Walterfootball.com Mock Drafts

[Tribal Warfare]

Originally Posted by aturnis

Update -

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
Still Brian Orakpo. I've seen some mocks with a quarterback going here, but since I don't think Sam Bradford will declare, that's not really an option.

Not that it should be anyway - Tyler Thigpen has done a really remarkable job this year, commanding Kansas City's offense to 21.6 points per game ever since taking over as the full-time starter on Oct. 26. I know he's guilty of a lot of turnovers, but this was essentially his rookie year. He'll continue to get better.

Besides, if you have a lot of holes like the Chiefs do, why would you upgrade one of your strengths? It makes no sense, especially considering how bad the defense is. Kansas City had just 10 sacks on the year!

The Chiefs foolishly traded away Jared Allen prior to the 2008 Draft, while moving Tamba Hali to right end failed miserably. Hali, now back at left end, needs a dominant pass-rusher across from him to once again play at his 2007 level.

That man can be Brian Orakpo. In 11 games, Orakpo had 15.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks, as he's established himself as the premier defensive end in this draft class. Kansas City's young defense would greatly benefit from having him rushing the opposing quarterback.

By the way, I saw that one of ESPN's draft guys had Aaron Maybin, a defensive end from Penn State, going in this slot. That's great, except Maybin already told the media and coaching staff he's coming back for his redshirt junior year. Maybin could ultimately declare, and if he does, he'll go top five. For now, he won't be in my mock.

I know for a fact that this guy just looks at the fantasy football stats, and doesn't review actual game film concerning Thigpen.