Chiefs Mock Draft Rounds 1-7

via www.davesfootballblog.com

I've been reading a lot of posts and comments lately that have been telling of the disappointment or disgust from the lack there of in free agency acquisitions (except of course the Cassel/Vrabel trade).  I have to admit, I had my hopes up to for us landing at least some of the 2nd tier if not one or two big names to come in and contribute for 2009, whether it be on offense or defense.  Well, looks like we are going to add just an unknown player here and there particularly from Pioli or Haley's past relations.  While this bothers some, I've moved my hopes on from free agency to the more important (and exciting) hunt for personnel known as the draft. 

After all, at this particular point in time and the current state of our franchise (rebuilding mode) the draft is WAY more important to this team than free agency (best used as final piece to puzzle to get to Superbowl).  I have come to the conclusion that any free agents we bring in from here on out will be undrafted free agents or as teams start to slim down rosters later in the year we may pick one or two players up (could be well known).  Especially look for us to possibly start sifting through some teams (Patriots, Ravens, and Steelers) over-looked undrafted rookie personnel that gets cut or possible 53 man cap casualty vet as we make our gradual switch to the 3-4 defense. 

Now just for a heads up, my mock draft is geared more towards fulfilling the needs to make the switch to a 3-4 defense.  We all know that the Chiefs do not have the personnel to make a complete switch in one year as it will take at least a couple of years to fill it in nicely.  This year we will most likely run a 3-4/4-3 hybrid while we evaluate some of our current talent to see how they fit (Dorsey, etc).  I don't know what Pioli is thinking or what he is going to do in the draft (Possible trades, or what positions/players).  This mock is just what I think we could get at our spots in each round and what type of talent will most likely be available at each pick.  Now there could always be a late round pick of a WR, OL, or RB, but the only pick that I have going to any one of these is our 3rd round pick, but it is the most needed position on the offensive line at center.   

Moving on, the clock ticks closer to one of my favorite times of the year.  Its Christmas in April and I can't wait to hear Goodell say, "with the third pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Kansas City Chiefs select"...    

Round 1: #3 LB Aaron Curry WAKE FOREST

via i.cdn.turner.com

Height: 6'2 Weight: 254

Top Performer at Combine in: 40-yard dash | Bench press | Vertical jump | Broad jump | 60-yard shuttle

Overview

Curry is viewed by some as the elite prospect of the 2009 draft. A hard-hitting, playmaking extraordinaire in the mold of Tennessee Titans star Keith Bullock, Curry leaves Wake Forest as a three-time all-conference selection, an All-American and the recipient of the 2008 Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker.

An explosive athlete with a penchant for the big play, Curry broke onto the national stage in 2007, posting 99 tackles, including 13.5 behind the line of scrimmage and three interception returns for touchdowns (he had four picks overall) during the season. Despite increased attention from offensive coordinators, Curry was even better in 2008, leading the team with 105 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss. Capable of making plays at every level of the defense, Curry - not Rey Maualuga or James Laurinaitis - is the most versatile linebacker in this class and likely to be the highest drafted come April.

High School

The conference defensive player of the year... also earned all-conference and all-region honors... tallied 123 tackles during his senior year... saw action as a tight end... selected to the North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl as a tight end... coached by Mike Earwood at E.E. Smith.

Analysis

Positives: Strongly-built with long arms to keep himself off offensive linemen when playing against the run. Very smooth in pass drops, staying low in his backpedal and getting into depth at the proper angles. Good hands for the interception, and can break up passes using his hands or a big hit over the middle. Plays the nine-technique very well, ripping off the tackle's block and getting to the ballcarrier on inside and outside runs. Also closes on the ball quickly when playing in the stack. Able to shed blocks and go through backs on blitzes. Will pop the fullback and create a pile to stuff inside runs. Shows good awareness on misdirection, quickly diagnosing plays and affecting the success of the play. Gets a lot of attention from opponents on special teams because of his size, speed and aggressiveness in kick return coverage.

Negatives: A bit stiff in the upper body, he tends to succeed most in straight-line situations rather than changing directions quickly. Can get to the quarterback on the blitz but doesn't always make the play. Doesn't explode into tackles consistently, using his long arms to try and wrap up.

Alternative Picks: #3 OT Eugene Monroe/Jason Smith or NT B.J. Raji

I think that most of us hope to get Curry if Detroit and St. Louis pass on him as he is a spectacular athlete who we could plug in at any of the LB positions and he would contribute from day one.  I think the majority of us know though that no matter who goes at #1 and #2 we will be FINE at #3 with whoever we take.  On that note, I am one that feels that we should take a defensive player at #3 (unless we trade down) because our defense is horrendous, and being ranked 31st in total defense won't cut it any longer.  We have to look to improve that NFL worst sack total as we improve our pass rush either through DL(Raji) or LB(Curry).  I feel that defense is the #1 priority in round one as we look to improve the most important need on the offensive line with the 67th pick addressing the center position.

Round 3: #67 OC Eric Wood: LOUISVILLE          

via assets.espn.go.com

Height: 6'4 Weight: 310

Top Performer at Combine in: Bench press | Vertical jump | 3-cone drill | 20-yard shuttle

Overview

Recognized as a first-team All-Big East selection in 2008 and 2007, second team in 2006 and Freshman All-American in 2005 redshirt season, Wood started 49 games for the Cardinals and is the epitome of durability and consistency. While other centers have earned more media recognition, NFL scouts consider Wood one of the best interior linemen available and a potential first-day pick. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

High School

Started all 15 games at offensive tackle for Cincinnati Elder High School, guiding the school to its second straight state title with a 31-7 win over St. Edward's ... team went 28-2 over his last two seasons... can play both the tackle and guard positions... earned Honorable Mention All-District honors as a junior... two-year letterwinner on the basketball team... played tight end as a junior... has good speed and excellent feet... earned first team All-League honors.

Analysis

Positives: Taller than most centers, but not too upright in pass protection and can still cut block. Works hard on every play, and goes through the whistle. Gets off the ball quickly and gets into the numbers of his man. Can drive back smaller tackles and sustain. Leader of the line and makes the calls. Permanent team captain in 2008. Solid anchor, using his arms and feet to keep tackles on the line. Will pancake smaller tackles when he gets the inside shoulder. Uses his hands and feet to position blockers, creating holes inside. Picks up late blitzers up the middle. Reliable snap to the quarterback.

Negatives: Not as nimble as some teams may want their pivot man. Can adequately combo to the middle linebacker and get in front of screens at the college level, but may have issues handling NFL speed in the open field. Only adequate in getting his pads low to drive block, and could improve there.

Alternative Picks: #67 OC Jonathan Luigs or LB Marcus Freeman

Eric Wood might possibly be gone by our 3rd round pick, however we might need to take Jonathan Luigs if Wood is gone that way we assure ourselves that we get our center.  We might gamble though and wait til round 4 to take Antoine Caldwell if he is still there.  Of course everything depends on current team needs, but I looked at recent draft trends over the past few years particularly looking at the center position and I noticed that the majority of centers go towards the late 3rd round and into the 4th (probably their value, except the top 3).  This is of course with the exeception of the top centers like Nick Mangold that go in the late first round.  That kind of player this year will be Alex Mack or Max Unger who will probably go late 1st rd or early 2nd.  So we should probably jump on the third or fourth best option at center with our 3rd round pick.  If Eric Wood lasts until our #67 pick, I say we have to take him because I think he ranks right up there with Mack and Unger.

Round 4: #98 ILB Scott McKillop PITTSBURGH

via photos.pennlive.com

Height: 6'1 Weight: 244

Top Performer at Combine in: Bench press | Vertical jump | Broad jump | 3-cone drill | 60-yard shuttle

Overview

McKillop's top production was a credit to his instincts and efficiency getting through traffic and to the ballcarrier. The 2008 Big East Defensive Player of the Year and twice unanimous first-team All-Big East linebacker racked up 288 tackles, 27.5 for loss and seven sacks the past two seasons. He showed potential as a true freshman, stepping in for an injured H.B. Blades to make 13 tackles against West Virginia. Teams won't write "wow" on their notepad when seeing him at the Combine weigh-in, but they do when watching his college game film.

High School

Finished as the most productive defender in Kiski Area history with 332 career tackles...His 161 career solo stops was also a school record...The Associated Press Pennsylvania Class AAAA All-State Team (first team)...Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22"...Pittsburgh Tribune-Review "Terrific 25"...Harrisburg Patriot-News "Platinum 33"...Valley News All-Star...Totaled 132 tackles his senior season...at fullback rushed for 1,121 yards and 14 touchdowns over his final two seasons...Helped Kiski Area to three consecutive WPIAL Class AAAA playoff berths...A 21/2-year starter, McKillop started on both sides of the ball his junior and senior seasons (linebacker and running back)...rated the No. 20 overall prospect in Pennsylvania by Rivals.com...Rated the nation's No. 31 outside linebacker prospect by Rivals.com...Rated the No. 24 prospect in Pennsylvania by SuperPrep...SuperPrep All-Northeast Team...PrepStar All-East Region...Selected to play in the Big 33 Football Classic...Played under Coach Dave Grimm...Earned three letters in football, three in wrestling and two in track and field...Enjoyed an exceptional wrestling career...Finished his senior season as the state runner-up (215-pound division) with a 38-1 record...went 79-2 his last two years and had a career mark of 109-10...41-1 mark as a junior was the winningest season ever by a Kiski wrestler...Advanced to the WPIAL track and field championships in the shot and discus...Honor Roll...National Science Merit Award...Member of the Pride Club, German Club and Wrestling Club.

Analysis

Positives: Productive, instinctual player who sorts through the trash to get to the ballcarrier, seems to have an innate sense of how and when to slide through oncoming blockers. ... Very good backfield awareness, always seems to know where the ball is. ... Recognizes tight ends going out on delayed routes. ... Breaks down well in space and makes secure tackles in the open field. ... Can get to the outside to meet the back at the edge. ... Drops quickly and hustles to meet receivers in intermediate routes. ... Gets a good hit on slot receivers to knock them off their route. ... Knows where the sticks are and tries his best to keep underneath receivers from getting there.

Negatives: Only adequately developed in the upper and lower body. ... Does not have great speed to chase plays from behind, but generally makes up for it by taking good angles. ... Lacks physicality and runs around blocks instead of taking them on. ... Unable to get off blocks when engaged and is more of a catcher than a hard-hitter or fierce tackler. ... Is not explosive off the snap when blitzing.

Alternative Picks: #98 OC Antoine Caldwell, 3-4DE/OLB Lawrence Sidbury, or ILB Daniel Holtzclaw

I think Scott McKillop is a tackling machine.  Looking at our current roster we are especially weak at ILB.  If we try and make the switch to a 3-4 we will possibly have more OLB due to Hali, Turk, and Johnston making attempts to play the role of rush linebacker.  So I think it is vital that we load up on ILB in the mid rounds of this years draft, especially considering that this years draft is not that deep at ILB and that lots of teams will be jockeying for them.  IMO, Scott Mckillop is the type of hard nose player that we need.

Round 5: #131 ILB Jasper Brinkley SOUTH CAROLINA

via www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com

Height: 6'2 Weight: 252

Top Performer at Combine in: 40-yard dash | Bench press | Vertical jump | 3-cone drill | 20-yard shuttle

Overview

Few junior college transfers had a greater immediate impact than the one Brinkley had for South Carolina in 2006. He stepped in for the Gamecocks and posted 107 tackles -- more than twice the total of any teammate -- and earned first-team All-SEC accolades. Brinkley was lost for the 2007 season after only four games due to a torn ACL in his right knee. He returned in 2008, but hadn't yet regained his fluidity and straight-line speed and finished with 54 tackles. Blessed with rare size and power when healthy, Brinkley ranks as one of the more intriguing inside linebackers in recent memory. Teams needing an inside thumper, especially those operating out of a 3-4 scheme, will be sure to do their homework on Brinkley's recovery.

Junior College

Attended Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Ga., where he was coached by Bert Williams ... Was a preseason first-team All-America linebacker who earned second-team post-season All-America accolades ... Recognized as the team's MVP both as a freshman and sophomore ... Came from the same program that produced South Carolina teammate Brandon Isaac.

High School

Graduated from Thomson (Ga.) High School, where he was coached by Luther Welch ... Was a first-team all-area and all-state selection.

Analysis

Positives: Prototype size and strength for the inside linebacker position. ... Immediate impact defender for South Carolina after transferring from Georgia Military College, and improved gradually. ... Shows some burst as pass rusher on the blitz. ... Good short-area quickness to elude blockers. ... Reliable open-field tackler and can be a punisher inside. ... Intimidating presence whose size and power project nicely as a 3-4 inside linebacker.

Negatives: Relies on his physical attributes and is still developing his instincts and technique. ... Too often looks to slip blocks instead of using his size advantage. ... Struggles with his hand placement and is slow to disengage. ... Can be fooled by misdirection and lacks the explosiveness to recover. ... Lacks the instincts and foot speed to be a factor in coverage. ... Missed all but four games of the 2007 season after tearing his ACL. ... Underwent surgery September 2007 and wasn't the same player in 2008, when his athleticism was nowhere close to what it was pre-injury.

Alternative Picks: #131 DE Kyle Moore, DE Phillip Hunt, or ILB Daniel Holtzclaw

Again, I think we need to load up on ILB's and Brinkley seems to be of good value in the 5th round if he is still there.  I think that his torn ACL from 2 years ago will be completely healed because it normally takes 2 years to get back to form from an ACL tear.  Brinkley's size and athleticism will demand some serious consideration at or around the 4th and 5th round.

Round 6: #162 3-4 DE Pannel Egboh STANFORD

via www.pe.com

Height: 6'6 Weight: 276

Top Performer at Combine in: Broad jump | 3-cone drill | 20-yard shuttle

Overview

After only one season of high school football, Egboh was originally recruited to play defensive end in the 3-4 alignment, and he has the length and strength to transition back to this scheme at the next level. With the Cardinal switching to a 4-3 alignment in 2007, Egboh posted career highs in tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (six) and appeared destined for greater things as a senior. Lacking the burst off the snap to leave offensive tackles off-balance, Egboh struggled as a senior, turning in a disappointing 3.5 tackles for loss and only 1.5 sacks. Without the speed to generate a consistent pass rush, Egboh could fall on draft day. His size and experience could be better utilized if drafted into a 3-4 scheme. In this alignment, Egboh could surprise and develop into a quality contributor early in his NFL career.

High School

Played tight end and defensive end for North Mesquite High School in Texas ... SuperPrep named him to their All-Southwest team ... First-team All-District 12-5A as a defensive end following his senior season ... He accounted for 54 tackles, four sacks, three fumble recoveries and three blocked field goals ... Played in a Wing-T offense that focused on running the ball ... Did not play football as a junior to focus on academics ... Played only one season of varsity football ... Named All-State Academic and McDonald's Scholar-Athlete following his senior season ... Also played basketball, earning two varsity letters.

Analysis

Positives: Legitimate NFL frame. ... Well-built athlete with the frame to add an additional 10-15 pounds without significant loss of quickness. ... At least adequate initial quickness off the snap. ... Uses his long arms well to fend off the blockers and disengage. ... Good key-and-diagnose skills. ... Team defender who understands his responsibility and fights to keep contain. ... Reads the action and has the flexibility to break down in space and make the tackle at the line of scrimmage. ... Good strength. ... Plays with good leverage despite his height and can push the tackle into the quarterback's passing lane. ... Athletic enough to occasionally be used on the zone blitz. ... Four-year starter.

Negatives: Bit of a "tweener." Lacks speed off the edge. Lacks the bulk to be moved inside to defensive tackle. ... Might be best served as a 3-4 defensive end due to his strength in keeping contain and providing an occasional pass rush. ... Good enough athlete to operate in the zone blitz, but lacks the straight-line speed or hip flexibility to make a seamless transition to outside linebacker full-time. ... Broken leg, which ended his 2005 season, must be checked.

Alternative Picks: #162 DE Zach Potter or 3-4 ILB Antonio Appleby

I think our 6th and 7th rounds could go towards a couple of big sized 3-4 defensive ends, considering that we do not have anyone on our roster that fits the true mold of a 3-4DE.  I think that Pannel Egboh and Zach Potter would provide good value in round 6-7.  Another player that I think we should look at is Antonio Appleby from Virginia.  Virginia is one of the few teams in the NCAA that runs a 3-4 defense.  IMO, Antonio Appleby could be a steal in the late rounds of the draft if not in free agency.

Round 7: #195 3-4 DE Zach Potter NEBRASKA

via cache.daylife.com

Height: 6'7 Weight: 279

Top Performer at Combine in: None

Overview

Potter is yet another solid, if not spectacular, defensive lineman from Nebraska. He stepped in well for NFL first-round pick Adam Carriker, twice being named honorable mention All-Big 12. As a senior he made 47 tackles, 16 for loss, five sacks, two interceptions and seven pass breakups. His five career blocked kicks will make NFL special teams coaches take notice.

High School

Potter had a standout prep career at Creighton Prep, where he helped the Junior Jays to the Class A state title as a senior. Potter was a two-way standout, starring at both tight end and defensive end for coach Tom Jaworski. In helping the Junior Jays to a 12-1 record in 2004, Potter was the honorary captain of both the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska offense and the Lincoln Journal Star Super-State defense. Potter made 97 tackles, including 48 solo stops and six sacks. Offensively, he caught 24 passes for 501 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Potter also produced outstanding numbers as a junior, catching 14 passes for better than 300 yards, including four touchdowns. He made 61 tackles, with 10 sacks and 11 pass breakups at the line of scrimmage. His performance as a junior earned Potter first-team all-state honors. Rivals.com ranked Potter as the No. 1 prospect in the state of Nebraska and the sixth-best strongside defensive end recruit in the nation.

Potter also starred in basketball where he averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds per game as a center. He led the Junior Jays to the Class A state title game and was a first-team all-state selection by both of the state's major newspapers. His all-around athletic performance earned him co-Boys High School Athlete-of-the-Year honors from the Lincoln Journal Star.

Analysis

Positives: Tall with adequate size throughout his frame, could still add 15-20 mass in the upper body without slowing him down. ... Versatile end who plays both sides of the line for the Huskers. ... Pushes back left tackles at times and can beat right tackles in pass situations. ... Has the height and length to affect passing lanes. ... Smart player who recognizes screens and misdirection. ... Asked to drop in zone blitzes and cover backs in the flat. ... Hustles down the line to track down ballcarriers running away from him. ... Can spin in either direction to get off blockers and make a play.

Negatives: A "tweener" in 4-3 schemes and might be best as 3-4 end. ... Inconsistent explosiveness out of his stance and has average straight-line speed. ... Inconsistent getting off blocks using his upper body, at times looking strong and others getting stuck. ... Lacks a great punch, doesn't use his size to handle tight ends on the line as he should. ... Shows patience at the line but lacks quickness to make the play. ... Knocks down passes often because he can't get through his man to the quarterback. ... Often dives at the feet of ballcarriers, with mixed results, because he can't catch up to them.

Alternative Picks: #195 3-4 ILB Antonio Appleby or 3-4 DE Khalif Mitchell

I took a quick gander at New Englands roster and noticed that they had a lot of Nebraska players.  Vanden Bosch and Carriker seemed to make a decent transition to the pros.  Hopefully Potter will prove to be a positive contributer and a good value find in the late rounds of the draft.  Another good sized 3-4 DE that could be a great late pick would be Khalif Mitchell from East Carolina.  He could be a big body that eats up blockers while freeing up our LB's.  Mitchell was a top performer in the bench press at the combine.  We could also look to take a 7th round tweener like Ian Campbell, Stryker Sulak, or Michael Bennet if they are still on the board.

Potential Free Agents that the Chiefs need to pursue if they are not drafted:

Antonio Appleby - 3-4 ILB Virginia Ht: 6'4 Wt: 243

Ian Campbell - DE/3-4 RUSH OLB Kansas State Ht: 6'4 Wt: 265

Stryker Sulak - DE/3-4 RUSH OLB Missouri Ht: 6'4 Wt: 251

Michael Bennett - DE/3-4 RUSH OLB Texas A&M Ht: 6'4 Wt: 274

Khalif Mitchell - 3-4 DE East Carolina Ht: 6'5 Wt: 318

Nader Abdallah - 3-4 DE Ohio State Ht: 6'5 Wt: 310

Ra'shon Harris - 3-4 DE Oregon Ht: 6'4 Wt: 298

Josh Mauga - ILB Nevada Ht: 6'1 Wt: 243

Cyril Obiozer - DE/3-4 RUSH OLB Texas A&M Ht: 6'4 Wt: 264

Mike Rivera - ILB Kansas Ht: 6'3 Wt: 252

Joe Mortenson - ILB Kansas Ht: 6'1 Wt: 250

Source Cited: All overview and analysis taken from NFL.com