Barry Richardson Stays In Missouri

One of the Kansas City Chiefs players who received quite a bit of criticism from the fans over the last few years has bene offensive tackle Barry Richardson, who started all 16 games at right tackle in each of the last two years. Richardson has since left KC as his contract expired last season. The only free agency news we heard on him was that he visited the Rams back in March.

And now the Rams have announced that they have signed Richardson. No word on the particulars, like contract length or the money involved.

It's going to be a fun season in St. Louis. I say that because I know how SB Nation's Rams blogger at Turf Show Times, Ryan Van Bibber, feels about Richardson. He writes the mock drafts for SBNation.com and I went back and collected a few of this selections for the Chiefs. Check it out below.

11. Kansas City Chiefs, Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

This is a fairly obvious pick for the Chiefs, who need to upgrade over Barry Richardson, the waterlogged sugar packet who holds down the right side of their offensive line. Why not pursue a tackle in free agency? Drafting Reiff is cheaper and carries way more upside than someone like Levi Brown.

11. Kansas City Chiefs, Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

What a break for the Chiefs to get Martin with this pick. Martin represents a major upgrade to their offensive line, replacing Barry Richardson. This pick, along with the healthy return of Jamaal Charles and a handful of other key players lost in 2011, could have the Chiefs back in the running for the AFC West.

11. Kansas City Chiefs, Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

At some point this team is going to have to find a quarterback. Maybe next year. For now, they need to replace Barry Richardson at right tackle. Adams has the most upside of any tackle beyond Kalil or Reiff, and he's naturally suited to slide right in on the right side for the Chiefs.

12. Kansas City Chiefs, Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Adams was another big winner at the Senior Bowl. A big fella at 6'7" 310 lbs, his size and wide body make him a natural at re-routing pass rushers. He still lacks consistency, but will be a big upgrade over Barry Richardson.

12. Kansas City Chiefs, Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

If Barry Richardson starts on your offensive line, you need a new tackle. Reiff even has a little local market appeal, since the Chiefs pull some of the lucrative Iowa media market. That's not why Reiff appeals to them though. He's a very good tackle that can play on the left or right side.

12. Kansas City Chiefs*, Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Once regarded as one of the country's top tackle prospects, Adams stock fell amid all the shenanigans at Ohio State. I think he's a prime candidate to rise up draft boards after the Senior Bowl. The Chiefs can unceremoniously dump Barry Richardson.

12. Kansas City Chiefs, Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Getting by with Barry Richardson is no way to maximize a player like Jamaal Charles, much less keep a stable of mediocre quarterbacks on their feet. Martin can play the left tackle spot. Running back Jamaal Charles will also be helped by the improvement along the offensive line.