I’m speechless.
For a player I thought was a low second rounder, the Chiefs genuinely passed over nearly a dozen steals of first-round talent in order to select McCluster.
This was a terrible selection. With QB Jimmy Clausen still on board, with tons of offensive line on the board, with Terrance Cody still on the board… the Chiefs opt to pick up a guy who weighs 180 lbs soaking wet.
As much as ESPN wants to make this out as a running back situation, it’s clearly not headed in that direction. McCluster is a slot receiver, and he’s a kick returner. He’s an end-arounder, and he’s a Wildcat option. He’s essentially the kind of all-everything utility handyman that Pioli and Haley love.
McCluster first ended up on everybody’s radars a few months ago when he tore @&#%@ up at the Senior Bowl. His quick feet, Jamaal Charles-esque change of direction, and his overall ability to turn something into nothing at every single turn kept plays alive long after they should have died. To a certain extent, he’s a Dante Hall, although he’s a lot tougher and a lot more mentally disciplined.
Essentially, this Draft is looking to be the ying to the yang of the Chiefs trenches-heavy 2009 NFL Draft. I’m okay with it being heavy in playmakers. What I’m not okay with is reaching for it in the face of so much incredible talent.