2010 NFL Mock Draft: A Defensive-Minded Kansas City Chiefs Mock

Once upon a time we had a good defense, and we struck fear into opposing offenses on Sundays. But its been a decade since then and our defense has fallen into disgraceful times. Pioli loves him some defense(was a former DL after all), and its proven that the better defense usually wins you the super bowl.

Here's another Mock and the primary focus is on one of the worst areas of the team. We were 30th in the league defensively, and our run D was ranked 31st. Some changes need to be made so here are some guys I think we might be looking at once the 22nd rolls around.

Pick No. 5 Chiefs Select: Dan WIlliams NT Tennessee

Its no secret Pioli loves positional value, as shown with his selection of Tyson Jackson last year. The NT is literally the most important position in the 3-4, and is probably our biggest need at this point.

Ron Edwards is just not the answer as he cannot take on the double teams required. Shaun Smith is mostly a DE, but can play spot duty at NT.

Since Pioli isn't afraid to reach he should have no problem "reaching" again with Williams. Really this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, and with Crennel there to coach them up, we might have one of the best DLs in the league a couple of years from now.

Now that one of our biggest holes has been taken care of our defense should perform much better next year. Williams will struggle like all DL prospects but with Crennel there and two experienced DEs he should not have too much trouble.

One piece of the Front 7 has been solved but the Chiefs Nation will be in an uproar over another DL in the first round.

Pick No. 36 Chiefs Select: Jerry Hughes OLB TCU

If NT is most important, than in a 3-4 Positional, value-wise the OLB is next in line. With the emergence of Hali, our pass rush has gotten a lot better. However that's not saying much as we were 31st in the league last year in sacks.

We need an upgrade and whatever you may think of in Studebaker, he doesn't have much of a pass rush, while Vrabel's time has come and gone and although his leadership is helpful, he performed like his age would suggest.

Hughes is a relentless pass rusher who has enough athleticism to make the transition from DE to OLB. He's got good arm length and a very good motor, something scouts use to measure good 3-4 OLB prospects. Who knows how well he can transition but if it can be anything like Hali, he could be a steal here.

Pick No. 51 Chiefs Select: Brandon Spikes ILB Florida

Although ILB isn't as important our starters should really be backups. Our D has seriously missed the presence of a true middle thumper-type and we need a true leader. Although he ran a slow 40, 3-4 ILBs are more in-the-box anyway. He'll be a solid contributor from day 1 and should definitely start over Mays Day 1.

The guy has got talent and I don't feel the need to risk him dropping to the 3rd round. We have the beginnings of a good front 7, and things should really start to look good for next year.

*Draft Day Trade* Derrick Johnson to Saints for No. 64 and No. 201

With the pick up of Spikes, Johnson becomes the odd man out and we find a good trade deal with New Orleans. DJ could potentially explode onto the scene in NO and provide them another proven playmaker to add to their defense.

With this pick we Select: Reshad Jones FS/SS Georgia

A versatile player with experience at both S positions, Jones should fill in nicely at SS. SS is the only position I consider we have a hole in, and although we didn't pick up Berry I consider Jones to be underrated. He's an under-the-radar pickup who is good in both run support and coverage.

His tackling is a bit inconsistent, but this is an area that can be corrected with time. He's got all the skills to be a great player, and scouts think he may be a better pro than college player and with time should come into his own.

Pick No. 68 Chiefs Select: Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB/KR IUP

Ladies and Gentleman please meet the next great small-school CB. His name literally means "Born on Sunday" and he should be a fine addition to the team. If Pioli loves him some DL, than CB isn't very far off his top list. He usually picks one up every year, and with the question marks around Carr and Washington I expect another pickup this year.

He's got a good frame and good speed, and is just good all-around. He has the physicality to contest jump balls, while at the same time is very smart and instinctive and can effectively bait QBs.

He does come from a small school but with a HOF CB coach and Brandon Flowers as your mentor he has very good chance to succeed. I see him primarily used as a KR until he acclimates to NFL speed.

Pick No. 102 Chiefs Select: Andre Roberts WR Citadel

Finally an offensive pick, Roberts would be an absolute steal at this point. Not only does he have great hands, but he racks up very good YAC and is a good route runner. Plus, he has great work ethic like most prospects coming from a Military school. Those kinds of things usually mean the difference between a dud and a successful WR in the league.

One of the reasons our defense was so bad last year was our offense could never get a good drive going. As the season went on, our running game opened up leading to scoring drives, but that won't work again this year.

Since we led the league in dropped passes, a reliable guy like Roberts is exactly what the doctor ordered. Without a legitimate passing attack our offense barely stayed on the field and the defense would tire out as the game progressed and the longer they stayed on the field.

We need to find someone that Cassel can consistently throw to, and Roberts might just be the guy. He's a hard worker and has very good intangibles and seems like a Haley kind of WR to me.

With Weis grooming Cassel and Haley grooming Roberts we have the beginnings of a good WR corp.

*Draft Day Trade* Brian Waters to Cowboys for Pick 125 and 234

Pick No.125 Chiefs select: Mike Johnson OG Alabama

With Mike Johnson sitting we strike up a trade with the Cowboys and they bite, having earlier picked Mike Iupati they need an experienced guard who can show him the ropes.

A versatile player, he's had it experience at Tackle and at both guard positions. He's got a high intelligence and good work ethic. He has also been a solid anchor for a Heisman Winner's line, and an undefeated QB.

Although his pass protecting needs some work, he should grade out as a good replacement for Waters. Heck Lilja could step in at LG until Johnson learns the ropes because he grades out better at pass-protection anyway.

A line like Albert-Johnson/Lilja-Wiegmann-Lilja/Johnson-ROC looks fine to me and it helps to build toward the future.

Pick No. 136 Chiefs Select: Ciron Black OT LSU

I still remember when he was considered a first rounder. Oh, how things have changed. His draft stock has been plummeting for a while now. Although he hasn't displayed very much athleticism at either the Combine or the Pro Day he could be a steal going in the 5th round.

ROC, played admirably no doubt, has been one of the weaknesses of our line heading into the offseason. Black should at least provide competition, and who knows? He could take the starter position right from under ROC's feet.

Pick No. 142 Chiefs Select: Joique Bell RB WSU

With the acquisition of Jones you would think our RB situation was complete...however TJ is only here for two years and has already passed the dreaded 30 year old mark. Although underrated in my mind, how long will he last behind our OL, even with major upgrades we're just beginning to shake the cobwebs off?

Bell is a bonafide sleeper candidate, and was a big time player in Division II. Only thing is he needs some time to get used to the NFL level, and TJ provides us some cushion-time.

We all know that Smith is injury-prone and we'd all love for him to be more apart of the offense, but I see another injury happening in the near future.

JC's play style could cause him to get injured and Bell would be a nice guy to have waiting on the bench just in case.

Bell has a lot more upside, is very versatile and can learn a lot under Jones' tutelage. He seems like a very good number two back and would be a very good spell for Charles.

Pick No. 144 Chiefs Select: Micah Johnson ILB Kentucky

Although it may seem like the front 7 is complete, I say you can never find to many good upgrades for it. Our ILBs were much to undersized and are out of in the 3-4. With Williams, starting competition is always a plus.

Micah Johnson is another guy hurt by his 40, 4.99 combine 4.84 Pro Day. But he could be a solid guy to go after in the 5th. He can help shore up a sloppy run d and will be a solid ST.

Pick No. 201 Chiefs Select: John Estes C Hawaii

We've gone on a late-round spree for OL guys and we look for another one in Estes. He's a tactician, who is athletic and a lot stronger than he looks. Looks the part of ZBS lineman and could be a very capable prospect. Wiegmann just doesn't have enough gas, and can only last for a couple more years.

While Wiegmann is still around we should bring in a Late-round guy to develop behind him. He also provides some competition against Niswanger, whose ability to hold the job is in doubt.

Pick No. 234 Chiefs Select: John Conner FB Kentucky

Another area that needs upgrading had to be the FB position. Cox isn't very suitable, and Castille was a nice addition but isn't really all that much better. So with are last pick we go after "the Terminator".

Good all-around prospect, he's good for the short-yardage, has soft, reliable hands but his best attribute has to be his lead blocking. Should be a welcome addition to our Thunder and Lightning backfield, and another reliable option for Cassel as well.