Scott Wright's 2012 NFL Mock Draft

[Tribal Warfare]

DraftCountdown's Mock Draft

11 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: DONTARI POE, DT, MEMPHIS

The Chiefs have a pretty nice core of young talent in place but the rebuilding job is far from complete. One spot that must still be upgraded is nose tackle, where 35-year-old Kelly Gregg was merely a stop-gap solution. Dontari Poe of Memphis isn’t a household name just yet but that will start to change in the coming months. In fact, Poe should ultimately compete to be the first defensive tackle off the board. A 6-5 and 350 pound monster in the middle, Poe is not just big but also freakishly athletic, quick and agile. Poe is capable of playing defensive end in an odd front as well and that versatility will only add to his value. Chiefs GM Scott Pioli drafted Vince Wilfork during his tenure with the Dontari Poe | Memphis Tigers Patriots and Poe could play a similar role and have the same type of impact in Kansas City. Another major concern is right tackle and Riley Reiff of Iowa would be the most logical option of all if available, although they could also grab Jonathan Martin of Stanford and move Branden Albert to the right side. The inside linebacker spot alongside Derrick Johnson could stand to be upgraded as well and Vontaze Burfict of Arizona St. would be an absolutely perfect fit in their scheme, although character issues will likely make it difficult to pull the trigger this early.

[Chiefnj2]

Why do people automatically assume Albert can move to the right side?

[Chiefnj2]

I understand Powe is big and weighs a lot, but his skills would be completely misused as a 0 tech NT. Worse than Dorsey. Powe is quick and fast and gets into the backfield.

Check out a 2010 youtube game clip against Tenn. He runs 40 yards downfield to tackle Tauren Poole from behind.

[whoman69]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

I understand Powe is big and weighs a lot, but his skills would be completely misused as a 0 tech NT. Worse than Dorsey. Powe is quick and fast and gets into the backfield.

Check out a 2010 youtube game clip against Tenn. He runs 40 yards downfield to tackle Tauren Poole from behind.

So who would be a good NT for this draft?

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

I understand Powe is big and weighs a lot, but his skills would be completely misused as a 0 tech NT. Worse than Dorsey. Powe is quick and fast and gets into the backfield.

Check out a 2010 youtube game clip against Tenn. He runs 40 yards downfield to tackle Tauren Poole from behind.

No, that's what NTs with fantastic motors do. Gregg has that motor as well, but Powe's is in hyperdrive. He made plays like you just described in preseason.

That doesn't detract from the fact that he plays really low to the ground with tree-trunk legs. He was made to swallow blockers and plug the middle of the OL.

Powe himself, when interviewed shortly after the draft, called his best position the "nose guard."

HE CALLED IT THE NOSE GUARD. That's how old school Powe is, along with his work ethic.

His size, abilities, etc... he's prototypical to play the 2-gap nose. He's a good kid, and I think he's a part of this team's future. I think he could even serve as an outstanding starter, but I think he's going to need another year before he's "the guy," if that's a role the Chiefs want him in at all.

Which is strange to me. I thought he was pretty NFL-ready when we drafted him. But NFL defenses are more complex and the offenses are MUCH more complex, so he'll need time.

[O.city]

I think Chiefnj was meaning to say Poe, not Powe.

[milkman]

We'll just Powe-Poe the NT position.