2012 NFL Draft: Mark Barron To Chiefs Talk Heats Up

Three years ago, GM Scott Pioli and the Kansas City Chiefs held the third overall pick in the NFL draft. Seemingly out of nowhere, reports surfaced only days before the draft that the Chiefs really like Tyson Jackson. On draft night, the Chiefs chose Tyson Jackson.

While not as dramatic of a leap in perceived draft stock, Mark Barron is starting to be connected to the Chiefs. The Alabama safety is considered the best player at his position in the draft. But....the Chiefs just drafted Eric Berry and it seems like they may have hit on Kendrick Lewis, meaning safety isn't exactly a high priority.

Our good friend Field Yates actually sent Barron to the Chiefs in his draft predictions.

Barron could also be a staple of the defensive game plan against new division foe Peyton Manning.

Romeo Crennel used safety Jon McGraw as a primary coverage player against tight ends versus Indianapolis when the two teams played in 2010, and that's a strategy he'll be likely to continue to employ this season and beyond.

But here's the one that will really make you think. NFL Network's Mike Mayock -- we all love Mayock -- also has Barron going to the Chiefs in his one and only mock draft.

This wouldn't be as stunning as the Jackson pick. The Bills (11) reportedly like Barron. So do the Chargers (18), and the Cowboys (14), too. Barron may not even make it to the Cowboys pick, so says Adam Schefter. Barron falling to the 11th pick could also end up being beneficial to the Chiefs either way, keeping possible trades in mind.

But this would still qualify as a surprise, even if it's not on the Tyson Jackson level surprise.

24ish hours before the draft. What are you thinking on Barron to the Chiefs at No. 11?

(H/T Larryemcdaniel and KansasCityShuffle)