Kansas City Chiefs Draft Q and A with Arrowheadaddict

Leading up to the draft we’ll talk with the best bloggers around to give you an insight into the team that they cover. Today we have a rap session with Patrick Allen of the wildly popular Kansas City Chiefs blog Arrowheadaddict.

Be sure to check out Arrowheadaddict for all of your Kansas City Chiefs needs.

1). After free agency what are the Chiefs biggest needs?

In order, I’d say QB, MLB, NTThe Chiefs have Matt Cassel but until I believe he can win this team a Super Bowl, I’m leaving QB as the team’s number one priority. I believe the Chiefs should have traded into the #2 spot to get RGIII. Some fans say that would have been mortgaging the future. To those fans I say, without a franchise QB, what future?MLB and NT are needs that would help this team but not enough to go on a deep playoff run. Not without a QB.Pioli seems to have a different agenda each year that alters his draft strategy. His 2009 draft was a complete disaster. I think he may have been a little overwhelmed and to be fair, that draft was low on talent.Since then, he’s really settled down. His 2010 draft was about speed, playmakers and team-first guys. His 2011 draft was about adding some attitude and strength. He took some chances on guys, like Justin Houston for example, in the third.

I think this year he’ll draft for the future. He may try to identify a franchise QB in Tannehill, Weeden, Brock and Cousins, but he’ll shoot for value. Look for him to add depth at OL, S and TE.

"2). Since Scott Pioli became General manager have the Chiefs developed a drafting philosophy or pattern?"

Not really. His 2009 draft was a complete disaster. His 2010 draft was about speed/play-makers/team captains and his 2011 draft was about adding some strength/attitude. If I had to guess, 2012 will be a best player available/depth draft.

"3). Are there any young players the Chiefs could be relying on to fill the perceived needs of Q1–and thus might not draft a player at that position."

I didn’t mention this as a need in Q1 but it kind of is and that is center. Casey Wiegmann will retire, leaving the Chiefs with 2nd round pick Rodney Hudson at the position. The Chiefs will have to add at least one more center this offseason but it may be a veteran.At NT, they may try to plug in veteran Amon Gordon but I bet they are hoping Jerrell Powe comes along with a full offseason under his belt to steal the job. I don’t think the Chiefs reach for a NT in the draft but they I think they think they can get by if they have to.

"4). Is it possible the Chiefs would really move up to draft Tannehill or do they believe in Cassel for the long term?"

I don’t think they believe in Cassel at all. I think they realize he has limitations and that he is inconsistent. That doesn’t mean he is a terrible option. The guy has had 11 and 10 win seasons in his four years of starting. He just isn’t a difference-maker.KC will roll with Cassel again in 2012 if they have to and they could even win the West with him but I believe they’ve begun the process of aggressively seeking his replacement.

"5). Is there a player the Chiefs want at 11?"

I’d love more than anything for Tannehill to drop to KC and for them to take him. Some would call that folly but I disagree. There are plenty of scouts who think this kid can be a franchise QB and while he needs a year or so to develop, the Chiefs have the luxury of having Matt Cassel hold Tannehill’s spot.I don’t think it is possible to reach for a franchise QB. It is the most important thing for any organization. If you don’t think Tannehill can be the guy then I understand the disdain for the pick. If you think he has a chance and more importantly, if the Chiefs think he has a chance, they have to take him.If Tannehill doesn’t fall, I don’t see Pioli having the stones to move up and get him. If he can’t trade back and I think he will absolutely try to do so, Pioli likely selects Decastro or Keuckley if they are there.

"6). Is there a player the Chiefs seem to have taken a liking too?"

No they are pretty secretive in general and they really don’t like showing their hand around draft time. Pioli is a pretty unpredictable drafter. The only guys I have correctly predicted that he’s taken were Eric Berry and Dexter McCluster. Berry was a no-brainer and McCluster was just a lucky guess on my part.

"7). How would you rate, overall, the performance of the 2011 rookie class?"

I’d give them a C. Jonathan Baldwin missed most of the season and was largely ineffective once he did get on the field, though the flashes of talent were there. Rodney Hudson didn’t play because he sat behind Wiegmann. Justin Houston was the ROY for KC and he really came on strong at the end of the season. He could be an excellent player. Rest of the class gets an incomplete for lack of on-field action.

"8). In a mock draft I’m releasing Thursday night I tried to highlight “out of nowhere’ picks a team might make. For the Chiefs I choose Coby Fleener–do you see that as being remotely possible?"

I could absolutely see it happening. Pioli loves TE’s and he is obviously paying attention to what the Patriots are doing at that position in New England. KC has also looked at a number of TE’s this offseason though I haven’t heard of them checking out Fleener.I don’t see Pioli going with him at #11 but a trade back into say, the late teens would open the door for that pick. Wouldn’t surprise me at all.

"9). Thought on Peyton Manning joining the Broncos?"

Good move for the Donkey’s obviously. I have nothing against Manning but now that he is a Bronco, I hope the marriage is a complete disaster. There is likely to be a drop off in Manning’s play but he will still be pretty good. The good news is he is too old to stick around very long.I am cautiously optimistic that the Broncos don’t have enough weapons to help make up for some of what Peyton is sure to have lost and that by the time they acquire them, it will be too late.

"10). anything else to add?"

Nope. Thanks this was fun.

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