Mock (12/8)

[Direckshun]

Assumptions:

1. The Chiefs go 9-7 and miss the playoffs. All staff is retained.

2. S Eric Berry retires.

3. OLB Justin Houston is franchised.

5. The Chiefs re-sign C Rodney Hudson 4 years, $20m ($6m guaranteed), DE Kevin Vickerson 2 years, $4m, S Ron Parker 3 years, $6m ($500k guaranteed).

6. The Chiefs cut: QB Chase Daniel, WR Donnie Avery, WR AJ Jenkins, TE Anthony Fasano, DE Mike DeVito, OLB Tamba Hali, CB Marcus Cooper

7. OLB Josh Martin is tendered.

8. The following players walk in free agency: RB Joe McKnight, WR Junior Hemingway, WR Frankie Hammond, TE Demetrius Harris, TE Richard Gordon, OT Ryan Harris, OG Jeff Linkenbach, OG Mike McGlynn, CB Chris Owens, S Kelcie McCray

9. The Chiefs re-sign the following players for minimal deals: WR Jason Avant, ILB Josh Mauga, S Kurt Coleman, LS Thomas Gafford

10. The Chiefs sign the following free agents: WR Jermaine Kearse (Seahawks) 3 years, $9m ($2m guaranteed), TE Lance Kendricks (Rams) 2 years, $5m.

11. Compensatory picks: 3rd, 5th, 5th, 7th

On with the show:



1.20. OLB Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky

You cannot win in the NFL without a quarterback, protecting the quarterback, and getting to the other team's quarterback. The Chiefs have their QB, and I like the value for Dupree here better than I do for any OL. Dupree is a physical specimen who can really flourish with some great coaching. He has churned out consistent stats in a tough conference, and now that the team has to replace Tamba Hali, they are going to need to make sure they can get passrush from his spot. Dee Ford is a good start, but no sure thing; Dupree gives the Chiefs fortified talent at the position.

2.52. WR Rashad Greene, Florida State

Greene is an excellent receiver in that Florida State scheme. Lacks perhaps the elite speed or size, but is solid in both respects. His best attributes are that he's a sharp route-runner and his YAC ability -- both things which are sorely needed in an Alex Smith offense.

3.84. CB Cody Riggs, Notre Dame

The Chiefs prefer tall corners, but will go short at the slot position if they like the talent. With Chris Owens unceremoniously departing, the Chiefs invest in a guy with everything but size. Riggs is 5'9", but plays with fantastic physicality out of the slot.

3.98. CB Cam Thomas, Western Kentucky

Thomas is much more in the Chiefs' vein of CBs. Over 6'0", very long, excellent speed, and will need a ton of coaching.

4.120. OG Laken Tomlinson, Duke

A huge, muscular bowling ball, Tomlinson plays like a more athletic Zach Fulton.

5.160. ILB A.J. Johnson, Tennessee

The Chiefs need to keep working to replace Derrick Johnson, if his recovery this year doesn't work out.

5.174. NT Brandon Ivory, Alabama

The Chiefs need to keep fortifying behind Dontari Poe -- maybe someday they'll understand they need to rest their best defender.

5.176. OLB Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

The best name in this draft is also a sneaky-aggressive passrusher.

6.196. TE C.J. Uzomah, Auburn

It's no surprise that the split second the Chiefs lost their 3rd TE, their offense started to struggle.

7.235. FS Detrick Bonner, Virginia Tech

7.254. WR Jake Kumerow, Wisconsin-Whitewater