Without a doubt, the Kansas City Chiefs are in the beginning stages of an overall rebuilding phase. They have new people in every key leadership position and are looking to build a strong team from the inside out.
New GM Scott Pioli and new Head Coach Todd Haley seem hell bent on running a 3-4 defense, even if they don’t appear to have the personnel to do so. They have shifted defensive linemen Tamba Hali and Turk McBride to the LB spots, leaving the team short upfront. This led the Chiefs to reach down at the No. 3 overall spot in the draft and select DE Tyson Jackson out of LSU. In my opinion, Jackson was not even a Top 5 defensive end in this draft, but he fits their system and there is something to be said for that.
However, we have to stop and consider that the Chiefs did not have a second round pick. So a reach at No. 3 becomes a bigger issue. In the 3rd Round, Kansas City added DL Alex Magee of Purdue, another versatile piece that will eventually fit their system well.
When we add to that the fact the Chiefs have so far been unable to sign Jackson to a contract, and this draft looks worse and worse for the Chiefs. New GM Scott Pioli really has is work cut out for him moving forward.
With that being said, let us take a look at the Chiefs grades:
Round 1: C
Round 2: B
Talent: C
Needs Addressed: A
Average: B-
Only time will tell if the Chiefs did the right thing here, but it sure looks like a bigger failure on paper than the B- grade I’ve given them here. Hopefully, their two young versatile pieces will become fixtures on future rosters. If that happens, the B- grade is well-earned… if not; this team will be left rebuilding yet again.
Here is a more complete look at the 2009 Chiefs draft:
Round 4 102nd overall Donald Washington CB OSU
Round 5 139th overall Colin Brown OL Missouri
Round 6 175th overall Quinten Lawrence WR McNeese State
Round 7 212th overall Javarris Williams RB Tennessee State
Round 7 237th overall Jake O’Connell TE Miami (OH)
Round 7 256 overall Ryan Succop K South Carolina
Comments
The Chiefs spent their second round pick on a (hopefully) franchise QB and a veteran LB with multiple Super Bowl rings...
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