Luke Joeckel may pique Chiefs’ interest at No. 1 overall

[DaneMcCloud]

http://nfl.si.com/2013/01/08/luke-jo...-no-1-overall/

For as long as Luke Joeckel remains on the draft board in April, he’s likely to be seriously considered by whichever team happens to be on the clock.

The Chiefs, by virtue of holding the No. 1 overall pick, will have first crack at the standout Texas A&M offensive tackle. Joeckel finalized his plan Tuesday to enter the 2013 NFL Draft, according to multiple reports.

The 6-foot-6 Joeckel played a key role in Johnny Manziel’s sudden takeover of college football this season. Despite playing against elite SEC talent, week in and week out, Joeckel turned in a dominant 2012 and is considered to be, for now, the top available offensive lineman for the coming draft.

How strongly Kansas City leans toward Joeckel depends on a number of factors, not the least of which being Branden Albert’s pending free agency.

The Chiefs face the usual options with Albert set to hit the market: re-sign him, let him walk or slap the franchise tag on him. That third choice would cost the Chiefs just shy of $10 million, but it’s hard to see them allowing their starting left tackle to walk.

The variable that could push them toward that money-saving decision is Joeckel. If the Chiefs convince themselves in the coming couple of weeks that Joeckel is capable of filling Albert’s shoes, that swap may make sense for new head coach Andy Reid. Kansas City also might be intrigued by the prospect of Joeckel at left tackle and Albert at guard — the Chiefs need to address their interior line, too, now that guard Ryan Lilja has decided to retire.

Unfortunately for Reid and the Chiefs, the top of this year’s draft class does not have an obvious No. 1 pick — unlike the 2012 draft, where the Colts had their choice between Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. Given Kansas City’s obvious needs (quarterback, receiver and linebacker, for starters), that lack of a clear superstar has to be even more frustrating.

Which is why Joeckel has a shot to go No. 1, should Albert hit free agency and a huge K.C. roster hole suddenly meshes with the available draft talent.

Even if Joeckel slides past the Chiefs, though, he will find no shortage of teams interested in his talent — so much so, in a few cases, that the rest of the top 5 (Jacksonville, Oakland, Philadelphia and Detroit) might be able to swing a draft-day trade contingent on Joeckel’s availability.

But any of that quartet also could make a case for Joeckel early. Both the Jaguars and Raiders had huge issues at right tackle; the Eagles struggled all over their line (save for Evan Mathis), and are still awaiting Jason Peters’ return from an Achilles injury; and the Lions might be shorthanded, even with 2012 first-rounder Riley Reiff in tow, if Jeff Backus retires and Gosder Cherilus leaves in free agency.

All those teams will have to wait to see what the Chiefs do as a 2013 draft opener. Given Joeckel’s potential as an NFL lineman and the lack of elite prospects, a match could be made at No. 1 overall.

[Buehler445]

I'm not reading all the crap in this thread. Is there anything good in it?

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I'm not reading all the crap in this thread. Is there anything good in it?

This:

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Frankie

That is my biggest unanswered question about him. If I knew for sure he had 75% of Russel Wilson's mental toughness, I'd be firmly among the rest of the resident screaming Geno groupies of the CP. That's why I'm reserving my judgement until after the combine.

You don't think it requires mental toughness to have to put your team on your shoulders every ****ing game to keep your team in those games.

For ****'s sake, his defense gave up 47.5 points a game.

JFC, you are a ****ing moron.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by R8ers

I will go on record since we both need it...

I hope you get an all pro player for your team until he retires if you will wish the same for my Raiders.

Why thank you R8ers how nice of you. I hope you get an all pro player for your team too until he retires from walking into an aidsfiretree.

[The Bad Guy]

Originally Posted by Priest31kc

What about them? He didn't play that badly in either one, especially the Tech game.

And so what if he did? A couple games in which he didn't tear it up means he's not good?

And what are your serious questions about him?

Yeah he did play that badly in both of them. I like him but Jesus it's ridiculous that even in bad games the spin is knowmo-esque.

[Molitoth]

Originally Posted by Frankie

That is my biggest unanswered question about him. If I knew for sure he had 75% of Russel Wilson's mental toughness, I'd be firmly among the rest of the resident screaming Geno groupies of the CP. That's why I'm reserving my judgement until after the combine.

Because the combine is going to show more mental toughness than 3 seasons playing actual games...

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by milkman

You don't think it requires mental toughness to have to put your team on your shoulders every ****ing game to keep your team in those games.

For ****'s sake, his defense gave up 47.5 points a game.

JFC, you are a ****ing moron.

Quit yapping Benji and discuss football. Cujo you ain't. You say Geno carried his team but you never give the same credit to Tyler Wilson who had a much shittier team around him that was coming off a scandal to boot.

And while we are at it I repeat AGAIN. Maybe this time it has a small chance of it penetrating your thick skull. I AM NOT A GENO SMITH HATER. I'm just being logical and cautious until I have more data on him to form my final opinion. Unlike you and other groupies here pining and passing out for him like teenage girls for a boy band lead singer.

[R8RFAN]

I think you need to trade down with someone.... Geno won't go until 7-8

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

Because the combine is going to show more mental toughness than 3 seasons playing actual games...

No silly, the combines prove not only tangible facts, but more importantly a good insight into his mental make up.

[O.city]

Originally Posted by Frankie

No silly, the combines prove not only tangible facts, but more importantly a good insight into his mental make up.

And you plan on being in the interviews?

[threebag]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I'm not reading all the crap in this thread. Is there anything good in it?

Frankie and Milkman are working on going down on each other.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Frankie

Quit yapping Benji and discuss football. Cujo you ain't. You say Geno carried his team but you never give the same credit to Tyler Wilson who had a much shittier team around him that was coming off a scandal to boot.

And while we are at it I repeat AGAIN. Maybe this time it has a small chance of it penetrating your thick skull. I AM NOT A GENO SMITH HATER. I'm just being logical and cautious until I have more data on him to form my final opinion. Unlike you and other groupies here pining and passing out for him like teenage girls for a boy band lead singer.

Let me intrepret for those that are not educated in Frankie bullshit.

I am not going to go all in on Geno until Mel Kiper tells me to.

[RunKC]

Originally Posted by Frankie

Quit yapping Benji and discuss football. Cujo you ain't. You say Geno carried his team but you never give the same credit to Tyler Wilson who had a much shittier team around him that was coming off a scandal to boot.

And while we are at it I repeat AGAIN. Maybe this time it has a small chance of it penetrating your thick skull. I AM NOT A GENO SMITH HATER. I'm just being logical and cautious until I have more data on him to form my final opinion. Unlike you and other groupies here pining and passing out for him like teenage girls for a boy band lead singer.

Thank God someone else has this POV.

[Bewbies]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Thank God someone else has this POV.

You have no idea what you've just said.

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by O.city

And you plan on being in the interviews?

No. But in case you missed them in the past, there usually are reports on them. And there are usually leaked/reported wonderlic scores. And the Mooch/Gruden QB interviews. Did you know?