Rethinking The 2010 NFL Draft: Javier Arenas

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Javier Arenas (21) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The last few days we’ve taken a look at the Chiefs’ decision to draft Eric Berry and Dexter McCluster as part of a re-evaluation of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2010 draft. So far everyone seems okay with the selection of Berry and divided on McCluster. Today’s pick should be pretty one-sided.

Maybe.

Javier Arenas has the distinction of being the second of Kansas City’s two second round picks from the 2010 draft, and being selected with the pick gained from the Tony Gonzalez trade. This was not a selection that ended well for the Chiefs, though it shouldn’t be completely classified as a bust.

Arenas was inconsistent as a slot corner for the Chiefs. In three seasons as a Chief he recorded four sacks and two interceptions while being an average return man. In three years of returning punts and kicks, totaling 156 opportunities, Arenas never had a return touchdown. In fact, he never returned a kick or punt longer than 36 yards.

What hurts the most is this is the pick the Chiefs gained from the Gonzalez trade, a pick they could have used on many of the excellent tight ends to come from that draft. Some of the tight ends selected after Arenas was picked include Jimmy Graham, Aaron Hernandez (although KC probably caught a break on that one),  Dennis Pita, and Andrew Quarless. But, hey, the Chiefs got Tony Moeaki, so all was well (we’ll bitch about him later).

Some of the key names selected quickly after Arenas include Brandon Spikes, Golden Tate, Terrence Cody, and Carlos Dunlap. All of whom could have helped the Chiefs in one way or another, but none are egregious misses.

Arenas was traded for Anthony Sherman last off season.

So what do you think, Addicts? What grade would you give the Javier Arenas pick?