With the final draft order set, Ryan Van Bibber from SB Nation has his latest mock out for the 2012 NFL Draft and he has the Kansas City Chiefs taking the best value on the board regardless of need as the team grabs Luke Kuechly from Boston College at No. 11. While offensive tackle is likely the better play here, the Chiefs could use another inside linebacker and Kuechly is a top talent.
Van Bibber writes, “A lot of mock drafts have the Chiefs going after an offensive tackle at No. 11, but Kuechly is by far this year’s best inside linebacker. The Chiefs were close to breaking the top 10 in total defense in 2011, and the addition of Kuechly next to Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson could get them over that hump.”
Hali, Johnson, Kuechly and Justin Houston could form the core of the best group of linebackers in the NFL. Johnson and Hali are already Pro Bowl talents. Houston came on strong at the end of last season and could approach double digit sack totals this season Kuechly would definitely enjoy a chance to make plays outside of being double teamed.
Still the Chiefs have bigger fish to fry (read: OT) and making this selection would be a luxury pick. Perhaps next season, but for now the roster still needs work elsewhere.