Kansas City Chiefs: Early 2013 NFL Mock Draft

Even though it is early, fans know going into the bye week that the Kansas City Chiefs will end up with a very high draft pick.

If the Chiefs keep up their rate of not playing with a lead, they could clinch the top pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. With Chiefs fans showing little interest in the poor product on the field, they are keeping their eyes on young talented players hitting the gridiron on Saturdays.

A lot of fans are hoping the Chiefs are vying for a quarterback. But given general manager Scott Pioli's past, anything is possible and fans should expect the unexpected. At the same time, maybe Pioli surprises fans and the media by going with the majority, but not that the majority's approval matters to him.

First-round pick: QB Geno Smith, West Virginia

It's hard to find a Chiefs fan today who would be strongly opposed to selecting Geno Smith from West Virginia. Cassel leads the NFL in turnovers with 14 and has not lived up to Pioli's expectations since coming to Kansas City in 2009. Cassel has yet to carry over his success from 2010 to another season.

Second-round pick: T Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin

Ricky Wagner has experience at both left and right tackle. Eric Winston and Branden Albert have not been consistent and the Chiefs desperately need an offensive lineman on the outside to build blocks for the running game. Jamaal Charles loves to attack the outside and use his breakaway speed to gain a lot of yards. He would benefit from this pick the most.

Third-round pick: RB Michael Dyer, Arkansas State

The Chiefs can't rely on Shaun Draughn, Cyrus Gray or Peyton Hillis. Hillis signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs and with the struggles he's gone through this year, it is safe to say he won't be brought back. Therefore, the Chiefs will want another running back to give Charles a strong one-two punch. And don't forget, Charles was drafted high in the third round. Maybe the Chiefs can find another gem in the third round who can play like one of the best.

Fourth-round pick: CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State

If losing Brandon Carr wasn't bad enough, Stanford Routt has been a huge setback. He had some upside, but the Chiefs are not seeing it in him and desperately need to build some depth at the cornerback spot. As always, fourth-round picks take some time to develop. But if Gilbert happens to be the guy and eventually starts, maybe the Chiefs found the right replacement for Carr. Don't forget that Carr was drafted in the fifth round. Maybe the Chiefs can continue to get lucky with some late-round picks.

Fifth-round pick: LB Arthur Brown, Kansas State

If the Chiefs have any strengths, outside of Charles, it's the linebackers on defense. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali have been strong on the outside and have provided a lot of pressure while Derrick Johnson has played well inside. Arthur Brown would be a nice addition to the linebacking corps and give the Chiefs more depth on defense.

Sixth-round pick: Mario Benavides, C/G Louisville

Mario Benavides may not start right away, but to start off, he would be a nice backup to have at center. The Chiefs can't fully rely on Ryan Lilja to play center, who is filling in for the injured Rodney Hudson.

Seventh-round pick: Chad Bumphis, WR Mississippi State

Seventh-round picks are sometimes the toughest because sometimes these players either make the practice squad or get cut. The Chiefs could try out a receiver and see what they can get. Chad Bumphis may be available in the seventh round.