Kansas City Chiefs 2012 NFL Draft: 5 Pass-Rushers That KC Should Target

The Kansas City Chiefs already have a talented, young defense in place heading into the 2012 season.

However, there is one key area that they still need to improve if they want to become an elite defense in this league, and it is their pass rush.

With just two legitimate pass-rushing options on the current roster in OLBs Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, it's time that KC finds another player to complement these two in the upcoming NFL draft.

Here are five pass-rushers that Kansas City should target next weekend.

DE Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati

Cincinnati's Derek Wolfe will be on of the best pass-rushing DEs that will be taken in this year's draft.

Last year, the Lisbon, Ohio native earned Big East Defensive POY honors after registering 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks for the Bearcats defense.

At 6'5", 295 pounds, Wolfe has the versatility to line up at either defensive tackle or defensive end at the next level and has a non-stop motor as well.

For all of these reasons, Wolfe would look great in a Chiefs uniform next season.

Projected Round: 4

OLB Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy

OLB prospect Jonathan Massaquoi is one of the more underrated pass-rushing specialists to make this list.

In his two-year career at Troy, he compiled 18.5 sacks, including 12.5 QB takedowns in his junior year at the university.

He is still raw in some areas, could be a an opposing quarterback's nightmare if used correctly in Romeo Crennel's defensive system.

His array of pass-rushing skills make him a viable option for KC near the beginning of day three of the draft.

Projected Round: 4

OLB Bruce Irvin, West Virginia

Former West Virginia star Bruce Irvin was one of the best pass-rushers in school history, as he racked up 22 sacks in his last two seasons at the university.

That said, he does come with some character issues.

Just last month, Irvin was arrested for destruction of property in West Virginia.

Still, I think he could be an excellent pass-rushing option off the bench for this Chiefs' linebacking corps in the future.

Projected Round: 3

DE Jake Bequette, Arkansas

Jake Bequette was one of the premier defenders on an Arkansas team that finished with an 11-2 record and a  No. 5 in the final BCS rankings last season.

Bequette notched 10 sacks on the year, including two in the Razorbacks' Cotton Bowl win over Kansas State back in January.

The Little Rock, Ark. product will not wow you with his overall athleticism, but he has the ability to get to the opposing QB at any time when he is on the field.

He has already drawn comparisons to former Chiefs All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen because of his motor and similar frame at that position.

Projected Round: 4

OLB Miles Burris, San Diego State

San Diego State's Miles Burris is one of the best pass-rushers that no one has heard of in this year's draft class.

While playing for the Aztecs, he was named a first-time All-Mountain West selection in each of his last two seasons at the school, recording 15.5 sacks during that time.

Burris is not only a strong pass-rusher, but can play some inside linebacker as well.

He would be a solid developmental pick near the end of the third day of the draft for the Chiefs, and could very well end up becoming a steal for them later down the road.

Projected Round: 5