The Kansas City Chiefs continue to be linked to an inside linebacker for their first round choice in several mock drafts and particularly with Luke Kuechly of Boston College. While others have put Alabama’s Dont’a Hightower as a possibility, Kuechly seems the likely prospect if the Chiefs want to go the linebacker route. Draftek is the latest to link the Chiefs to the BC prospect in their latest mock for the 2012 NFL Draft.
“Offensive tackle remains the most likely position to be selected by the Chiefs in this spot,” reads the Draftek report. "Where will the Chiefs go if they don’t like the tackles left on the board? Luke Kuechly is the best player at a position of need. Jovan Belcher has held down the starting strong inside linebacker spot for the last two years. However, he had not developed as much as expected. He is strong against the run, but very weak in pass coverage. He ranks 33rd out of 36 inside linebackers in that area.
“The Chiefs would prefer to field inside linebackers that are versatile, eschewing the usual strong and weak roles. Kuechly would fit the bill nicely. The Chiefs ask their linebackers to be smart and disciplined. Kuechly rates high on those measures. He is a tackling machine, relying more on brains and instinct than elite physical skills. He could be the last piece of what should be a top notch linebacker corps featuring All-Pro’s Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and also Justin Houston.”