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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."
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