2011 NFL Draft Grades Vary For Kansas City Chiefs

There are lots of varying opinions on the Kansas City Chiefs 2011 NFL draft class ranging from great upside to head scratcher. I've been calling the class a B at this point (with the caveat that you can't truly grade a class 24 hours after the draft is over).

Here's a round up of what the draft graders are saying about the Chiefs 2011 class (and check out Mel Kiper's NFL draft grades).

Silver and Black Pride, B+: "This was not the typical Scott Pioli draft. Pioli has a tremendous draft resume, and that was largely built on going with high-character guys that were safe picks. Baldwin and Houston both have big-time character issues. Allen Bailey is another high risk/reward type as he seems to be between positions in the NFL, but he is a tremendous athlete. Make no mistake about it though-these guys all have tremendous upside."

USA Today, C: "After trading down and landing big WR Jonathan Baldwin in the first round, the Chiefs used their extra third-round pick on LB Justin Houston, who failed a drug test at the combine that sank his stock."

SB Nation KC: "While most of the Chiefs draft choices filled very specific needs that ranged from "that'd be nice" to "glaring," most also come with a high upside that might not just meet that need but surpass it in every way. That's the beauty of the Chiefs draft. Perhaps next year a couple of these holes still remain from a draft pick who failed to provide an answer. But if even a couple of these pan out at the levels of potential they're capable of, the Chiefs won't mind filling those holes a bit later in the draft order."

Rob Rang of CBS Sports, C-: "First-round wideout Jon Baldin (Pittsburgh) has undeniable talent, but isn't as physical as his imposing size (6-4, 228 pounds) would indicate and he was a headache, at times, for the Pittsburgh coaching staff. Georgia's Justin Houston, likewise, is a bit of a 'tweener whose collegiate production was over-inflated by scheme. He also reportedly failed a drug test at the combine. The Chiefs were deservedly recognized as having a spectacular draft last year. This one, however, leaves me scratching my head."

Adam Caplan of FOXSports.com, B+: "The first three players have a good chance to start this season. And Bailey and Brown should contribute in backup roles. Bannon, if he makes the team, could challenge for the starting fullback role."