Gosselin- NFL Draft Watch: Kansas City Chiefs

**Tribal Warfare** · 04-16-2009, 10:45 PM

NFL Draft Watch: Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have not lost a starter yet in free agency. But when you're coming off a 2-14 season, does it really matter?

The Chiefs ranked 24th in the NFL in offense and 31st in defense, setting an NFL record for pass-rush futility with only 10 sacks. New general manager Scott Pioli took his first few steps toward changing the look and mentality of the Chiefs by acquiring quarterback Matt Cassel from his old team, the New England Patriots, for a second-round draft choice. So take the Chiefs out of the Matt Stafford-Mark Sanchez market at the top of the draft.

Pioli also added some veterans for leadership -- players who can show the youngest team in the NFL how to act professionally and to win. Pro Bowl linebacker Mike Vrabel was a throw-in in the Cassel deal and LB Zach Thomas and WR Bobby Engram signed on as free agents. Plenty of holes remain, and the Chiefs only have seven draft picks, including just two in the Top 100 selections, to address them.

Linebacker is a pressing need. So are playmakers on offense. If the Chiefs deal disgruntled Tony Gonzalez before the draft, add tight end to the shopping list. Kansas City can use upgrades in pass coverage, where they ranked 28th in the NFL in pass defense, plus overall defensive speed and some young toughness up front on offense. The Chiefs probably need four starters to come out of this draft.

04-16-2009, 10:45 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3037187	Gosselin- NFL Draft Watch: Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft Watch: Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs have not lost a starter yet in free agency. But when you're coming off a 2-14 season, does it really matter? The Chiefs ranked 24th in the NFL in offense and 31st in defense, setting an NFL record for pass-rush futility with only 10 sacks. New general manager Scott Pioli took his first few steps toward changing the look and mentality of the Chiefs by acquiring quarterback Matt Cassel from his old team, the New England Patriots, for a second-round draft choice. So take the Chiefs out of the Matt Stafford-Mark Sanchez market at the top of the draft. Pioli also added some veterans for leadership -- players who can show the youngest team in the NFL how to act professionally and to win. Pro Bowl linebacker Mike Vrabel was a throw-in in the Cassel deal and LB Zach Thomas and WR Bobby Engram signed on as free agents. Plenty of holes remain, and the Chiefs only have seven draft picks, including just two in the Top 100 selections, to address them. Linebacker is a pressing need. So are playmakers on offense. If the Chiefs deal disgruntled Tony Gonzalez before the draft, add tight end to the shopping list. Kansas City can use upgrades in pass coverage, where they ranked 28th in the NFL in pass defense, plus overall defensive speed and some young toughness up front on offense. The Chiefs probably need four starters to come out of this draft.
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