Anything is possible when it comes to the NFL Draft, but it seems the Chiefs are most likely looking for help along the offensive front when utilizing their first round choice at the No. 21 overall slot. Nearly every mock draft being released today from the familiar writers — from Mel Kiper to Mike Mayock to Rick Gosselin to Todd McShay — are predicting the Chiefs to select an offensive tackle.
Once you’re past that idea, it’s anyone’s guess. While other names like Nate Solder or Anthony Constanzo has been throw around, the primary guesses are Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi and Baylor’s versatile Danny Watkins. The former is more cemented with strong experience starting in a run-heavy offense. The latter has been rising up draft boards with his size, athleticism and leadership all in place.
In fact, it’s Watkins who is becoming the hot name as of this afternoon. Both Mike Lombardi and Mike Mayock have the Chiefs going with Watkins. Mayock specifically says, “When Scott Pioli worked with the Patriots, they took a guy named Logan Mankins. I see his reincarnation in Watkins. I think Watkins is a Pioli guy. He’s a try-hard kid. He’s gifted, tough and mean. You plug him in at right tackle in Year 1, and he’ll be able to move inside later, if needed.”
Even stronger words come from Rick Gosselin as he describes Watkins as the “safest pick in the entire draft — the one player you can confidently say will be in the Pro Bowl in 2012.” Either way, the Chiefs front line is about to get a lot better, which bodes well for riding the running game to success in 2011.