2012 NFL Draft: 7 Defensive Backs the Chiefs Need to Target

With the 2011 NFL Draft becoming more and more a part of the past, it's time to start looking towards the 2012 draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the youngest and most talented defensive secondaries in all of football right now.

However, as history shows, you can never have enough defensive backs on your roster throughout the season.

Here are seven defensive back prospects that the Chiefs should target in next year's draft.

CB Keith Tandy, West Virginia

Tandy has been a ball-hawk from his cornerback position since the time that he became a starter in 2009.

Last year, he picked off six passes and has nine interceptions in 23 career games for the Mountaineers.

He would be another excellent pick for depth, with a chance at possibly taking over for current starter Brandon Flowers some day, if Flowers begins to regress.

Projected Round: 4

FS Blake Gideon, Texas

Gideon is one the hardest hitting safeties in the Big 12 right now.

He also has a nose for the ball, judging by his eight combined interceptions over the last two seasons.

I see Scott Pioli liking this guy because he is a hard-nosed safety that can be used for secondary depth and also on special teams as well.

Projected Round: 4

CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia

This guy reminds me a lot of current Chief Javier Arenas.

Boykin was used as both a cornerback and a kick return specialist for the last two seasons, as he picked up six interceptions and brought four kicks back to the house during that time.

He would be good for CB depth and could always step in if Arenas or McCluster struggles in kick return duty.

Projected Round: 3

FS Brandon Taylor, LSU

Let's be honest, the Chiefs love guys from the SEC, more specifically LSU.

KC currently has four former Tigers on their roster, and drafting the talented Taylor would make five.

He does have injury concerns, but after playing well in his nine games last season, he could be a guy that the Chiefs could develop in the future.

Projected Round: 5

S Harrison Smith, Notre Dame

Smith would be a great developmental project for the Chiefs to take on in their secondary.

He is one of the captains at Notre Dame, and is a very high character/high IQ football player.

This is a guy that could fill in for KC either in the secondary or on special teams and give you that high energy player that every teams needs.

Projected Round: 6

SS Kenji Jackson, Missouri

I decided to go with a local prospect for this one, with safety Kenji Jackson from Missouri.

Jackson is the most talented player in the Tigers secondary, and had a great '10 season, collecting 67 tackles and two INTs while starting all 13 games from his strong safety position.

His upside might only be as a backup safety in the NFL, but he still should be targeted in the later rounds.

Projected Round: 6

CB Trevin Wade, Arizona

This is yet another prospect that could be had in the later rounds by the Chiefs.

He has 10 interceptions in his collegiate career and is very athletic for his position.

He also fits the Pioli/Haley mold as he is a team captain and loves the game of football.

Projected Round: 5