It's hard to tell what's more surprising when reading the latest 2013 NFL Mock Draft from CBS Sports: the idea that the Kansas City Chiefs are selecting first overall or that two people actually agree on this opinion. Rob Rang and Dane Brugler both sign their name on the prediction that the Kansas City Chiefs will be picking first in the 2013 NFL Draft. If that's the case, it's likely to be a Washington Redskins-like leap up the draft board to get Matt Barkley more than any last place performance.
It's hard to believe this loaded Chiefs team is going to finish anywhere close to worst in the league, and most mock drafts have the Chiefs around the early 20s. Instead, Rang and Brugler both have the Chiefs at first overall taking Barkley as their quarterback of the future. The Chiefs taking a franchise quarterback next year in the first round is not a new idea. Taking Barkley at No. 1 is, however.
Rang writes, "Should Matt Cassell return to his level of play in 2010 in which he helped the Chiefs win the AFC West, the team won't be looking for help at quarterback. If he doesn't, Kansas City may not have to trade up to be in position to land one of the top passers in 2013. Barkley is pro-ready and the odds-on-favorite at this time to be the first pick."
First, it's Cassel not Cassell. Secondly, even if Cassel falls apart, the Chiefs cannot be that bad. Cassel was horrible and then out for half the year last season along with Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry and Tony Moeaki. The Chiefs still finished within a game of the division lead.
Brugler writes, "The Chiefs have quietly built a fairly strong roster and are legitimate contenders in the AFC West. But in this quarterback league, Matt Cassel is the engine that makes the team go and if the Chiefs fail surpass a .500 record in 2012 (for the fifth time in the last six years) then look for Kansas City to look for an upgrade at quarterback."
If the Chiefs want to package multiple picks to get Barkley, that's one thing. For the Chiefs to finish dead last is another. If that happens, expect someone to clean house in the front office and every NFL commentator to have egg on their face because the Chiefs appear loaded for a great run in 2012.
Read more draft analysis at Mocking the Draft and for more on the Chiefs, visitArrowhead Pride.