Kansas City Chiefs: Power Ranking Rookies for Potential Contribution in 2012

The 2012 NFL draft is complete and most of the action surrounding the signings of undrafted free agents has come to a close. The next step is for these players to become acclimated to their new homes and determine where they will fit in among their new teams.

Some rookies will get their opportunity to prove they belong, while others were brought on to simply fill space on the practice field.

Although the Kansas City Chiefs organization left some scratching their heads as to the direction they went with their draft, Scott Pioli and Co. seemed to target players that will have every chance they can get to contribute to the team.

Here are the Kansas City Chiefs rookies ranked in order of potential contribution for the 2012 season.

1. Dontari Poe

The Kansas City Chiefs primary need was at defensive tackle this offseason, so they went out and drafted one with the 11^th overall pick. That fact alone points toward Dontari Poe being the starting nose tackle this season.

Although the nose tackle position in the 3-4 defense is far from glamorous, Poe’s importance to this team will be heavily gauged on how well his teammates are doing around him.

Whether or not Poe was the right player to draft will take some time to decide, but he will receive plenty of opportunity to prove he belongs in Kansas City.

2. Jeff Allen

It came as a shock to fans of the Kansas City Chiefs when offensive guard David DeCastro’s name wasn’t called in the first round. Then in the second round when the Chiefs selected offensive tackle Jeff Allen, things got a little confusing.

However, Allen is a versatile player who is seen as someone that can play all across the offensive line. And with offensive guard being one of the Chiefs’ areas of need, he could fill that void.

Although the Chiefs return starters Jon Asamoah and Ryan Lilja at both guard spots, Allen will have his chance at getting on the field. The most likely scenario would be that the veteran Lilja becomes the primary backup to both positions.

3. Devon Wylie

With the NFL morphing into a game dominated through the air, the Kansas City Chiefs are doing what they can to keep up with the rest of the league. While there may have been more pressing needs come the fourth round, the Chiefs selected Devon Wylie out of the Fresno State.

Wylie spent a lot of his college career dealing with injuries, which is the primary reason he was never a full-time starter. However, speed is his game and he fits the slot receiver mold quite well. Wylie should also be able to contribute on special teams with Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas never quite living up to the hype.

If Wylie can stay healthy, the Chiefs will be able to use him in multiple scenarios, which boosts his potential value tremendously.

4. Cyrus Gray

At face value, it seems the Kansas City Chiefs are fine at running back and that adding to the mix would make little sense. But the value they received by drafting Cyrus Gray in the sixth round, could prove to be huge for the team.

The fact that the two players ahead of him on the depth chart (Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis) missed a combined 20 games last season means Gray should receive a healthy dose of touches to simply prevent injuries and to keep legs fresh.

If either Charles or Hillis were to go down again, Gray becomes a vital piece for the Chiefs’ quest to take back the AFC West crown.

5. Donald Stephenson

With fellow rookie Jeff Allen expected to provide depth across the interior of the offensive line, Donald Stephenson was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs to back up tackles Branden Albert and Eric Winston.

With the right tackle position in shambles last season for the Chiefs, it was imperative that they fix it quickly. Bringing in Winston to start was the first step, and adding depth with Stephenson was next.

With Albert’s contract up at the end of the season, the selection of Stephenson could actually serve as protection in case the Chiefs can’t retain Albert. In the meantime, Stephenson should receive plenty of reps in anticipation.

6. DeQuan Menzie

Having lost starting cornerback Brandon Carr to the Dallas Cowboys, the Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear that they don’t intend on a drop-off at the position.

The Chiefs went out and signed Stanford Routt to replace Carr (even before Carr had bolted for Dallas) and also added Jacques Reeves for depth to join Brandon Flowers and Javier Arenas.

With the NFL becoming more and more a pass-happy league, having depth at cornerback never hurts. But with so many names ahead of him on the depth chart, fifth-round pick DeQuan Menzie will be on the outside looking in for most of the year.

7. Junior Hemingway

Having already taken Devon Wylie in the fourth round, the Kansas City Chiefs raised a few questions with their selection of wide receiver Junior Hemingway in the seventh round. But with it being so late in the draft, they get a pass for taking a flier on a guy who had a very productive college career at the University of Michigan.

Although he could be buried in the depth chart, Hemingway could prove to be the sleeper of this draft class if the Chiefs aren’t able to retain Bowe long term.

8. Jerome Long

With Kelly Gregg having retired and the only returning player at defensive tackle being Jerrell Powe, the Kansas City Chiefs needed to bulk up in the middle of the defensive line.

Having taken Dontari Poe in the first round was the first step, but depth was still an issue. Enter Jerome Long.

However, with defensive tackle being key to what the Chiefs plan on doing this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them add more depth via free agency; something that doesn’t bode well for Long’s chances at making the team.

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