2009 NFL Mock Draft Draft: Kansas City Chiefs

Written by Jimmy Boyd on April 9, 2009

chiefs-draft-49091 After a 2-14 campaign in 2008, the Chiefs elected to go in a different direction with the additions of General Manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley. There’s a lot of things a 2-14 team needs on draft day so it will be interesting to see where Pioli starts. My guess is defense. We’ll take a look at the Chiefs biggest draft needs, likely targets, and recent draft track record in this 2009 draft preview.

Biggest Draft Needs – The Chiefs are nothing short of a mess defensively, mostly because they have had to start over from scratch. They really missed defensive end Jared Allen last season and desperately need someone with the ability to rush the quarterback. Their corners are young and inconsistent, their safeties are subpar, and Derrick Johnson is the only linebacker that has delivered. The Chiefs picked up veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel to help out, but they are going to need to add more talent on this side of the ball.

It appeared early on that Kansas City would be QB shopping in the draft, but they picked up Matt Cassel from the Patriots to be their QB of the future so that need has been alleviated. Now the Chiefs could use a playmaking wide receiver and someone opposite Branden Albert at right tackle.

Likely Day 1 Targets – Don’t be surprised if new GM Scott Pioli looks to start the rebuilding process behind the versatile and ultra-talented linebacker Aaron Curry from Wake Forest. At 6′3”, 247 pounds, Curry is the perfect combination of size, strength, and athleticism to be an impact player from day one in the NFL. If the Chiefs decide to go after a pure pass rusher, they’ll be looking at the big three of Texas’ Brian Orakpo, Penn State’s Aaron Maybin, and Florida State’s Everette Brown.

The Chiefs may look to go after a cover corner like Wake Forest’s Alphonso Smith in round two or they could go after a skill player like Rutgers Kenny Britt. At 6′4”, 215 pounds, Britt will be a tough cover for most corners in the NFL. Britt could actually end up being a steal in round two as I feel he has the best chance, outside of Michael Crabtree, of becoming a true No. 1 receiver in this wide receiver class.

Looking for long term replacements for running back Larry Johnson and tight end Tony Gonzalez will be a couple more things for the Chiefs to think about on draft day.

Recent Draft Track Record – Draft day has not treated the Chiefs well over the last 12 years as only Tony Gonzalez, Larry Johnson, and Jared Allen have emerged as significant difference-makers during that time frame. The Chiefs came away with a lot of picks last year, and it is still up in the air how the 2008 draft class will pan out. Many players had to play before they were actually ready because of the terrible state of the defense. Top pick Glenn Dorsey often seemed overmatched but came away with 46 tackles and 1 sack. The best performer so far in the 2008 class has been Branden Albert, who did a decent job as a starting left tackle in his rookie season.

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