2012 NFL Draft: Analysis of Kansas City Chiefs' Selection, Dontari Poe

The Kansas City Chiefs' No. 11 pick of Dontari Poe in the NFL Draft is summed up by one term: "Potential."

Or rather, "Poe-tential."

During a conference call with media, head coach Romeo Crennel stated, "I'm excited about the pick. You should be, too." (Sports Illustrated) 

Dontari Poe is a freakishly gifted athlete, trapped in a 6'5", 346-pound frame. 

Let's break down Poe's combine numbers to that of his NFL counterpart, Haloti Ngata, who he bears a striking resemblance to:

Haloti Ngata (6-4, 338 lbs.)

40 time: 5.13

225lb bench reps: 37

Vertical: 31.5"

Shuttle: 4.69

Dontari Poe (6-4, 346 lbs.)

40 time: 4.98

225lb bench reps: 44

Vertical: 29.5"

Shuttle: 4.56

Extraordinary, right? However, Poe's game footage is as impressive as a William Hung audition. 

The Memphis Tigers' defensive tackle tallied 33 total tackles (eight for losses) and one measly sack. Poe also earned second-team all-conference USA honors as a junior; "earned" and "honors" are loosely emphasized.  

Obviously, there's a kink in the cogs, in what should be a well-oiled bulldozing machine. 

Did Poe lack motivation while playing with lackluster talent surrounding him? 

In a conference that saw the Houston Cougars run through the competition during a flawless 8-0 season, Poe's Tigers ran amok, finishing a meager 1-7.

With three defensive coordinators in the same amount of years, Poe's game may have never stabilized because Memphis' foundation was implausibly shaky to begin with. 

This season's No. 11 pick is a project full of untapped potential for Romeo Crennel to tinker with.

35-year-old nose tackle Kelly Gregg is on the brink of retirement, and Kansas City ranked 26th in 2011 in rushing yards allowed per game (132). 

Surrounded by former No. 3 pick Tyson Jackson and No. 5 pick Glenn Dorsey, Kansas City's first wave of defense possesses the capability of manhandling its offensive adversaries.

On the other hand, it could also manifest into a "bustline" that would make Dolly Parton jealous.

As always, only time will have the final say.