Kansas City Chiefs 2012 NFL Draft: Perfect Scenario for Tonight's First Round

The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2012 NFL Draft in a much different situation than they usually do come the big day.

Having approached the draft over the past few years with a certain pointed methodology, general manager Scott Pioli has the Chiefs headed in the right direction.

With much of its roster already intact, the Chiefs will be looking for specific players to fill voids heading into the 2012 season.

However, that isn’t to say they have their blinders on and aren’t prepared to adapt if need be.

So what happens if Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill is available when it comes time for the Chiefs to draft at the 11th pick?

Surely they won’t call the name of a project quarterback to have him sit behind Matt Cassel for a couple years?

It is imperative, however, that the Chiefs start looking for Cassel’s eventual replacement.

They need someone that can step right in and pilot the team without enduring more growing pains—Cassel certainly isn’t the type to mentor and usher in a new face under center.

If Tannehill is staring the Chiefs in the face at the 11th pick, it means that the Cleveland Browns—among other teams in need of a quarterback—will have passed on him with their first opportunity.

However, the Browns create the most intriguing opportunity for the Chiefs. They currently have Colt McCoy as their starting quarterback but after a bumpy rookie campaign, it is believed the Browns could be in the mix for a replacement. Tannehill is considered next in line for immediate success in the NFL behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III.

Other than the overall No. 4 pick, the Browns also own the 22nd  and 37th selections in this year’s draft. Although they are deplete of talent across the board, if they could package those picks up at a second chance of drafting Tannehill, why wouldn’t they?

Although it is not ideal for the Chiefs to pass on either David DeCastro or Luke Kuechly—if both were available at the 11th pick, but both most likely off the board at pick 22—they would be hard-pressed to pass up the opportunity of this deal happening.

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