FanPost

Pre-Combine 2013 Chiefs NFL Mock Draft

Al Messerschmidt

From the FanPosts -Joel

The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner, and it could ultimately decide which direction the Chiefs decide to go with the number one overall pick in this April's 2013 NFL draft. Quarterback is the most glaring hole on the Kansas City Chiefs, but as of right now there is no clear-cut favorite for the best quarterback in this year's draft class. Geno Smith and Tyler Wilson seem to be the top candidates at quarterback right now, but that all soon could change. The Chiefs could make a variety of free-agency/trade moves this offseason as well that could completely shake up the way they draft this year.

It is early, but this is my ideal pre-combine mock draft for the Kansas City Chiefs.

More Chiefs mock drafts | The top 8 needs for the Chiefs

Round 1, Pick No. 1: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Assuming the Chiefs pick up Alex Smith this offseason and assuming no quarterback puts on an Leon Sandcastle-like performance in the combine, this will be the pick. Joeckel is arguably the safest pick in the draft and is the best offensive tackle prospect since Jake Long. This move would force the Chiefs to forget about Branden Albert and focus on retaining Dwayne Bowe and Dustin Colquitt. Joeckel would be a fixture on the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line and help protect our new quarterback for years to come whether that quarterback is a veteran or rookie.

Other Options: QB Geno Smith (with a stellar combine performance/no Alex Smith), QB Tyler Wilson (see Geno Smith), CB Dee Milliner, LB Jarvis Jones, DT Star Lotulelei

Round 2, Pick No. 34: Eric Reid, S, LSU

The Chiefs defensive backfield was once the strength of the team, but now it needs some help. With ex-GM Scott Pioli's dumb move of letting Brandon Carr walk, and Kendrick Lewis's injury concerns, the Chiefs secondary needs some help. Sports Illustrated had Kendrick Lewis ranked among one of the worst tacklers in the NFL, and was one of the biggest reasons why the Chiefs defense was ranked second in the league of giving up runs of 20-plus yards. Eric Reid is a big, strong, physical safety with the looks of a linebacker and would help the Chiefs tackle woes quite a bit.

Other Options: WR Terrance Williams, WR Tavon Austin, LB Arthur Brown, QB AJ Manuel, QB Mike Glennon, QB Matt Barkley

Round 3, Pick No. 63: EJ Manuel, QB, FSU

The Chiefs will need a successor at quarterback for whatever quarterback they pickup this offseason. EJ Manuel's stock could sky rocket within the next month, but he is projected to go within the first three rounds. Manuel has the prototypical physical traits of an NFL quarterback. The Chiefs need a clean slate at quarterback at not just at starting quarterback. Andy Reid could potentially turn Manuel into a solid starter in the NFL for years to come.

Other Options: WR Stedman Bailey, CB Therald Simon, DE William Gholston, C/G Khaled Holmes

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Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3, Compensatory Pick (projected): Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia

The Chiefs offense lacks explosiveness outside of running back Jamaal Charles, and Stedman Bailey would change that. Bailey was a lighting bolt at West Virginia and reminds me of a player Andy Reid once had; Desean Jackson. Bailey would be a good fit for the Chiefs especially with the question marks put on receivers Dwayne Bowe, Jon Baldwin, and Steve Breaston. Bailey would be a nice compliment to our new quarterback.

Other Options: WR Ryan Swope, S Baccari Rambo, QB Tyler Bray

Round 4, Pick No. 96: Micah Hyde, CB, Iowa

The Chiefs go with another defensive back early on in the draft with picking Micah Hyde here. The Chiefs need a new cornerback opposite of Brandon Flowers whether they find him in the draft or find him via free agency. Brandon Flowers is 5'9 and so is Javier Arenas so the Chiefs need to find a big cornerback with all of these big receivers emerging in the NFL. Hyde is 6'1 and has a lot of potential at the NFL level. Andy Reid has a history of investing a lot of money on his secondary and with Peyton Manning in the division, you can't have enough DB's.

Other Options: RB Johnathan Franklin, G Blaize Foltz, LB Nico Johnson

Round 5, Pick No. 127: A.J. Klein, ILB, Iowa State

I feel like the Chiefs will try hard this offseason in finding a reliable inside linebacker to pair with Derrick Johnson, but the Chiefs need depth. A.J. Klein is a big linebacker who could potentially be in the starting lineup. The Chiefs need to address this position this offseason whether it is going after a veteran like AJ Hawk, Danny Elerbe, or Brad Jones or addressing the position through the draft.

Other Options: DT Josh Boyd, DT Damion Square, LB Tom Wort

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Spruce Derdenâ€"USA TODAY Sports

Round 6, Pick No. 160: Sam Schwartzstein, C, Stanford

The Chiefs offensive line lacks depth and no other position on the offensive line needs depth more than the center position. Ryan Lilja retired and Rodney Hudson is coming off injury so the Chiefs must find a way to address this position. I believe that Schwartzstein is a sleeper in this year's draft class and could be a potential main stay on the offensive line.

Other Options: RB Rex Burkhead, C James Ferentz, DE Malliciah Goodman

Round 7, Pick No. 191: A.J. Francis, DL, Maryland

The Chiefs need some depth on the defensive line especially if Tyson Jackson leaves. Francis has NFL size standing 6'3 and weighing 305 pounds. This could be a potential steal for the Chiefs.

Other Options: DT Omar Hunter, K Caleb Sturgis

Round 7, Compensation Pick: Theo Riddick, RB, Notre Dame

Outside of Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs have no depth at running back. Peyton Hillis will likely be gone and Cyrus Gray and Shaun Draughn aren't too sexy. Riddick would automatically compete for the backup running back job.

Other Options: QB Denard Robinson, QB Collin Klein, FB Braden Wilson

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.