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The NFL Draft Countdown is where we take a closer look at an NFL franchise to see what its transactions have been and what its needs are.
Franchise
- Draft Position: 5
- 2009 Season Result: 4-12 (4th in AFC West; Missed Playoffs)
- 2009 Head Coach: Todd Haley
- 2010 Head Coach: Todd Haley (4-12; 0-0)
Key Transactions
- RB Thomas Jones (from NYJ)
- G Ryan Lilja (from IND)
- C Casey Wiegmann (from DEN)
Draft Picks
- 1-5
- 2-4
- 2-18
- 3-4
- 4-4
- 5-5
- 5-11
- 5-13
Analysis & Outlook
The franchise run by a lot of former New England Patriots people just got a bit bigger with the additions of DC Romeo Crennel and OC Charlie Weis joining former Patriots GM Scott Pioli and former Patriots QB Matt Cassel. If they’d only have the Patriots’ success…
On offense, the Chiefs have upgraded their running game with veteran RB Thomas Jones as well as their O-Line with veterans C Casey Wiegmann and G Ryan Lilja. They’re temporary solutions but they should help protect both Cassel and Jones on offense. The departure of TE Tony Gonzalez last year has left them seeking a playmaker to take the pressure off WR Dwayne Bowe. They’ll need to find someone who can contribute in such a fashion for the long-term.
The Chiefs’ defense ranked a horrible 31st against the run and they’ll definitely look for players along the front seven that can stop the run. Their secondary is also in development so extra growth in that area will help them a long way.
In the first round, I expect the Chiefs to address the T position with either Trent Williams or Bryan Bulaga. The only alternative I see is S Eric Berry. They have two picks in the second round which they’ll gladly use to get help on the front seven so I’m predicting a DT and LB tandem to be picked there. In the third round, they could target another offensive player in the form of a TE or WR, and they’ll close out with additional picks on the O-Line, front seven and secondary.
The Chiefs are still building and it’s coming together bit by bit. The organization seems to be committed to Pioli’s plan and I think he’ll manage. The Chiefs will need a few more years and by then, we’ll also have a better idea of whether Cassel is for real.