No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft far from settled

A lot of mock drafts have associated the Kansas City Chiefs to West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, but he’s far from the only option for Kansas City. It’s likely the Chiefs will be debating which player to take first overall in April. Here’s the possible options they’re evaluating:

Option 1: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

This is the overarching need for the Chiefs, and Smith is the best player his position. But he’s not among the 10 best players in the draft and could be considered a reach with the top pick. Smith has the upside to be a player like Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs personnel members will have to decide if that kind of player is worth the top pick.

Smith is throwing at the NFL Combine next week, and it’s probably not to his benefit. If he has a poor showing, there will be much hand-wringing in Kansas City. Oh, and forget about Tyler Wilson with the No. 1 pick. Solid player, nowhere near worth the first pick.

Option 2: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Joeckel is the best player in the draft. This may have seemed liked a stronger possibility before this week. After free agent left tackle Branden Albert passed a physical, it seems more likely the Chiefs will bring him back. While having bookend offensive tackles has value, it would seem more like a luxury pick for the Chiefs. Mike Garafolo of USA Today had this little tidbit, keeping the Joeckel train fueled.

Option three: Trading down

This is always one of the favorite options among fans. Trade down and add numerous picks in later rounds. Then take those extra picks and trade again and add even more picks! These three sentences were easy to write, but pulling that sort of deal off is often difficult. There is one catch this year. If a team really wants Joeckel, they’ll have to move up and get him. A franchise tackle is worth spending multiple picks on, so the Chiefs should be getting some calls.

Option four: Defensive lineman

Past first-round picks Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson haven’t worked out. Dorsey is a free agent who probably won’t be brought back by the Chiefs. Jackson has been little more than a space filler.

If the Chiefs decide to go with a defensive linemen, they have numerous options. Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is the first player that comes to mind. He can be lined up anywhere in a three-man front and make a difference. A sleeper could be Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson. He could storm the Combine next week and see his stock skyrocket. He’s an incredibly athletic lineman that could have a J.J. Watt-like impact from end.