There was a thought for the last few weeks and months that DE Justin Houston would be a possibility for the Kansas City Chiefs at the 21st pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Some argued whether he'd be the pick but I think most agreed he was in the dozen-or-so candidates we've been talking about.

That's apparently not the case anymore, and that's because he may not even be a first round pick at all.

Houston's stock was knocked this week with the news that he failed a Combine drug test and Len Pasquarelli of the Sports XChange reports that some teams are grading him as a second, or even third round pick.

Personnel directors or general managers for two teams told The Sports Xchange that they now have Houston graded on their boards as a third-round selection. Several other teams confirmed that they rank the former Bulldogs star, once regarded as a strong prospect for the bottom half of the first round, as a second-rounder.

We never know what GM Scott Pioli is going to do with draft picks -- I'm not sure I've ever guessed one right (outside of Eric Berry, of course) -- but that there are several teams that have him as a second or third round pick doesn't bode well for his chances with the Chiefs at No. 21.

Of course, it's also possible the Chiefs like him a lot and are feeling good that his stock is dropping into the second round where they may have another shot at selecting him.

If only we could get our hands on Pioli's draft board...