Earlier today Merlin took a look at the nose tackle class in this year’s NFL Draft.  I have no idea who from his list will be drafted, but I do know that it is up to the center to nullify the nose tackle.  In fact, one of the keys to a fully functioning 3-4 defense is the idea that the nose tackle occupies at least 2 offensive linemen.  This means, that if the center can take on the nose tackle 1-on-1, then the 3-4 defense loses some of its effectiveness.  Kansas City Chiefs fans should be familiar with this since our NT can’t consistently force a double team.

Along with the NT class, the center class should also be of interest to the Chiefs since their current center, Casey Wiegmann, is currently 50-50 on retiring.  Even if he wasn’t retiring center should still be a priority for the Chiefs because while Wiegmann was serviceable, he was showing his age last season.  Also, as a smaller center (6’2” 285 lbs.) he was not holding up well versus the nose tackles he faced.  That being said, he was an upgrade from previous year’s center Rudy Niswanger.  Now that we’ve established the idea that the Chiefs need a center, here are some likely candidates to be drafted:
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I watched every minute of NFL Network’s Scouting Combine coverage.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t as entertaining as I usually find it.  I think that has to do with the dark cloud of labor negotiations hanging over everything NFL related right now.  Even though we are mere hours away from an ominous deadline, I don’t want to focus on that.  Still high on NFL Network anchor Rich Eisen setting a new personal best in the 40-yard dash, I want to talk about players performances at the Combine.

Let’s start by quickly mentioning the players I said I was going to watch closely from the start.  Center Stefen Wisniewski was at the Combine.  He didn’t standout and other than hearing that he would like to play for the Oakland Raiders (which is a strike against him) I heard nothing else.  This concerns me because if you have first round pick value there should be a bit of buzz around you.  I was also curious that he ran none of the position drills hiking the ball like a player trying to be a center in the NFL should. At this point I’m looking for a new 1^st round pick for my post Combine mock draft.
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Now that the 2010 NFL Season has concluded, it is time to focus on the offseason.  Unfortunately, this offseason will be marred by concern over NFL Labor negotiations.  However, since I can’t go up to each negotiator, slap their face, and tell them to get the deal done; I’ll have to find something else to keep myself busy.  Since the draft is a sure thing with or without a new CBA, I figured I would focus on that.

Before reading this I need you to understand three things.  The first is that I am doing this based on the idea of no free agency.  Second, I am pretending that I’m sitting in the General Manager’s seat.  I am not pretending that I am Scott Pioli.  However, it should be known that he and I share our like for smart, high character guys.  Third is that these choices will change many times before the actual draft occurs.  One of the biggest events leading up to the Draft, the NFL Combine, has not yet occurred and so these players will move up and down the board depending on their performance there.  With that being said, here is my Chiefs’ mock draft.
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