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Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are a team that won't be back in this position come next April, barring serious injury problems.
They have a good young quarterback in Brodie Croyle, a top tier running back in Larry Johnson, and an improving defense. Save a few pieces of the puzzle, and this is a team that will likely go somewhere around 8-8 next season.
Their main problems are their youth and their age.
Tony Gonzalez and Larry Johnson aren't getting any younger. But Brodie Croyle and Derrick Johnson are still learning the ropes and have only a few years' experience in the league.
The only way I can see this team not becoming a playoff team in a few years is if their age cancels out their youth, and their inexperience cancels out their veteran leadership.
Possible Draft Directions
With Larry Johnson's age, they could start to look for his replacement. Darren McFadden is a good candidate, and could still be available despite his talent.
If the Chiefs go by current need, they could also look toward the wide receiver position. DeSean Jackson is a good receiver and an exceptional returner. Although I personally think he isn't a top five pick, the need at that position could make the Chiefs take him, and I don't think it's that crazy to take Jackson fifth.
Their offensive line needs work. You can't win games unless you win in the trenches. Jake Long would be the perfect person to start building the line. He would also be invaluable to Croyle as somebody who determines whether or not he makes it in the league.
In the secondary, Ty Law is no longer a Chief, and Patrick Surtain has 11 years of wear-and-tear. They need a cornerback, and they could take Aqib Talib with this pick. Talib is looked at as the next defensive back to come in and dominate the NFL after his career at Kansas.
Well, that's it for this edition of NFL Draft Needs. The Jets are going to be on the clock this Sunday.
I'm Joe W.
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3 months ago
I don't know where you're hearing this on Talib. He's not regarded that highly. If you expect him to be a shut down corner, you'll be sorely disappointed. There is no way in hell Kansas City takes him with the 5th pick.
It's not crazy to take Jackson 5th? Yeah, you're right. A guy who doesn't have the build to be a number one receiver should go FIFTH overall? That would be brilliant. Guys you take in the top five are building blocks, guys to build around. DeSean Jackson is no such player. He may be exciting, and be able to contribute a great deal, but he's not top five pick material, it would be insane to take him that high.
You can rule out Jake Long, he won't last this long.
from 3 months ago
so, by canceling everything else out, are you saying that the chiefs are going to take darren mcfadden? That would be my guess, but I can't just write about one player, I have to give different things that they can do. With the depth of this draft, it is still possible that Jake Long still be on the board (although i don't think it will happen). And the chiefs need a cb, and I have heard through multiple places that Talib is going to be a top tier cb in the league. I have also seen DeSean Jackson going #4 in multiple mock drafts, but the Raiders don't have a total need there, with an actual need for a wr, Jackson could be the pick, but it's tough. I also think that Talib isn't good enough, but they could go for need and take him.
from 3 months ago
maybe leodis mcelvin or mike jenkins would be good picks for the Chiefs if they wanted to trade down.
3 months ago
Can you imagine a DeSean Jackson - Dwayne Bowe receiver duo? That might just force me to watch a few Kansas City games in the next few years. (if they can get somebody to throw the ball to them, that is.)
Nice job Joe, and I'm looking forward to the next one!
from 3 months ago
Thank you. You hear that Ben, somebody that agrees with me. Also, Brodie Croyle showed some promise. I'm not exactly sure what he is going to turn into, but he could be a good starter. I don't think he has greatness behind him though, but somebody that shows up every game and puts up average numbers is what I believe is in store for Croyle.
3 months ago
I don't think Jake Long will necessarily be off the board. The first thing that Miami needs is an identity on defense, and Chris Long is a Parcells kind of player- high motor, high intensity, 110% of the time.
The Rams need another DL to create their identity on defense- with Dorsey and Carriker, they'll be dominant in the trenches for years to come.
The Falcons, after the Vick debacle, need a new face for their franchise. As much as Jake Long makes sense here, it's more important for them to draft Matt Ryan so that their fans see they have a plan- teams always give rookie QBs two free years to prove themselves.
The Raiders won't take an OL with so many other more pressing needs... well, that, and Al Davis won't take a player who isn't so flashy. They SHOULD take Sedrick Ellis with this pick, but that they won't take Jake Long, even if he's left, is pretty much guaranteed.
I think it's very possible that J. Long could still be on the board at #5. Alternatively, I could also see the Chiefs reaching for Ryan Clady if he isn't.
DeSean Jackson doesn't make sense here... the Chiefs need linemen on offense, not skill positions.
Good read though.
3 months ago
Don't get so excited that people agree with you Joe. People agree with Michael Jackson and O.J. too.
from 3 months ago
Ditto for Raider Steve and That Guy for you Ben.
3 months ago
Yeah, but I'm not going around pointing it out every time someone agrees with me. The fact you do shows how rare an occurrence it must actually be.
from 3 months ago
I only point out the times sarcastically when I have multiple people ganging up on me. (see my lebron vs. michael jordan article) And if you had actually been following my articles like you say you do you would know that.
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