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In the SB Nation NFL bloggers mock draft, I picked up Iowa OT Riley Reiff in the first round for the Kansas City Chiefs. My pick was not very popular. Not at all. But my reasoning was simple -- offensive tackles are an important position and Branden Albert is entering the final year of his deal. Selecting Reiff at No. 11 gives the Chiefs flexibility moving forward, and a potential replacement for Albert.
But I did not expect folks to be talking about the Chiefs trading up for another offensive tackle. Russ Lande of Sporting News reports that the Chiefs could consider moving up for OT Matt Kalil, considered the top offensive tackle in this draft.
If Kalil isn't selected by the Vikings, our sources tell us the Chiefs (who own the 11th overall pick) will attempt to trade up to obtain him. Kansas City recently signed former Texan Eric Winston to play right tackle and have 2008 first-round pick Branden Albert at left tackle. Albert is solid but not great and has only one year remaining on his contract. In 2012, Kalil could take over at left tackle, which would allow the Chiefs to move Albert to guard.
For what it's worth, GM Scott Pioli said last week that he didn't plan to move Albert to guard. It's April, which means you know a GM is lying when his lips are moving, but I tend to take Pioli at his word here.
Besides, Kalil likely won't drop far. Most people have the Vikings taking him at No. 3. If he gets past Minnesota, though, he could tumble a little while. Cleveland probably wouldn't take him at No. 4, and the Bucs might not either at No. 5. The Rams are a possibility. I don't think the Jaguars or Dolphins are. Carolina at No. 9 or Buffalo at No. 10 would strongly consider him. I don't think he gets past Buffalo.
Selecting a future starting left tackle at No. 11 is one thing. Trading up for one, and giving up multiple picks in the process, is another. While I wouldn't mind picking an offensive tackle at No. 11, I definitely would mind trading up for one.