2014 NFL mock draft roundup: First inside linebacker vote for Chiefs

The 2014 NFL Draft is right around the corner now, bringing every hardcore fan to the edge of their collective seat. For the Kansas City Chiefs, they and their fans will have to sit through hours of drafting before making what could be a franchise-altering selection.

Most have speculated that the Chiefs will take a wide receiver to pair with Dwayne Bowe. However, there is always the distinct possibility that general manager John Dorsey will surprise the masses. Recently, there has been talk of Teddy Bridgewater falling to where Kansas City is picking. If that happens, all bets are off.

So, where do the experts have the Chiefs going this week?

Sports Illustrated's Don Banks: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU

It's interesting that both Andy Reid and the current Eagles coach, Chip Kelly, are likely looking for the same kind of explosive receiving help at No. 22 and 23 in this year's draft. I have flopped Beckham and Cooks since my 3.0 mock, but it's obvious the Chiefs and Eagles are shopping in the same aisle in this particular market. Beckham should provide yards after the catch and his skills in the return game are a bonus.

Kansas City Star's Terez Paylor: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

Cooks does his best work out of the slot and can stretch the field, two things that will make him a valuable asset to Chiefs coach Andy Reid. And as draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah noted Thursday, Cooks brings energy and can stretch the field, two things Reid loves. He’s also smart, which means he has a chance to pick up Reid’s complicated offense somewhat quickly.

The Big Lead's Jason McIntyre: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

With two weeks to go, it’s obvious the Chiefs will take a WR … but how early in the draft? It really depends when the "run" on receivers begins. It feels like the Ravens and Jets are leaning receiver, and then there will be a pause before the Eagles at 22 make a decision.

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler: Calvin Pryor, SS, Louisville

The Chiefs starting safety opposite Eric Berry is a bit of a question mark right now and drafting Pryor could give Kansas City a long-term option at the position.

CBS Sports' Rob Rang: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

With three blockers lost to free agency (including Pro Bowl tackle Branden Albert), former offensive line coach Andy Reid's top priority may be addressing the front wall. A dynamic athlete like Lee, however, would open up Kansas City's offense. A knee injury hampered Lee in 2013 but his talent and success in former head coach Lane Kiffin's pro-style scheme are undeniable.

SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

Kansas City should have its choice of several wide receivers with this pick. There's a healthy debate about who is better between Cooks and Southern California's Marqise Lee. Cooks offers the type of dynamic playmaking ability that isn't present in Kansas City's receiver corps. He's better than Lee at going over the middle and is elusive after the catch.

FOX Sports' Joel Klatt: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

The Chiefs don'€™t need a linebacker, but seeing Mosley on the board this late will be too enticing. Finding defenders who can play in space and take away the short throws over the middle is a must when facing the Broncos twice a season. Mosley adds tremendous depth to an already stout LB corps.