2013 NFL Draft: Predicting The Chiefs’ Secret List At No. 1
The Kansas City Chiefs may very well select a tackle with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft but just in case they are considering a few other players, we decided to do some detective work.
Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid, recently said that the team would consider about 8-10 players for the No. 1 pick. We’ve decided to piece together clues to see if we can figure out the ten players KC is considering. We figure we can use evidence like position needs, expert draft rankings and the team’s workout and visit schedule to determine which players are on the list.
Here is what we have so far:
1. Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Evidence: The Chiefs are reportedly shopping LT Branden Albert. The team has also cut RT Eric Winston. If Albert is traded, KC would need two new starting tackles. We learned earlier today that the Chiefs were down in Texas working Joeckel out. Finally, Joeckel is considered the top tackle in the draft and a top ten pick. He’s definitely on the list.
2. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Evidence: Like Joeckel, Fisher is considered a top offensive tackle in this draft. Some experts have Fisher and Joeckel neck and neck. We know the Chiefs plan to work him out this month. He is certain to be on the list.
3. Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Evidence: See everything above under Luke Joeckel and replace “Luke Joeckel” with “Lane Johnson.”
4. Dion Jordon, OLB, Oregon
Evidence: Jordon is considered a top ten pick as an OLB. The Chiefs not only went in force to Oregon’s Pro Day, they have scheduled Jordan for a private visit at Arrowhead. He must be in consideration.
5. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Evidence: The Chiefs are clearly interested in pass rushers. KC doesn’t have a huge need at OLB but remember, the Chiefs say they will take the best player available no matter what. A slow 40 time could hurt Jones’ stock but he is still a potential top ten pick. I think he is on the list.
6. Ziggy Ansah, DE/OLB BYU
Evidence: Seeing a pattern with pass rushers here? Everyone is saying the Chiefs will go tackle but they are looking just as hard at the draft’s top pass rushers. KC reportedly met with Ansah at the NFl Scouting Combine and NFL Draft Bible reported they had a private workout with him. Don’t sleep on these guys. Ziggy is on the list.
7. Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
Evidence: We don’t have a specific report on the Chiefs working out Mingo but we do know the Chiefs went to LSU as part of the first leg of their scouting tour, as you can see in the graphic below, courtesy of KCChiefs.com.
Again, we have another pass rusher. Mingo will likely make the transition from DR to OLB in the NFL. He is considered one of the draft’s top pass rushers and could go somewhere in the top 10 or 15 picks. The Chiefs are looking at pass rushers. The Chiefs went to LSU. The Chiefs are considering Mingo.
Also keep in mind that the Chiefs may be considering trading back. If KC were to move back, they need to have players like Mingo on their list.
8. Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia
Evidence: The Chiefs met with Ogletree at the NFL Scouting Combine. While Ogletree has some character concerns, he is considered by many to be a top 10 talent. Lastly, KC has a big need at ILB. Ogletree may be a long shot but he is talented enough to be in consideration.
9. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utuah
Evidence: The Chiefs, Lotulelei buzz has calmed down a bit since the Utah DT discovered he has some heart issues at the NFL Combine. Despite the concerns, Lotulelei was cleared by doctors to hold a Pro Day and, according to the map on KC Chiefs.com, Andy Reid and John Dorsey were probably in attendance.
Though the Chiefs drafted DT Dontari Poe in the first round last season, it was former GM Scott Pioli and former head coach/defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, that made the pick. Reid and Dorsey have no loyalty to Poe. If, like many draft experts, Dorsey looks at Lotulelei and sees B.J. Raji, then the Chiefs could select a new “Star” with the No. 1 overall pick.
10. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Evidence: Yes, the Chiefs traded a high second-round pick for 49ers QB Alex Smith. Yes, the Chiefs appear committed to Smith for the foreseeable future. Yes, it would be a bit of a shock for the team to draft a Qb No. 1 overall and then park him on the bench for a couple of years.
Geno Smith is probably the least likely of any player projected to be a first-round pick, to be taken by the Chiefs.
As far as we know, the Chiefs have only talked with Smith at the combine. We don’t believe Reid and Dorsey were in attendance at his Pro Day or that the team has scheduled a workout with Smith.
Still, he has to be on their list. Smith is widely regarded as the best QB in the draft. Following Smith’s Pro Day (which the Chiefs sent scouts to) Mike Mayock of NFL Network called the West Virginia QB a top 10 pick.
Smith probably will go in the top 10. John Dorsey has selected a QB in round one and placed him on the bench before, albeit much later in the first round. The first thing Andy Reid did when he got the head coaching job in Philly, was draft Donovan Mcnabb.
With QB being such an important position, the Chiefs have to at least be considering Smith.
* * *
There are a couple of other players that could be on the list. CB Dee Milliner is a top player but KC seems pretty settled at CB. Chance Warmack is also highly regarded but the fact that he plays guard makes him an unlikely selection at No. 1.
Everything the Chiefs are dong right now screams that they are planning on taking either a tackle or a pass rushing OLB. What route they take could very well depend on whether or not they are able to deal Branden Albert.
It may be that the reason the Chiefs are looking at so many pass rushers is that they figure one will slip into the second round. If KC believes they will be able to move Albert for a second-round pick, then they could be planning to take a tackle at No. 1 and a pass rusher in the second.
It’s the ultimate guessing game. We’re going to keep updating this list leading up to the draft. As more developments take place, we think this list will change and become even more accurate.
Now it is your turn, Addicts! Let’s see your list of ten payers the Chiefs could be targeting in the comments.