Heading into the 2nd round of the 2012 NFL draft I thought the Kansas City Chiefs would strongly consider an offensive lineman and that's what they did with Illinois OT Jeff Allen. He was an offensive tackle at Illinois but it's very possible he's moved to guard in the NFL. Once again, the Chiefs opt for position flexibility.

My immediate thoughts on the pick...

How does this affect Ryan Lilja? He's entering the final year of his contract and even Lilja admitted his play slipped last season. NFL Network's Mike Mayock said Allen could be a day one starter at guard. Makes me wonder what Lilja's future is.

Allen could also provide flexibility at offensive tackle. Think about it as it relates to Branden Albert, who's entering the final year of his contract. The Chiefs now have a guy on the roster who has experience at offensive tackle, too. It just gives them more options.

I see him very similar to his former teammate at Illinois, Jon Asamoah. He sat on the bench for a year before becoming a starter. Allen could do the same if Lilja remains at guard next season.