A Mockery of a Draft

[milkman]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

There is a shitload of talent at the top of the second round in the Walter Mock.

Arrelious Benn, Sergio Kindle, Ricky Sapp, Everson Griffen...wow.

I think I'd have to go:

1) Mays (it's basically like you have 12 players on D when one guy can take away the deep middle) S
2) Benn WR
2) O'Dowd C
3) Brandon Lang DE/OLB
4) Dan Williams NT
5) Dexter Davis DE/OLB
6) Micah Johnson ILB
7) Spent on Jake O'****tard

I'd be surprised to see O'Dowd last until the 52nd pick, where they are projecting the Falcons pick that the Chiefs got, but if there, that would be a no brainer pick.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

5. Myron Rolle, S; FSU
- Quit college football after graduating in 2.5 years and accepting a Rhodes scholarship to study medical anthropology. Is entering the 2010 draft upon completion of the scholarship. Was the #1 recruit in the country coming out of high school per ESPN. He's the full package at 6'2", 220 lb. An amazing athlete and, obviously, pretty darn smart. He has the potential to be a cross between Mays and Berry and could be the biggest steal in this draft.

Rolle will go before the fifth round.

[The Franchise]

That would put the line at:

Albert - Waters - O'Dowd - Mankins - O'Callagahan

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

That would put the line at:

Albert - Waters - O'Dowd - Mankins - O'Callagahan

The more I think about it, the more I believe that Albert's success at LT last year was more due to the pistol/spread than anything else. He just hasn't looked right operating out of a under center set so far this year. As such, I just don't think that there is many options other than selecting the best LT in this draft and hope that they can get some playmakers later on in the draft. And I don't really see much in the way of viable offensive lineman in free agency next year. (Gaither, Evans and McNeill are most likely going to be signed with their respective teams which puts you into guys like Lutui, Barron and the like. I'm afraid it's draft or bust my friends.)

It looks like they like Jovan Belcher at a future MLB, but the ILB position needs an immediate upgrade to a more instinctive player. TE with Ryan? Not beyond this season. No effing way. And with Hali playing decently (not great, but okay), I can see an argument for switching the OLB position for say a DT or S or RB. There can be no argument about needing at least three new positions on the offensive line. It's horrible. Albert moving to guard would count as one of those "new" positions. I can't see the team re-signing Niswanger unless it's as a back up at best.

Offensive slanted draft:

1. Russell Okung, OT; OSU
2. Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB; TCU
2. Zane Beadles, OT; Utah
3. Dennis Pitta, TE; BYU
4. Joe Pawelek, ILB; Baylor
5. Matt Tenant, C; BC
5. Brandon James, PR/KR/WR; Florida

Okung - Albert - Tenant - Waters - Beadles

looks substantially more palatable than our current situation.

Defensive slanted draft:

1. Eric Berry, S; Tenn
2. Charles Brown, OT; USC
2. Eric Norwood, OLB/DE; South Carolina
3. AJ Edds, OLB; Iowa
4. Jamar Chaney, ILB; Miss St.
5. John Jerry, OG; Ole Miss
5. John Estes, C; Hawaii

Actually, the more I look at it, I really, really like this one.

Brown - Waters - Estes - Jerry - Albert

I could live with that, along with a complete (and needed) overhaul of our linebacking corps. Miss out on a TE though. Perhaps Pope gets it, and bringing in a guy like Tony Scheffler via FA wouldn't be too bad I guess. (I really like Pitta and Dickson though. *sigh*)

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

The more I think about it, the more I believe that Albert's success at LT last year was more due to the pistol/spread than anything else.

I could not disagre any more.

The Chiefs went to the spread in the 6th(?) last season and Albert was playing great in those first 4 games last year on athletic ability alone.

He's struggling with technique this year, learning on the fly, while also learning a new scheme, and adjusting to his weight loss.

And the fact is, none of the LTs in this draft are as highly rated as the fifth best LT prospect from last year.

I fully expect that by the end of this season, concerns about Albert will be laid to rest.

But even if I'm wrong, I wouldn't use a top 5 pick on Russel Okung.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by milkman

But even if I'm wrong, I wouldn't use a top 5 pick on Russel Okung.

So, who do you use a top five pick on then? If you were the GM of the Chiefs, with the roster as it is right now.

As I see it, the Chiefs need the following:

1. Offensive line
- All positions have struggled in pass protection and run blocking. By far and away, the single biggest area of concern for the Chiefs at every single position on the line.
2. Tight End
- Kind of like the safety position, but with less talent. That Ryan, who is a special teamer and fringe backup at best, is the guy is worrisome.
3. Safety
- Our best players are McGraw and Brown. Both make nice plays, but then are completely out of position on the following play. It seems that they are being forced to make more plays than is typical, and I don't know if that's because our middle linebackers are not very good or what. Both have been in the league a while as well, and Brown has had injury issues in the past.
4. Linebacker
- Vrabel is solid on the SAM, but at this point he's been in the league a long time and we should probably get someone to groom under him as soon as possible. Hali has made an acceptable transition from LDE to ROLB. Belcher is showing flashes at MLB, and I thought he did a pretty good job there against the Redskins in more meaningful minutes. ILB is atrocious. Williams is out of position and Johnson gets there from time to time, shows flashes, but he's never had the consistency you need from the position (either Sam in a 3-4 or now at the Will).
5. PR/KR
- Need someone with speed and vision that we can dedicate to this position rather than forcing Wade in there on punts and Charles on kickoffs and who can be a third down back or fourth receiver that can run blazing post routes.
6. Wide Receiver
- Maybe Bowe is turning the corner and can be a top flight #1. If that's the case, the Chiefs need a solid possession receiver. Wade would be a nice slot guy.
7. Cornerback
- Lack of depth here is very obvious when you get beyond Flowers and Carr.
8. Fullback
- Cox just hasn't impressed much.
9. Defensive line
- Edwards and Tyler are playing okay. I wouldn't turn down a Wilfork level guy, but I wouldn't overpay for one either. *cough*Haynesworth*cough* Dorsey, Jackson, Gilberry and Magee seem to be playing pretty good.
9. Running back
- Depends on health issues. If healthy, it's a pretty good, young group.

So, in looking at that, who do you pick for the Chiefs in the top five? Especially considering that the Haley offense runs out of a shotgun, single back set a lot.

To me, it's a no brainer. It's Okung, and you slide Albert inside to left guard and he'll be dominant at that position for 10 years. Left side of the line fixed in one fell swoop.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

So, who do you use a top five pick on then? If you were the GM of the Chiefs, with the roster as it is right now.

As I see it, the Chiefs need the following:

1. Offensive line
- All positions have struggled in pass protection and run blocking. By far and away, the single biggest area of concern for the Chiefs at every single position on the line.
2. Tight End
- Kind of like the safety position, but with less talent. That Ryan, who is a special teamer and fringe backup at best, is the guy is worrisome.
3. Safety
- Our best players are McGraw and Brown. Both make nice plays, but then are completely out of position on the following play. It seems that they are being forced to make more plays than is typical, and I don't know if that's because our middle linebackers are not very good or what. Both have been in the league a while as well, and Brown has had injury issues in the past.
4. Linebacker
- Vrabel is solid on the SAM, but at this point he's been in the league a long time and we should probably get someone to groom under him as soon as possible. Hali has made an acceptable transition from LDE to ROLB. Belcher is showing flashes at MLB, and I thought he did a pretty good job there against the Redskins in more meaningful minutes. ILB is atrocious. Williams is out of position and Johnson gets there from time to time, shows flashes, but he's never had the consistency you need from the position (either Sam in a 3-4 or now at the Will).
5. PR/KR
- Need someone with speed and vision that we can dedicate to this position rather than forcing Wade in there on punts and Charles on kickoffs and who can be a third down back or fourth receiver that can run blazing post routes.
6. Wide Receiver
- Maybe Bowe is turning the corner and can be a top flight #1. If that's the case, the Chiefs need a solid possession receiver. Wade would be a nice slot guy.
7. Cornerback
- Lack of depth here is very obvious when you get beyond Flowers and Carr.
8. Fullback
- Cox just hasn't impressed much.
9. Defensive line
- Edwards and Tyler are playing okay. I wouldn't turn down a Wilfork level guy, but I wouldn't overpay for one either. *cough*Haynesworth*cough* Dorsey, Jackson, Gilberry and Magee seem to be playing pretty good.
9. Running back
- Depends on health issues. If healthy, it's a pretty good, young group.

So, in looking at that, who do you pick for the Chiefs in the top five? Especially considering that the Haley offense runs out of a shotgun, single back set a lot.

To me, it's a no brainer. It's Okung, and you slide Albert inside to left guard and he'll be dominant at that position for 10 years. Left side of the line fixed in one fell swoop.

You make really sound, solid points.

I got into a "debate" with another poster on another thread about this same subject, but the debate centered on Trent Williams.

I purposely called Trent Williams a "RT in a spread offense" numerous time, and he never once corrected me.


I tell you this, cause I think it's far more enjoyable to debate this with someone who actually brings some knowledge and intelligience ot the debate.

But I digress.

To the question at hand, it is my contention that a playmaker in the secondary at safety is now a premium in this league with the rules so slanted to offense, especially in teh passing game.

Guys like troy Polamaulu, Reed, and Sanders, neuatralize that advantage, to some extent.

With that in mind, I'm taking Taylor Mays.

he's a guy that hits like a LB in run support, and who has the speed and physical presense to take away the middle, including the deep middle, in pass defense.
A ball hawking Eric Berry would be my second choice.

I'd like to address the O-Line with Kris O'Dowd in the second round.
If we could land George Selvie in the early second and O'Dowd later, with the Falcon pick, followed by Jason Fox (RT) or Dan Williams (NT), in the fourth, those pisks would go along way to addressing our needs.

[ChiefsCountry]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

The more I think about it, the more I believe that Albert's success at LT last year was more due to the pistol/spread than anything else.

And you want to draft a tackle from a spread offense.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

And you want to draft a tackle from a spread offense.

Makes almost as much sense as drafting a college guard and envisioning him as your starting left tackle, no?

What I'm saying is that by drafting Okung, it allows you to move Albert inside to left guard and you basically get a two for one in terms of immediately improving your offensive line. You aren't forced to roll the dice hoping that Albert can make the improvements to his game to bring him back to snuff at LT, and then go look for another guard later on in the draft. At least to me, having Okung and Albert on the left side is a major potential improvement over hoping Albert gets it together at LT and then inserting some aging, overpriced FA or low round rookie at LG. And there really isn't a lot of stud LT prospects in this next draft. Tons of RT guys.

For some reason, a lot of guys around here have an immediate adverse reaction to any Big 12 players. But I don't think that you can do that with Okung. The guy can play and has all the tools that you look for in a potential starting LT.

[Saccopoo]

Yeah...really like that one now.

Linebacking corps of:

Edds - Chaney - Belcher - Norwood

Like that lots!

And then, they can make a real big push for Wilfork in FA, so the defense looks like:

Jackson - Wilfork - Dorsey
Edds - Chaney - Belcher - Norwood
Flowers - Berry - Morgan - Carr

I'll take that. Keep Vrabel around for backup & mentoring at all the LB positions, Mays on the inside.

I wouldn't mind them using some money in FA for Vincent Jackson either. Give Cassel another stud WR to throw to in addition to Bowe.

Wilfork, Jackson and Scheffler as the FAs, and a strong draft and this team is in business sooner rather than later.

[Direckshun]

1. S Eric Berry, Tennessee

Goes without saying.

2. C Kris O'Dowd, USC

The middle of this offensive line is the most of our troubles this upcoming season, at both guard positions and at center. Waters can hold the fort for another season, but the Chiefs might want to consider youngsters Darryl Harris and Colin Brown a shot. Nonetheless, this team has no prospects at center. I would still take Boo Robinson with this pick if it were up to me (Robinson may fall out of the first day...), but O'Dowd is so clearly the superior center in this draft that it would be treason to pass him up.

2. OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers

As much as I'd like to see an upgrade at guard, this team has a couple guard prospects that it can try out -- Harris, Brown, or even Ndukwe or Alleman deserve a shot. Maybe even Niswanger. This team has some options. What it doesn't have is any depth at the tackle positions. I'm not giving up on Albert on the left hand side just yet, but a talented blocker on the left side is necessary.

Davis can play any position along the offensive line. He was stellar as a guard, he was good as a left tackle. He is a 330 pounder who moves well, but he's not LT material. He would be perfectly suited for the right side. He also provides the OL with versatility.

3. NT Boo Robinson, Wake Forest

I would take Boo with our first 2nd rounder if we had the shot. However! I've read a recent mock saying that Boo would be close to a bottom 2nd, top 3rd type talent. I disagree. I think he is a big body that can penetrate into the backfield. He has a proven track record, and is as athletic and as active as any big nose available this year.

4. OLB Dexter Davis, Arizona State

This is a pretty good draft for pass rushing value. Top-end talent is weak, but there will still be a bevy of talented guys by the 4th and 5th. Davis may be among them, as his production has been very consistent and very solid. I'm going to take a shot on a pure pass rusher any day of the week. Davis is a double-digit sack guy waiting to happen in the 4th.

5. OLB Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech

This is a selection based on measurables. I like Worilds a lot, but I think he has some upside.

5. WR/KR Brandon Banks, Kansas State

Teeny tiny speed demon, but K-State can churn these guys out from time to time. I love him as a kick returner -- 4.2 speed with a freaking 30+ yard return average. Love it.

5. CB Kurt Coleman, Ohio State

I like corners from Ohio State, and we need better depth there. Washington needs to come around, dammit.

[Direckshun]

QB: Cassel, Croyle, Gutierrez
RB: Johnson, Charles, Williams
FB: Cox

WR: Bowe, Bradley, Wade, Long, Lawrence
TE: Ryan, O'Connell, Cottam

LT: Albert, Ndukwe
LG: Waters, Smith
C: O'Dowd, Smith
RG: Brown, Harris
RT: Davis, Richardson

DE: Dorsey, Magee
NT: Robinson, Edwards
DE: Jackson, Gilberry

OLB: Hali, Davis
ILB: Johnson, Mays
ILB: Williams, Belcher
OLB: Vrabel, Worilds

CB: Flowers, Carr, Leggett, Coleman, Washington
S: Berry, Brown, McGraw, Morgan

K: Succup
P: Colquitt
LS: Gafford
KR: Banks
PR: Wade

Assuming this anchors down the trenches on both sides, I would then beginning emphasizing WR and pass rushers in the next two drafts...

[Buehler445]

I like that draft. With the transition to 3-4s, I really doubt Robinson will last to the 3rd. If we could get him there, it would be fantastical.

[Direckshun]

At this point, after tinkering with a bunch of drafts in this thread, here is my October 2009 ideal mock right now.

My goals:

• I largely throw out best player available because I honestly have no ****ing clue who will be the best player available anywhere. The Draft turns into a mad scramble halfway into the second round. So I projected players to a likely round and made my selection.
• This draft is intended to be a meat-and-potatoes draft, designed to make our trenches that much better. Pioli has eight picks -- five of them go to the trenches, both in offensive line (2) and in pass rushers (2).
• All defensive players were selected primarily by their ability to get into the backfield. I believe you can teach defensive players to play the run -- pass-rushing is much harder to learn.
• Even though the biggest holes on this team may be WR and CB following this draft, I know Pioli will be in the FA market for both.
• This draft is pretty solid in the midrounds with passrushers, so I used that to my advantage.
• This draft also has about three players that are insanely fast but incredibly little. They all are prime targets as kick returners, and will likely be available in the 5th.
• As long as this draft is not a massive bust, I will spend the next two drafts focusing on primo WRs and pass rushers.
• I want four immediate starters, at least one additional eventual starter, and a couple consistent contributors. Of these starters, at least a couple have All Pro potential.

1. S Eric Berry, Tennessee

I prefer Berry over Mays. Mays is a gifted talent much like LaRon Landry is. But like Landry, I worry that he's just a scheme-changer, rather than a team-changer, if that makes any sense. The Chiefs defense can operate more freely thanks to Mays, but there wouldn't be a complete attitude overhaul like there would be with Berry who I view as an Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins leadership type. Great safeties make phenomenal defensive captains, and I see Berry gripping that mantle as aggressively as possible.

2. C Kris O'Dowd, USC

O'Dowd is just made to succeed in the NFL. Of all my picks, this is pie-in-the-sky material, because there's a good chance a team with fewer needs will go with O'Dowd. I think O'Dowd fixes the biggest problem on our OL: the center. Niswanger was smart, but not football smart. O'Dowd is a smart blocker that anchors well, and won't consistently get shoved back into Cassel's face. If O'Dowd is available at the top of the first, I'd put the Chiefs top priority at obtaining him.

I put considerable effort into upgrading the center and tackle positions because we have zero depth there. The guard position is weak too, currently; Waters has had a rough year and our right guard position has been pathetic with Goff struggling and Alleman not doing much better. However the Chiefs have a lot more options at guard than they do at either center or tackle. Colin Brown and Darryl Harris are both players that have potential. Wade Smith can play either position well enough. Ndukwe hasn't even gotten his chance just yet. So the Chiefs have the tools to tinker there.

2. NT Boo Robinson, Wake Forest

I do not believe the Chiefs would benefit too much from a two-down NT. The best NTs in this league are able to go three downs and are athletic enough to make noise in the backfield, not just anchor well. Robinson is an unusual talent, in that he's nearly 330 lbs and still athletic enough to get into the backfield -- really, he reminds me a bit of BJ Raji. Raji is not going to be a block of granite type, but he will definitely occupy blockers.

3. OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

Carimi is just a beast of a man (6'8", 320+) and is a renouned run blocker who is swift enough to protect against speedier rushers. I'm not saying he's swift -- he's swift enough. Carimi would start today at right tackle.

4. OLB Dexter Davis, Arizona State

Davis is a pure passrusher, that seems to be all he does. And the Chiefs are shopping for pin-your-ears back types in the midrounds. Davis would be the best of the bunch. A decorated history in the Pac 10 of beating really good offensive lines for double-digit sacks every year. Davis is a lunchpail guy.

5. OLB Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, Washington

Te'o-Nesheim's production has also be consistently good in the very tough Pac 10. I think he's less likely than Davis to breakout, but this is another guy who does nothing else well other than get into the backfield. Could be a pure sack specialist?

5. WR/KR Brandon Banks, Kansas State

Banks is the speed demon I think this team should invest in in the 5th round. The Chiefs need a great kick returner, and the tiny Banks sports 4.2 speed with a 30+ yard kick return average. The rules changing on kick returns means pure athleticism and speed is more important than ever. Banks will pay for himself after a few years of solid returning.

5. RB Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State

A player like Dixon will be a must once LJ is released. Free agency always has a couple guys who can fill in, but if the athletic, 240 lb. Dixon survives this far, the Chiefs would be doing themselves a favor by grabbing him. Charles and Williams will be leading the rushing attack next year, and the Chiefs could use a big guy with a fullback's body who can plow through short-yardage situations.

[Direckshun]

QB: Cassel, Croyle, Gutierrez
RB: Charles, Williams, Dixon
FB: Cox

WR: Bowe, Bradley, Wade, Long, Lawrence
TE: Ryan, O'Connell, Cottam

LT: Albert, Ndukwe
LG: Waters, Smith
C: O'Dowd, Smith
RG: Brown, Harris
RT: Carimi, Richardson

DE: Dorsey, Magee
NT: Robinson, Edwards
DE: Jackson, Gilberry

OLB: Hali, Davis
ILB: Johnson, Mays
ILB: Williams, Belcher
OLB: Vrabel, Te'o-Nesheim

CB: Flowers, Carr, Leggett, Washington
S: Berry, Brown, McGraw, Morgan

K: Succup
P: Colquitt
LS: Gafford
KR: Banks
PR: Wade