NFL Network draftnik Mike Mayock spoke to reporters on a conference call this afternoon (which I missed because of the real job) and indicated that the Kansas City Chiefs going with Iowa's OT Bryan Bulaga with the 5th pick isn't necessarily out of the picture because of the connections involved.

"Bulaga to me is going to be one of the four offensive tackles that could possibly go in the first nine picks," Mayock said. "If you think about Scott Pioli, the GM of the Kansas City Chiefs, is a good friend and admirer of (Iowa Coach) Kirk Ferentz.

"He loves the type of technician that Kirk develops with offensive linemen. So it wouldn't surprise me if he went as early as No. 5 to Kansas City."    

From what I've read, No. 5 overall is a stretch for Bulaga but it's important to note the connection with Pioli and Ferentz. If you'll remember, Ferentz was a hot name around Kansas City last year when the Chiefs were in the middle of their coaching search.

Also, keep in mind last year at this time Tyson Jackson wasn't perceived as an option with the third overall pick so the thinking with a lot of folks is to expect the unexpected.

(H/T WTexKC for the first FanShot)