In some ways, we're worlds away from the 2012 NFL Draft and, with it, any real understanding of where a team like the Kansas City Chiefs may choose in the order or what potential roster needs they might have. However, given the dearth of actual player movement as every fan and front office await the resolution of the NFL Lockout, it cannot hurt to have a look into the crystal ball of sorts and see what a site like Drafttek has developed.
With their recent first round mock draft for next year, the initial response to their choice of Kansas City choosing left tackle Riley Reiff from Iowa really doesn't sound far off:
Finally! A good, rock-solid midwestern farm boy to anchor the left side of the Chiefs' OL. This one selection resolves a variety of ills, as Branden Albert can finally move inside to his more natural OG position. Hopefully 2010 draft choice Jon Asamoah has progressed to starter status, and now the Kansas City OL has a nucleus of strength that will rival those great OL's of the late 60's and early 70's. This pick could actually happen, based on the Pioli/Ferentz pipeline of communication.
As good teams continue to progress, the early draft picks often go to linemen on both sides to keep the team strong on the foundations. The Eagles, Steelers, Giants and Packers have been highlighting this trend in recent drafts. The Chiefs still have holes along their offensive line given the age at some positions, with Brian Waters probably retiring after this year or next, allowing Asamoah to step into a starting slot. Yet the tackle positions have gone unaddressed by the draft contrary to interior picks like Rodney Hudson and Asamoah, so selecting Reiff would certainly make sense.
With the addition of another top flight young tackle, Reiff or not, Scott Pioli could have pulled off the near-impossible -- completely retooling a young line with versatility while also rebuilding the rest of a team. If the Chiefs can continue to win while also turning over one position at a time across the offensive front, that's a good sign that the success in the AFC West and beyond will only continue.