Well, Walter is sticking to his prediction right now that the Chiefs are getting a DE, an OT, and a CB on the first day of the Draft. The order's changed around this time.

6. Kansas City Chiefs: Sam Baker, OT, USC
Brodie Croyle actually looked pretty decent at Indianapolis, so maybe the Chiefs will hold off on drafting a quarterback and give their young gun-slinger a year to prove himself. With that in mind, Sam Baker and Ryan Clady become serious options to improve the offensive line. I know there are better prospects available at this juncture, but Kansas City cannot afford to surrender 43 sacks in 12 games again.

40. Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
Jared Allen may defect for another team via the free-agent market. If that happens, the Chiefs will need an insurance policy.

70. Kansas City Chiefs: Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
Ty Law and Patrick Surtain will both be over the age of 32 once the 2008 season commences.

As usual, I've got to disagree with Walter, here. I don't think DE is a severe need for the Chiefs this offseason, to the point where they're going to draft one on the first day -- on the second day, it's possible. But not on the first. Jared Allen's really not going anywhere. If we're drafting for the defensive line on the first day, it's got to be DT, not DE.

Secondly, Herm trusts himself to find CB talent in the low rounds and in UDFAs. Although he was taken with Eric Wright last year, I believe that to be an exception to the rule.

I sent this email his way. Let's see if it affects his mock next week.

Hey Walter,

Big, big Chiefs fan here. Always enjoy reading your mocks. Agree or disagree with them, they're a good read.

You've suggested over your last couple mocks that the Chiefs will be looking DE, CB, and OT on the first day, in varying order. It's almost a sure-thing that Chiefs are going OT on the first day, but DE and CB are more controversial predictions.

When asked about Jared Allen this yaer, Chiefs GM Carl Peterson has said in numerous interviews that he "doesn't let good players go." Agree or disagree, I think you and I both see the franchise option coming down the mountain and probably a Jared Allen holdout. But nonetheless, the entire Chiefs' community believes that Peterson's clamping Allen down one way or another, reducing our need to draft DE on the first day. It wouldn't surprise me if it happened on the second day, though, seeing how we need a third DE that can get some pressure.

Also, I'm sure you know that Herm Edwards was an UDFA CB in the NFL that started many years for the Eagles. He believes that he can spot CB talent as good as anyone, and trusts himself to spot talent in low rounds and the UDFA market (he drafted a CB in the 5th in 2006, and only picked up an UDFA in 2007). You don't need to be elite to be a Cover 2 corner anyway, so I'd bet on Herm drafting a CB in the lower rounds this year, but I'd be incredibly surprised to see him draft one on the first day.

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Got an email back.

Glad you like my site.

Good info on Herm Edwards liking to see talent at cornerback. I'll definitely keep that in mind.

So, if no corner or defensive end for the Chiefs in the first three rounds, what positions do you see them going after?

Walt

My response, seconds ago.

Hey Walter,

Well, as you know, the Chiefs are desperate at every single position at OL except for Brian Waters, so I wouldn't be surprised by at least two first-day picks for OL alone. (For the record, I'm going by the old knowledge that "first day" = "rounds 1-3.")

The Chiefs are also pleased by Bowe, obviously, as a true #1. Webb's the only other WR this franchise is interested in keeping, as Kennison is half-expected to retire and Parker is fully expected to be released. Webb's no #2, though, so a first-day pick at WR isn't out of the question.

The Chiefs have Alphonso Boone doing a good job at DT, but Ron Edwards should be a backup guy, and Tyler and McBride, both high-round picks in 2007, have done next to nothing. DT remains a sore area of need.

OLB also isn't entirely out of the question if a guy of great value pops up, to replace Donnie Edwards in a couple years.

And I'm with you: if Brodie Croyle continues to show nothing, the Chiefs should draft a stud QB in the first. But Herm will probably stick with Croyle, and if he doesn't I suspect he'll (gulp) pick up Pennington in FA.

Thanks for keeping an open mind.

I like Baker but I would probally take Ellis in that mock. More than likely though I would try to trade down and get Baker or one them later on.

This team shouldn't spend a first day pick on defense, whatsoever.

Trade down for value if necessary but offense is a MUST.

3 round mock posted today.

Sticking with the OT-DE-CB motif, but this time around changes the personnel.

6. Kansas City Chiefs: Sam Baker, OT, USC
Brodie Croyle actually looked pretty decent at Indianapolis, so maybe the Chiefs will hold off on drafting a quarterback and give their young gun-slinger a year to prove himself. With that in mind, Sam Baker and Ryan Clady become serious options to improve the offensive line. I know there are better prospects available at this juncture, but Kansas City cannot afford to surrender 43 sacks in 12 games again.

39. Kansas City Chiefs: Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Jared Allen may defect for another team via the free-agent market. If that happens, the Chiefs will need an insurance policy.

70. Kansas City Chiefs: Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
Ty Law and Patrick Surtain will both be over the age of 32 once the 2008 season commences.

3 round mock posted today.

7. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Brodie Croyle actually looked pretty decent at Indianapolis, so maybe the Chiefs will hold off on drafting a quarterback and give their young gun-slinger a year to prove himself. With that in mind, Sam Baker and Ryan Clady become serious options to improve the offensive line. I know there are better prospects available at this juncture, but Kansas City cannot afford to surrender 48 sacks in 14 games again.

37. Kansas City Chiefs: Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Jared Allen may defect for another team via the free-agent market. If that happens, the Chiefs will need an insurance policy.

68. Kansas City Chiefs: Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
Ty Law and Patrick Surtain will both be over the age of 32 once the 2008 season commences.

The big difference here is at OT this time around -- Walt believes Baker won't go until pick 14, to the Eagles.

I find this highly improbable, and would opt for Baker over Clady, but that's just me.

Three more.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Brian Brohm and Andre' Woodson are both options here, but Brodie Croyle actually looked pretty decent at Indianapolis, so maybe the Chiefs will hold off on drafting a quarterback and give their young gun-slinger a year to prove himself. With that in mind, Sam Baker and Ryan Clady become serious options to improve the offensive line. I know there are better prospects available at this juncture, but Kansas City cannot afford to surrender 52 sacks in 15 games again.

38. Kansas City Chiefs: Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Jared Allen may defect for another team via the free-agent market. If that happens, the Chiefs will need an insurance policy.

69. Kansas City Chiefs: Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
Ty Law and Patrick Surtain will both be over the age of 32 once the 2008 season commences.

No, no trades. We are a terrible team and can't afford to give away our picks. If you want a vet CB- go get a free-agent.

Updated today. He's starting to stay static.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Brian Brohm and Andre' Woodson are both options here, but Brodie Croyle is young and has looked semi-decent at times, so maybe the Chiefs will hold off on drafting a quarterback and give their young gun-slinger a year to prove himself. With that in mind, Sam Baker and Ryan Clady become serious options to improve the offensive line. I know there are better prospects available at this juncture, but Kansas City cannot afford to surrender 55 sacks against next year.

35. Kansas City Chiefs: Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Jared Allen may defect for another team via the free-agent market. If that happens, the Chiefs will need an insurance policy.

66. Kansas City Chiefs: Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
Ty Law and Patrick Surtain will both be over the age of 32 once the 2008 season commences.

Why does everybody think Clady is Top Ten?

Only good pick in that was the Lowery pick. I love him, he is going to be a good corner. Saw him last year in the New Mexico Bowl, and stashed him away and saw him a couple of times this year. Good cornerback.

Who's everybody?

Almost every reputable report I've read said he's likely a 10-15 guy.

Scott Wright has him going to Houston at 16.

Excellent footwork, better than the other top tackles. He's also a definite LT, whereas some people feel that Long may end up on the right side.

Clady is a bit raw, but he has the size and physical abilities to develop into an All Pro LT.

By the way, I'm a big Walter Football fan. I'm beginning to like his analysis more than Scott Wright's, who seems to sit on the fence with many prospects.

You are correct. NO HIGH $$$ TRADES.