The Chiefs @ 16...

[Direckshun]

Assume Pioli is able to work out a trade down for a third round pick.

May not sound like much compared to last year, but last year's 3rd rounder that we received was TWICE the value of what the draft value chart assumes it would be.

So I take the approach that if we score a trade down, it will be for something more realistic. I don't think anybody would break the bank, but we're always wrong, aren't we? So I'm assuming somebody trades up from something like #16 (the Jets) to get to our pick. That nets us a second third rounder, much like 2011.

(If we scored a second rounder, it would drop us something like to the 20th to 22nd spot, depending on the team.)

With that in mind:

1. Indianapolis Colts: QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
2. St. Louis Rams: OT Matt Kalil, USC
3. Minnesota Vikings: CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
4. Cleveland Browns: QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
5. Tampa Bay Bucs: WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
6. Washington Redskins: QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Quentin Coples, North Carolina
8. Miami Dolphins: OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
9. Carolina Panthers: CB Alonzo Dennard, Nebraska
10. Buffalo Bills: OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford
11. Seattle Seahawks: RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
12. New York Jets: WR Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina
13. Arizona Cardinals: OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
14. Dallas Cowboys: OG David DeCastro, Stanford
15. Philadelphia Eagles: ILB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
16. Kansas City Chiefs:

At this point, this is my tentative big board:

1. DE/DT Devon Still, Penn State
2. CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
3. CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
4. ILB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama
5. DE/OLB Nick Perry, USC
6. WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
7. C Peter Konz, Wisconsin
8. DE/OLB Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
9. WR Kendall Wright, Baylor
10. NT Dontari Poe, Memphis

I think what this proves, above all else, is that a simple trade down of about four spots drastically improves the Chiefs' options and value. In the middle of the round, the Chiefs can go in any number of exciting, valuable directions.

First off, the Chiefs aren't going to take any problem children after dealing with Baldwin this past season. So that leaves out both of the crazy corners at the top of the board. They're also not going to take players that don't fit our defense, or play a position we're basically 100% set at for 2012, which excludes Devon Still.

After that, it's all fair game. This is where it gets fun.

They COULD opt to go with Hightower, which would give the Chiefs one of the most lethal LB corps in the league.

They COULD opt to continue bolstering their receiving corps. Bowe, Breaston, and Baldwin are a good trio of receivers, but none of them provide the one-dimensional deep threat of Kendall Wright as of yet. (Michael Floyd is a solid receiver, but he doesn't really provide us anything we don't already have.)

They COULD bolster their passrushing corps as well. Hali and Houston are great but it's extremely hard to pass on insane talent like Perry or Mercilus. Perry in particular.

They COULD solidify their center position for the next 12 years with Konz, sliding Hudson over to guard and, assuming they draft a right tackle later on, give them a fantastic offensive line.

And of course, they could make the perhaps-necessary reach for a potentially elite, 350 lbs nose tackle to maybe take this defense to the next level.

If it were up to me, I'd take Poe or Perry, with my ultimate preference being Perry. Perry is just unbelievably talented and fast for his size, and if we are truly ready to make a Super Bowl run here in a year or two, we're ****ed if Hali or Houston go down. Perry provides us a third threat and gives Crennel the ability to cook up all kinds of crazy packages. Poe may be a reach, and I reserve the right to demote him if he sucks at the Combine. But if he measures out, he could at the very least finish off this defense.

I think Pioli would prefer Konz. He said a couple weeks ago that the offensive line needed an upgrade, and there are no tackles worthy of a 1st midrounder left. Pioli also attempted to trade up for Mike Pouncey last year.

The Kansas City Chiefs draft C Peter Konz, Wisoncin.

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by jd1020

I wouldn't put Locker in that group. When Locker played for the Titans they actually had a pretty explosive passing game. For some stupid reason the Titans were hell bent on starting Hasselbeck though.

Ponder is really the only one that would fit the argument.

Both Gabbert and Locker were slated for the first. Ponder was the borderline, like Tannehill.

Well, I'm talking more of the fact that Tannehill will get drafted higher than he should b/c he's "sexy", plus there is a need, so guys will see what they want to see. All while having played against soft defenses, and having limited experience.

As for Locker, he had played himself down into a mid to late first rounder and got picked 8th overall b/c someone simply needed a first rounder. Not saying he didn't play well, didn't get to see him too much honestly. He was picked earlier than expected though. That is my point, nothing more, nothing less.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by jd1020

I wouldn't put Locker in that group. When Locker played for the Titans they actually had a pretty explosive passing game. For some stupid reason the Titans were hell bent on starting Hasselbeck though.

Ponder is really the only one that would fit the argument.

Both Gabbert and Locker were slated for the first. Ponder was the borderline, like Tannehill.

Locker still wasn't anticipated to get picked that high. Hell, I picked him at #8 for the Vikings in the CP Mock Draft and boy did I get jeers for it. Turns out I was right, but eh. What can ya do I guess.

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by Setsuna

Tannehill going 6th!? Your credibility is SHOT.

What I meant was: Gil Brandt thinks Tannehill will be one of the top 10 picks in the first round:

I'd advise you to listen to Brandt re Tannehill. Remember: He's not just looking at tape. He's got the ear of half the scouts, GMs in NFL.

https://twitter.com/#!/SI_PeterKing

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by TebKnow2724

https://twitter.com/#!/SI_PeterKing

Most credible mock draft sites have him going top 15 about now, some as high as #6. Also, like you pointed out, most scouts have him up there too. Might be based on his skill, but I'm guessing his "market value" has a lot to do with it.

[gonefishin53]

Given Pioli's draft history, I'd guess the huge, athletic DT Poe in the OP scenario.