Checking In On ESPN's 2012 NFL Mock Drafts

Let's take a step back from the Peyton Manning talk. At least for a few minutes.

ESPN's Todd McShay has released his latest 2012 NFL mock draft and he has the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Alabama RB Trent Richardson, calling it a "best-athlete-available pick."

The Chiefs have bigger holes along the interior offensive line and at nose tackle, but even though running back is a low priority in this scenario they can't pass on the chance to get one of the elite players on the board at No. 11 overall. Should they look elsewhere, Memphis DT Dontari Poe would be an option with his ability to shore up the defensive front.

Mel Kiper's mock draft has Richardson going fifth to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chiefs drafting LB Luke Kuechly out of Boston College.

I told you I would change my mind on who the Chiefs should pick about a million times and I'm already wondering if Richardson wouldn't be such a bad pick if he fell to No. 11. The Chiefs are going to be a running team in 2012 so investing in running backs makes sense. Then again, running backs usually aren't a great value because they're not that unique. Fix the offensive line, and you can find a lot of good running backs.

So I'm a little torn on this one. Drafting Richardson 11th seems like a good value, though. It wouldn't be the worst pick, i don't think. He has an injury so the Chiefs will get a better look at him when he works out at the end of the month.