Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We continue with the Kansas City Chiefs.
2012 NFL Draft analysis: Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassel is the only player holding back the Kansas City Chiefs from being a sleeper in the AFC next season. Scott Pioli has rounded out his team with talented playmakers on offense to go with one of the best stop units in the conference.
The 2012 NFL Draft started off slow for Pioli and company, but the front office picked up steam, collecting some solid values in the middle and late rounds of the draft. Dontari Poe was a massive risk at No. 11 in every sense of the word. The Chiefs then addressed the offensive line in the second and third rounds, drafting guard Jeff Allen and tackle Donald Stephenson. Neither is a stellar prospect, but they definitely addressed an area of slight concern.
Devon Wylie the prize of this draft for Kansas City. He will become an outstanding slot receiver in the NFL due to his reliable hands, smooth route running and quickness in and out of his cuts. The Chiefs then filled added some depth in the next two rounds with defensive back DeQuan Menzie and running back Cyrus Gray.
Questionable Pick: DT Dontari Poe, Round 1, pick 11
Dontari Poe had a fantastic combine, and the potential is there for him to be an impact player in the middle of Kansas City’s 3-4 defense. But to me, spending the No. 11 pick on Poe is taking quite the gamble. He never looked the part of an early first round pick during his career at Memphis. Impressive combine numbers and a huge need for a nose tackle are not reasons enough to make Poe a top 15 pick.
Late-Round Steal: Devon Wylie, Round 4, pick 107
The fourth round may not be considered late, but I think Devon Wylie will end up being one of the best slot receivers to come out of this year’s draft. He is an advanced route runner at this stage in his career, but it’s Wylie’s quickness that gives me faith in him in the NFL. He rarely drops a pass and has the ability to separate from defenders coming out of his breaks. This was a wise pick by the Chiefs.
2013 mock draft pick: Josh D - Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami | Matthew Fairburn - Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
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