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

[Mecca]

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!

[SenselessChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

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....

I really don't care about the 'quickest' way. I am patient. I have been through the short term rebuilding projects that give you a very small window to win anything.

Now, I am not opposed to a QB. But, at #3, to gamble is foolish. I also think reaching for a QB, that may not be worth the #3 pick is equally foolish. I think the Chiefs should take the best player that fits a position of need. Good news... the Chiefs were 2-14, nearly every position is one of need.

I think the best player in the entire draft is Crabtree. My opinion. I think the second best player is Curry. Again, my opinion.

So, in MY opinion, you take one of these two. I understand going with Curry because a playmaker on defense is a bigger need than one on offense.

I am not worried about them making a 'safe' pick, but I want it to be the right one.

[Mecca]

You can only be beat over the head with it so many times till the person doing the beating gets frustrated and would rather just laugh about how you don't get it.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

I really don't care about the 'quickest' way. I am patient. I have been through the short term rebuilding projects that give you a very small window to win anything.

Now, I am not opposed to a QB. But, at #3, to gamble is foolish. I also think reaching for a QB, that may not be worth the #3 pick is equally foolish. I think the Chiefs should take the best player that fits a position of need. Good news... the Chiefs were 2-14, nearly every position is one of need.

I think the best player in the entire draft is Crabtree. My opinion. I think the second best player is Curry. Again, my opinion.

So, in MY opinion, you take one of these two. I understand going with Curry because a playmaker on defense is a bigger need than one on offense.

I am not worried about them making a 'safe' pick, but I want it to be the right one.

If this team takes a WR or a OLB with the 3rd pick and whichever one it is doesn't become a every year pro bowl stupid, I'm going to personally come to your house and punch you in the face.

[CrazyHorse]

Originally Posted by Mecca

You can only be beat over the head with it so many times till the person doing the beating gets frustrated and would rather just laugh about how you don't get it.

Yeah, I'm laughing, and you're kicking your feet in tantrum. Why not just say, you have your opinion and I have mine and leave it at that? Instead, you have generated an unrealistic opinion of yourself that you feel others share. You think you have to change the opinion of the rest that dont agree with you. 500 posts in the last 2 days prove that.

You really dont carry that type of credibility. Even if you did, you're still expected not to act like a child about it.

You have your opinion, I have mine and we'll just leave it at that.

[Mecca]

I don't really think asking someone to understand position draft value is an "opinion"

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

I really don't care about the 'quickest' way. I am patient. I have been through the short term rebuilding projects that give you a very small window to win anything.

Now, I am not opposed to a QB. But, at #3, to gamble is foolish. I also think reaching for a QB, that may not be worth the #3 pick is equally foolish. I think the Chiefs should take the best player that fits a position of need. Good news... the Chiefs were 2-14, nearly every position is one of need.

I think the best player in the entire draft is Crabtree. My opinion. I think the second best player is Curry. Again, my opinion.

So, in MY opinion, you take one of these two. I understand going with Curry because a playmaker on defense is a bigger need than one on offense.

I am not worried about them making a 'safe' pick, but I want it to be the right one.

Textbook TF.

Originally Posted by Mecca

If this team takes a WR or a OLB with the 3rd pick and whichever one it is doesn't become a every year pro bowl stupid, I'm going to personally come to your house and punch you in the face.

I'll drive.

Originally Posted by Mecca

I don't really think asking someone to understand position draft value is an "opinion"

This.

[SenselessChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by Brock

We need a quarterback. We're taking a quarterback. Deal with it.

Not saying it 'won't' happen. But, look at Pioli's career. First, the Browns. While he was there, they drafted Eric Zeir (SP?) to be there QB of the future in the third round. I do not recall a first round QB. Could be mistaken.

With the Jets, they brought in Vinny Testeverde. I do not believe they drafted a first round QB. Pennington was a first rounder, but was not drafted until after Pioli had went to the Pats.

With the Pats, as we all know, Brady was a sixth and Cassel was a seventh.

Now, lets look at Haley.

With the Jets, no QB in the first round.

Chicago did draft Rex Grossman in Haley's last year there.... that's one.

In Dallas, they stuck with Drew Bledsoe and then developed an undrafted free agent.

And, in Arizona, with Matt Leinart sitting there waiting to play, Haley went with the grizzled vet that had his best years behind him. Oh, and note that Haley had no part in the drafting of Leinart.

Now, I would love to get the franchise QB. I don't believe Sanchez is the guy. I think Stafford will be gone. I won't bash the pick if the Chiefs go with Sanchez because I know to defer to them.

However, I don't believe that merely because we need a QB, the Chiefs will draft one in the first round.

I believe they will draft a QB nearly every year, just in the later rounds.

[Mecca]

That's such flawed logic, but oh well.

[SenselessChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by Mecca

If this team takes a WR or a OLB with the 3rd pick and whichever one it is doesn't become a every year pro bowl stupid, I'm going to personally come to your house and punch you in the face.

I'll meet you somewhere, I don't give out my home address.

What if Sanchez is a washout, and Curry and Crabtree are viewed as solid, if not spectacular players? Then, will you still think that the Chiefs should have drafted Sanchez?

See, I would prefer the Chiefs draft the franchise QB. I just don't see one. That is the difference. I think fans like you want a franchise QB, and well Sanchez will be the closest thing to one on the board, so you elevate him in your mind.

I am not saying the Chiefs 'won't' draft Sanchez. But, this idea that they surely will draft a QB is laughable.

Oh, Pioli and Haley are Parcells disciples... Um.... did Bill draft a QB first last year?

[Mecca]

Cause you know I'd rather wait and draft a spread monkey next year...if you think Bradford or McCoy are better prospects than Sanchez I don't know what to say to you..

And wanting to take a slow WR or a non rush backer top 5 literally blows my mind.

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Not saying it 'won't' happen. But, look at Pioli's career. First, the Browns. While he was there, they drafted Eric Zeir (SP?) to be there QB of the future in the third round. I do not recall a first round QB. Could be mistaken.

With the Jets, they brought in Vinny Testeverde. I do not believe they drafted a first round QB. Pennington was a first rounder, but was not drafted until after Pioli had went to the Pats.

With the Pats, as we all know, Brady was a sixth and Cassel was a seventh.

Now, lets look at Haley.

With the Jets, no QB in the first round.

Chicago did draft Rex Grossman in Haley's last year there.... that's one.

In Dallas, they stuck with Drew Bledsoe and then developed an undrafted free agent.

And, in Arizona, with Matt Leinart sitting there waiting to play, Haley went with the grizzled vet that had his best years behind him. Oh, and note that Haley had no part in the drafting of Leinart.

Now, I would love to get the franchise QB. I don't believe Sanchez is the guy. I think Stafford will be gone. I won't bash the pick if the Chiefs go with Sanchez because I know to defer to them.

However, I don't believe that merely because we need a QB, the Chiefs will draft one in the first round.

I believe they will draft a QB nearly every year, just in the later rounds.

Here's what we know about Pioli, regarding his NE years.

Why were they firing low-round selections on QB's early in his tenure there? Oh yeah, because Drew Bledsoe, the #1 overall selection was starting.

After catching lightning in a bottle with Brady, there was, once again, no need to take a QB high.

What we do know, however, is that even though the team had great talent at the position, Bledsoe and then Brady, Pioli kept drafting QB's. That's how he acquired Cassel.

End result: we know Pioli values the position. Greatly.

Thank goodness. Expect the Chiefs to draft one with the #3 overall selection, since there are two worthy prospects on the board.

[SenselessChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by Mecca

That's such flawed logic, but oh well.

I hope your player evaluation is better than your reading comprehension.

I never argued that they would NOT draft a QB because of these previous situations.

I am merely arguing that those organizations, whom these guys were a part didn't feel the need to draft a QB in the first round of their first draft.... or much at all really.

So, to assume that Pioli and Haley would just because the Chiefs need a QB, is illogical.

They, unlike idiot fans, see the big picture. Merely because they need a position, doesn't mean the guy that is sitting there is worth the pick.

Oh, and some idiots might call it 'safe' not to reach for a QB. But, MOST would call that smart.

[OnTheWarpath15]

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Not saying it 'won't' happen. But, look at Pioli's career. First, the Browns. While he was there, they drafted Eric Zeir (SP?) to be there QB of the future in the third round. I do not recall a first round QB. Could be mistaken.

With the Jets, they brought in Vinny Testeverde. I do not believe they drafted a first round QB. Pennington was a first rounder, but was not drafted until after Pioli had went to the Pats.

With the Pats, as we all know, Brady was a sixth and Cassel was a seventh.

Now, lets look at Haley.

With the Jets, no QB in the first round.

Chicago did draft Rex Grossman in Haley's last year there.... that's one.

In Dallas, they stuck with Drew Bledsoe and then developed an undrafted free agent.

And, in Arizona, with Matt Leinart sitting there waiting to play, Haley went with the grizzled vet that had his best years behind him. Oh, and note that Haley had no part in the drafting of Leinart.

Now, I would love to get the franchise QB. I don't believe Sanchez is the guy. I think Stafford will be gone. I won't bash the pick if the Chiefs go with Sanchez because I know to defer to them.

However, I don't believe that merely because we need a QB, the Chiefs will draft one in the first round.

I believe they will draft a QB nearly every year, just in the later rounds.

That might be the single most flawed logic post I've ever read.

Pioli didn't make the selections in New York and Cleveland, and we all know why he's never taken a QB high in New England - they already had a #1 overall in Bledsoe (who they gave a 10 year, $103M contract AFTER they drafted Brady) and then Brady. No need.

WTF would Haley have to do with draft selections, or for that matter, who the QB is?

That's the HC's call, not the ****ing WR's coach or OC.

[Mecca]

So basically they are going to be Carl Peterson, I got it.

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

I hope your player evaluation is better than your reading comprehension.

I never argued that they would NOT draft a QB because of these previous situations.

I am merely arguing that those organizations, whom these guys were a part didn't feel the need to draft a QB in the first round of their first draft.... or much at all really.

So, to assume that Pioli and Haley would just because the Chiefs need a QB, is illogical.

They, unlike idiot fans, see the big picture. Merely because they need a position, doesn't mean the guy that is sitting there is worth the pick.

Oh, and some idiots might call it 'safe' not to reach for a QB. But, MOST would call that smart.

There's a reason they didn't feel the need. And that's because there never was a need, in NE.

But keep blindly using the point of Brady in the 6th and Cassel in the 7th.