NFL Draft 2014: Chiefs' Andy Reid has a history of taking defensive linemen early

What do Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Trevor Laws, Brodrick Bunkley, Mike Patterson and Jerome McDougle have in common?

They're all defensive linemen and they were all drafted with Andy Reid's first draft choice between the 2003 and 2012 NFL Drafts. That's six defensive linemen -- five in the first round with Laws being a second round pick but the Eagles first of that draft -- in 10 drafts.

Reid's Eagles and these Chiefs are different teams with different needs so we can't say because Reid drafted defensive linemen high in Philly he's going to do the same in Kansas City. But 60 percent of his top picks in the last 10 years were defensive linemen. So it's not a bad guess.

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, who was once a scout under Reid, talked recently on a conference call about the 2014 NFL Draft. One question posed to him was about non-wide receiver options for the KC Chiefs.

"Well, I think you look at getting some more depth on that defensive line as a way you could go, a big-bodied player you could plug in there," Jeremiah said.

"Ra'Shede Hageman from Minnesota, he's one of the trickiest evaluations for me in this draft because you can watch games where he does nothing, just completely disappears, then you flip on other games and you see some real dominant stretches, just has a rare combination of size and athleticism, just one of these guys that hasn't put it together."

That sounds like he's describing Dontari Poe coming out of college. That was a gamble for the Chiefs front office and so far it's paid off, even if that regime isn't here to enjoy it.

"A defensive end like Ra'Shede Hageman or even Stephon Tuitt from Notre Dame, someone that gives you a little more pass rush but also can be a 5 technique and hold the point of attack, I think those two guys would be options."

Hageman has an incredible background and this is THE story on him. Read that and admit you're a little intrigued.

Tuitt was Mel Kiper's pick to the Chiefs in his first mock back in January. The talk on him at No. 23 has cooled a little since then.

Like offensive line, defensive line seems like one of those areas where you can't have enough depth. It's important enough that I do believe defensive line will be a consideration for the Chiefs at No. 23 but ultimately there are probably bigger needs considering the Chiefs are hoping second-year guys like Mike Catapano make another leap.