[The Franchise]

Updated 03/29/2011 - 6 rounder that includes comp picks.

21. Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
Scott Pioli needs his Vince Wilfork. The Chiefs struggled against the run late in the year because they had nothing at the nose tackle position. Phil Taylor would remedy that issue.

After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Taylor continued to impress at the Combine and his Pro Day. He lost some more weight (334) and despite his massive frame, he ran a 5.18. Taylor has completely turned his life around, so despite his altercations three years ago at Penn State, I believe that Pioli will strongly consider him at No. 21.

Other 2011 NFL Draft Possibilities:

1. Brooks Reed or Akeem Ayers, DE/OLB - Kansas City needs help across from Tamba Hali.

2. Nate Solder or Gabe Carimi, OT - The Chiefs need to improve both tackle positions.

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. Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana
A list of players who have lined up across from Dwayne Bowe this season: Chris Chambers, Terrance Copper and Verran Tucker. Bleh.

118. Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska
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, Roy Helu would be a very cheap alternative.

135. Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
Kansas City acquired this selection from Tampa Bay for Alex Magee.

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.

140. Nathan Enderle, QB, Idaho
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.

199. Willie Smith, OT, East Carolina
Barry Richardson is a great run-blocker, but can't keep anyone out of the backfield. Ryan O'Callaghan is always hurt.