2011 NFL Mock Drafts: Mel Kiper, Todd McShay On Chiefs' 21st Pick

by Joel Thorman on Apr 13, 2011 9:01 AM CDT in 2011 NFL Mock Draft

ESPN's draft experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay came out with their latest 2011 NFL mock drafts last week and, not surprisingly, they disagree on where the Kansas City Chiefs will go with the pick. As we've noted, there doesn't seem to be a consensus on which way the Chiefs will go.

Kiper says it'll be OLB Akeem Ayers and he must be confident because he's had Ayers as the pick for some time now. McShay mocks OT Gabe Carimi to the Chiefs, which is an understandable pick.

The fans reading this blog would disagree with this a little bit. We posted a poll a couple weeks ago asking which position the Chiefs should address. 34 percent said defensive line (nose tackle) while 29 percent said outside linebacker and only 17 percent offensive tackle.

The problem is that with every pick comes more questions. If it's nose tackle, what does that mean for Ron Edwards? If it's outside linebacker, what does that mean for Andy Studebaker and Mike Vrabel? If it's offensive line, what does that mean for Brandon Albert and Barry Richardson?

If we knew specifically how the Chiefs felt about those players then it would be a little easier to make a guess at where they'll go on April 28.

Tweet Comment 40 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

easy answers...

for each of those answers is “hit the pine” except for albert…

by Abyssmal on Apr 13, 2011 9:14 AM CDT reply actions

Phil Taylor

Phil Taylor in Chiefs Uniform Fan Club (for the children)
Daniel Thomas in a Chiefs Uniform Fan Club (also for the children)
Mark Herzlich in a Chiefs Uniform Fan Club (come on people just do it for the children already)

by BigRedChief on Apr 13, 2011 9:17 AM CDT reply actions

I'd rather have Carimi between those two

I have faith in studie and scheffield taking over for vrabel at OLB but Barry Richardson is just too penalty prone and unaware at RT

by irishking44 on Apr 13, 2011 9:25 AM CDT reply actions

I would love to have Phil Taylor,

but I think it will probably be either Akeem Ayers or Gabe Carimi. I think Phil Taylor will be gone by the 21st pick.

"The Hammer"

by G.L. on Apr 13, 2011 9:33 AM CDT reply actions

Very surprised neither has mocked Taylor

I’ll take Ayers though. I’m not too high on an OT at 21, but wouldn’t complain

Formerly: FalconMF27

Thanks for the inspiration, Bajah!

by RememberDelaney37 on Apr 13, 2011 9:33 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

We all have our pet picks at #21: NT, WR, OLB, OT

But you never know who’s going to be there and who’s going to be gone. Taylor could get snatched up ahead of us, Julio Jones could slip incredibly to us at 21. It’s late enough that Pioli’s plans are flexible, but early enough that a really talented player could fall to us.

by Aesthetist on Apr 13, 2011 9:42 AM CDT reply actions

I just chose Phil Taylor for the Chiefs in the Jaguar Site Mock.

And I was not very happy with the pick.

LINK: http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2011/4/12/2106725/bcc-community-mock-chiefs-select-dt-phil-taylor

Picks after the top ten or so become almost impossible due to all the unknowns or
misinformation that is out there regarding the prospects and the NFL players that they are ostensibly replacing. I actually think that Mark Ingram could be a good pick for the Chiefs. I doubt it ever happens, but think about it.

"I read one article, I said, 'This guy doesn't know what he's talking about,' " Mayhew said. "Then I read another one, and I thought, 'Wait a minute, they're all saying the same thing.' -Martin Mayhew 2011 regarding Draft Gurus.

by NorthLeft12 on Apr 13, 2011 9:52 AM CDT reply actions

Wasting a first round pick on a part-time running back?

Considering what we got out of Thomas Jones last year we could probably let Joel fill in to give Charles a breather and still have a great running game.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Apr 13, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't think you could say that you had a great running game with Thomas Jones.

He was worse than mediocre. I really doubt that he could allow the Chiefs to establish a run game on his own. I hope you never have to find out. That is sort of the point of having an excellent back up, or in KC’s case a 1B running back.

by NorthLeft12 on Apr 13, 2011 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions

First round's way too expensive for a backup RB,

both in dollars and in the lost opportunity to draft a starter.

"The key to victory is not your strength, but your opponent's weakness." -T.

by Brsrkr on Apr 14, 2011 6:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Ron Edwards and Mike Vrabel are free agents, right? So if they draft a LB or NT neither would probably be brought back. Studebaker’s role shouldn’t grow from last year. Studebaker and Richardson would both provide great depth, although I’d rather see Richardson start for another year.

If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen

by JComp11 on Apr 13, 2011 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Vrabel might be expendable now but I would like Edwards brought back regardless.

That way the rook could learn for the first half of the year and primarily be used to spell Edwards. Then as the season progresses and Edwards starts to wear down the roles can hopefully be reversed with the rook as the primary and Edwards spelling him. I agree with the assesment of Studebaker and Richardson though.

by KillaCity107 on Apr 13, 2011 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

In my mind, neither of these make sense

Carimi is not a fit for this blocking scheme. He’s bad in space and struggles to get to the second level. The other first round grade lineman all make a lot more sense to me (Costanzo, Solder, Sherrod, Smith).

Ayers doesn’t make sense to me because he seems to be a carbon copy of Studebaker. Good coverage ability, needs work as a pass rusher. If they go LB, doesn’t Aldon Smith or Justin Houston make more sense?

And I wouldn’t be too concerned about anyone mentioned above except Albert. All the rest would really be best served as rotational players.

by polodude017 on Apr 13, 2011 10:31 AM CDT reply actions

I think that is why they would take Ayers though

He is a better athlete than Studebaker and we already have a force of a pass rusher in Hali allowing the selection of a more all around OLB on the other side who isn’t such a liability in coverage. Higher upside than Stude too. Its not that he can’t rush the passer either. Any rookie is gonna need some work. I’d rather have an OLB that has a good understanding of coverage and can still rush somewhat than one that can more or less only rush the passer. Assuming that there is a dominate rusher like Hali on the other side. I still like Stude as the main backup/roatational guy though!

1st Round - NT Phil Taylor - Baylor, 2nd - OLB Sam Acho - Texas
3rd - WR Edmund Gates - Abilene Christian, 4th - OT Marcus Gilbert - Florida
5a - C Brandon Fusco - Slippery Rock, 5b - QB Ricky Stanzi - Iowa
6th - WR Cecil Shorts III - Mount Union, 7th - RB John Clay - Wisconsin

by ChiefsFan4Life634 on Apr 13, 2011 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

That's what I was thinking

Hali has been better than expected at coverage, but is far from good. I want the LB on the other side to be able to cover the pass and occasionally bring the heat. A 3-4 defense gets much weaker when you can’t surprise the offensive line by who is rushing or can’t cover against the flats and slant patterns. Ayers sounds like he fits the bill really well.

by Chiefs4Life on Apr 13, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Ayers hype sounds like....Aaron Curry hype.

Not so long ago I was on the Aaron Curry band wagon. Oh yah he was a great athlete. Oh yah he cant rush the QB….but we can teach him that.

I was also down on Brian Orakpo. Sure sure….good motor….but he is just a workout warrior.

2 years later…….IM SUPER SKIDDISH ON AKEEM AYERS.

If ya gota draft a OLB….draft Brooks Reed. He seems….Orakpo’ish.

Team Berry

by MasterBlaster7 on Apr 13, 2011 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Absolutely agree on Ayers being overhyped, but I'd take Kerrigan over him and Reed

Much more of blitzing threat than both.

"Reject a woman, and she will never let it go. One of the many defects of their kind. Also, weak arms."
-Dwight Schrute

by severn58 on Apr 13, 2011 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree...Kerrigan or Reed before Ayers.

Hey Joel…if you are listning……

Do an article where you compare Kerrigan…Reed…and Ayers.

Team Berry

by MasterBlaster7 on Apr 13, 2011 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Ayers last 3 years sack totals=4,6,6

Kerrigan=7,11,12.5

Obviously Kerrigans playing DE, so you have to keep that in mind, but Ayers’ numbers are so pedestrian that I’m confused as to why he’s getting so much hype.

"Reject a woman, and she will never let it go. One of the many defects of their kind. Also, weak arms."
-Dwight Schrute

by severn58 on Apr 13, 2011 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions

One trick ponies won't help our defense...

One Kerrigan most likely will not be there at 21. If he is there is a chance that he will be the pick. He only has one interception in his career, and for the past 2 years he really hasn’t been sent to cover recievers.

Brooks Reed has how many interceptions in his career… absolute zero. Akeem Ayers game is well rounded, and what we need at OLB. He isn’t the best pass rusher of the 3, but he can/has play ALL LB positions. He also is pretty solid in coverage. While he isn’t going to be able to overpower TE’s he’s going to be able to keep up in coverage.

Go Chiefs!!!!

by ravenhawk on Apr 13, 2011 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Good argument...

Ive been doing some research.

Seems that Kerrigan is a question mark in coverage. As he has not played it…witch is not necessarily a bad thing. Also, seems like 4 teams right in front of us will be gunning for him.

I still like Reed over Ayers. I would rather have a thumper with a good motor and some coverage. Than an athalete with good coverage with little pressure on the QB.

But to be clear…I want Taylor first….maybe Carimi next…and/or one of these 3 with my 1st pick….the nice thing about this year is no sweating bullets to get one guy….cough cough Berry cough cough. I would be happy with most of these selections…except Ayers….just have a feeling.

Team Berry
Team Twisniewski

by MasterBlaster7 on Apr 13, 2011 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Trading UP may be a possibility..

Not that I’m advocating it, the exact opposite actually, but there doesn’t seem to be much chatter about this subject. I was just reading that a good number of teams picking earlier in the draft are looking to trade DOWN and still be able to grab one of the remaining QB’s, a few of who should still be sitting there at 21.

"Reject a woman, and she will never let it go. One of the many defects of their kind. Also, weak arms."
-Dwight Schrute

by severn58 on Apr 13, 2011 10:38 AM CDT reply actions

The only player I would be excited about moving up to get would be Julio Jones

As long as we didn’t sacrifice too much to do so, and with the condition that one of the NTs are picked in round 2-3 (whichever we have left after trade).

by KillaCity107 on Apr 13, 2011 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Jones or Green(Pffffft...yeah right)

I totally agree, they’re probably the only guys of a position of need that I’d jump up to the top 10 for. Although Tyron Smith is looking better and better.

"Reject a woman, and she will never let it go. One of the many defects of their kind. Also, weak arms."
-Dwight Schrute

by severn58 on Apr 13, 2011 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Hey you WR guys.....

Would you guys be so hungry for Julio Jones or Green…………if we snagged Sidney Rice in free agency?

Just a question.

Team Berry

by MasterBlaster7 on Apr 13, 2011 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions

There is no way the Chiefs shell out enough money to get Rice

by KillaCity107 on Apr 13, 2011 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I think we would shell out that money Killa...this is one of those rare situations.

First, we were running and gunning with draft picks and money last year for a certain Cardinals WR castoff. We were outbid in draft picks though. Ironically, I recall that self same WR dropping a pass or two in a very important post season game…just saying.

Second, lets say that 5 other teams want Rice. Well, the most desperate of them should take a WR in the draft. So, the Sidney Rice lotto might not be as expensive after the draft.

Third, he will just cost money…not precious picks.

Fourth, as far as stars in this years free agency…he is the one that makes the most sense for the chiefs.

Fifth, if we dont take a WR in the draft…and we play the Rice lotto….and lose…there is a backup….Breaston.

see how ive been thinking all this out :D

Team Berry
Team Twisniewski

by MasterBlaster7 on Apr 13, 2011 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree with you.

He is a very good talent that would most likely be great for the team and well worth the money. I just don’t see the Chiefs getting too involved in a bidding war like that.

by KillaCity107 on Apr 13, 2011 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions

If we were to trade up I'd think it'd be for a WR, maybe an OT, I don't see any other options in this scenario..

I was just playing devils advocate and saying that looking at who would be available at what positions, I would bet if we moved up it’d probably be for a WR.

Rice would fill that need, in which case just chill at 21, or, and this is my personal favorite, trade back a few spots.

"Reject a woman, and she will never let it go. One of the many defects of their kind. Also, weak arms."
-Dwight Schrute

by severn58 on Apr 13, 2011 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions

brooks reed pick him and we are superbowl bound

hes to big to quick and has a motor like jared allen the guy just balls.

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Apr 13, 2011 11:09 AM CDT reply actions

Love Brooks Reed

He’s who I want them to get at #1… or Akeem Ayers

"The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph"

Eric Berry counted to infinity -- twice.

by SwimCoach on Apr 13, 2011 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions

Screw Akeem Ayers....I want Brooks Reed!

Team Berry

by MasterBlaster7 on Apr 13, 2011 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Throw me in on the Reed bandwagon as well.

I’d love it if he were the pick.

by MtHammer on Apr 13, 2011 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions

i watched akeem ayers tape he looks great but he just doesnt really

put havoc on the field like brooks reed . brooks reed is relentless does not give up on any plays and the guy is just a run away train all game long all 4 qtrs if brooks is there he will be our pick no doubt

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Apr 13, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

The Chiefs will now be picking, or trading up to pick, a WR in the first round this year...

I don’t know why some of you have such a love affair going on with Julio Jones but the guy would not be a compliment to Dwayne Bowe, and considering the plethora of great WRs in free agency this year we can snag one whenever the new CBA is finally agreed upon. Why waste a draft pick, especially a first rounder!, on a WR???

by Chiefs08Matt on Apr 13, 2011 11:55 AM CDT via mobile reply actions