Kansas City Chiefs 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Seven Round Mock With Analysis
The Kansas City Chiefs were a bad team in 2013. Very bad. So bad, that they dropped their coach and starting quarterback, and were seriously considering letting most of their free agents walk.
Hiring Andy Reid and trading for quarterback Alex Smith solved the first two problems, and there’s an argument to be made that those two quality moves helped take care of the rest. Dwayne Bowe was retained, and at least for the moment, offensive tackle Brandon Albert is still a Chief, too. He probably won’t be for much longer with the Chiefs firmly expected to draft Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel with the 2013 top pick, but you never know what can happen it today’s NFL.
What we do know (or we think we know) is that the Chiefs are set on Joeckel to either take over for Albert, or join him to make the Chiefs offensive line a lot better than it was a year ago. But what else is Kansas City going to do in this year’s draft to get better? We can’t know for sure, but we’ll dive in and put out GM hats on as we decide what the Chiefs could or should do if things work out in their favor:
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Round 1 (Pick 1) – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Joeckel is an elite left tackle and about as safe as a #1 pick gets. He might not be the most talented player in this draft class, but he’s probably the only no-brainer for this spot. He’ll hold down the fort at left tackle for the next 5-10 years.
Round 3 (Pick 63) – Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M
The Chiefs have actually solved a lot of their problems in free agency and via trade, so they’re not in as rough as shape as they might have appeared. Swope is a vastly underrated prospect with good size and speed, and can actually make some plays with the ball in his hands. I liken him to Jordy Nelson, although a bit smaller. KC kept Bowe, but beyond him are questions, age, or inconsistency. Swope has reliable hands at should compete right away to contribute.
Round 3 (Pick 96) – Dallas Thomas, OT/OG, Tennessee
Thomas could go in a lot of spots, but somewhere in the third round feels about right. He could work here for the Chiefs because they could use his versatility on a shaky o-line. He’d also come in useful at right tackle if the team in fact trades Brandon Albert to the Miami Dolphins or elsewhere.
Round 4 (Pick 99) – William Gholston, DL, Michigan State
Kansas City added some good depth for their 3-4 in free agency, but they still need fresh blood on the defensive line. Gholston has good size and versatility and could compete to start. He’d be a heck of a pick in the fourth round if he’s still there.
Round 5 (Pick 134) – Matt Scott, QB, Arizona
I’m not sure what to make of Scott’s draft value right now, but I know it’s not a drastic reach that he’s still around in round five. It’s also not out of the question for KC to draft him, as he’s a small risk this late in the game and an easy upgrade on draft bust, Ricky Stanzi. This could complete a total sweep at the quarterback position and given Andy Reid his own guy to play with until the Chiefs get a legit franchise passer.
Round 6 (Pick 170) – Zac Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt
Peyton Hillis didn’t exactly work out last year and he won’t be back, meaning there’s an opening for backup duties behind stud back Jamaal Charles. Stacy wouldn’t be a lock to secure that role, but he’s good enough to at least compete for it and make the final roster.
Round 6 (Pick 204) – Walter Stewart, DE/OLB, Cincinnati
Stewart is an interesting pass-rushing specialist who’d be a lot higher if it weren’t for injuries. There’s a good chance he slides this far, and if he does the Chiefs would be lucky to get him. He carries a little risk, but if he pans out they’ll get a very solid rotational pass-rusher for their 3-4. It’s no secret they need some depth behind their starting outside linebackers.
Round 7 (Pick 207) – Dion Sims, TE, Michigan State
The Chiefs could grab depth at corner or another offensive lineman, but why not get a young tight end to push Tony Moeaki and Anthony Fasano?
Summary
The name of the game for the Chiefs this year is improving their offensive line and adding depth. This team is not without talent, and now that they have an actual competent quarterback under center in Alex Smith, they can start competing again. Landing two quality o-line prospects in the first three rounds will help a lot, while the potential additions of Swope and Gholston would be widely underrated. This is not going to be the sexiest draft out there, but the Chiefs will get solid, reliable talent that will work hard and help make the team better on an overall level.
