2010 NFL Draft: Who the Kansas City Chiefs Look To on Day Two

The dust from day one of the 2010 NFL Draft has settled, and eyes are already peeking to day two.

With rounds two and three less than 24 hours away, it is time to examine which prospects are the best fits for Kansas City on Friday.

For anyone who feels the Chiefs missed a chance to improve their line when they passed on Russell Okung at the five spot, or by not trading back into the first round for Bryan Bulaga, don’t fret.  An abundance of offensive tackles are available heading into round two.

Top Tackles Available:

Rodger Saffold (6’5 318):

From the University of Indiana, Saffold was expected by many to go in the first round.  An elite talent with huge upside, Kansas City may not have an immediate starter, but a potential mainstay in the future of the Kansas City offensive line.

Charles Brown (6’5 303):

Brown has bulked up from a playing weight of 285 after converting from tight end to the offensive line while at USC.  Brown has been well-coached and is a viable option to step in as an immediate starter at right tackle.

Vlad Ducasse (6’4 332) and Jared Veldheer (6’8 312):

The two small-school prospects who have been much hyped leading up to the draft are both available.  Ducasse is considered the more pro-ready of the two prospects, but either will be a value pick come the third round and can “red-shirt” for a year before joining the Chiefs’ offensive line as a starter.

For those who feel Kansas City will never pull off the 3-4 defense without a better nose tackle, there are quality options on the board.

Top Nose Tackles Available:

Linval Joseph (6’4 328):

The East Carolina product has been shooting up draft boards and is a high potential pick.  If the first round is where teams need a “sure thing,” then rounds two and three are where teams find guys who slipped due to poor measurables, being a “character” guy (in the negative sense), or are gems more for NFL potential than college prowess.  Joseph falls into the “gem” category.

Terrence Cody (6’4 354):

One of the most polarizing players in the 2010 draft, Cody is a true run-stuffer who has been criticized for an inability to maintain an effective playing weight and poor stamina.  Cody is not an every-down player, but as a two-down run stuffer, he is well-worth Kansas City’s pick at 50 if he’s still available.

Torrell Troup (6’3 314):

From the University of Central Florida, many have heralded Troup as a value pick in the third round.  His name has been jotted around Chiefs’ message boards for a while as someone KC may target.

For those worried about the lack of a tight end and infinite dropped passes by Kansas City receivers, a number of pass catchers are still available:

Top Pass Catchers Available:

Rob Gronkowski (6’6 264):

A big tight end out of Arizona, Gronkowski missed 2009 due to injury, but is strong as both a blocker and a pass catcher.

Aaron Hernandez (6’2 250):

A favorite target of Tim Tebow as a tight end at Florida, Hernandez won the John Mackey award for best collegiate tight end and is a superb pass catcher.  Selecting Hernandez would give Kansas City two players who won awards for being the best athlete at their position.  (Eric Berry won both the Jim Thorpe and Jack Tatum award for best collegiate defensive back).

Jimmy Graham (6’6 260):

My personal favorite in terms of upside at the tight end position, the converted basketball player only played one season of football for the Miami Hurricanes.  His stats are humble, but his potential is off the charts.  He can join other basketball converts such as Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez as an impact tight end in the NFL.  His hand at the combine showed great fluidity as he proved himself a smooth pass catcher.

Damian Williams (6’1 190):

First team All-Pac 10 as a receiver and punt returner, Williams can fill both needs for Kansas City.  Similar in playing style to another USC alum in Steve Smith of the New York Giants, Williams lacks electrifying speed, but brings sure hands and crisp routes to the table.

Jordan Shipley (5’11 193):

Receiver of choice on the majority of Colt McCoy's throws in 2009, Shipley is often touted as the next Wes Welker.  With marginal speed, Shipley made his mark as a heady route runner on underneath routes who caught everything in his direction.  He can be a key No. 3 receiver for Kansas City for a long time to come.

For those of you who feel the anemic pass rush of Kansas City needs a jump start, there are some good pass rushers on the board.

Top Outside Linebackers Available:

Daryl Washington (6’1 230):

The second half of the TCU tandem with Jerry Hughes, Washington brings a similar skill set.  He can put on weight and if he can maintain his speed can be a great edge rusher in a 3-4 defense.

Koa Misi (6’2 251):

A defensive end convert out of Utah, Misi has the measurables to make a successful transition similar to that of Tamba Hali.

It is highly unlikely the Chiefs will take Sergio Kindle.  Kindle may be the best talent still available in the draft, but his character issues should have Scott Pioli and the Chiefs shying away (apparently like many teams already have).

For those who feel the greatest need for Kansas City are sure tacklers:

Top Inside Linebackers:

Pat Angerer (6’1 235):

In an era where there is seldom such a thing as an “under-the-radar” player, Angerer may be worthy of such a label.  The Iowa product is an experienced senior who shows good fundamentals and can fill a need for a linebacking corps in Kansas City that seemed to lack fundamental tackling skills in 2009.

Brandon Spikes (6’3 249):

The Florida inside linebacker was an exceptional college athlete who has seen his stock drop because of poor 40 times.  Still, he is a power hitter who initiates contact at the line of scrimmage with consistency.  He can shoot gaps in the 3-4, but can’t be called upon consistently to reach the flats, make sideline-to-sideline tackles, or fall into pass coverage with regularity.