The Franchise |
04-25-2011 09:37 AM |
Updated 04/25/2011:
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21. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
In 2009, Scott Pioli drafted for positional value when he selected Tyson Jackson. Last year, he went the "best player available" route with Eric Berry. Both draft strategies would come into play here with Nate Solder.
Kansas City has a gaping hole at offensive tackle. I'm not a big fan of Branden Albert, but the huge void is at right tackle, where Barry Richardson struggled last year.
Solder, one of the top talents on the board, would be an instant upgrade on the right side, and could eventually transition to left tackle if Albert doesn't improve. Greg is hearing from a source that the Chiefs really like Solder.
Other 2011 NFL Draft Possibilities:
1. Phil Taylor, NT - Pioli needs his Vince Wilfork. Unfortunately, Phil Taylor was diagnosed with an inoperable foot condition, which could cause him to drop out of the first round.
2. Brooks Reed or Akeem Ayers, DE/OLB - Kansas City needs help across from Tamba Hali.
Pick change; previously Gabe Carimi, OT
55. Sam Acho, DE/OLB, Texas
The Chiefs have only one reliable pass-rusher. Adding a solid complement across from Tamba Hali would take Kansas City's defense to the next level.
86. Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian
A list of players who have lined up across from Dwayne Bowe this season: Chris Chambers, Terrance Copper and Verran Tucker. Bleh.
Edmond Gates' stock is soaring right now after a brilliant Combine and Pro Day. The Chiefs have shown interest in him.
118. Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa
The Chiefs will owe Matt Cassel a ton of money in the near future if they decide to stick with him. They need to groom a young quarterback just in case Cassel's abysmal playoff performance wasn't a fluke.
135. Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
Kansas City acquired this selection from Tampa Bay for Alex Magee.
Thomas Jones, 33 in August, is owed $3 million in 2011. He wasn't very effective this past season, so even though the Chiefs said they plan on bringing him back, that could be a smokescreen of some sort. If so, Delone Carter would be a very cheap alternative. Carter has drawn some comparisons to Maurice Jones-Drew.
140. Ian Williams, NT, Notre Dame
Scott Pioli needs his Vince Wilfork. If he doesn't take Phil Taylor at No. 21, he'll have to somehow secure a nose tackle in Rounds 2-5.
199. Jason Kelce, C, Cincinnati
ESPN's Bill Williamson reported that there's a 50-percent chance that Casey Wiegmann, 38 in July, will retire this offseason. The Chiefs need a successor and some insurance just in case Wiegmann hangs it up.
223. Dane Sanzenbacher, WR, Ohio State
It would not surprise me at all if the Chiefs double dipped at receiver in the 2011 NFL Draft. There's just no talent at the position beyond Dwayne Bowe.
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