Arguments for a Left Tackle in the 2010 Draft.

[Saccopoo]

While the vast majority of drafturbators around here think that Branden Albert is doing a remarkable job and had a great last half of the season, some people believe that adding a competent offensive left tackle would be a prudent and viable selection for the Chiefs with their first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Some supporting arguments for a left tackle:

Wes Bunting: Well, after Suh, McCoy and Berry, Russell Okung's a pretty safe pick. Sure, he might not be the sexiest of guys, but honestly Branden Albert was one of the highest rated guards I'd seen and yet he hasn't yet had the type of career because he's be a run-of-the-mill tackle. You'd be surprised how quickly that offensive line would improve if you got a legit offensive tackle in there and kick Branden Albert inside. Some good things could happen.

From Walters 2010 Mock:

Fortunately, Pioli, who is a big believer in positional value, can take Okung without sacrificing too much of his team's payroll into the left tackle position. Albert makes less than $1 million in each of the next two seasons, and was a guard at Virginia anyway.

Okung is the real deal. He could take the Chiefs' offense to the next level, though the team will ultimately struggle in the playoffs because of Cassel's limitations.

From Walters/Matt McGuire's Mock:

Russell Okung - This pick is a no-brainer and barring a huge screw-up, I think we can all be 99-percent assured the Kansas City Chiefs are handcuffed to taking a left tackle at this pick. It will be interesting to see whether it ends up being Okung, Anthony Davis or Bruce Campbell, as the battle for the No. 1 tackle spot is one of the best storylines of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Okung was the most consistent lineman in the nation this year and he will test out on a very high level athletically.

From Draftcountdown:

The Chiefs have plenty of needs and could go in a number of different directions here but their offensive line play has been particularly troubling. In fact, Kansas City ranked among the worst in the league when it comes to sacks allowed. Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung isn’t an elite prospect in the mold of Tony Boselli, Jon Ogden or Orlando Pace but he has clearly emerged as the top offensive tackle in this class and will likely be a Top 10 pick. With good size, long arms, great strength, above-average athleticism and feet as well as top-notch intangibles, Okung is just a very good all-around blocker. Okung could slide into the starting lineup at either left or right tackle for the Chiefs and any investment in keeping franchise quarterback Matt Cassel upright is money well spent.

From Mel Kiper:

I think the Chiefs could use help at safety as well, but Berry likely won't fall this far, and they'd be reaching on either of the two other safeties with first-round grades. Okung could solve two problems, making him a good value -- he could step in at LT and allow the Chiefs to move Brandon Albert to the right side. A pick that can pay immediate dividends for the Chiefs.

From Don Banks/Sports Illustrated:

If Berry should get this far, the Chiefs would be the benefactors, but Okung seems like the right fit in the right spot for Kansas City. The Chiefs have tons of needs, but in Okung they would be getting a franchise left tackle, allowing them to shift Branden Albert back to his more natural right tackle position.

It's damn near a cultural universal!

Also in opposition to people who believe that Branden Albert had a very good last four games, in the Buffalo game, he was penalized three times (tied for most in a game in 2009) and gave up a whopping five quarterback pressures. In the Cincinatti game, he was penalized twice and allow a hit on the quarterback. In actuality, taking out the fluke Denver game, which was a drive block fest as Jamaal Charles racked up a Chiefs single game rushing record, Albert did not perform well in the last quarter of the season. Yes, he didn't give up any sacks, but there were a lot of qb pressures and penalties.

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

I know we were horrible. Reeally really bad team. Herm was such a great refresher after the fail that was DV.

How many of those guys did the chiefs draft in the top 5?

[philfree]

Originally Posted by Brock

Who cares if he sucks or not? Replacing a guy you already have after 2 years is idiotic.

I'm not wanting to draft an OT in the 1st round but Pioli and Haley didn't draft Albert so I don't think it really matters to them if he's only been in the league for two years. If their evaluation leads them to believe that Albert isn't their LT then they shouldn't hesitate to replace him. I hope they give him another year and draft some defense early on in the draft. And also if they upgrade other positions on the line maybe that will clear the way for Albert to reach our expectations.


PhilFree

[Dave Lane]

Originally Posted by keg in kc

How many of those guys did the chiefs draft in the top 5?

None. Which to my basic point on LT. Who cares? Maybe Okung is great maybe he's not. Same with Berry. Never take a safety in the top 10 is the basic rule. He may turn out great he may not. He'd be a great addition but I'm not locked in to Berry or bust. I'd like Suh if I was getting anyone but he might go Jamarcus bust on us to. I'll actually give all the analysts in the world some credit and the scouts too. No one on this board knows more than they do or has any of their livelihood tied up in making scouting decisions. When any of you get a check from a NFL team let us know and I definitely will pay closer attention.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by RustShack

and if you actually watched him play pass blocking isn't his thing.

Not true at all.

[WildTurkey]

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

None. Which to my basic point on LT. Who cares? Maybe Okung is great maybe he's not. Same with Berry. Never take a safety in the top 10 is the basic rule. He may turn out great he may not. He'd be a great addition but I'm not locked in to Berry or bust. I'd like Suh if I was getting anyone but he might go Jamarcus bust on us to. I'll actually give all the analysts in the world some credit and the scouts too. No one on this board knows more than they do or has any of their livelihood tied up in making scouting decisions. When any of you get a check from a NFL team let us know and I definitely will pay closer attention.

I disagree, I think we know the Chiefs a hell of a lot more than your average draft site or talking head... You're right about the scouting part we are not scouts but we are passionate fans and have every right to nit pick and bitch about the draft

[Danman]

Saccopoo,

Did Albert steal your Girl/car/beer/oreo cookies? You gots a lotta hate for one guy

[BossChief]

1) Okung
2a) Iupati
2b) Johnson
3) Pouncey

If we are gonna do it, might as well get it over with and never have to talk about it agaain, right?

Just shoot me

[Dave Lane]

Originally Posted by WildTurkey

I disagree, I think we know the Chiefs a hell of a lot more than your average draft site or talking head... You're right about the scouting part we are not scouts but we are passionate fans and have every right to nit pick and bitch about the draft

Fine nitpick. Say you don't like the pick or this guy because X Y or Z. Its fine. It doesn't make someone a reerun because they disagree. No one has ANY idea how any of these guys will do. The draft is the biggest crapshoot in the history of the world. Anyone who is acting like they know how this draft will shake out is delusional.

[philfree]

Originally Posted by BossChief

1) Okung
2a) Iupati
2b) Johnson
3) Pouncey

If we are gonna do it, might as well get it over with and never have to talk about it agaain, right?

Just shoot me

It's pretty funny really. LOL


PhilFree

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

None. Which to my basic point on LT. Who cares? Maybe Okung is great maybe he's not. Same with Berry. Never take a safety in the top 10 is the basic rule. He may turn out great he may not. He'd be a great addition but I'm not locked in to Berry or bust. I'd like Suh if I was getting anyone but he might go Jamarcus bust on us to. I'll actually give all the analysts in the world some credit and the scouts too. No one on this board knows more than they do or has any of their livelihood tied up in making scouting decisions. When any of you get a check from a NFL team let us know and I definitely will pay closer attention.

I'll take the best safety prospect of the last decade over a LT who'd be a mid- to low-1st in a draft with any blue-chip tackles.

I'd have no problem with Suh for the same reason I'd have no problem with Barry. They're generational players.

Whereas Okung is a guy who doesn't even grade higher than the guy (drafted two years ago), that he'd be picked to replace.

It makes absolutely zero sense.

As for the "when any of you get a check from an NFL team", well, none of the draft "analysts" get one either, last I checked. They talk to people on the phone, read analysis. They're like glorified mecca's. They just happen to get paid for the stuff they conjure out of the ether.

Not that it matters. I mean, seriously, this is a discussion on a ****ing bulletin board.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by BossChief

1) Okung
2a) Iupati
2b) Johnson
3) Pouncey

If we are gonna do it, might as well get it over with and never have to talk about it agaain, right?

Just shoot me

WE WOULD BE UNSTOPPABLE, JUST LIKE WHEN WE PUT HOLMES AND JOHNSON IN THE SAME BACKFIELD

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

Yep I have to admit it no one knows OL like CP draftniks unquestioned.

T Russell Okung - One of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, Okung allowed just one sack and two quarterback pressures all season. He was credited with 127 knockdown blocks and 58 domination blocks. OSU led the Big 12 in rushing for the fourth consecutive season.

Suckage

Those awards and stats mean nothing to scouts when it comes to looking at how they project to the next level.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by BossChief

1) Okung
2a) Iupati
2b) Johnson
3) Pouncey

If we are gonna do it, might as well get it over with and never have to talk about it agaain, right?

Just shoot me

Wouldn't we still need a RT since neither Okung or Albert fit that discription?

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by Coogs

Wouldn't we still need a RT since neither Okung or Albert fit that discription?

if details were involved we wouldnt be having this conversation in the first place...

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by BossChief

if details were involved we wouldnt be having this conversation in the first place...