2011 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Full 7-Round Projections

The Kansas City Chiefs have a solid foundation built.

Relying on the run game with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones led the Chiefs to the playoffs in 2010.

Now, they just need to retool for a deeper playoff run in 2011.

Some of the team's needs are offensive guard, wide receiver and defensive tackle.

If they can address these needs in the early rounds of the 2011 NFL draft, they'll be in good shape going forward.

Here are my projections for what the Chiefs will do with their picks on Thursday night.

1. Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators hugs teammate Mike Pouncey #55 after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisana Superdome on January 1, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Casey Wiegmann and Brian Waters are getting old.

It’s time to start training their replacements.

Pouncey, the best guard/center lineman available in the 2011 NFL draft, makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs at No. 21.

2. Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

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LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 13: Randall Cobb #18 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Commonwealth Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 38-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Get

The Chiefs need another solid receiver to help take pressure off Dwayne Bowe.

Cobb, a 5’10” speedster, would be the perfect complement.

He’s also a pretty good kickoff and punt returner.

3. Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 31: The USF Bulls celebrate with the trophy after a 31-26 victory over the Clemson Tigers at Bank of America Stadium on December 31, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

When McClain is in the game, he helps stuff the run game.

The 6’3”, 310-pound DT would be a great guy to help complete a defensive line with Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey.

Those three behemoths would make it pretty hard to run against the Chiefs.

4. Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida

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GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert #76 of the Florida Gators takes a breather during a stoppage in play against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. Florida defeate

Branden Albert is still learning the ropes, and Barry Richardson is prone to struggle from time to time.

Adding Gilbert to a tackle rotation would help take the pressure off both of the Chiefs’ young tackles.

Gilbert, Richardson and Albert could work together and help each other develop.

5a. Cliff Matthews, DE, South Carolina

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 25: Cliff Matthews #83 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Chiefs don’t really have a lot of depth behind Jackson and Dorsey at the defensive end position.

Matthews would be a good value pick at the top of the fifth round.

His 6’4”, 268-pound body would fit right in with Jackson and Dorsey.

5b. Chris Culliver, CB, South Carolina

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 25: Chris Culliver #17 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

A second Gamecock in the fifth round? Why not?

Culliver has return skills and showed flashes of being a good cornerback before an injury ended his senior season at South Carolina.

If he can stay healthy in the NFL, he could be a steal in Round 5.

6. T.J. Yates, QB, North Carolina

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 13: T.J. Yates #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drops back to throw a pass against the Virginia Tech Hokies during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Ge

Brodie Croyle is not a good option for a backup quarterback.

Therefore, that position is something the Chiefs should try to address in this year’s draft.

Yates would be a good pick late in Round 6.

He threw for nearly 3,500 yards and 19 touchdowns for a depleted North Carolina team in 2010.

7. Malcolm Smith, OLB, USC

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PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04: Malcolm Smith #6 of the USC Trojans tackles Nelson Rosario #83 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California. USC defeated UCLA 28-14. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Mike Vrabel isn’t going to be around forever. He’s got a couple more years left in the tank, but drafting a guy in the seventh round who could become his replacement would be a smart move.

Smith is a similar player to Vrabel. Neither of them rushes the passer very much, though Vrabel was more of a pass-rushing linebacker during his time with the New England Patriots.

They focus on stopping the run and occasionally drop into pass coverage.

Learning from Vrabel would be a valuable experience for Smith.