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

[DoucheMcCloud]

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.

[htismaqe]

Guys, Gil Brandt was a scout for the Cowboys when facemasks only had one bar. He might be the ONLY NFL talking head that's actually OLDER than milkman.

[ncCHIEFfan]

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

I'd like Brandt to explain that: WHY should guards be valued that high? How does an outstanding guard make a bigger impact on his team than a merely good QB, pass-rusher, LT or CB? And how big a difference is there between an outstanding guard taken in the top 10 and a merely good guard taken in the 3rd round?

Because Gil Brandt is really, really old. This is a guy who still views the NFL as if it is 1974, when he was a big deal.

He's just old school and having a hard time dealing with the fact the NFL has passed him by. Still thinks spread passing influences are "gimmicks."

[milkman]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Guys, Gil Brandt was a scout for the Cowboys when facemasks only had one bar. He might be the ONLY NFL talking head that's actually OLDER than milkman.

I'm not nearly as old as everyone thinks.

Personal life issues got me invested emotionally into football at a very, very young age, and those memories are embedded.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by milkman

I'm not nearly as old as everyone thinks.

Personal life issues got me invested emotionally into football at a very, very young age, and those memories are embedded.

Yes, you've explained that before. It isn't nearly as much fun as calling you old, though.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Yes, you've explained that before. It isn't nearly as much fun as calling you old, though.

I enjoy the jokes, but I do believe that I have to occassionally address the myth.

[the Talking Can]

810...one caller after another whose sole purpose is to create arguments for not drafting a QB

some idiot has spent 5 minutes arguing that since Boomer Esiason was drafted in the second, we should pass on a QB in the first round...no god damn joke, wouldn't shut up about the 80's

the only upside is that KK has figured it out...he's calling them out for this nonsense

[Setsuna]

this thread looks like a Jags thread. That's bottom of the barrel.

[warpaint*]

Originally Posted by BossChief

I think Joeckel is an outstanding left tackle prospect...but we already have a fully developed version of him that needs a new contract.

He would be a wasted pick in KC.

Resigning BA is just what the Dr ordered to protect the blindside of a rookie QB learning on the fly. Seems like a no brainer to me.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by iachief
You don't draft a QB with the number 1 pick that is at best a late first round choice. This pick has to be smart since it is our "luck" that this is the worse QB draft in years and that is our glaring need. We have good talent and shoot, Trent Dilfer won a superbowl. You need good coaching, a good running game, and solid D and minimize turnovers. As much as would like us to have a QB, taking someone in this year's class at #1 would be trashing the pick as much as some think taking a LT would trash it. I agree that we should look at trading down and this declaration makes it much more attractive. If you can pick up a 2nd and 4th to move down 10 spots and then stretch for your QB, that may make some sense. However, if he grades out at a LT in the combines as good as he should, I would never be adverse to have Albert move to guard and getting a franchise LT.

Some serious dumbassery in this thread: http://www.chiefscrowd.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=22608

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Dave

Some serious dumbassery in this thread: http://www.chiefscrowd.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=22608

Why? Why did you link, and why did I read it.

[Bewbies]

I had a guy on twitter last night tell me the Dolphins made the right pick taking Long over Ryan because Long has been an All Pro LT.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Bewbies

I had a guy on twitter last night tell me the Dolphins made the right pick taking Long over Ryan because Long has been an All Pro LT.

Antfreeze. Especially this year, when Ryan has taken the next step and Long has fallen apart.

Speaking of Longs...

I would be fine with taking Kyle Long in round 2 IF Albert is not re-signed. He'll be a very good NFL OT, IMO. A bit of a crazy guy/headcase, but I like the way he has played in that Oregon system.

[siberian khatru]

However, if he grades out at a LT in the combines as good as he should, I would never be adverse to have Albert move to guard and getting a franchise LT.

There it is again! It never goes away! NEVER!

[Detoxing]

Originally Posted by Dave

Some serious dumbassery in this thread: http://www.chiefscrowd.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=22608

Can't fix stupid.

But you can at least lock them in a closet over there at Chiefscrowd.