NFL Mock Draft 2012: Kansas City Chiefs Should Look At Chris Polk On Day Two

The Kansas City Chiefs are going to need some help in the offensive backfield if Jamaal Charles cannot return to full health -- a real possibility given that he's coming off of surgery for a torn ACL. The Chiefs offense has leaned heavily upon the running game for, well, as long as most can remember and the arm of Matt Cassel isn't going to change that any time soon. The offense needs Charles and company to be the primary way to move the chains, especially if the team fails to re-sign Dwayne Bowe to an extension. Thus, the team might reach for a running back in the 2012 NFL Draft.

With that said, Washington's Chris Polk would make an ideal addition to the Chiefs backfield with his ability to complement Charles' running style. As Charlie Campbell describes him below, it's easy to fall in love with the idea of a young one-two punch for the Chiefs.

"Polk, who had a strong 2011 season, runs with good vision, cutting ability and hits the hole quickly," writes Campbell. "He runs behind his pads and can power through defenders. Washington has had a subpar offensive line, and if Polk had better blocking, he could have even better numbers. The benefit to that line is the 5-foot-11, 222-pounder is a very patient runner who knows how to put defenders on blockers. This year, Polk ran for 1,488 yards (5.1 average) and 12 touchdowns. He also snagged 31 passes for 332 yards and four scores. Polk ran well against Stanford, one of the best defenses in the Pac-12. He had 144 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns versus the Cardinal. Polk's draft stock remains stable, but could rise before the draft if he has strong workouts."

At this point, Polk is projected as a second rounder or he could even become an early third, depending on how the draft plays out. The Chiefs found Charles in the third and that turned out rather well. Polk could provide another offensive threat in the same way and, in doing so, provide insurance in case Charles isn't back to form.