2011 Kansas City Chiefs Draft Needs
Written by Steve Janus
The Kansas City Chiefs surprised everyone in 2010 by winning the AFC West with a 10-6 record. The Chiefs did show that they still have ways to go before they are a true contender in the AFC after their 30-7 loss at home to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. This is a team that looks good heading into the 2011 draft, and a lot of that has to do with the success they had in last year’s draft. Kansas City took Eric Berry with the No. 5 overall pick in 2010, and he turned in a Pro Bowl season. The Chiefs also got solid production out of Dexter McCluster, Javier Arenas, Tony Moeaki, and Kendrick Lewis. Here is a look at the Chiefs biggest needs for the 2011 NFL draft. Find out who we have the Chiefs taking in the first round in our 2011 NFL Mock draft.
Wide Receiver: The Chiefs got a phenomenal year from wide out Dwayne Bowe, who had 72 catches for 1,162 yards and an NFL-best 15 touchdowns. Unfortunately, the rest of the receiving corps were no where to be found. Chris Chambers was the second best receiver on the team with just 22 catches, so it’s easy to see the glaring hole the Chiefs have at this position. McCluster should be better in his second season, but finding a solid No. 2 is a must this season. There likely won’t be a receiver worth taking in the first round at No. 21, so look for the Chiefs to address this need later in the draft.
Nose Tackle: With the selections of Glen Dorsey and Tyson Jackson the Chiefs are set at the two defensive end spots in the 3-4, but they still lack a run-stuffing 3-4 nose tackle. Ron Edwards did a solid job in 2010, but he is a free agent and possibly won’t be back. Look for the Chiefs to go after someone like Phile Taylor of Baylor in the 2nd or Jerrell Power of Mississippi in the 3rd.
Outside Linebacker: The Chiefs are set at one outside linebacker spot with Tamba Hali, who turned in a Pro Bowl season with 14.5 sacks in 2010. What they need is someone opposite of Hali to put pressure on the quarterback. Mike Vrabel and Andy Studabaker saw most of the action at the other outside linebacker spot last season, but combined for just 2.5 sacks. Kansas City could address this need with their first round pick on UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers or Georgia linebacker Justin Houston.
Guard/Center: The Chiefs offensive line made major strides in 2010, leading the NFL in rushing. There are some age concerns, however, with left guard Brian Waters entering his 12th season and center Casey Wiegmann heading into his 16th season. The Chiefs took Illinois guard Jon Asamoah in the third round of last year’s draft, and they believe he will be a starter at some point. I think Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey is worth a look in the first round, but more than likely Kansas City will look later in the draft to fill this need.
Right Tackle: Barry Richardson and Ryan O’Callaghan did a solid job holding down the right tackle spot. The Chiefs have to be happy with the progress Richardson made last season. However, if the right guy is available, don’t be surprised if they go after a tackle early in this year’s draft. Some think Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi would be a perfect fit with their first round pick, but I feel like the Chiefs have bigger needs. Guys like DaMarcus Love of Arkansas and Jason Pinkston of Pittsburgh are much better solutions later in the draft.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
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