Chiefs In The 2012 NFL Draft: Different Tastes Among Us

With the mock draft season descending upon us like vultures on a carcass, it's time to look at the first-round possibilities for the Chiefs. All depending on your taste, you may want an offensive or defensive piece added to the puzzle. The general consensus would say there are a few positions that Kansas City could definitely upgrade. Let's go one-by-one.

GUARD: The Chiefs had some struggles on the interior of their line last season. Ryan Lilja didn't look nearly as strong as he did in 2010 while Casey Wiegmann was brutal in pass protection. Rodney Hudson appears ready to step in for Wiegmann at center. The real question is whether Lilja looked bad because he was next to Wiegmann or if his skills are actually declining.

David DeCastro is likely the only guard that could be considered this high. Most experts see him going off the board in the early-to-mid first round. It would be a pretty bold move by Scott Pioli to take a guard so far up in the draft.

RIGHT TACKLE: I'm not getting into the whole notion of whether Branden Albert should be moved inside or over to right tackle. If this site had it's way, Albert would be playing defensive back at this point.

Barry Richardson would easily be the weakest link on a healthy Kansas City team next season if all the current starters returned. There's a simple reason for that; he's an atrocity of epic proportions. The Chiefs need to look far and wide for a serious player at the RT spot.

Jonathan Martin and Riley Reiff would be major considerations if Pioli decided to go this route. While a team typically doesn't take a RT so high, do Hunt and co. pull the trigger if they believe that player makes the offensive line elite?

NOSE TACKLE: This position hasn't been talked about nearly as much recently as it was last year around Arrowhead Pride. However, Kelly Gregg clearly isn't a long-term answer and who knows what Jerrell Powe will become.

Glenn Dorsey is a cardboard cutout against the pass but very stout against the run while Tyson Jackson actually played respectably this year. So would drafting a space-eating, pocket-pushing NT take the defense to the next, and highest, level?

Devon Still is a serious prospect that fits the bill for a NT. Still has high grades in both run and pass defense. Also, the youngster comes from Penn State. If he's anything like Kansas City's last Nittany Lion first round pick, everything will turn out just fine.

INSIDE LINEBACKER: This is a very intriguing scenario. If the Chiefs retain Jovan Belcher, do they still make a move for an elite play-maker at that position? It's a happy thought to think of Derrick Johnson paired with another three-down, athletic presence next to him while Justin Houston and Tamba Hali rush the passer. With that said, Belcher isn't bad and certainly there are more pressing needs...did I mention Barry Richardson?

The problem with this idea is a lack of players that fit such a high draft pick. Vontaze Burfict has major upside but seems to be a very controversial player. Dont'a Hightower is slated to go off the board in the second round and frankly looks like a beast. Another facet to consider is Hightower has already been playing on a complex defense for years.

RUNNING BACK: I'm not going to mince words with this one. If Jamaal Charles is healthy, does it really make sense for Kansas City to spend a first round pick on a running back? I understand the whole "thunder and lightning" argument with Richardson as the bigger back, but let me say the following: Thunder scares people, lightning kills them.

QUARTERBACK: I had to save this for last. It's the great debate on here and for good reason. Should the Chiefs sign Orton, keep Cassel or draft someone. Of course, Matt Flynn is also an option via the free agent route.

While it's obvious Kansas City could use a serious change at the quarterback position, I don't know how it happens unless Pioli trades up. Unfortunately that has never been his style.

The Chiefs would likely have to give up multiple high picks to attain Robert Griffin III. Does Pioli feel that's the best move for the organization? None of us know. It would be a popular move without question, but is it the right one? Pioli would have to be sold hook, line and sinker on the kid to make that sort of move like Atlanta did for Julio Jones.

So what do you think? Vote below and state your case.