2008 Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft Team Needs
June 8, 2008
The Chiefs have many questions that have gone unanswered after losing 9 straight games to end the season. This team is as big of a disaster as any heading into the 2008 NFL Draft. Their best player in DE Jared Allen wants out. The Chiefs have carved enough space under the cap to make some moves in free agency now that RB Larry Johnson is locked up long-term. Veterans Kendrell Bell, Ty Law, Eddie Kennison, Kyle Turley and John Welbourn could be considered expendable in an offseason that figures to focus on improving their O-Line play.
2008 Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Offensive Tackle
The Chiefs are in desperate need of a right tackle, possibly two, in their first four or five picks in this year’s NFL Draft. OLT Damion McIntosh fought harder in ‘07 than Jordan Black did in the season prior. But when he’s trying to follow in the footsteps of Willie Roaf, McIntosh is no match. Kyle Turley and Chris Terry were lost in free agency. Stabilizing things on the outside would go a long way toward making life much easier offensively.
2.) Cornerback
Ty Law really began to show his age last season. Law can’t play tight press coverage like he once did so brilliantly. Patrick Surtain isn’t far behind Law. Benny Sapp, Tyron Brackenridge and Dimitri Patterson are not the youth movement the Chiefs were looking for. Finding a credible backup to Law and/or Surtain is a must in the 2008 NFL Draft.
3.) Offensive Guard
OLB Brian Waters is still competitive, but not nearly the same without an accomplished left tackle to help him out. He’s probably good for a couple more seasons, but they Chiefs must build for the future here. Rudy Niswanger got a good look from the Chiefs before he landed on the injury reserve. John Welbourn is a goner and Tre Stalling is still untested.
4.) Center
As you can see, rebuilding the entire offensive line is the Chiefs No. 1 goal entering Draft Day. Some insiders would be surprised to see free agent Casey Wiegmann come back for his 13th season. Whether he does or not, the Chiefs have no successor to replace him. Ruday Niswanger is a possibility if he doesn’t get the full time job at right guard.
5.) Quarterback
The Chiefs can’t be comfortable from what they saw out of Brody Croyle last season to hand him the reins for ‘08 and beyond. He makes some plays and has a quick release that most QB coaches are looking for, but his 0-6 record as a starter last season cannot go ignored. Veteran Damon Huard won the job by default last year and he’s under contract so they will have him again for some insurance this season. The Chiefs could look for a passer in the middle rounds of the draft or through free agency to at least stir up some competition in Kansas City.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
Herm Edwards has been labeled as conservative offensively. He utilizes a lot of play-action and protects the ball at all costs. If protection improves, the Chiefs plan to open up the offense more with the stronger arm of Croyle. Backs and tight ends will remain the focal point in the passing game. OLT Ryan Clady of Boise, OLT Sam Baker of USC, OG Mike Pollak of ASU, C Jamey Richard of Buffalo and ORG Roy Schuening of OSU are a few rookie linemen the Chiefs might be looking to draft his year. They also may take a look at QB Matt Flynn of LSU if he’s available in the later rounds. Flynn’s age and experience could be something the Chiefs are craving.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
Gunther Cunningham carries with him a reputation of aggressiveness. Cunningham-coached teams blitz a lot, swarm the ball and are very physical at the line with his corners. With solid pressure from the D-Line, the Chiefs were allowed to settle in to the more conventional cover-2 alignment that Edwards prefers to utilize. LCB Brandon Flowers of Virginia Tech and CB Reggie Corner of Akron are two physical corners in the 2008 NFL Draft Class that could come in right away and fit the Chiefs system. ROLB Erin Henderson of Maryland, DT Letroy Guion of FSU, SS Jamar Adams of Michigan and LB Gary Guyton of Georgia Tech all have certain traits that the Chiefs may want on Draft Day.
