After listening to Mel Kiper, Todd McShay and all the other experts, you would think that the draft is a mere formality. Various draft sites have the Chiefs picking Aaron Curry, inside/outside linebacker from Wake Forest. They describe him as the “BEST ATHLETE AVAILABLE.” Other sites suggest Eugene Monroe, a former teammate of Branden Albert, who actually played left tackle at Virginia. But clearly these experts have too much time on their hands. I recently read an article suggesting the Lions pull a Vikings and delay announcing their selection until after the Chiefs to save $4 million in bonus money. We’re getting into silly season at this point.
But what about the Chiefs, what should they do? I have a rather simple solution — trade down 5-8 places, pick up additional picks (definitely a second-rounder to replace the one surrendered in the Matt Cassell trade) and then with their pick select J-Mac. But why J-Mac? First, Jeremy Maclin would immediately improve two of the three segments of the Chiefs — offense and special teams. J-Mac is a gamebreaker on both offense and special teams.
Unlike the so-called experts, I actually discussed this with Big 12 coaches. He was the most feared weapon in the Big 12. His potential is unlimited and he will be a better receiver as he matures(just a sophomore in eligibility) The Chiefs have not had a receiver with his speed since Carlos Carson and have not had a return man of his ability since Dante Hall. Has everyone forgotten what Dante and Tamarick Vanover would do to change the complexion of a game?
I also prefer J-Mac to Michael Crabtree, especially considering where they are projected to go off the board. Maclin is smarter, faster, isn’t injured and can also contribute as a return man. He has the speed opposite Dwayne Bowe that the Chiefs sorely need. I’m not sure Crabtree has the wheels to separate and stretch the field.
Besides his obvious talents, his great upside and his score on his Wonderlic test (25), he would provide instant star power and excitement in an aura of rebuilding. Wouldn’t J-Mac put excitement back into kickoffs and punt returns, and what better state to do that but in his home state of Missouri?
I don’t want another disappointment at linebacker like Derrick Johnson or another underachieving defensive lineman. We finally have a quarterback, so let’s give him the tools to succeed. Give me J-Mac!!
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id be down with Maclin if that would lead us to trading Tony G. Maclin would work as a good complement to Bowe and spur us from needing tony, which i think will happen no matter what
Trading back and taking a tackle or the best defensive player on the board makes more sense than trading back for a wide receiver to me. I’ve just seen too many plays made by this Crabtree kid to warrant passing him up for Macklin. I agree that Macklin’s speed makes this a debate but speed alone does not a wide out make. Crabtree has way more upside in my opinion.
I still think Michael Crabtree would be the pick if we were going to go wide receiver. He’s a playmaker and a gamebreaker. If Haley and Co. want a WR in the first round, I don’t think they’ll be able to pass up Crabtree.
I am all for trading back and getting much needed draft picks, hopefully atleast a 1st and a 2nd. I think the draft is loaded with tons of talent and wherever we draft we will be smart and set ourselves up for success. Finally!!!
Ummm… Seriously? If he hadn’t played at Missouri I don’t think that this even becomes a conversation. Since I am not a Missouri native, I will try to be a voice of reason. He is the second best reciever on the board at best and will probably not be as good as Nicks in the pros. We have probably 10 needs outranking WR unless it is a complete game changer like a Michael Crabtree. Nobody wants our pick so we need to take the best player available. Hopefully that IS Curry.
When you say we don’t want another disappointment like Derrick Johnson, you make it sound as if we have had luck drafting wide receivers. Aside from D. Bowe, I don’t recall anything but a bust.
If we HAVE to take a receiver with the 3rd pick I’d rather take the Florida receiver. Drafting from the SEC is safer and would be giving us a player who is used to winning ( including the big one ).
“J Mac” beat up on a weak Big 12 league.
And actually, if we were going to trade down to pick up a speedy receiver later in the draft, I’d personally rather grab Percy Harvin. With athletes like Harvin, Tyler Thigpen, and Mark Bradley on the team, the wildcat could be a force!
Yes, and maybe we can trade LJ for Adrian Peterson, and maybe we can trade our whole D-line for that of the Giants, and maybe I’ll win the lottery.
Sorry, but it’s tough to trade in the top 5 when there are players there teams are DYING for. This year, none of these guys are to die for. Can they be good players? Of course. Are they head-and-shoulders above the players at #9-16? Nope.
KC is going to have to take it’s medicine and pick #3. Or take it in the shorts in order to trade back.
I know this may be a little of an aside, but as a football coach I always try to avoid playing players that carry the ball like the picture you have.
He would be a great addition but could use some teaching on how to keep it high and tight.
I think Crabtree vs. Maclin will be the conversation of my next vlog.
Is there anyone willing to trade up in the first place? We talk about trading down like there are so many teams willing to do it… and yet we all know that a pick in the top 5 is like kryptonite because of all the guaranteed dollars involved. The top 10 this year is considered pretty weak by most analysts compared to most years, which tells me that only a team that is straight up dumb or totally desperate for one of the average QB’s in this years draft would trade up.
But don’t get me wrong, I’d love to trade down to grab two guys instead of one but I really just don’t see it happening. My opinion is that Pioli will most likely pick BJ Raji or Aaron Curry if he is unable to trade down. Raji is an animal and a prototypical Pioli pick if you look at his history from the Patriots. I don’t think either are really work pick 3 money but if you can’t trade down… what do you do? QB’s and left tackles are only worth that money as far as I’m concerned.
btw – first post, yay
Welcome to the site, xbaddict!
Thanks Adam. And also, I’m not a huge of Maclin as one of our top picks. The guy is hurt quite a bit and probably not worth such a high pick imo. Would I like to have the guy on the team? Definitely but I wouldn’t use a high pick on him.
Macklin had some ankle issues last year and missed some games. Crabtree had a fracture in his foot however Chris Carter stated he had the same injury and after the surgery never had a problem with it. Macklin to me seems like he could have injury problems throughout his career, I believe Crabtree is the way to go. I think offensive line can be addressed in the 3rd round and use the rest of the draft and the second wave of free agency on defense.
I usually love reading your articles, and I think everyone here knows my opinion of Maclin. I think I’ve said it many times, but Maclin will be one of the biggest top 10 flops for WHOEVER takes him. NO. NO. NO.
Maclin???
I understand the need for Game changers on special teams and someone who can give you short fields but Maclin?? Id say we have a decent group of receivers and return men can be had in the later rounds.
I dont care if Pioli says his job is to get players for Haley i have a feeling Pioli will have a plan of his own that doesnt involve drafting a WR
personally I would lov having the best wideout in coll. come here, but with what the chiefs need… we cant afford it…
yes mac is best …(dont listen to the KU fans who wont give him credit)
And us Missouri fans that won’t give him credit?
GOt to say i really enjoyed reading your writings, keep up the good job.