NFL Draft Info - Kansas City Chiefs

            Now that the free agency period has officially began and the NFL combine is now over, I thought I would take a refreshed look at the Kansas City Chiefs, their needs, and their options.  After the players they tendered and re-signed, the Chiefs still have many holes.  A quick peek at the glaring positions of need would suggest the Chiefs need a nose tackle, wide receivers, a back-up running back, depth at the linebacker position, inside linebacker, safety and offensive line help.  Now that we have basically said they need help at every position, let’s take a look at how to fix it.  I will start by looking at the defensive side of the ball and free agency. 

            On the defensive side the Chiefs most glaring need is the nose tackle to help solidify their line for the 3-4.  With the Chargers releasing Jamal Williams, the Chiefs should take a long and serious look at signing him even as a platoon player.  If healthy he would immediately provide some stability on the defensive line.  At linebacker, the Chiefs already took big steps by keeping Vrabel and tendering Derrick Johnson, however, they still need an inside linebacker and more depth.  The depth they can look to the draft for but at inside linebacker they should look at free agency and pick up a solid veteran to bolster the middle for a couple of years.  At cornerback the Chiefs are set for the foreseeable future on one side with the “Flower Patch” and have solid nickel back in Brandon Carr, possibly a number two, however he looked very sketchy towards the end of the year.  The Chiefs should definitely look to add a solid cornerback to cover the two spot whether it be a veteran or a rookie.  At safety the Chiefs have Page, McGraw, and Mike Brown.  It would seem they are in prime position to draft Eric Berry if they wish. 

            On the offensive side of the ball the Chiefs are set at quarterback with Matt Cassel, however the Chiefs need to keep Croyle to play back-up, on top of Guiterrez.  With Jamaal Charles at running back the Chiefs are set with a starter, but they will need another back to take some of the load and keep Charles fresh.  The ideal man would be someone with some power and speed as well.  There are some options in free agency and the draft for this.  At wide receiver the Chiefs absolutely need to keep Chris Chambers, he was a lightning rod for big plays for them the second half of the season.  With Bowe and Chambers they would have a solid one and two combination.  With the right slot receiver they could be dangerous at wide-out.  One option in the slot is the recently released Antwaan Randle-El.  He could play slot and return kicks just like at Pittsburgh.  Offensive line to be does not look as big as of a concern as some would make it seem.  I think that Albert will be solid at Left Tackle this year and O’Callahan stepped in nicely on the right side.  With Brian Waters at Left Guard and Niswanger available to slide to Right Guard the only pressing need would be a Center.  It would appear a few veterans will be available and Maurkice Pouncey would be worth a look depending on the draft position.  Tight end is something the Chiefs need more consistency at.  A big man that can block with decent hands, in high demand but something they should definitely try to find. 

            With that being said if I was Scott Pioli at this time the following is the moves I would make for the offseason at this time.  On the defensive side of the ball, I would look to add Jamal Williams, Marlin Jackson, Keith Bulluck, Karlos Dansby at the right price despite the fact that is probably not an option as the General Manager you still have to look into him.  On the offensive side of the ball, I would re-sign Croyle.  I would also look at a couple of running backs in Chester Taylor, Brian Westbrook and Ladell Betts.  I know that Westbrook has had injury problems but you would be using him as a part-time player in this position.  Further on the running back position, I would look at bringing back Tony Richardson to play fullback.  Wide Receiver, I covered up above a little bit.  I would re-sign Chambers to go with Bowe and would take a long look Randle-El and Kevin Walters.  At the tight end position the Chiefs should explore trades with the Patriots for Ben Watson and the Dolphins for Anthony Fasano.  On the offensive line the Chiefs should sign Casey Rabach.

            Now, while all of this may seem like a lot it is just ideas on the free agency side.  The more the Chiefs pick up in free agency the more options they have in the NFL Draft.  Realistically looking at the free agency and their need the Chiefs should sign Williams, Jackson, Bulluck, Croyle, Chambers, Betts, Richardson, Randle-El, Rabach and trade for Watson as he would most likely come cheaper.  I can’t imagine these individuals are going to demand high dollar especially in what appears is going to be a down market despite the no-cap year.  This would provide much needed flexibility going into the draft.  Looking at the draft from a Chiefs fan’s perspective here is how I would do the first three rounds.  In round 1, at the five position I would look to trade down and pick up some picks with the depth of the draft, however, if a acceptable trade is not on the table the Chiefs should select Eric Berry.  In the second round with pick two(a) as we will call it, the Chiefs should select Pouncey if he is there, if not, there are a couple of other options in Golden Tate and Brandon Ghee.  With pick two(b), the Chiefs will have a couple of options as well.  In this position, the Chiefs should look to add a pass-rushing linebacker, with that being said I think there are a few options that may be available here in Brandon Spikes, Jerry Hughes, Aaron Hernandez, and Toby Gerhart.  I know they are not all pass-rushing linebackers but depending on who is available and value there are a few options. 

            With free agency kicked off, the draft around the corner, things are going to be exciting look for my updates on the Chiefs wheelings and dealings throughout the offseason.