Romeo Crennel and the Kansas City Chiefs have a lot to work with in their 2012 NFL Draft first-round selection in Dontari Poe. The comparisons of Poe to Haloti Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens may be even more appropriate than critics realize, considering some of the same things said about Poe pre-draft were said about Ngata in his time.
The word on Poe is that he takes plays off and didn't dominate inferior competition the way his physical tool and gifts indicate he should. But Jeff Chadiha at ESPN.com notes that having Poe, especially under the circumstances the Chiefs are dealing with in their 3-4 defense, is probably more reward than risk. This, from Chadiha:
"Here's what they need to recognize: Poe stands 6-foot-3, weighs 346 pounds and has freakish athletic ability. That's exactly the kind of presence the Chiefs need in the middle of their defensive line, especially because they've been looking for such a player ever since installing the 3-4 scheme three seasons ago."
Read more about the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride.