2013 NFL Draft: Chiefs Team Needs
By John Carey
Mar 13, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to media during the press conference at The University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
#1: Tackle
Brandon Albert was franchised, but he is likely not there long term, and he may be traded. Eric Winston was surprisingly cut, so there is now a big hole at Right Tackle. Luke Joeckel will likely be the guy, but don’t be surprised if Andy Reid stuns us yet again and picks Eric Fischer instead.
Potential Draft Fixes: Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Kyle Long
#2: Defensive End:
Glenn Dorsey left to the 49ers in free agency, and although he is often considered a bust, he was still a solid part of the defensive line last year. Tyson Jackson is back for one year at a reduced price, but he is not a long term option most likely. William Gholston would be a great fit in the 3rd round for the Chiefs.
Potential Draft Fixes: Sheldon Richardson, Margus Hunt, and William Gholston
#3: Wide Receiver:
Dwayne Bowe was resigned to a 5 year deal, so the team at least has a No. 1 wideout to start next season, and they still have former 1st round pick Jonathan Baldwin, but he hasn’t shown much in his career to make the Chiefs feel comfortable with him as the No. 2 guy next year. A very nice scenario for them would be to trade down to somewhere in the late top 10 and take Tavon Austin.
Potential Draft Fixes: Tavon Austin, Robert Woods, and Markus Wheaton
#4: Inside Linebacker:
Derrick Johnson is an absolute beast and is one of the best at his position, but he has no one of not playing next to him. An upgrade is really needed at the 2nd Inside Linebacker spot. Manti Teo could potentially fall to the 3rd round this April, and could be a steal for the Chiefs if he falls to them.
Potential Draft Fixes: Arthur Brown, Manti Teo, and A.J. Klein
#5: Quarterback
The biggest reason the Chiefs ended up with the number one overall pick in this year’s draft was due to the terrible quarterback play. Matt Cassel was released, and a;though Alex Smith will be a nice option for the next few years to make the team competitive, a long term solution is still needed. A Tyler Bray in the 4th to 5th round would be nice.
Potential Draft Fixes: Geno Smith, Tyler Wilson, and Tyler Bray