The Chiefs Selection of DE Tyson Jackson was the First of Many Day One Surprises

So did this draft blow up mock drafts forever or what? People will be saying for a long time in the mock draft universe, "Remember 2009?"

While the first two picks of the draft went as expected, with Detroit taking QB Matthew Stafford and the Rams taking OT Jason Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs put the first of many spins on this draft when they selected LSU DE Tyson Jackson.

Rumors of the Chiefs' preference for Jackson had spiked late before the draft but I don't know how many peopel took them that seriously. I know I didn't. Jackson was a mid to late round prospect by most people's draft boards.

40% of you approved of the Chiefs' selection of Jackson. 36% didn't approve and 22% weren't sure. I suspect, judging from recent comments on here, that the approval rating would shoot up a bit if we re-cast those votes.

The selection of Jackson, while a "reach" by most accounts, had Scott Pioli written all over it. This draft is very weak on defensive ends and Jackson was Pioli's #1 guy, mock drafts and experts be damned.If we trust Pioli, or we at least want to to give him a chance, we need to see if Tyson Jackson develops into a special player.

As far as what we can expect from Jackson in Kansas City, Scott Pioli drew comparisons from another player, Cowboys' defensive tackle Russell Maryland. He was selected #1 overall by the Cowboys in a rare trade up from #4 in the 1991 NFL draft. Pioli had this to say today about Maryland and his defensive role:

I remember Coach Johnson a long time ago in conversations Bill and I had had with him and in separate conversations about Russell Maryland. That year they were due to pick the fourth spot overall and they traded up from four to one to get Russell Maryland, a player who played in the league for 10 years, had only 24 and a half sacks over the course of his career and only went to one Pro Bowl. But Coach Johnson talked about the importance of Russell Maryland – again, different positions – how he allowed him to play the defense they wanted to play and what an important component he was even though he didn’t rack up sacks or only went to one Pro Bowl. What he was as a player in a very key position allowed the defense to be what the defense was.

I think we'll have to be patient with Tyson Jackson and not expect a huge impact from him, at least initially. Remember Chiefs fans...The Right 53.

Here's what Mocking the Draft had to say about Jackson:

6’4, 295 pounds | Defensive end | Louisiana State

Strengths: Jackson is a big, powerful defensive end who specializes in stopping the run. Could easily play as a three-technique tackle in a 4-3 or a five-technique end in a 3-4. Has played both at LSU, so he has some versatility. Has the strength to shed blocks quickly and get into the backfield. Better as a pass rusher on the inside. Does a really nice job getting his hands up to bat down passes. Knows how to play off the cut block nicely.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t have great athleticism or speed. A little slow off the line of scrimmage. Doesn’t close very quickly. Needs to be coached up in his pass rush moves. Really only uses his strength to get to a quarterback. Comes out of his stance too high, which allows blockers to control his frame. Not asked to stunt a lot, which is puzzling.

Final word: A versatile player who could help a team looking for a run-stopping end, especially one that runs a 3-4 defense. Very similar to Chris Canty of the Cowboys. Jackson improved his play as a senior, improving across the board statistically. But that still leaves a disappointing junior season in question, particularly since he lined up next to Glen Dorsey. A second-team all-conference player as a senior.

We'll have more on Jackson tomorrow morning, after we sober rest up. The draft is just now ending at 9 PM, which means for those that starting boozing at pick #1, Al Davis is probably making sense to you by now.

Speaking of Al Davis, I just want to link to DJ's FanPost about the ridiculousness that is the Oakland Raider's franchise. This is honestly the first time I've felt bad for Raiders fans. I mean, I always felt bad for them in a rivalry sort of way but man, Darrius Heyward-Bey at #7 overall? How do you reconcile that with your fandom? Then picking a safety that ESPN doesn't even have film on? I know one thing. I don't feel depressed about Tyson Jackson. In fact, I'm quite excited.

Thoughts on a bizarro world first day of the 2009 NFL Draft? We'll be posting more tonight I'm sure and we'll be back early tomorrow morning with more draft coverage.

Remember, rounds 3-7 start tomorrow at 9 AM central time. The full results of the first two rounds are after the jump.