If you ask noted NFL analyst Mike Mayock, the Kansas City Chiefs fared quite well in the 2012 NFL Draft. WIth the first three picks, the Chiefs grabbed Dontari Poe at defensive end and then offensive linemen Jeff Allen and Donald Stephenson in the second and third rounds respectively. Mayock loves all three, but it's clear he believes that Poe in particular can be something very special.
Mayock writes, "Think Haloti Ngata. That's the kind of skill set and the kind of size he brings to the table. He's got average college tape, but he's got freakish athletic ability for a big man. Romeo Crennel has a good one here to coach up. ... Most rookie defensive tackles get taken off the field on third downs. This kid's best down is third down."
Mayock also has high praise for the two linemen and notes that both of them are starting caliber players in the NFL.
When describing Allen he writes, "He's a natural pass protector, who I think is a Day 1 starter. For Kansas City, I think he's a left guard, which is fine because he's got the skill set to do so."
As for Stephenson, he explains, "Boy is he a talented developmental left tackle. If you keep this kid working hard, get him in a good locker room with a good offensive line coach, which I think Kansas City has, this kid can pan out nicely."
The Chiefs front office certainly hope he's correct and so do fans. The Chiefs have solid depth for now and they might look back at this draft class and realize just how rich it was.
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