The Kansas City Chiefs' First Pick: Will They Trade?

The Kansas City Chiefs are owners of the third overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.  While most mock drafts predict that the Chiefs will select Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, the possibility of the club trading out of the pick does exist. 

Let’s take a look at why the Chiefs might consider such a move and see what team could be a potential trade partner.

WHY TRADE?

Why would the Chiefs trade their third pick?  First, the team is in dire need to upgrade several spots on their roster, so trading down to acquire more draft picks certainly makes sense. 

In addition, the team gave up its second round pick to the New England Patriots in the trade that sent quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel to Kansas City.  After the Chiefs pick third overall, they are currently not slated to pick again until the third round, No. 67 overall. 

That is a long time for any team to wait between picks, particularly a team with so many holes to fill.

The Detroit Lions hold the No. 1 pick in this weekend’s drat. Recently there have been rumors circulating that the Detroit Lions; once believed to be in pursuit of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford are now considering drafting Curry. If so, this could directly affect what KC does two picks later. 

If Stafford is still on the board when the Chiefs are on the clock, many quarterback-hungry teams might make an offer to Kansas City in an effort to leapfrog other interested clubs.

WILL THEY TRADE NO. 88?

Another trade rumor has the Chiefs dealing pro bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez to the Atlanta Falcons for a second round draft pick, No. 55 overall. While this might not be a popular notion in Kansas City, it could be an equitable deal for both clubs. 

Kansas City would pick up a badly-needed second round selection while Atlanta would add one of the best tight ends in the game to an already blossoming offensive attack. While this rumor has circulated for a few days, nothing has materialized publicly, but stay tuned. 

WHO NEEDS A QUARTERBACK?

There are a number of clubs who might be very interested in moving up to select Stafford or USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. These teams include:

Jacksonville Jaguars:  Because they are holding nine picks in the draft AND need a quarterback of the future, the Jags might make for a suitable trade partner with the Chiefs. Jacksonville holds the No. 8 overall pick as well as the 39th pick and the 752nd pick. 

A scenario in which Jacksonville might switch places with the Chiefs and relinquish its third round pick is quite plausible. 

San Francisco 49ers: The ‘niners also own nine picks is this year’s draft, and they are also likely in search of a new quarterback. With the No. 10 overall selection coupled with the team’s third round pick (No. 74 overall), San Francisco could make a nice deal with Kansas City to move up and acquire a new quarterback.

New York Jets:  With Kellen Clemens perched at the top of the quarterback depth chart in New York, the Jets are likely in the market for new blood. The jets hold the No. 17 overall selection along with the No. 52 overall pick. 

While they might have the desire to move up, the Jets only have six picks right now and might not have the ammo to complete such a deal.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  With a new regime in place in Tampa, new Bucs head coach Raheem Morris has already dumped quarterbacks Jeff Garcia and Chris Simms. 

While they might want to move up, it has been rumored that the Bucs might just stay put and see if Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman falls to them at No. 19.  Tampa Bay currently holds eight selections in the draft.

Minnesota Vikings:  While no one needs a quarterback of the future more than Minnesota, the Vikes currently have but six selections in the draft. 

Still, if they want to move up badly enough, the Vikings might see fit to offer KC their first round pick (No. 22) and their third rounder (No. 86) to grab Stafford.

Other clubs who could consider a quarterback in the first round include the Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Browns, but none of these clubs look to be potential trade partners with Kansas City, particularly the division-rival Broncos.

CONCLUSIONS

While many clubs might have the desire to trade with Kansas City and move into the Stafford/Sanchez sweepstakes, there are very few clubs armed with the picks needed to pull off such a deal. 

Of the teams listed above, San Francisco looks like the most qualified trade suitor, as they hold enough picks to make the deal without mortgaging its entire draft. 

Still, all of this is contingent upon Detroit not selecting Stafford at number one, and that’s far from guaranteed. While it’s fun to look at potential trades, the most likely scenario in Kansas City is the one that we have heard all spring: Aaron Curry.

The Lions have indeed been in contact with Curry this week, but a club coming off the first 0-16 campaign in NFL history needs to pick a new face for its franchise, and such a face usually belongs to a quarterback.