The NFL offseason is nearly in full force with just four teams still playing but that doesn't mean 2011 NFL mock draft season hasn't already started. Mock drafts are spilling in and we're starting to get an idea of where folks are rating certain players but Missouri Tigers DE Aldon Smith appears to be a first round pick.
Plenty can change in the coming months with the NFL Combine and other workouts coming up but Smith appears destined for the first round. The Kansas City Chiefs are a team that could think about another pass-rusher and, according to ESPN's Todd McShay, they'll use the 21st pick on Smith.
Kansas City needs a pass-rusher opposite Tamba Hali and Smith is one of the more underrated players in this draft. He's a little undersized for a 4-3 end but is a perfect fit at outside linebacker in the Chiefs' 3-4 defense.
This makes some sense for the Chiefs but there's always some unknown when you're switching a guy who usually plays with his hand on the ground to a stand-up linebacker. Smith, though, has shown he's athletic enough to make that switch so I don't think that's a big concern. He has some versatility which could work in his favor if the Chiefs take a look at him.
Pass-rusher makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs and I'm sure they'll have their eye on a few guys like Smith.
Other mock drafts have Smith going No. 11 to the Houston Texans.