:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5272043/20121129_kkt_ad1_069.0.jpg)
It's about that time of year when we start discussing the 2013 NFL Draft more and more. Today I came across a mock draft from Peter Schrager of FOXSports.com, and he has the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel because...
I'll get clobbered for this and so might their front office, but I think Kansas City is better off acquiring a veteran quarterback (Alex Smith or Matt Flynn, perhaps) than rolling the dice on a rookie quarterback who's unworthy of the top overall selection for the sake of drafting one.
Usually when people start with things like "I'll get clobbered for this" they follow it up with an idea that will justifiably get them clobbered. Joeckel doesn't make a lot of sense in Kansas City, in my opinion. At least not right now.
Let me tell you why I don't want a left tackle No. 1 overall, and this has more to do with the Chiefs left tackle situation than the quarterbacks.
Kiper: Chiefs should consider Manti Te'o
1. The Chiefs have Branden Albert. His contract is expiring but the Chiefs can re-sign him or franchise tag him. If the Chiefs aren't ready to re-sign him longterm yet, they can tag him and wait it out. There is absolutely no reason why the Chiefs shouldn't have a quality left tackle next season. Either tag Albert or, if you think Stephenson is ready, play him. The Chiefs don't have that flexibility at every position so in order to maximize talent across the board they should probably keep Albert, whether that's via the franchise tag or a longterm deal, and look elsewhere in the draft.
2. The Chiefs just drafted Donald Stephenson in the third round last year. If you draft Joeckel, you're putting a ceiling on Stephenson and saying he will not start in Kansas City. I'd rather not do that. Stephenson may actually be the answer at left tackle. He showed enough promise in his short stint of playing time that I'm not ruling that out. Not saying he's great yet -- but that he showed enough that I won't rule it out.
Could you live with a left tackle at No. 1 overall?