2011 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs 7-Round Projections (With Video)

The Chiefs are coming off of their first playoff appearance since 2006 and their first AFC West title since 2003, so this draft will be important in helping Kansas City stay on top.

Last season's draft was instrumental in the team's turnaround as the Chiefs picked up key players like Eric Berry and Tony Moeaki in the early rounds, and Kendrick Lewis in the later rounds.

Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli is hoping to have the same draft success this year with the Chiefs 21st pick.

Kansas City needs to make a splash with their first round selection and they could go in a variety of ways because they have many positions where they could upgrade for the future.

Wide receiver is their biggest need but they will also likely look to upgrade at outside linebacker, and on the offensive and defensive lines during this draft.

Here is a look at which players the Chiefs may select with their eight picks in this year's draft.

Round 1 (21): Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Ayers would give the Chiefs a versatile pass-rusher opposite of Pro-Bowler Tamba Hali and he would be another playmaker for the young Kansas City defense.

There was a time that Ayers was thought to be gone by the time the Chiefs come on the clock at No. 21, but after he ran a 4.84 40-yard dash at the combine his stock experienced a major fall.

The Chiefs should benefit from this if they choose to select the former UCLA star because he has proven on the field that he has what it takes to be a very productive player.

Ayers is solid in pass coverage and he has good instincts when it comes to sniffing out the opposing runner in the running game.

Ayers would be an instant upgrade at the position and a player who should flourish in Kansas City for years to come.

Round 2 (55): Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami

Hankerson would give the Chiefs a legitimate No. 2 option at the receiver position opposite of Dwayne Bowe.

Hankerson has very reliable hands and he put up some of the best numbers in Miami history, so there is no doubt that he can produce.

Hankerson caught 72 passes last year for 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns. Hankerson is said to have a great work ethic and at just under 6'2" and 209 lbs., he is a well-built receiver who can make plays happen down the field and after the catch.

One major positive for the Chiefs that they could use, is his separation skills and route running which are both above average.

Hankerson may never be a great player, but the potential is there and he would automatically be the second best receiver on the team's roster.

Round 3 (86): Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida

Gilbert would give the Chiefs another versatile player on the offensive line who can play many different positions.

He saw time most recently at both tackle positions for the Gators and he would give the Chiefs the option  to move Branden Albert inside to guard or to the right tackle position.

At the very least, the Chiefs could experiment with their offensive line and Gilbert would be a great value at this point in the draft—much the same way Asamoah was last season in the third round.

Round 4 (118): Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii

Salas is not the most explosive player in this year's draft but he is the type of player the Kansas City receiving corps could use.

While playing in the pass-happy Hawaii offense, Salas put up outstanding numbers of 119 receptions for 1,889 yards and 14 touchdowns this past season. Salas had the second most receptions in the country behind Sooners receiver Ryan Broyles (131) and he also was second in yards per game behind only Oklahoma St. wideout Justin Blackmon.

The Chiefs should look to draft Salas because he is a sure-handed receiver who does not drop many balls and Kansas City could use some consistency from their receiving corps.

Salas' speed is nothing more than average but he will get open and move the chains—something the Chiefs could desperately use. 

Salas would look great in the slot this season at Arrowhead and if Pioli is looking for his Wes Welker than the former Hawaii star could be his guy.

Round 5 (135): Greg Jones, ILB, Michigan St.

Jones could fight for the starting inside linebacker position next to Derrick Johnson this season but would most likely start out on special teams.

Jones biggest strength is his solid instincts when playing the run where he is above average at finding the ball and making the play. He is also good in pass coverage, but he needs to improve his strength which he would be able to do while learning Romeo Crennel's defensive schemes his first year. 

The 22-year-old would be a good developmental player for the Chiefs in an area where they could use another solid option. At the very least, as a rookie, he would be able to help out on special teams.

Round 5 (140): Jerrell Powe, DT, 'Ole Miss

Powe's career at 'Ole Miss was a bit of a disappointment after being one of the most hyped prospects in the country coming out of high school. Many draft experts have Powe now pegged as a fifth round prospect. If that comes true, the Chiefs should seriously consider this guy to anchor their defensive line for years to come.

Ron Edwards should be able to do a good enough job to hold down the middle for one more year, but the Chiefs could use some younger talent at the position and Powe could fill that need.

Powe was a team captain last season at 'Ole Miss and we all know how much Pioli likes the Rebels team captains.

Round 6 (199): Nathan Enderle, QB, Idaho

Brodie Croyle will most likely not be back as the Chiefs' backup, so the team needs to find a replacement and Enderle would be a great pick in the sixth round.

Enderle played at Idaho so he is a little under the radar. He is a well-built player with a very strong arm but would need some refinement before he is ready to play in the NFL.

Enderle would be a bit of a project, but at this point in the draft he would definitely be one worth taking on.

He threw for 3,314 yards and two touchdowns as one of the Vandals' team captains last season.

Round 7 (223): Zane Taylor, C, Utah

Taylor was a team captain at Utah and he would give the Chiefs a potential starter in the future when Casey Wiegmann decides to retire.

Taylor is one of the top rated centers in this draft class but he was given a seventh round grade by many analysts so he may be available with the Chiefs final pick.

This pick would fill a potential need for the Chiefs in the future and Taylor could also be the best player available at this point so it would be a great selection.