Chiefs Teicher:Chiefs should have a short list of top draft pick candidates

Mecca · 02-11-2009, 05:35 AM

Who knew Mike Mayock was a true fan...

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...y/1028585.html

Chiefs should have a short list of top draft pick candidates
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Hundreds of players are available in this year’s NFL draft, but the Chiefs will have to investigate only a fraction of them when it comes to their first pick.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said only about 10 players are worthy of the Chiefs’ consideration with their top pick, which is third overall.

“There’s probably a total of 10 guys they’ll have to look at and evaluate and then say, ‘OK, here’s our list one, two and three,’ ” Mayock said. “They know they’re getting one of those guys.”

Mayock’s list is heavy on offensive players, which is unfortunate for a team that needs plenty of help on its defensive front seven. It includes quarterbacks Matt Stafford of Georgia and Mark Sanchez of Southern California, wide receivers Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech and Jeremy Maclin of Missouri, running backs Knowshon Moreno of Georgia and Chris Wells of Ohio State and offensive tackles Eugene Monroe of Virginia and Jason Smith of Baylor.

The only defensive players are Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry and Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo.

While the Chiefs are closer to being competitive on offense than defense, they have few positions where they couldn’t use some help. Perhaps the only one is cornerback, where rookies Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers moved into the lineup last season and looked like part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

Picking third, their highest position since taking Neil Smith with the second pick in 1988, would allow the Chiefs a chance at a long-elusive franchise quarterback. Stafford will likely be selected by Detroit with the first pick, but Sanchez could well be available to the Chiefs.

“The potential franchise quarterback is the most important position on your team,” Mayock said. “If I’m building a franchise, the first thing I’m going to do is (investigate) the quarterback position. This year, the guys you better evaluate are Stafford and Sanchez. I’m not trying to tell you they should take them at (No.) 3. I’m saying they had better understand what they are.

“I wish Sanchez went back (to USC) for another year. He needed another year. He’s a kid that only started 16 games, but he’s got the ability and the toughness and the arm strength and can learn the pro game and be a starter.”

Moreno and Wells are the best of the running backs, and the Chiefs could be in the market for a featured back if they dispose of Larry Johnson, who is unhappy in Kansas City and wants out.

The Chiefs drafted Branden Albert in the first round last year, and he looks like their left tackle for several seasons. That’s why the Chiefs probably wouldn’t seriously consider Monroe or Smith, but it’s not impossible because they could use an upgrade on the right side of their line.

With so many other needs, wide receiver probably won’t be a priority. But faced with the opportunity of grabbing a playmaker like Crabtree or Maclin, could the Chiefs turn it down?

Of all the players on Mayock’s list, Curry might make the most sense for the Chiefs. They didn’t get any reliable play from their linebackers last season and lacked a playmaker after trading Jared Allen.

“I’m a big believer that Aaron Curry might be the safest pick in the entire draft,” Mayock said. “I hate to say that, but when you’re sitting at (No.) 3, the thing you can’t afford to do is make a mistake. Worst-case scenario: He’s got to be a good football player. Aaron Curry is that kind of guy.

“He played (strong side) linebacker in college. He dominated the tight end. But I could very easily see him converting to a 3-4 outside linebacker because he can rush the passer well, he drops in coverage well. He’s a fifth-year kid. He’s mature. I just think he’s the safest guy out there.”

Boy that's how I'd wanna make my picks based on the fear of a bust so I reach for a devalued position brilliant!

Danman · 02-11-2009, 05:53 AM

Actually I'm surprised Teicher didn't build a strong case for Orakpo in his article, or be more into drafting another LT.

Mecca · 02-11-2009, 06:00 AM

You know I was doing some searching of past evaluations..Mike Mayock said Leaf was a better prospect than Manning.

Deberg_1990 · 02-11-2009, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

You know I was doing some searching of past evaluations..Mike Mayock said Leaf was a better prospect than Manning.

Depends on what your talking about because physically, he was. Leaf had all the tools but a head.

**the Talking Can** · 02-11-2009, 06:10 AM

fear is obviously the quickest route to a superbowl...just ask our idiot fan base

and I bet Clark made Pioli the highest paid GM with the belief that he was only talented enough to make "safe" picks....

Mecca · 02-11-2009, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Depends on what your talking about because physically, he was. Leaf had all the tools but a head.

His evaluation was something to the extent of "Peyton doesn't have the leadership qualities of his father, Leaf is the real gem of this class"

PhillyChiefFan · 02-11-2009, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

You know I was doing some searching of past evaluations..Mike Mayock said Leaf was a better prospect than Manning.

I always thought that Mayock was one of the most trustworthy draft guru.

Guess not.

Bootlegged · 02-11-2009, 06:52 AM

QB or trade down. Simple.

jidar · 02-11-2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

You know I was doing some searching of past evaluations..Mike Mayock said Leaf was a better prospect than Manning.

um. so did you

Mecca · 02-11-2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jidar

um. so did you

Jidar is here to hit us with his mind blowing assessment of what I said 10 years ago before I had the internet.

milkman · 02-11-2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyChiefFan

I always thought that Mayock was one of the most trustworthy draft guru.

Guess not.

Mayock is the best, but even the best make mistakes.

Mecca · 02-11-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Mayock is the best, but even the best make mistakes.

Pretty much, although if you feel strongly about something you shouldn't change your opinion do to what Mayock or Kiper or any of those guys say.

No matter what they do I'm not going to believe Jason Smith is the best OT in this draft, I think that is a ridiculous view.

KC Jones · 02-11-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

and I bet Clark made Pioli the highest paid GM with the belief that he was only talented enough to make "safe" picks....

If you look closely at the track record in New England, they never really went after big money risky prospects.

Mecca · 02-11-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Jones

If you look closely at the track record in New England, they never really went after big money risky prospects.

They also routinely picked at the back ends of rounds...

CrazyHorse · 02-11-2009, 07:57 AM

Started 16 games?!

So much for that QB arguement. That dude is way to green for the 3rd pick.

02-11-2009, 05:35 AM
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-712950	Teicher:Chiefs should have a short list of top draft pick candidates Who knew Mike Mayock was a true fan... http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...y/1028585.html Chiefs should have a short list of top draft pick candidates By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Hundreds of players are available in this year’s NFL draft, but the Chiefs will have to investigate only a fraction of them when it comes to their first pick. NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said only about 10 players are worthy of the Chiefs’ consideration with their top pick, which is third overall. “There’s probably a total of 10 guys they’ll have to look at and evaluate and then say, ‘OK, here’s our list one, two and three,’ ” Mayock said. “They know they’re getting one of those guys.” Mayock’s list is heavy on offensive players, which is unfortunate for a team that needs plenty of help on its defensive front seven. It includes quarterbacks Matt Stafford of Georgia and Mark Sanchez of Southern California, wide receivers Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech and Jeremy Maclin of Missouri, running backs Knowshon Moreno of Georgia and Chris Wells of Ohio State and offensive tackles Eugene Monroe of Virginia and Jason Smith of Baylor. The only defensive players are Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry and Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo. While the Chiefs are closer to being competitive on offense than defense, they have few positions where they couldn’t use some help. Perhaps the only one is cornerback, where rookies Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers moved into the lineup last season and looked like part of the solution instead of part of the problem. Picking third, their highest position since taking Neil Smith with the second pick in 1988, would allow the Chiefs a chance at a long-elusive franchise quarterback. Stafford will likely be selected by Detroit with the first pick, but Sanchez could well be available to the Chiefs. “The potential franchise quarterback is the most important position on your team,” Mayock said. “If I’m building a franchise, the first thing I’m going to do is (investigate) the quarterback position. This year, the guys you better evaluate are Stafford and Sanchez. I’m not trying to tell you they should take them at (No.) 3. I’m saying they had better understand what they are. “I wish Sanchez went back (to USC) for another year. He needed another year. He’s a kid that only started 16 games, but he’s got the ability and the toughness and the arm strength and can learn the pro game and be a starter.” Moreno and Wells are the best of the running backs, and the Chiefs could be in the market for a featured back if they dispose of Larry Johnson, who is unhappy in Kansas City and wants out. The Chiefs drafted Branden Albert in the first round last year, and he looks like their left tackle for several seasons. That’s why the Chiefs probably wouldn’t seriously consider Monroe or Smith, but it’s not impossible because they could use an upgrade on the right side of their line. With so many other needs, wide receiver probably won’t be a priority. But faced with the opportunity of grabbing a playmaker like Crabtree or Maclin, could the Chiefs turn it down? Of all the players on Mayock’s list, Curry might make the most sense for the Chiefs. They didn’t get any reliable play from their linebackers last season and lacked a playmaker after trading Jared Allen. “I’m a big believer that Aaron Curry might be the safest pick in the entire draft,” Mayock said. “I hate to say that, but when you’re sitting at (No.) 3, the thing you can’t afford to do is make a mistake. Worst-case scenario: He’s got to be a good football player. Aaron Curry is that kind of guy. “He played (strong side) linebacker in college. He dominated the tight end. But I could very easily see him converting to a 3-4 outside linebacker because he can rush the passer well, he drops in coverage well. He’s a fifth-year kid. He’s mature. I just think he’s the safest guy out there.” Boy that's how I'd wanna make my picks based on the fear of a bust so I reach for a devalued position brilliant!
Posts: 115,380

02-11-2009, 05:53 AM	#2
Danman Starter Join Date: Jan 2009 Casino cash: $9775175	Actually I'm surprised Teicher didn't build a strong case for Orakpo in his article, or be more into drafting another LT.
Posts: 354

02-11-2009, 06:00 AM	#3
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-712950	You know I was doing some searching of past evaluations..Mike Mayock said Leaf was a better prospect than Manning.
Posts: 115,380

02-11-2009, 06:10 AM	#5
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9162208	fear is obviously the quickest route to a superbowl...just ask our idiot fan base and I bet Clark made Pioli the highest paid GM with the belief that he was only talented enough to make "safe" picks.... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

02-11-2009, 06:52 AM	#8
Bootlegged One4Mahomes Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: f Casino cash: $9955545	QB or trade down. Simple.
Posts: 5,234

02-11-2009, 07:57 AM	#15
CrazyHorse All Motor! Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $10004900	Started 16 games?! So much for that QB arguement. That dude is way to green for the 3rd pick.
Posts: 2,118