NFL Draft 2012: 5 Players Kansas City Chiefs Must Have on Their Big Board

Just one year ago, the expectations were high for the Chiefs. They won their division for the first time since 2003, and Todd Haley was looking like an up incoming coach. Fast forward to now, and it's Romeo Crennel's show after Haley was shown the door after the team struggled to compete. Despite injuries to Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Eric Berry the team competed hard under Crennel even beating the then undefeated Green Bay Packers.

Question marks still remain with their injured players and the team has to decide whether or not it will sign Dwayne Bowe. It owns the 11th overall pick in this year's draft, and while offensive line is a need, the Chiefs could go a variety of different ways. These are the five players that should be on the Chiefs' big board come draft day.  

Stanford Tackle Jonathan Martin

The Chiefs are very thin at the tackle position. Barry Richardson is an average at best blocker on the right side. Jared Gaither was waived by Todd Haley and was sorely missed last season. Matt Cassel and Jamaal Charles will be back from injury next season and will appreciate Jonathan Martin. He is a big reliable blocker who not only protected Andrew Luck but also excelled in run blocking.  

Stanford Guard David DeCastro

The Chiefs are a little thin on the inside of their offensive line. David DeCastro is an elite run blocking guard with explosive ability to block first and second level defenders. He is very athletic and would look good pulling Jamaal Charles. His pass blocking is also underrated and served as a very durable player at Stanford. 

LSU Defensive End/Tackle Michael Brockers

Now that Romeo Crennel has locked down the head coach position, expect more of a focus on the defensive side of the ball. Back in his hay day as the Patriots defensive coordinator, his defenses thrived with athletic defensive lineman who can rotate around the line of scrimmage. Michael Brockers could be a guy Crennel would love to have. His flexibility to play inside and outside on the defensive line could help struggling players like Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey play better. 

Notre Dame Wide Receiver Michel Floyd

The Chiefs have an interesting decision to make. Do they want to sign Dwayne Bowe to a long-term deal, apply the franchise tag on him or let him walk? If they do the latter then Michael Floyd immediately comes into play. He is the big body, reliable, sure handed big play receiver who can step in and take Bowe's place.   

Alabama Running Back Trent Richardson

Here is the wild card out of the group. As an organization, you have to prepare for anything. In this case they have to keep two scenarios in mind. One, Trent Richardson might actually slip to this pick. The second is Jamaal Charles might not be fully healthy off of the knee injury that ended his season last year.  Although they payed him, the Chiefs have never been fully comfortable with the thought of Charles being an every down back for years to come. One thing is for sure, Richardson is the best every down back in the draft. If he is there, it would be tough to pass him up no matter who is currently in the backfield.