Friday, February 1, 2013
The Chiefs' decision at No. 1
By Tim Kavanagh
The Kansas City Chiefs are in a tough spot in this year's draft. Needing a QB, none of the prospects at the position seem like a sure bet. Well-stocked with pass-rushers, that happens to be one of the strengths of this year's draft class.
There's been a lot of discussion on this blog and elsewhere regarding Texas A&M Luke Joeckel being taken there, but that's going on the hypothetical of Branden Albert not being re-signed. If Albert is brought back by Andy Reid and Co., that would make the Joeckel pick a wasted one. On the other side of the ball, there is a departing player who could be replaced very well with one of the top prospects, however.
DE Glenn Dorsey is an impending free agent, and after essentially being a non-factor in 2012, it would not be surprising if the Chiefs bid him adieu. If that ends up being the case, all eyes will turn to Utah DL Star Lotulelei, a DT in college who has the ability to slide out to DE in a 3-4 alignment. Another option, as raised by Bill Williamson of ESPN's AFC West blog is to trade down and recoup some value later while taking another player who can be slotted in as a starter (such as CB Dee Milliner, LB Alec Ogletree, QB Geno Smith or WR Cordarrelle Patterson):
Bill Williamson
The Chiefs' first-round dilemma"Thus, there are three options for the Chiefs: Keeping the pick and going with a top player who can help immediately in Lotulelei; taking a big risk and taking Smith at No. 1; or trading down, getting some extra picks and taking a player at a need spot in the appropriate pick range."
