The 21st Pick Through “Scott Pioli Colored Glasses”
Well Chiefs fans we are now officially 9 days away from the NFL draft. We all have our own thoughts on who the Chiefs should draft. You may have your heart set on a certain player or position, but what really matters is what Scott Pioli wants. That’s what I decided to do this week, really look at which of the prospects that are being discussed as possibilities for Kansas City at pick #21 are most likely to be picked by Pioli.
So let me be very clear, I am NOT saying that this is who I think Kansas City should draft. This is who I think Pioli will pick based off what we know about Pioli and his approach to the draft and prospects.
So what does Pioli like in a draft pick? Here’s the list I came up with.
-Lots of experience. The more playing time, the more tape for scouts to pour over.
-Hard worker. A strong work ethic is a must.
-Leader. We all know about the whole “team captain” criteria from last year’s draft.
-Played against elite competition. Pioli has drafted a ton of players from the SEC.
-Loves football. Pioli is on the record as saying he wants guys who love to play the game.
-Passes the janitor test. Pioli tries to find high character players by digging into how the player treats people when no one is looking.
-Good value at the spot he’s drafted. Some would argue against this given the Tyson Jackson pick, but Pioli often claims they are looking for the best player available.
So based off these criteria, Scott Pioli will take…….
Derek Sherrod – OT – Mississippi State
When you factor all of these criteria in, all signs end up pointing to Sherrod.
Lots of experience? Sherrod has 50 college games under his belt, three as the full time starter at LT.
Hard worker? Reputation is that he works hard in practice and has really worked to develop good technique and footwork. He’s also very durable and missed very little time due to injury in his college career.
Leader? Yes, he was a team captain. Here’s a quote from www.draftcountdown.com ‘s interview with Sherrod about being a team leader:
"“I’m a leader in how I play, practice, and work out. I pretty much lead by example. I make sure that all of my teammates try to play to their potential and work as hard as they can. You have to go in every single day and do the best you can and try to get better each and every day. I try to make sure my teammates and I get to that peak.”"
I’m sure any doubts that head coach Todd Haley had in Sherrod went out the window as soon as he heard that “get better every day” quote.
Played against elite competition? Sherrod was a three year started in Pioli’s favorite conference, the SEC.
Loves football? One of the knocks on Sherrod is that he might not have the “killer instinct” some are looking for, basically that maybe he is too nice. Don’t mistake that for not loving football. As I already stated, Sherrod is known as a great leader and hard worker. Here is another quote from the draftcountdown.com interview about what he likes best about football.
"“My favorite part is just being out there with my teammates, going out there having fun and working hard to get a victory each and every week. You go through a lot with your teammates and spend a lot of time with them and that’s what I enjoy.”"
Passes the janitor test? Check out this quote from www.nfldraftscout.com ‘s profile on Sherrod under the area “Intangibles”.
"“Was one of 16 players to win the storied National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (NFF) Award, which includes a post-graduate $18,000 scholarship. Earned his degree in business with a 3.54 GPA. Is the third Bulldog to win the award and the first since 1989. Team leader voted a captain in 2010. A four-year member of the M-Club, MSU’s student-athlete community service organization, he has spent considerable time with the youth of Mississippi. He has served breakfast at Sudduth Elementary School, participated in Sudduth’s Kids Fair and read to local students to promote literacy. He has also organized a Thanksgiving food drive.”"
Now compare that to say NT Phil Taylor’s “Intangibles” from the same sight.
"“Sprained his knee in 2007 preseason at Penn State, losing starting job to future first-round pick Jared Odrick. Charged with felony aggravated assault during a fraternity function at a Penn State student union in October 2007; the charge was eventually dropped. Really turned up his game the second half of 2010; scouts could see that as maturity or wonder if he can maintain that level of play.”"
It’s not hard to guess which one of those guys will be a good fit for Pioli’s “Right 53” mantra.
Good value for that draft slot? Well our own Merlin’s Draft Tek big board currently has Sherrod ranked as the #21 overall prospect. Larry McDaniel of Fansided’s With The First Pick has mocked Sherrod to the Chiefs in his first mock update to come out after the news of Phil Taylor’s possible medical red flag broke. Draftcountdown .com summed Sherrod up as “not particularly flashy but very consistent and arguably the best all around blocker in this class.” So it sounds like the value is there.
Now, am I on the record as saying that WR is our biggest need? Yes
Have I said I was in favor of drafting Phil Taylor? Yes (at least before the injury rumors)
Am I wild about drafting an OT with our first round pick? Meh, I guess I’m okay with it.
After looking at things through “Pioli-colored glasses” would I call Derek Sherrod the most likely pick for the Chiefs if they stay at #21? Yes
So what do you think KC fans? Do you agree that Sherrod is a likely Pioli pick? Would you be okay with this pick?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!