Kansas City Chiefs 2008 NFL Draft Needs
Written April 15, 2008 by Jack Jones
It’s hard to believe that this team was at one point leading the AFC West at 4-3. That was the last of the winning ways in 2007 as the team went on to lose its next 11 games and finish the season at 4-12 and tied with the Raiders for last in the division. The team continued to show improvements on defense, but was one of the worst offensive football teams in the league. The injury to Larry Johnson didn’t help matters. The offensive like was awful at giving any protection for new starter Brodie Croyle. The team has brought in Anthony Alabi from free agency to try and help the line, but lost C Casey Wiegmann and G John Wellbourn. The team didn’t stop there as they are showing its time for a youth movement after releasing veterans WR Eddie Kennison, CB Ty Law, LB Kendrell Bell, and TE Jason Dunn. So there are plenty of holes to fill in the draft and maybe in a couple more free agent pick-ups. Here are the top 5 needs for the Chiefs entering the 2008 draft.
1. Offensive Tackle
While some might argue that quarterback is a bigger need here, it’s hard to judge Croyle without an offensive line. He spent most of the season running for his life instead of showing what tools he had as a starting QB. The Chiefs needs a tackle more than anything, and with Michigan’s Jake Long likely to go to Miami with the first pick. With the 5th pick the Chiefs could take Boise State’s Ryan Clady, though this could be stretch as Clady isn’t really a top 5 pick. Sam Baker could be a possibility here in the second round.
2. Cornerback
With Ty Law sent packing and the team also losing Benny Sapp to free agency, and Patrick Surtain getting up there in age. The team has some youth in Tyron Brackenridge and Dimitri Patterson, but they are both unproven as starters. The team surprisingly didn’t take a single corner in last year’s draft, and we don’t see how they can pull that same move again in 2008. Look for them to grab one early on. Likely candidates are Virginia Tech’s Brandon Flowers, and Troy’s Leodis McKelvin.
3. Wide Receiver
Last year the team took Dwayne Bowe with the 23rd pick in the first round, and it couldn’t of turned out any better. Bowe was one of the best rookie receivers in the league and should be around for a long time in KC. The loss of Kennison and Sammie Parker leave the team depleted in the receiving corps outside of Bowe. The team did add Devard Darling in free agency, but look for them to grab a guy like Michigan State’s Devin Thomas if he falls into their hands in the second round.
4. Quarterback
Though coach Herm Edwards seems set on Croyle being his starting quarterback in 2008, there have been talks that the Chiefs could go after Matt Ryan with the 5th pick in the draft. This could be a big pick here, as Ryan seems to have all the tools to be a great starting quarterback in the NFL. If they pass on Ryan, they still might go after a guy like LSU’s Matt Flynn late in the draft.
5. Guard/Center
This is pretty much a tie here, as they need help at both of these positions. With the loss of Wiegmann at center and Wellbourn at guard the team can use any help it can get here. Look for them to go after a guy like Arizona State’s G/C Mike Pollak or Buffalo’s truer center Jamey Richard.
Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.