2011 NFL Draft: Offense Should Be Chief Concern in Kansas City

Prior to 2011, the Chiefs found themselves drafting in the top-five three consecutive seasons. Oddly enough, all three selections were on the defensive side of the ball. While the unit as a whole isn't composed entirely of high-round picks, over half of their starters were selected in the second round or higher, including five first round selections.

Conversely, Kansas City's offense has enjoyed relative success despite a significant lack of high-end investments. Pro Bowl wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and left tackle Branden Albert are the only first round selections on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Matt Cassel was acquired for a second round pick, but he was drafted in the seventh round. They are joined by All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles (third round), along with the 2011 rookie class of Dexter McCluster (second), Tony Moeaki (third) and Jon Asamoah (third).

General Manager Scott Pioli will face a tough task with the 21st overall pick. The debate of need vs. value should be weighing heavily on his mind. Choosing to address one of the clear-cut positions of need like nose tackle or wide receiver will likely require the Chiefs to select a player they have rated outside of their top thirty. Wisdom would suggest they focus their attention on the best player available in the first round.

Determining who will be available at 21 is difficult in foresight but it looks fairly possible that Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi will still be on the board. The Outland Trophy winner and consensus First-Team All-American is arguably the best offensive lineman in the 2011 class. His four years of starting experience at left tackle are downright remarkable in College Football; they might also be the reason a lot of teams have been downgrading him. Frankly, there is a lot of tape to evaluate with Carimi and like every player he has been beaten at times. Regardless, Carimi is an outstanding performer with elite experience that can start immediately in Kansas City. He not only upgrades their starting line-up, but he also drastically impacts their depth by relegating Barry Richardson to a back-up role.

Though it may be hard to believe, the Chiefs will have far more riding on their second and third round selections than their first. There is an amazing pool of talent to evaluate at multiple positions and they could go in any number of directions.  Unlike the past few drafts, Kansas City does not have major concerns all over the field. In most cases, their positions of need are lacking depth rather than starting caliber talent.

In any event, it's imperative that Kansas City's offense receive major attention at the top of the 2011 Draft. Not only are they in desperate need of a play maker opposite Dwayne Bowe, their receiving corps in general is a lackluster group. Additionally, the interior of the offensive line has gotten old in a hurry and none of their young linemen are proven commodities. The Chiefs may have won the AFC West (despite going 2-4 in the division) and led the NFL in rushing but if they want to build upon that foundation, it's time to show the offense some love.