NFL Draft fills needs for Kansas Chiefs

May 01, 2011|by Chris Replogle | creplogle@ky3.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs stayed active in the 2011 NFL Draft.

The Chiefs picked up nine draft choices, four on offense and five on defense. The draft included a first round trade, that added a mid-round pick. Kansas City General Manager Scott Pioli said he was pleased at how the draft filled needs.

Here's a round-by-round look:

First-round pick Jon Baldwin filled the most glaring need, a big-time receiver to go wtih Pro Bowler Dewayne Bowe. Baldwin is a big-bodied wide-out from Pittsburgh who can go get the ball. However, Baldwin brings baggage. He often criticized his coaches for play-calling. Draft analysts also described him as an underachiever.

In the second-round, the Chiefs scored all-ACC offensive guard Rodney Hudson out of Florida State. Kansas City has drafted an offensive lineman in nine consecutive seasons.

Third-round pick Justin Houston of Georgia should provide depth early.

Third-round pick Allen Bailey of the University of Miami is likely to add strength to the interior of the defensive line.

Fourth-round choice Jalil Brown will compete for a backup spot at cornerback. The Colorado Buffalo will also play special teams.

Fifth-round selection Ricky Stanzi may likely make the opening day roster as quarterback Matt Cassel's backup. Draft analysts projected Stanzi as a second or third round pick. He threw for 25 touchdowns against six interceptions in his senior season out of Iowa.

Fifth-round pick Gabe Miller played defensive line at Oregon State. He's likely to play linebacker in the Chiefs defensive scheme.

Sixth-round selection Jerrell Powe may be the steal of Kansas City's draft. Powe would have been a much earlier pick if the defensive lineman would have left Ole Miss after his junior season. The 320 pound nose tackle should compete early for downs next season.

Seventh-round pick Shane Bannon is a fullback out of Yale. His stock rose late in the draft process.

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