Pat Kirwan-Final mock draft: Plenty of movement down the stretch
 

Final mock draft: Plenty of movement down the stretch
Pat Kirwan By Pat Kirwan | NFL.com
Senior Analyst

There has already been some serious business this week. The first pick in the draft is locked up with Jake Long going to Miami. The Jared Allen trade to the Vikings has stirred up the first round and the Chiefs may be much more flexible about trading out of the No. 5 spot. I also believe they are getting a lot of calls about the 17th pick they received in the deal.

Lito Sheppard, Jeremy Shockey, Fabian Washington and a few other veterans could also stir up the selection process.

Recently, we witnessed a few players admitting to failed drug tests, another player having heart surgery and the last of the pro days reshaping the first day of the draft. As late as Thursday, teams were still flying around the country to get a final peak at candidates.

The wild card in the first round is still Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, who could go at any number of spots in the opening round. There are varying opinions on Ryan and club executives in search of a quarterback can't waste much time comparing him to quarterbacks of years past. They need to ask themselves the question: If we pass on Ryan is there any guarantee we will get a player of equal or better talent next year? If he upgrades your team, it will be very hard to pass on him this year.

Atlanta, Kansas City, Baltimore and at least one other team have a very serious decision to make and it isn't going to be easy. History says the quarterback debate takes center stage in the hours leading up to the draft. Banking on Brian Brohm, Chad Henne or Joe Flacco being there in the second round is risky business. Not to mention, if those clubs believe Ryan is the best prospect than how can they wait?

I get the sense that a few of the decision makers on draft day are struggling with medical and/or off-the-field issues and for good reason. There's just too much money involved to take the risk anymore. Now that Long has taken a five-year deal from Miami instead of the traditional six-year deal at the top of the first round, the climate has changed dramatically.

A safe pick is going to trump a guy with great talent who may also present a risk. One-year wonders are another concern that seem to be on the mind of personnel directors with little time left before the draft. The Jake Long pick by the Dolphins sends a big message about how clubs look at the draft these days. Be safe and get the guy who has done it over time.


He has the Chiefs trading with Patriots and picking QB Matt Ryan at #9 and taking CB Michael Jenkins at #17.

What an idiot.

Are you upset he doesn't have them taking Clady?

More upset he has us taking A QB and a CB.

Um those are 2 things the team needs if you haven't noticed..

I'd just take Gholston in that scenario I think.

:BS::BS: What do you call Croyle and Surtain?






ROFL

Uh yea, we also need 4 OL, and 2 DL a little bit more. Ever heard the saying championships are won up front. It tends to be pretty true.

That was good, real good........I know there are people that actually think stuff like that though.

This team has a ton of needs. Those are just as big a need as everything else.

Championships are won by star players....especially at the QB position.

Either way you don't value or devalue position over player 99% of the time. Especially when you are the Chiefs and in this spot they should be valuing players over positions.

ROFL Star Players. How stupid can you be, have you ever played or coach football past pee wee or middle school? JW?


Last time I check Eli Manning isn't a "star" QB. He can be very good at times, but by no means a star. And what the hell are these "star" athletes going to do when every play there is a big DL or LB in their face 3 yards into the backfield because no one can block for them? Please explain this to me, you obviously know what your talking about.

I was hoping I would be first in with that. :D

I'll be happy with any of the following: Long, Gholston, Ryan, Ellis, Dorsey, Rivers. My preference is Long or Ryan, but I actually believe that Rivers might end up being the best of the bunch. He might instantly become the Chiefs' Patrick Willis, and this would change the entire complexion of the defense.

Coming from the guy who wanted Joe Staley over Bowe....means alot...

I never said anything about Dwayne Bowe, I said I would rather have Staley over Jarret because I didn't think he would be a good NFL WR. But nice try.

You also never answered my question.