Dec 29, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal left guard
David Yankey(54) at the 2013 Rose Bowl media day at the L.A. Hotel Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
David Yankey – OG – Stanford – 6’5″ – 315lbs
I’d like to preface this piece by stating that I don’t necessarily believe the Chiefs should draft David Yankey. But I would also like to point out that a player of Yankey’s caliber would have been a top 10 pick last year. Our luck as Kansas City Chiefs fans continues to amaze me.
In the 2013 NFL Draft, the team with the number one pick had its choice of Andrew Luck, RGIII, or the less-hyped but now Super Bowl ring toting Russell Wilson. Last year, the only year in the organization’s history, we had the number one overall pick and the pool of prospects was as shallow as a Kardashian. This year, once again, the draft is teeming with incredible prospects, and we sit with a pick in the 20s. Last year the top two guards went in the top 10 selections. This year, the top rated guard could very well be available at our selection, making Yankey the best player available by value.
Now overall, this is good thing. A draft with much better prospects throughout equals higher value for us at our current pick but damn, if there was a worst year than last year to have the first overall pick, feel free to enlighten me.
Yankey played at Stanford starting in 2011 with none other than the man who ended our playoffs hopes so steadfastly. He has moved all along the offensive line including right tackle and both guard positions. His versatility being among many things that make him so attractive to general managers. Yankey is ready to play from day one and adept at both the pass and run game. He is likely to go after the 20th pick and possibly even into the second round. Quite the difference for this year’s best guard as opposed to last year’s.