The Morning Fix: Chiefs News From Around The Web

Those Bill Polian thoughts that Kansas City was very much in the Ryan Tannehill Hunt? That’s more than smoke, and perhaps even a crackling inferno, even as GM Scott Pioli calls trading up “irresponsible.”

Tannehill had a visit and private workout with the Chiefs who have less-than-entrenched starter Matt Cassel under contract. Given the scouting moshpit around Texas A&M’s strong-armed, athletic passer in recent weeks, it’s no surprise to see Pioli and Kansas City taking a strong look.

As Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star explained, years of passing on passers is what puts the franchise in a position of need. They’ve had chances at Mark Sanchez, Joe Flacco (two chances, in fact) and Josh Freeman and come away with modest linemen — DT Glenn Dorsey, OL Branden Albert and DL Tyson Jackson.

Snagging Tannehill at 11 would make sense. Having him on the board at that stage is sounding less and less likely.

SURPRISE! Many expect this young passer’s name to be called long before this selection (by Cleveland, Miami or possibly via a trade-up by someone — Seattle? Philadelphia?). The Chiefs will be stunned and ecstatic if he lasts this long.

McShay writes, “Kuechly is a slam dunk to fill a big need. He can be plugged in next to Derrick Johnson immediately to form one of the best 3-4 inside tandems in the league. He’s instinctive, productive and athletic, and he could allow for some scheme versatility.”

Kuechly was second in the nation in tackles in 2009 as a freshman (yes, a freshman) after replacing Mark Herzlich at Boston College. He then led the nation in tackles the last two seasons. He’s a three-time All American who took the BC tackles record in three seasons with 532. In the process, he won the Butkus Award, Bronco Nagurski Award and the Lombardi Award. In short, it’s hard to argue with the tape on this one.

Peter King of SI.com noted Friday that Ryan Tannehill had a private workout with the Chiefs, then visited Kansas City. Tannehill will spend Sunday and Monday in Cleveland. And then he’s going to Buffalo.

We’ve reached the point where no one even expects Tannehill be available when the Bills select at No. 10. Bills reporters are trying to decide if Buffalo’s interest is all a smokescreen. (We doubt it.) The Chiefs would likely have to trade up past Miami at No. 8 just for a chance to get him. Miami may have to trade up just to get Tannehill.