second round with a small school addition that might do the trick:

With the offensive line needs met, the Chiefs go to the defensive side of the ball grabbing the small school athlete, Dwight Bentley. With the proliferation of multiple WR sets, a team can not have too many good CB's. Bentley is undersized, but his strong performance in the Senior Bowl warrants a second round selection. He needs work on his technique, but has the athletic ability to be a good NFL CB.

Other possibilities on the roster to help include Jalil Brown, last year's fourth round choice, and Travis Daniels who played well at times in 2011.

For more on the Chiefs and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: David DeCastro Heads To Chiefs At No. 11

The Kansas City Chiefs wanted to address the offensive line coming into the 2012 offseason and so far it's been mission accomplished for Scott Pioli and company. The team convinced Eric Winston to become the Chiefs' next right tackle, and that alone should help in tremendous ways on the right side. But the latest mock draft from Drafttek has the Chiefs also bolstering the guard position with the best overall prospect available for that spot: David DeCastro.

The Chiefs select at No. 11 in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and DeCastro could be available around that time. Given the history of guards in the first round, he will be for sure, but DeCastro is enjoying a nice buzz that might surprise some if someone from the top ten is interested enough. The Drafttek report reads:

With Eric Winston signing with the Chiefs, DeCastro makes a ton of sense here. He is considered the best Guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson. He will lock down an offensive line spot for ten plus years, more than likely at a multiple Pro Bowl level. An offensive line of Albert, DeCastro, Hudson, Asamoah and Winston would serve notice that the Chiefs are looking to run the ball first. Newly signed RB Peyton Hillis and Jamaal Charles would be estatic.

The Chiefs would likely replace Ryan Lilja along the line as listed above, giving the team some nice depth in case of injury.

For more on the Chiefs and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chiefs Aim To Bolster Defensive Line With Michael Brockers Or Dontari Poe

The Kansas City Chiefs have already addressed the weakest link on the team in impressive fashion by bringing in Eric Winston, formerly of the Houston Texans, to play right tackle. Replacing Barry RIchardson, WInston also likely replaces many mock draft choices that had the Chiefs taking Riley Reiff of Iowa or Jonathan Martin of Stanford as tackle prospects.

Now the attention seems to be switching sides but staying in the trenches, as the next hole on the roster most likely to be taken care of is the defensive line. The team has already re-signed Amon Gordon to a two-year contract to keep some depth along the line, but there’s a definite hole at defensive tackle that still remains.

The team invested a late-round pick on developmental tackle Jerrell Powe in the 2011 NFL Draft that the team hopes will pan out. Powe was kept off the field in every game except one and he logged zero total stats in 2011. Being able to learn behind Kelly Gregg was likely a helpful experience, but being placed in game-time situations will help more than anything and Powe simply cannot be counted on for major minutes just yet.

Instead, the Chiefs will likely lose Gregg as well and simply have no one else capable of filling in. Personnel will shift along the line depending on the package, so other guys will man the middle from time to time, but what the Chiefs lack is that front line presence that they can anchor like many playoff teams have, i.e. Vince Wilfork of the Pats or Casey Hampton of the Steelers.

In his latest mock, Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has the Chiefs changing their mind about offensive tackle and switching in the same way. Michael Brockers is the choice for the Chiefs at No. 11 in the first round, a big defensive tackle from LSU, the college du jour of the Chiefs defensive line since they already drafted Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson from the same school.

Bunting writes, “Brockers is as talented as any defensive lineman in the draft and is capable of maturing into a real game changer up front. He’s got the ability to play all over the Chiefs defensive line early and offers them a lot of versatility in their 34 front.”

Bunting loves Brockers’ size at 6-6, 306 lbs and lists him as the best overall tackle in the draft class of 2012. Overall, he admits he’s a rawer prospect than what some might like at this level of the draft, but the possibilities are there for good things. In his scouting report, Bunting writes:

He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he’s an NFL talent with “plus” upside but can also come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.

In this mock, Brockers is the second defensive tackle off the board, and it’s likely to disappoint the Chiefs that the Carolina Panthers would take the first one in Dontari Poe. Poe has been connected to the Chiefs at No. 11 in several mock drafts outside of Bunting’s so it’s clear that the new thought is that the Chiefs will address the line.

Checking out the latest mock from Mocking the Draft shows that Dan Kadar is thinking the same thing, giving Poe to the Chiefs. While it’s a different prospect, Brockers and Poe usually flip-flop from draft to draft.

Kadar writes, “If there is one thing head coach Romeo Crennel loves, it’s size on the defensive line. With Kelly Gregg near retirement and coming off injury, Crennel could view Poe as the nose tackle of the future. Poe may remind the hulking Poe of Ted Washington, a player who followed him from New England to Cleveland.”

Either way, the Chiefs are now believed to be most interested in bolstering that defensive interior to allow linebackers to make plays. Given the state of the Chiefs linebacking corps, the more Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and Justin Houston can come in and do what they do best, the Chiefs’ defense will continue to rise.

For more on the Chiefs and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chiefs Take Dontari Poe From Memphis In MTD's Latest

In SB Nation's Mocking The Draft's latest mock draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Dontari Poe | Defensive tackle | Memphis: If there is one thing head coach Romeo Crennel loves, it's size on the defensive line. With Kelly Gregg near retirement and coming off injury, Crennel could view Poe as the nose tackle of the future. Poe may remind the hulking Poe of Ted Washington, a player who followed him from New England to Cleveland.

The Chiefs have taken anyone from offensive lineman, to quarterback to defensive lineman in mock drafts this year, but as free agency has opened and a more clear picture has formed of what needs teams are saving for the draft, more and more analysts are picking Poe for the Chiefs.

Poe is a huge nose tackle that could fit well into Romeo Crennel's defense and help shore up the team's defensive front seven.

For more on the Chiefs and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Solidify Most Important Aspect Of Their Team

When it was announced last weekend that former Houston Texans right tackle, Eric Winston, had signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a new four-year deal, only one thing came to mind. The Chiefs now have no reason not to take Stanford guard David DeCastro with the No. 11 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

The Chiefs have made it clear during this off-season that upgrading the offensive side of the ball through free agency was a priority. They have done that by adding former Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hills, former Oakland Raiders tight end Kevin Boss, and finally Winston at right tackle. Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli said back in January that upgrading the offensive line was going to be a priority this off-season. Well, after the Winston signing I think there is one more big move he can make to solidify that line for the next several years.

DeCastro is unarguably the best guard prospect in this year's draft. The standout from Stanford stands at 6'5" and 312 pounds, and is every bit as physical as he is athletic. He has a rare combination of speed and power, and when you combine that with almost flawless technique, there's a reason he's been getting all this attention.

Wes Bunting from the National Football Post has projected DeCastro to the Chiefs in his newest mock draft. He talks a little bit about what he likes about DeCastro specifically. Via National Football Post:

Impression: The best offensive line prospect I've evaluated since Maurkice Pouncey in 2010. He showcases the ability to get a push in-line and is a dominant move player as well. He's fluid/natural in pass protection and with a little more power in his base he's got the skill set to become one of the leagues best guards early in his NFL career.

The Kansas City Chiefs will head into the 2012 season with Matt Cassel as the starting quarterback. They have made a concerted effort with these free-agent moves to try and make things as easy on Cassel as they possibly can. They took the biggest weakness on the offense (and quite possibly the biggest weakness on the entire team), right tackle, and they've made it a strength.

Eric Winston is a solid run-blocking right tackle that also excels in pass protection, and will hold down the right side of the offensive line for Cassel and the team's running backs. The addition of Boss and Hillis provide quality depth at two very important pieces in the offense for Cassel. Boss is a superb blocker that will provide scheme versatility each week as the Chiefs gameplan against their opponents, and Hillis provides a secondary option at running back for Jamaal Charles, who needs someone to share the workload with each week.

Boss gives the Chiefs two solid tight ends as he pairs with Tony Moeaki, who's coming off a season-ending knee injury last year, although he seems to be on-schedule in his rehab. But with two useful tight ends there are several formations that the Chiefs could run with Boss and Moeaki on the field at the same time. Combine that with a guy like Dexter McCluster and you have a lot of defensive coordinators that will struggle to plan against the Chiefs each week.

While Boss, Moeaki, McCluster, along with the trio of Jon Baldwin, Steve Breaston and Dwayne Bowe, provide excellent targets for Cassel in the passing game, this team's bread and butter will still be pounding the rock. But that becomes much easier when you have a dominant offensive line, which most Chiefs fans can appreciate from the days of Willie Roaf and Will Shields. The addition of Eric Winston already provides a huge upgrade for this group moving forward, but it's still unclear how well Rodney Hudson will do as he takes over for veteran center Casey Wiegmann.

With Branden Albert, David DeCastro, Rodney Hudson, Jon Asamoah and Eric Winston, you're looking at one of the best offensive lines in the NFL heading into next year -- and by re-signing Albert, you can have this group together for the next half-decade. When people say that continuity is key in building the trenches, they should not have to look farther than the opportunity that the Chiefs have in this April's draft.

Our bread and butter is running the football, and that is predicated upon the talent you have in the beef up front. There's no reason to mess around when we have the perfect opportunity to combine best player available and need in this draft. The National Football Post has DeCastro as No. 3 on their big board of players, and he'll most likely be available when the Chiefs pick at No. 11. Let's just take him and not worry about starters on the offensive line for a while.

For more on the Chiefs and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Ryan Tannehill Merits Strong Consideration For Dolphins, Chiefs

Players entering the 2012 NFL Draft are going to speak highly of their own stock. That much is a given since they're fighting for not only draft position but the money that comes with a higher choice. Ryan Tannehill has as much as anyone to gain or lose at this point based on perception of his potential, and he makes a convincing argument for his own selection.

When speaking with Walter Football's Charlie Campbell, Tannehill cites a limited body of work as a prime example of the higher ceiling on him than other quarterbacks available in the draft. His work at Texas A&M is enough to warrant being the third quarterback on draft boards heading into the late April draft, but he said he only gets better from here.

Tannehill says, "I think you say look at my body of work. I only started 19 games so I think my ceiling is extremely high. I'm nowhere near my highest point. I have the drive and determination to want to get better. It is not my goal just to play in the NFL. I want to win Super Bowls. I think I have all the physical tools: the arm strength, accuracy, I make plays on the run and I have leadership. I think I have all the intangibles. Like I said, I've only started 19 games so I think I can learn a lot and get a lot better."

For teams like the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs, that's definitely something to consider. If they like what they see in Tannehill enough to even think about it at their respective draft positions, then the idea that he will grow stronger with experience could be enough to pull the trigger. Given the run on quarterbacks a year ago on guys like Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder and the rest, it will be likely that Tannehill is taken sooner than later.

NFL Draft 2012: Eric Winston Signing Changes Priorities For Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs were widely expected to consider an offensive tackle with the No. 11 selection in the first round of the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. The reason is simple: supply and demand both met in that spot. Players like Riley Reiff or Jonathan Martin were expected to still be around at that time, and the position was the Chiefs' weakest link on the entire roster. After the signing of Eric Winston this weekend, however, that's no longer the case.

Instead, the Chiefs are likely to focus on other needs or ignore that entirely and just take the best player on the board despite the position that they play. Pat Kirwan says the team could possibly address defensive tackle and allow a player like Reiff to slide a bit"

Eric Winston, former starting right tackle of the Texans, signs a four-year, $22 million deal to join the Kansas City Chiefs, which probably means the Chiefs will pass on first-round tackles Reilly Reiff and Jonathan Martin. The Chiefs could now turn their interest to a nose tackle or a move down and take a guard. A team like the New York Jets at No. 16 probably expected Reiff to be gone by time they selected, but it's possible he will still be available.

The team could definitely consider Dontari Poe as a defensive tackle or Luke Kuechly as an inside linebacker. Both players would garner consideration from Pioli with or without Winston.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Dontari Poe Heads To Chiefs In Multiple Mocks

Whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs are able to sign Eric Winston to cement the right tackle position will make a major difference in how the team will likely draft in the first round of the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. With choices like Stanford’s Jonathan Martin and Iowa’s Riley Reiff as possible choices left on the draft board, those players would be difficult to ignore if they remain at No. 11 when the Chiefs pick for the first time.

If Winston is in tow, however, both Rob Rang and Dane Brugler at CBS Sports believe the Chiefs will take Dontari Poe — and that might not depend on the team’s free agency moves. The Memphis defensive tackle is among the best at the position and it’s one that KC needs to address at some point this offseason after losing Kelly Gregg to potential retirement and failing to have any other dependable player at the position.

Poe has been rising up draft boards with a stellar NFL Combine workout, so it’s possible he even goes earlier to the Carolina Panthers or Buffalo Bills.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: David DeCastro Bolsters Interior Of Chiefs Offensive Line

The latest mock is out for the 2012 NFL Draft from Drafttek and the Kansas City Chiefs bolster their interior offensive line this time around with the selection of David DeCastro, the star guard out of Stanford. The Chiefs have Ryan Lilja, Rodney Hudson and Jon Asamoah from left to right in the interior at this point, but it’s believed that Lilja would become a back-up if the Chiefs took him. The Drafttek report reads:

If he goes to the Chiefs here at #11, DeCastro would be among the highest drafted Offensive Guards ever. But he’ll solidify the Chiefs OL for Jamaal Charles et. al.. Should the Chiefs sign a vet RT, this becomes a no-brainer pick.

If the Chiefs can also sign Eric Winston, former right tackle of the Houston Texans, in the free agency period, then the Chiefs line will go from average to one of the best in the NFL. DeCastro is widely regarded as the best guard prospect of a very deep class. Adding Winston would also give the Chiefs an above average tackle. Replacing the two weakest spots with some of the best in the NFL would make a major difference for the Chiefs offense.

For more on the Chiefs and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Draft: Ryan Tannehill Called 'Franchise Quarterback' By Wes Bunting

Andrew Luck is a sure thing. Robert Griffin III is likely going to be quite a dynamic player for the Redskins. Beyond that, there’s no telling exactly what the quarterback class of the 2012 NFL Draft holds. Some like Brandon Weeden. Others think Kirk Cousins holds promise. Ryan Tannehill is often regarded as the third best quarterback, but can he become a franchise quarterback and provide needy teams a solid future at the position? Wes Bunting of the National Football Post believes so.

Bunting loves Tannehill and says he’s worth of a high first round choice. He writes, “With such limited experience at the quarterback position it’s not a case of where this guy is right now, but where he can be in 2/3 years. I love the talent and the overall production from a guy who doesn’t have much experience playing from under center as he plays way beyond his years. A potential franchise quarterback in my mind.”

The Kansas City Chiefs are picking at a spot that might be too late to grab Tannehill given that eight teams would have to pass on the next quarterback in line for the Chiefs to stay at No. 11 and grab him after the Colts and Skins take their two picks in Luck and Griffin. It’s hard to imagine every other team above them letting a quarterback slide.

To that end, if the Chiefs love Tannehill to any degree, expect them to try to move up. If not, then they should be glad that some team will think so highly of him that he will go before they choose.

For more on the Chiefs and the upcoming draft, check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Riley Reiff Falls Outside Top Ten To Chiefs In First Round

The latest mock draft is out from Walter Cherepinsky for the 2012 NFL Draft and the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves the recipients of a great value on draft boards at their top position of need at right tackle. Riley Reiff is a known commodity who most draft evaluators love for his technique and ability and pedigree from the University of Iowa under Kirk Ferentz. It's something that Scott Pioli knows well, so this would be a nice pick for the team.

He writes, "Right tackle Barry Richardson is a sieve in pass protection. Jared Gaither was foolishly waived (typical dumb Todd Haley move), so Kansas City will be looking for an upgrade at the position. It'll also want some insurance for Branden Albert, who will be a free agent a year from now. This is an easy pick because Riley Reiff is the top player available who fills a big need. This is the first time I've had Reiff out of my top 10 in 17 weeks, but his short arms could cost him."

The upcoming free agency of Albert is not something that comes up very often, but it is something to think about. The team already has holes along its line, so it can ill afford to let another good player go. The team felt the loss of Brian Waters last season to the Patriots, so it's not surprising to see them going offensive tackle early in the 2012 draft.

Check out more about the Chiefs draft plans over at Arrowhead Pride.

Redskins-Rams Trade: Cleveland Browns Come Up Biggest Losers In Robert Griffin III Sweepstakes

Yes, they paid a king’s ransom. However, the Washington Redskins are hoping that Robert Griffin III turns into just that for them — the next king of a division that also boasts Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Michael Vick. To win in the NFC East, the Redskins simply could not roll with another season of Rex Grossman under center (or someone comparable), so they did what they had to do.

That’s a common theme for teams these last few offseasons — doing what they have to do. The Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals are hoping to do the same for Peyton Manning. And those teams that lose out will be forced to take a Plan B route that will likely lead to more mediocrity in 2012.

As for the one team that loses in all of this, the Cleveland Browns do not seem to be aiming anywhere in particular. They’re not in the Manning sweepstakes and they didn’t pull the trigger to move up for Griffin. Perhaps they thought they had time. Perhaps they balked at the price. Both are understandable, yet now they sit with Colt McCoy once again and an AFC North division that will likely leave them picking in the top five in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Matt Williamson faults the Browns as well for Scouts, Inc. He writes, “Yes, Washington gave up a ton to land this potential phenom, but that is the cost of doing business. One thing I take away from this transaction is shame on Cleveland for letting this happen. The Browns were in the driver’s seat to move up just two spots in the draft, but instead of going strong, they will most likely aim for mediocrity and sign a Matt Flynn or use their second-round pick on a prospect like Brandon Weeden or Kirk Cousins. Again, that is aiming for mediocrity. Griffin was exactly what that franchise and city needed, but the Browns couldn’t get it done.”

The Chiefs definitely need to heed this warning as well, although their division allows them to be a bit more comfortable than the Browns should be. After all, they almost won the AFC West in a season where they fired their head coach. But to compete at any higher level, the Chiefs are going to have to find that urgency at some point and make a play for a playmaker. Otherwise they will continue to linger as a league-average team for some time.

Redskins Not Only Team Willing To Surrender Multiple Top Picks For Rights To Robert Griffin III

It’s easy to shake your head at the final cost for the Washington Redskins to move up four spots in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Three first round selections is unheard of and the additional second round choice is the icing on the top. But when a team is inspired to get the quarterback it wants, it’s clear that they will do what it takes. And Albert Breer of NFL Network says that the Redskins weren’t the only ones in on the bidding at that price.

In fact, Breer says via Twitter, “And for those who think the Redskins are crazy … I’m told there were multiple teams outside of Washington bidding in that range for RG3.”

Is it possible the Chiefs were also bidding around that range. At the NFL Combine, the Chiefs reportedly interviewed Griffin and did their homework on the kid. Romeo Crennel came away and said he even had a connection with the Baylor quarterback.

No one will ever know if the Chiefs were among the teams that Breer is referring to and it’s not likely that Breer will name names. But it is interesting to note that given the quarterback frenzy and that the Chiefs are in the middle of most of the news, Scott Pioli might have been willing to pony up that sort of draft haul as well.

Robert Griffin III Trade: Redskins Reportedly Complete Deal For No. 2 Pick In 2012 NFL Draft Per Jay Glazer

The chase was on, but it might already be completed with several weeks before the NFL Draft ready to go. Robert Griffin III is going to be the second pick off of the board, and with the number of quarterback hungry teams out there, the St. Louis Rams, holder of the No. 2 choice, were in great position to demand something. Apparently they like what they heard from the Washington Redskins.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports is reporting that the No. 2 choice in the draft has been traded for this year’s No. 6 pick and two future No. 1 selections among other pieces. (Update: The Rams are receiving three first round choices and this year's second rounder as the full trade haul.) Further components of the story will be coming out shortly as Glazer files more than a Twitter report.

This is big news even for the Peyton Manning sweepstakes because if it is true, it takes out one of the major players competing with the Chiefs. The Skins were often listed alongside the Chiefs and the Dolphins among others for Manning and the Chiefs were also interested and at least kicked the tires on Griffin. Now some more certainty enters the picture.

Stay tuned here at SB Nation for more info on the trade as it comes in.

NFL Draft 2012: Robert Griffin III Could Be Cost Prohibitive For Redskins According To Mel Kiper

The No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft is up for grabs, and it might as well be called the Rights to Robert Griffin III at this point. The St. Louis Rams officially hold the selection and they have already said publicly that it will go to the highest bidder. The Cleveland Browns are ready to pick at No. 4 and the Washington Redskins are at No. 6. Both teams are going to have to pay heavily to get the pick, but the Skins’ cost might be too much, according to Mel Kiper.

Kiper said today via Twitter that the Redskins would force the Rams to drop four spots. That might cost them the best cornerback in the draft in Morris Claiborne and the best wide receiver in Justin Blackmon. Those are the two primary areas of need for the Rams at this point. If they have to forgo those elite options, Kiper says that asking price for the Skins is likely go to sky high.

As for the Chiefs, they have to be considered out of the running for Griffin at this point. While they publicly flirt with Peyton Manning, the team doesn’t have the draft assets at this point to get Griffin. Money is not an issue in terms of free agents, but climbing the draft order is another. If the Redskins at five selections higher are going to have a tough time, imagine the Chiefs.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chiefs Might Have To Decide Between Trent Richardson And Riley Reiff

The No. 11 spot in the 2012 NFL Draft might be a tricky one for the Kansas City Chiefs. After winning the coin toss with the Seattle Seahawks to gain the edge in draft order, the Chiefs are the first team sitting outside the top ten and can gain the player that drops unexpectedly.

In Charlie Campbell’s latest mock draft over at Walter Football, he has the Chiefs choosing between a luxury pick of the best running back available in Trent Richardson and a great need at tackle in Riley Reiff.

Campbell writes, “If the draft plays out like this, Kansas City would have a tough decision to make between Reiff and Trent Richardson. However, the team already has some quality running backs on the roster. There should be some good running backs available to the Chiefs in the second round, but there won’t be a left tackle close to Reiff’s caliber. Barry Richardson is a complete liability at right tackle. If Kansas City takes Reiff, the team can play him at right tackle, or move Brandon Albert over from left tackle.”

Campbell is right that the need is to great to pull the trigger on Richardson despite how tempting it would be. The Chiefs simply must improve the line by adding talent and youth to cement it for the long haul.

NFL Draft 2012: Justin Blackmon Runs Well In Pro Day Workout

As the race for positioning comes closer to the 2012 NFL Draft, the official times coming out of various Pro Days scheduled at the top schools are going to matter more and more. The word that Justin Blackmon today ran well is a good sign that the Oklahoma State product will likely be the top wide receiver off of the board in the upcoming draft in April.

Tony Pauline reports via Twitter, “Hearing unofficial times for Blackmon in forty under 4.5-seconds… high 4.4’s-to a fast of-4.45”. That’s good enough to keep Blackmon exactly where many mocks have him around the top five choices or so in the draft. Each team in the top five besides the No. 1 spot with the Indianapolis Colts has a good reason to select him, since so many teams need an impact playmaker at receiver.

While some think taking a receiver so high can be a reach, the Cincinnati Bengals certainly enjoyed the product on the field of having A.J. Green on the outside. Blackmon is likely to have a similar impact on a team like the Vikings, Browns or Rams who all need someone to pair with their young quarterback.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Trent Richardson Falls To Chiefs In Todd McShay's Latest Mock

The Kansas City Chiefs have a long history of top shelf running backs and led the league in rushing as recently as 2010. So it's not a surprise that despite the presence of Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs are linked with Trent Richardson in the first round of Todd McShay's latest mock for the 2012 NFL Draft.

McShay writes, "This is a best-athlete-available pick. The Chiefs have bigger holes along the interior offensive line and at nose tackle, but even though running back is a low priority in this scenario they can't pass on the chance to get one of the elite players on the board at No. 11 overall. Should they look elsewhere, Memphis DT Dontari Poe would be an option with his ability to shore up the defensive front."

Charles is coming off of rehab for a torn ACL, so it's impossible to tell exactly how effective he will be until he's able to get on the field in a regular season scenario. Grabbing Richardson would not only provide an elite back to tandem with Charles but it would also anchor the backfield in case of any lingering injury issues.

Still it's hard to see this playing out, because Pioli would have to completely ignore need and only gauge value for Richardson to be the choice here. There are other solid running backs available in later rounds and needs along both lines seem too difficult to ignore for McShay to be right here.

NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Has Luke Kuechly Or Dontari Poe To Chiefs In First Round

Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft over at ESPN has Luke Kuechly as the official selection of the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. At No. 11, Kuechly would be the first linebacker off the board and would provide Scott Pioli with top value on his draft board. Kiper writes:

Kuechly came to Indy with concerns about his size. But he weighed in at over 240 pounds, easing some of those concerns, and then shined in workouts, proving the added bulk won’t slow him down; a classic case where a guy answers the big questions and solidifies his stock.

Romeo Crennel needs linebackers with great instincts who can be physical in the run game, make stops and also get into the backfield when asked. Kuechly is simply a machine, a prototype for what you want in an interior linebacker. I can see the Chiefs looking for a nose tackle, so if Poe is around, that pick makes sense as well.

Kiper ends with that mention of Dontari Poe, who was taken at No. 9 by the Carolina Panthers. That would certainly make a bit more sense than Kuechly for the Chiefs, simply for the need on the roster for a defensive tackle rather than an inside linebacker at this point for the Chiefs. However, both players would make fine additions to the Chiefs defense.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Mike Adams Goes To Chiefs In National Football Post's Latest

The latest mock draft is in from Wes Bunting of the National Football Post and the Kansas City Chiefs are sticking at right tackle in nearly every mock at this point. The 2012 NFL Draft has enough top shelf offensive lineman that the Chiefs should be able to find Barry Richardson's replacement at the No. 11 draft slot. Bunting selects Mike Adams here for the Chiefs.

He writes, "You have to think after the struggles the Chiefs had at right tackle last season, drafting a guy like Adams who has the size and athleticism to handle powerful NFL pass rushers is an intriguing option at 11."

The Ohio State lineman has a mammoth size at 6-8, 320 lbs. and Bunting likes him as the second best tackle in the class. In his scouting report he writes, "He's a talented kid with a big frame, long arms and natural movement skills. He can bend and if he can put it all together and continue to improve his footwork he could certainly mature into a starting caliber left tackle in the NFL."

That would be a great addition to the right side of the Chiefs offensive line at this point and would help any quarterback succeed in 2012. Whether it's Jon Martin of Stanford or Riley Reiff of Iowa or Adams, it's likely the Chiefs use this chance to bolster the offensive line with a top-tier addition.

Check out more on the Chiefs and the 2012 Draft over at Arrowhead Pride.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Brandon Weeden Provides Chiefs With Another Quarterback Option

No matter what the Chiefs do concerning Kyle Orton, Peyton Manning or a number of other possibilities on the open market, drafting a quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft is still a good move for the Kansas City Chiefs. Scott Pioli has already said that he wants to conceivably draft a new quarterback every year and this year has several decent options to consider. Brandon Weeden is the latest second round choice from Drafttek in their most recent mock draft for the Chiefs:

The Chiefs are emerging as a strong contender for Peyton Manning, if he becomes a free agent. However, that does not preclude drafting a developmental QB. The Chiefs are reported to be down a bit on Ricky Stanzi’s development. Hence Brandon Weeden makes sense here. There is a lot to like in Weeden. He finished the season third in the league in passing yardage, throwing for 4,277 yards with a nice 34/13 TD/INT ratio. He has a strong arm, displays accuracy on all NFL type routes, has enough mobility to be effective, and is a leader on the field. Oh yes, then there is the fact that he is 28 years old. There is a lot to work with here.

If Weeden cleans up his footwork and adapts to playing under center, he could be very effective. With this pick, the Chiefs would be looking for him to start no later than year two. His ceiling is high, but his window is short. With quarterbacks playing until their late 30’s, he could have a nice 8-10 year career.

Weeden just led the Oklahoma State Cowboys to a Big 12 title and solid BCS placement this season with a receiver like Justin Blackmon beside him. The Chiefs should overlook his age and enjoy the product if he’s available considering that he would still have plenty of time in an NFL uniform.

If the Chiefs bring in Weeden and a free agent to go with Matt Cassel, then Ricky Stanzi is likely finished before he ever got started with the Chiefs, and that might be the one element to keep in mind here.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Andrew Luck, David DeCastro Lead Stanford Charge In First Round

As the Indianapolis Colts announce the release of Peyton Manning today at a press conference scheduled for 11am CT, the team is also poised to find their new star at quarterback soon enough with the first overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. Andrew Luck is the obvious choice and every mock draft reflects that line of thinking.

But that’s only the beginning for the dominance of Stanford in the first round of most mock drafts. The Kansas City Chiefs are the next to chose a Stanford prodouct in the latest mock from Drafttek with the selection of David DeCastro at No. 11 overall:

DeCastro had a strong combine that confirmed that he may be the best offensive line prospect in the draft. While OT remains the most likely position to be selected by the Chiefs, there are other options. DeCastro has an amazing skill set. He is big, strong, and agile, with great fundamentals. He also has that “Merlin approved” mean streak. Plus, his leadership skills are excellent, and coming from Stanford, he is very intelligent. It is no wonder that he is considered the best Guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson. Essentially, he will lock down an offensive line spot for ten plus years at most likely a Pro Bowl level at worst. Is that worth the #11 pick in the draft? If Scott Pioli does not like the Offensive Tackles on the board, the answer could very well be ‘Yes’.

Even after this, Jonathan Martin, Stanford’s left tackle, is chosen at No. 13 by the Arizona Cardinals, giving Stanford three of the top 13 choices in the draft. Yet even then there are other options, including Coby Fleener, who could become the first overall tight end selected off the board.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Riley Reiff Lands With Kansas City Chiefs At No. 11

While it’s not the sexy move up the 2012 NFL Draft order to snag a major quarterback prospect like Robert Griffin III, the way that Peter Schrager at FOX Sports develops his latest mock draft for the Chiefs is likely the team’s best case scenario at the No. 11 spot. That’s because he has Iowa lineman Riley Reiff falling out of the top ten and into Scott Pioli’s lap with the team’s first round choice.

He writes, “There’s an obvious Scott Pioli-Kirk Ferentz connection here, but that link didn’t result in the Chiefs drafting Bryan Bulaga a few years earlier when everyone assumed it would. Reiff’s a tremendously skilled tackle, capable of replacing Barry Richardson at the right tackle in KC’s offense. Reiff is 6-5, 310 pounds and needs to be coached up a bit. At 11th overall, he’s certainly worth the investment.”

Reiff would definitely plug the right side of the line and make the offensive front that much stronger for a team that has a dynamic running game. Replacing Barry Richardson is going to go a long way toward the Chiefs’ offensive success this season, and teaming Reiff with Jon Asamoah would be an exciting proposition for years to come for the Chiefs.

For more on the Chiefs, check out Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Robert Griffin III Will Require More Than Dwayne Bowe, First Round Choice From Chiefs

When Bill Wiliamson was recently asked in a mailbag column over at ESPN just how much it would cost the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire Robert Griffin III in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, the answer wasn’t good for any Chiefs’ fans hoping the team would land the reigning Heisman winner.

The Chiefs reportedly fell in love with Griffin at the NFL Combine and Romeo Crennel spoke highly of him and said they had a good connection. The Chiefs have also said they’re looking to provide competition at quarterback and Griffin would certainly bring that and more. But the bounty is going to be too much, especially with other teams wanting to bring him in.

Williamson writes, “It’s an interesting thought. I think the Kansas City Chiefs would love to get a chance to take Griffin, but they will have a hard time putting together a winning package. Teams such as the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins will all offer better trades. The Chiefs have the No. 11 pick in the draft and the three other teams all pick higher in the first round. Adding Bowe would sweeten the pot. Still, I’m not sure if a package of Bowe and the No. 11 pick would be enough. The Chiefs would likely have to add, at least, a future first-round pick to the mix. That’s a steep price.”

Two first round choices and their impact wide receiver? That’s just not going to happen from Scott Pioli — not with other holes on the roster and with other options available. If Matt Cassel flops after the team address the offensive line, halfback, defensive tackle and then some, then the team will radically rethink the position next year perhaps. For now, such a move doesn’t make sense unless the deal is right.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Dontari Poe Heads To Chiefs At Rotoworld's Latest

The latest mock draft over at Rotoworld has Evan Silva switching sides for the Kansas City Chiefs, moving from the popular offensive line pick to the defensive line and choosing Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe at No. 11 for the Chiefs in his latest 2012 NFL Mock Draft.

Silva writes, “Opposing C-USA coaches feared Poe only enough to vote him second-team all conference as a junior, but human beings who weigh 346 pounds and move like this one don’t last long on NFL draft boards. Poe is an absolute mammoth of a man with incredible brute strength (Combine-best 44 bench press reps), essentially a bigger, faster version of B.J. Raji with a cleaner off-field history. The interior D-Line is a need spot for Kansas City, as Kelly Gregg is expected to retire.”

If Gregg is gone, that only leaves Jerrell Powe and Anthony Toribio along the line on the roster. The Chiefs are likely going to sign a veteran there as well, but d-lineman seem best suited to play in rotation and few tackles can play all three downs with equal ability. Amon Gordon can help in that way and other ends can also slide inside at times, but having a body like Poe would lock down the position.

NFL Draft 2012: Dontari Poe Could Become Chiefs' Version Of Vince Wilfork

The common sense choice for the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft seems to lean toward an offensive tackle. Barry Richardson has been the starter there and was continually listed among the worst in the league. Now that he’s a free agent, the team has a hole at starter and already suffered from lack of depth. The pick just makes sense for someone like Jonathan Martin or Riley Reiff to fill the role.

But lately the NFL Combine results of Dontari Poe and the additional need of the Chiefs at defensive tackle could alter those plans. Poe was nothing short of a revelation at the recent Combine in Indianapolis, and his measureables have everyone comparing him to the best nose tackles in the business. The Memphis product says he models his game on Casey Hampton, so he could prove too tempting to ignore. Steve Muench says the Chiefs could grab him even as high as No. 11:

It’s understandable that much has been made of the 6-3, 346-pound Poe running a 4.98-second 40-yard dash and bench-pressing 225 pounds 44 times. Those are remarkable numbers, but his 10-yard split (1.63) in the 40 and the foot speed he showed during bag work are even more impressive. Poe is now drawing favorable comparisons to Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata and New England’s Vince Wilfork in terms of size and agility.

He should have plenty of suitors given that Poe is big enough to anchor the middle of a three-man front, and athletic enough to line up at defensive tackle in a four man front. However, he is a raw prospect and might be a better fit for a one-gap scheme that simply asks him to explode upfield, rather than a two-gap scheme that requires him to stay low and control blockers with his hands. The Kansas City Chiefs (No. 11) need help at nose tackle, and Poe is such a unique talent the Chiefs could reach for him even if he isn’t an ideal fit at this point.

The Chiefs currently only have Jerrell Powe, last year’s sixth rounder, and Anthony Toribio on the roster and both are unproven. The team simply must make a move on some level to fortify the position. If Scott Pioli can land his Wilfork of the West, that’d be a difficult addition to pass on.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Could Look At Miami Linebacker Sean Spence

It seems as if the NFL draft is almost here already with all of the coverage we've seen over the past few weeks, but the cold, hard truth is that we're still almost two months away from the football-junkies version of Christmas. Most of the information that's being pumped out right now is dealing with players' stocks after the combine and figuring out where Robert Griffin III will end up when it's all said and done. While those stories may be dominating the headlines right now, there are players all over the country working and preparing to join their respective teams next fall who'll be taken in the later rounds come April.

One of those players the Kansas City Chiefs should look at is University of Miami Outside Linebacker Sean Spence. Spence is projected as a 3rd round pick by a lot of the draft experts right now. He was a four-year starter at Miami where he was a Freshman All-American in 2008 and finished his career 5th on the NCAA list in tackles for loss with 47. The senior captain was a Butkus award semi-finalist in 2011, which goes to the top linebacker in the country. The knock on Spence is always due to his lack of size. He's often looked at as a player without a position in the NFL because at just 6'0 225 lbs, he likes the ideal size for an outside linebacker in the NFL. But at some point in the draft you need to look at a players' production in college as opposed to strictly basing it off potential and ceilings. Spence made plays for his defenses at Miami and there is a role for him on the Chiefs defense in 2012.

In case you aren't familiar with Spence, here is a video that will show you the skills that Spence could bring to Romeo Crennel's defense next season.

The Kansas City Chiefs spent much of the 2011 season running different versions of their nickel defense. They'd bring an entirely different personnel in for these specific formations. One of the positions that was occupied in these formations was by veteran safety Jon McGraw, and this is the role that I think Spence could take over for the Chiefs next season. McGraw saw time in these formations almost lined up as a linebacker in the box. With the extra defensive backs on the field and the offenses personnel being as it was he was often covering the backs or tight-ends, while assisting in the box against the occasional run. He just simply didn't have the size or strength to hold up against the run (even though they were passing situations) when this happened.

The Chiefs defense spent had so many snaps in these different nickel/dime formations that while Spence may not fit the prototypical body-type for an outside linebacker in a base 3/4 defense, in these specific situations his skills are a perfect match. What's often needed in these defensive packages is a tweener linebacker/safety that can help in run support, but still has the athletic ability to play in space in pass coverage. The whole point of the nickel defense is to get an extra defensive back out on the field, but if you're able to bring out a hybrid player that gives you the ability to cover space in pass coverage without sacrificing too much in the run game then you've given yourself a tremendous advantage in what you're able to do with these packages.

Dan Kadar of SB Nation's Mocking The Draft had this to say about Spence back in August. via mockingthedraft.com

While he's played middle and strong-side linebacker, he's really undersized for the position. It will be interesting to see if NFL teams view Spence as a safety. One of his strengths is coverage. He's also a fluid athlete who makes plays around the field. Although he's shown to be adept at getting into the backfield, some teams may be scared off by his lack of size.

Kadar went on to say a few more things about Spence's all-around game.

Is a loose-hipped athlete that can make plays all over the field. Does a nice job covering the short passing game. Will be an asset for defenses in pass coverage.

Spence is instinctually superior to most college linebackers. Has a coach for a father, and it shows in how well Spence knows the game.

No known off-field or character issues. Was raised to be humble and work hard. Known as someone who puts in a lot of film study.

He's an athletic linebacker that has superior instincts, no character issues and likes to watch a lot of film? He's a perfect 3rd round pick for a team that needs to search for a replacement for veteran safety Jon McGraw in this role. He may be more of an outside-the-box type pick for the Chiefs at this point, but I think when it's all said and done you want to find good football players that can get production out on the field. Spence has gotten that production throughout his college career and there's a spot for him in a package that we often run. Not to mention special teams, and versatility does play a role in how much value a player has to his team.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Riley Reiff Falls To Chiefs In First Round

In Albert Breer's latest mock draft over at NFL.com, the Kansas City Chiefs finally get their man in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft with Riley Reiff falling to them at No. 11 overall. Typically a mock draft will have Reiff going somewhere in the top 10, just out of reach for the Chiefs since several teams will be looking for help along the offensive line to protect the blind side of the quarterback, starting with Matt Kalil who will likely go at No. 3 overall to the Minnesota Vikings.

The Chiefs are helped in Breer's mock by Ryan Tannehill landing with the Miami Dolphins at No. 8. That knocks another player down the list and gets the Chiefs the player they need the most. Breer writes, "Scott Pioli finally invests to take care of his tackle problem, snagging a Kirk Ferentz-coached player he'll have good intel on"

Reiff is another steady Iowa offensive lineman that the Chiefs hope will turn into another longtime Iowa lineman currently on the team in Casey Wiegmann. If he can plug the hole for a decade at right tackle for the Chiefs, that would be an ideal draft scenario.

For more on the Chiefs, head over to Arrowhead Pride.

NFL Draft 2012: Robert Griffin III Could Warrant Jon Baldwin Trade For Kansas City Chiefs

With recent word that an unexpected mystery team was involved in the Robert Griffin III trade sweepstakes, Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated took a stab at who the teams could potentially bein a recent column. Alongside the Bills, Cowboys and Ravens, the Chiefs were also mentioned and some interesting trade discussions came up concerning the Chiefs very pick from last year’s first round in the NFL Draft.

Burke writes, “Another team that met with Griffin at the combine, thereby at least kicking the tires on this possibility. Kansas City picks 11th, so the Chiefs would have to offer up a trade package even more lucrative than what Cleveland, Washington, Miami or possibly Buffalo could. Maybe they’d have to toss in a worthwhile player too — and since I’m wildly spitballing scenarios, I’ll toss out Jonathan Baldwin as a fit for the receiver-needy Rams if the Chiefs keep Dwayne Bowe in the fold. The hurdles would be numerous for Kansas City to weave its way to the top of the draft, but remember that this is a team far from satisfied with its quarterback situation.”

The Chiefs would certainly have to make it work for the Rams, and throwing out talented young players like Baldwin isn’t a bad guess. That said, the likelihood of this deal is next to none. Burke admits as much that he’s “spitballing” but it’s likely a move that Scott Pioli would not make and it’s also not enough for the No. 2 choice in the draft either.

The Chiefs are going to have to give up a crazy amount of picks or sign and trade one of their franchise options to make this work. The reality is that they are not positioned well to grab Griffin.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: David DeCastro Becomes 'Pro Bowl Level' Guard For Chiefs At No. 11

The Kansas City Chiefs are likely going to lock down the offensive line in the first round of the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, and most mock experts are targeting just that. In the first draft after the NFL Combine, Drafftek has the Chiefs taking Stanford guard David DeCastro at No. 11 overall, a very high spot for a guard but a choice most believe might be among the best bets in the entire draft.

Given their needs along the line overall for depth and talent, the pick wouldn’t be too much of a reach for Scott Pioli. The Drafttek report reads:

While OT remains the most likely position to be selected by the Chiefs, there are other options. Consider this, who is the best offensive line prospect in the draft? It may be Matt Kalil or it could be David DeCastro. The problem is, DeCastro plays Guard, a position with less value than Left Tackle. However, DeCastro has an amazing skill set. He is big, strong, and agile, with great fundamentals. He also has that “Merlin approved” mean streak. Plus, his leadership skills are excellent, and coming from Stanford, he is very intelligent.

It is no wonder that he is considered the best guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson. Essentially, he will lock down a offensive line spot for ten plus years at probably a near Pro Bowl level, at worst. Is that worth the #11 pick in the draft? If Scott Pioli does not like the Offensive Tackles on the board, the answer could very well be ‘Yes’.

If the Chiefs pull the trigger on this, they are still likely to grab a right tackle later in the draft or address it via free agency (perhaps Levi Brown enters the picture). But this would definitely strengthen the line tremendously wherever DeCastro ended up playing.

NFL Draft 2012: Dontari Poe Is Talk Of NFL Combine For Many Teams

In the world of the NFL Combine, it helps if you can hold some extreme title as your own. Whether you’re the biggest, the strongest or the fastest, it helps to stand out in some way. That might even mean having the longest jump, the highest jump, the crispest routes, the best arm or being the most charismatic in the room. The rule seems to be “just stand out.” When it comes to Dontari Poe, it’s clear the defensive tackle obeyed just that for a number of reasons.

Poe’s size and strength has been called “freakish” by a number of sportswriters and for good reason — it’s hard to categorize exactly what you see in a combination like the Memphis product. Len Pasquarelli writes:

Without question one of the prospects who generated the most buzz at the scouting combine, Poe exhibited such freakish skills that it doesn’t seem to matter now what kind of front is utilized as a “base” defense by the team that selects him. The massive Poe (6-feet-3 1/2, 346 pounds), who registered 44 repetitions in the bench press and clocked a 4.98 time in the 40, demonstrated abilities that translate to the 3-4, for sure, but also displayed that he can clearly play in a 4-3.

Bob Gretz wrote after the NFL Combine that he loved two players more than anyone and his one defensive target in the draft would be Poe:

The other guy I just have to have is on defense: Memphis NT Dontari Poe. Everything about this young man is big. He’s 6-4, 346 pounds, one of the heaviest players at the Combine. His thighs are thick, his calves are thick, and his shoulders are broad. Still, with 346 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.98 seconds. That’s remarkable. And he was able to get those 346 pounds 29.5 inches off the ground in the vertical jump.

The Chiefs have a great need at nose tackle as the anchor of their 3-4 defense with the possible retirement of Kelly Gregg and the lack of any other experienced linemen who can handle that consistently. Amon Gordon can certainly play a part. Others will move inside on occasion, but to have Poe in the middle would help tremendously.

NFL Draft 2012: Robert Griffin III Reportedly Has Mystery Team Ready To Trade Up

The latest article from Peter King for Sports Illustrated surveys the land of the quarterback and finds that there are many options to choose from. But when one is as dynamic as Robert Griffin III of Baylor, then teams are still going to clamor to win the rights to select him in the 2012 NFL Draft. King says that among the favorites, there is a mystery team.

Specifically he writes, “St. Louis is ready to deal its pick, and one NFL source said on Saturday night that the team has already had several feelers—including one from a team ‘you would never expect.’ Most likely trade-up partners: Cleveland (picking fourth), Washington (sixth) and Miami (eighth). It’s likely the Rams will get the highest compensation ever for a draft choice that wasn’t the first overall: at least two picks in the first round plus another.”

Given that the Chiefs were quite enamored with Griffin at the NFL Combine last weekend and their longing to shake up the quarterback spot at least a bit, is it possible that the Chiefs are team kicking the tires on Griffin? It would seem too high a price to pay for Scott Pioli considering how much the Chiefs GM loves his draft assets. Then again, that would easily fit the “unexpected” category thrown out there.

It’s all guesswork at this point, but that’s what makes this time of year so much fun. The thought of a talent like Griffin at the helm of a Chiefs offense that already features so many playmakers is quite exciting in itself.

For more on the Chiefs, check out Arrowhead Pride.

Washington Redskins Reportedly Ready To Pay The Piper For Robert Griffin III In 2012 NFL Draft

The St. Louis Rams have already made it known that they are going to dangle the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out there for the highest bidder. Now at least one team is reportedly ready to roll up their sleeves and get it done for Robert Griffin III. The Washington Post’s Mike Jones is reporting that the Redskins are prepared to pay the high price to grab the draft’s most dynamic athlete.

Jones is reporting that the Skins are prepping to deal several draft picks to the Rams in the hopes of landing Griffin. It’s unknown at this time how other teams rumored to be interested in Griffin — like the Browns, Seahawks and Chiefs — will respond. Jones writes:

The Washington Redskins are prepared to part with two first-round draft picks, plus other selections in the early and middle rounds, to secure the St. Louis Rams’ No. 2 pick in April’s draft and land Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

The Rams are said to be seeking compensation similar to what the San Diego Chargers received from the New York Giants in exchange for Eli Manning in 2004. That year, the Chargers drafted Manning first overall. The Giants sent their fourth overall pick, the following year’s first-round pick, and their 2004 third- and fifth-round picks to San Diego for the quarterback who has since led New York to two Super Bowl victories.

If the Rams get that kind of a haul for Griffin, it will be very difficult to turn down. Jeff Fisher has to be salivating over landing several new players for his team, and this is the best way to restock a roster in need. As for the Skins, there’s no price too high for a franchise-changing quarterback, so if they believe enough then they should go for it.