2009 NFL Draft

I have been monitoring a few mock drafts, and most have the Chiefs taking Matt Stafford (pictured above) with the third overall pick. As I've said on this blog before, I think Tyler Thigpen should be the starting quarterback in 2009. Does that mean that picking Stafford would be a mistake? Maybe, maybe not. If the Chiefs truly believe that Stafford can be an elite NFL quarterback, then I am comfortable with this pick. Still, Thigpen should get the opportunity to start the season as QB. If Thigpen falters, then transition to Stafford. If Thigpen continues to improve, then the Chiefs can consider trading Stafford down the line.

Andre Smith could also be a big help to the offensive line. Smith is a dominant left tackle, which could allow the Chiefs to move Brandon Albert back to Guard or to Right Tackle. I am a big believer in the fact that the most important part of an offense is the line. Perhaps I am biased because I spent two years of my high school football career on the O-line (and the other two as primarily blocking tightend), but it is amazing how much better a running back looks when he has a hole to run through, and how much better a quarterback throws the ball when he has plenty of time to look downfield. The dominant Chiefs offense in the early 00's was anchored by a phenomenal O-line. When the Chiefs lost John Tait, and the remainder of the line got old, the offense started crumbling. The point of this ramble is that I think taking Andre Smith would be a very solid pick.

The discussion of the offense ignores the many holes the Chiefs have on defense. I am comfortable with the secondary, but beyond that, the Chiefs really need help everywhere else. Having said that, I'm not sure who the Chiefs could justifiably use this pick on to help the defense.

Should the Chiefs take Stafford or use the pick on another position? If not Stafford, then who? Most importantly, I hope we can all agree the Chiefs should have nothing to do with Sam Bradford.