Chiefs Draft Donald Stephenson, OT In 3rd Round
The Kansas City Chiefs have drafted OT Donald Stephenson from Oklahoma in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Stephenson is the second straight tackle drafted by the Chiefs. The team took Jeff Allen out of Illinois in the second round. They added a defensive lineman in Dontari Poe in the first round.
While Allen projects as a guard prospect, Mike Mayock of NFL Network seems to think Stephenson could end up being a starting left tackle some day after some development. Stephenson attended the Chiefs’ local pro day earlier this month.
Here is a bit about Stephenson from CBS Sports:
"Strengths: Has a naturally wide base with a thickly built frame and good length ? long legs to cover a lot of ground with his initial kick slide. Has the quickness to set up quickly with enough lateral shuffle to mirror and cover a lot of ground, showing the mobility to get to the second level. Has broad shoulders and a long set of arms to extend and keep rushers from his body. Uses blocking angles well and does a nice job gaining body positioning to shield rushers. Flashes the playing strength and natural power to get push in the run game and is stout at the point of attack ? holds his ground at initial contact. Progressively improved since earning the starting job last season and carries a degree of developmental upside. Weaknesses: Heavy footed and lacks elite lateral ability ? will struggle with speed rushers and footwork is a work in progress. Bends too much at the waist and overextends himself"
I have a feeling this draft is shaking up to be very unpopular. Despite how much sense it makes for the Chiefs to build depth along their lines, fans like to see their teams draft play makers. The first three rounds of this draft will certainly get the “boring” label slapped on them.
I am ok with this pick. The Chiefs don’t have much tackle depth and depth is what this draft is all about. With the pick of Powe, NT is now a deep position with Poe, Powe and Gordon. Tackle is now deep with Albert, Winston, Stephenson and Allen. Guard is now deeper with Asamoah, Lilja and Allen.
The Chiefs have plenty of picks tomorrow to go looking for play makers. These picks may not be sexy but they are smart.