2012 NFL Draft and Pro Days

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Latest Updates On The Chiefs 2012 NFL Draft Interests

by Chris Thorman on Mar 19, 2012 6:18 PM CDT in NFL Draft 2012

Amidst the rather busy 2012 NFL free agency talk, we have for you the second update to the Kansas City Chiefs draft interests chart of the year.

We've added two players since our last update two weeks ago - Cal DT Vaughn Meatoga and Wisconsin G Kevin Zeitler. The Chiefs checked out both players at their respective college's Pro Days. Chiefs defensive line coach Anthony Pleasant had dinner with Meatoga in California earlier this month and a rep for the Chiefs helped run Zeitler's workout in Wisconsin. The Chiefs are also reportedly working out Western Michigan WR Jordan White recently as well.

Here's the list of Pro Days the Chiefs have reportedly been in attendance at: Wisconsin, Cal, Colorado, Colorado St. Cincinnati, Louisville, Rhode Island, Illinois and Hawaii.

Just stick with OG DeCastro, PLEASE!!

KCJay wrote:

Just stick with OG DeCastro, PLEASE!!

I'm with ya!

DeCastro has to be the pick.

OG in the first, NT in the second, ILB in the third... I can get down on that. Another WR in the 4th or CB maybe depending on whos around still.

Decastro in the first or trade down for Glenn, OLB in the second because there will still be great value there. NT in the third.

Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
It's unusual to see a guard at No. 11 in an NFL Draft, but the Chiefs made a similar pick two years ago when they selected Eric Berry at No. 5. Safeties never go that high, but Berry was just that good of a prospect. The same can be said about David DeCastro.

DeCastro is no ordinary guard. He's the top player at his position in a very long time. Most consider him to be the next Steve Hutchinson. The Chiefs need to improve the interior of their offensive line, and DeCastro would be a great addition along with recently signed Eric Winston.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Dontari Poe, NT - Kelly Gregg, 35, is contemplating retirement this offseason. He's a free agent anyway.

2. Luke Kuechly, ILB - This would be a pure best-player-available pick because the Chiefs have absolutely no need for an inside linebacker.

Pick change; previously Dontari Poe, NT

Oh yeah! The Great Walters Mock Draft is finally on board with Decastro. I just don't see Carolina passing up Poe with as big a need as they have there. Yes they drafted two in the 3rd round last year but McClain was damn awful as he constantly was getting blowed out. Sua wasn't to bad as a rookie.

I agree it's between those three guys in the first. I also agree with RustShack, but it will probably be ILB second and NT third instead.

Unless obviously it isn't DeCastro first!

Anybody know anything about OLB Johnathon Massaquoi at of Troy? Walters was mocking him in the 3rd to us.

DeCastro or Kuechly or trade down. I am not high on Poe at all. The more and more I read he just sounds like Bust waiting to happen.

Chiefs GM Scott Pioli’s First Round Draft Tendencies

http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2012/3...2012-nfl-draft

by Wait and See on Mar 28, 2012 3:00 PM CDT in NFL Draft 2012

Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli has managed or had a strong voice in 12 drafts, starting in 2000 with the New England Patriots. In this article, we'll examine his actions in past first rounds to see if we can get a sense of what he will do in the first round of this year's draft (I might look at rounds 2-7 in later articles).



Some assumptions before we start:

Belichick had final say over drafts in New England, but as I understand it, they agreed most of the time, so I assume Pioli wouldn't have done a whole lot differently.
The sample size we're dealing with is small but represents a lot of years running an NFL front office and it's all we have, so take all of this with a grain of salt.

Focus on the First Round

While Pioli has only had 12 first-round players, he's actually had 14 opportunities to make a first round pick (it would be 15 except the Patriots had to forfeit a first round pick for Spygate). The table below shows what Pioli did with each opportunity.

Year Pick # Team Player Pos. Notes
2001 6 Patriots Richard Seymour DE --
2002 21 Patriots Daniel Graham TE Traded 32nd overall, 3rd round and 7th round picks to Redskins for 21st overall pick
2003 13 Patriots Ty Warren DE Acquired 14th pick from Bills for Drew Bledsoe; traded 14th overall and 6th round picks to Bears for 13th overall pick
2003 19 Patriots -- -- Traded to Ravens for 2nd round pick in 2003 and 1st round pick in 2004
2004 21 Patriots Vince Wilfork DT --
2004 32 Patriots Benjamin Watson TE --
2005 32 Patriots Logan Mankins G --
2006 21 Patriots Laurence Maroney RB --
2007 24 Patriots Brandon Meriweather S Traded Deion Branch to Seattle for this pick
2007 28 Patriots -- -- Traded to 49ers for 4th round pick in 2007 and 1st round pick in 2008
2008 10 Patriots Jerod Mayo LB Traded 7th overall and 5th round picks to Saints for 10th overall and 3rd round picks
2008 -- Patriots -- -- Forfeited due to Spygate
2009 3 Chiefs Tyson Jackson DE --
2010 5 Chiefs Eric Berry S --
2011 26 Chiefs Jonathan Baldwin WR Traded 21st overall pick to Browns for 27th overall and 3rd round picks

We can summarize this data by grouping it into one of three actions: trading up to pick a player, picking a player at your original slot, and trading down or out of that year's draft. Doing so gives us the following table:

Action Frequency %
Traded Up to Pick 2 14
Traded Down or Out 4 29
Picked at Original Slot 8 57

The data comes out as we would expect. Teams rarely trade up because it's costly, thus trading down is infrequent and picking at your slot is the most common action. I suspect that trading down or out 30% of the time is extremely high, but I haven't explored it further.

Projecting 2012 First Round Action

Let's use this data to project what Pioli is most likely to do with our first round pick this year.

What Pioli Is Least Likely To Do: Trade Up

From a historical perspective, Pioli hasn't traded up in eight years, and only once gave up a significant haul to move up. In that instance, Pioli paid 3rd and 5th rounders as well as the Patriots' first to move up 11 slots and grab Daniel Graham, whose NFL career has been a disappointment relative to his draft position.

This year, Washington has already secured the most talked about trade: moving up to the 2nd overall pick for RGIII. Prior to that trade, Pioli publicly stated he thought it would cost too much and thus make it more difficult for the Chiefs to improve other positions. His poor experience with the Graham trade certainly could have helped shape his perspective.
Unless the front office falls hard for Ryan Tannehill or gets desperate for an OT, I'm confident KC won't be trading up this year.

What Pioli Would Like to Do: Trade Down

Pioli's draft strategy is to identify multiple players he likes and then make the appropriate moves to ensure he gets one of his guys. At the 11th pick, there are a lot of his favored "big, strong, fast, tough, disciplined, smart" players still on the board. Thus, I imagine Pioli would be happy to trade down, acquire some later round picks he can use to hedge his first round bet and still manage to get one of his preferred first round players.
Players that other teams might want to trade up for that could also be available at our pick include Ryan Tannehill, Trent Richardson, a stud defender or the best LT on the board.

The Most Likely Scenario: Make the 11th Pick

Let's assume there won't be any trade partners and the Chiefs will have to take a player. Is Pioli more likely to go offense or defense? Here's the historical breakdown:

Type First Round Top Half of First Round
Offense 5 0
Defense 7 5

The evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of defensive players around the 11th pick, and that's who I believe he'll target. I'm sure Pioli would love to get a 3-4 end to replace Glenn Dorsey (DEs were 3 of his 5 top half of the first round picks), whose contract expires next year, a big NT to clog the middle or another OLB to build pass-rushing depth.

Unless the Chiefs fail to sign an OT in free agency, I don't believe Pioli will take an OT in the first round because I doubt he thinks we have enough quality starters or depth to start taking bargaining chips.

For everyone clamoring for David DeCastro, relax. Everything I've read about DeCastro fits the specifics Pioli says he's looking for. According to the book War Room, the Chiefs did talk to another team about moving up to the middle of the 2011 draft to take another interior lineman, Mike Pouncey, so considering DeCastro this high isn't unprecedented.

Lots of D lineman and Linebackers on that list. I still think he will go with BPA at position of need and yes he did try to trade up for Pouncey. Thats a good indication for a guy like Decastro.

He has drafted a OG in the first, tried trading up for Pouncey, and DeCastro is a better prospect than both of those guys were. Pioli loves linemen on both sides.

Chiefs Have A Private Workout With Ryan Tannehill, Too

by Joel Thorman on Mar 29, 2012 11:59 AM CDT in NFL Draft 2012

Not only are the Kansas City Chiefs represented at Ryan Tannehill's pro day at Texas A&M, they have a private workout scheduled with him as well. NFL Draft Scout reports from College Station that Tannehill will work out for the Chiefs, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Chiefs can have 30 pre-draft visits, one of which is Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins. Tannehill appears to just be a workout on his college campus, though he could end up visiting Kansas City, too.

At his pro day today, Tannehill completed 65-of-68 passes with two drops. "Not flawless but a very good day," NFL Draft Scout tweeted.

Tannehill broke his foot in January so this is the first opportunity for teams to see him following the college football season. He missed the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine due to the injury.

The Chiefs are picking 11th. Tannehill could be picked up by the Cleveland Browns at No. 4 or the Miami Dolphins at No. 8.

2012 NFL Draft: Kirk Cousins Has A Workout With KC Chiefs

by Joel Thorman on Mar 29, 2012 10:48 AM CDT in NFL Draft 2012

Prior to the 2012 NFL draft, the Kansas City Chiefs will be working out Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins, according to a report from Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com. Cousins also has workouts scheduled with the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles. The workout with the Chiefs is reportedly happening next week.

Cousins isn't expected to be a first round pick -- more like second or third round. The Chiefs quarterbacks currently include starter Matt Cassel, backup Brady Quinn and then Ricky Stanzi.

NFL Draft Scout said back at the NFL Combine that Cousins could be a draft riser.

Star-divide

While other passers struggled with their footwork and release point, Cousins' has a clean set-up and delivery and consistently stared down the middle as he dropped back, mimicking the form he'd use during a game to look off the safety before turning to fire passes to the outside. Considering his four years starting experience, two years as a captain and experience in a pro-style offense, don't be surprised if Cousins enjoys a late rise up draft boards very similar to the one Andy Dalton enjoyed a year ago.

Cousins may not be a first round pick but I do like what he brings as a quarterback. He's a three-year starter who completed more than 60 percent of his passes in every season. Those are among the two most important stats when trying to figure out how a quarterback translates to the NFL.

He stands 6'3" and weighs 214 pounds.

Looks like we are gonna check those QBs out to see of they are gonna be worth the pick and if they can help right away. I think that if they cant challenge in a year or two no way.

Kirk Cousins is an absolute no-go for me. The guy is just limited in everything he does (the same way I feel about Stanzi). Cousins had some pretty terrible games throughout his career. When the running game wasn't working and BJ Cunningham wasn't making plays, he would crumble.

I've probably been the biggest supporter of Tannehill around here, which is crazy to me because I've been the biggest opponent here of drafting a QB in the early rounds. Pioli will refuse to move up to draft him though. There's no way he gets past Miami.

FatThucker wrote:

Kirk Cousins is an absolute no-go for me. The guy is just limited in everything he does (the same way I feel about Stanzi). Cousins had some pretty terrible games throughout his career. When the running game wasn't working and BJ Cunningham wasn't making plays, he would crumble.

I've probably been the biggest supporter of Tannehill around here, which is crazy to me because I've been the biggest opponent here of drafting a QB in the early rounds. Pioli will refuse to move up to draft him though. There's no way he gets past Miami.

I think you might be right. Tannehill is gonna be a good 1. If we drafted him he could sit a year too. But I think he's gone way before us and I dont give up too much to move up and get him. The problem is that KC is going to be good enough every year to make the playoffs and go nowhere once in because they dont have the QB to advance in the playoffs. You do need a stud QB today to win it all. Say what you want about Eli (I'm not a big fan either), he is streaky, but when he is on a good streak he is a stud. I think at some point KC is going to have to give up a lot and move into position to get that franchise guy. Just not sure Tannehill is surefire enough to do it even though I do like him. I also like wheeden but he's 86 years old in already.

LOL. SB nation has KC moving up to 3 from Minn and giving up 1 and 2 this year plus 1 next year. Dont see this ever happening but i do like mocks that try to predict trades. If KC moved up to 3 I'd say take Kahlil anyway and move Albert to guard.

Chiefs09 wrote:

LOL. SB nation has KC moving up to 3 from Minn and giving up 1 and 2 this year plus 1 next year. Dont see this ever happening but i do like mocks that try to predict trades. If KC moved up to 3 I'd say take Kahlil anyway and move Albert to guard.

Pioli would have made the move to 2 if he was going to trade up. I would have done it to. Who knows though? With a stacked O line now, Charles, Moeaki back, another TE in Boss, maybe we see the best from Cassell. They are going to run alot of playaction.

Chiefs Sent Romeo Crennel To Alabama Pro Day

by Joel Thorman on Mar 30, 2012 10:31 AM CDT in NFL Draft 2012

When you're a school like Alabama, sometimes one pro day isn't enough. Alabama football conducted their first pro day in early March and it didn't draw a significant amount of attention. On Thursday, Alabama conducted their second pro day with guys like Trent Richardson, Courtney Upshaw and Mark Barron. That one drew some more attention than the first one.

The Birmingham News reports that Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel was among four head coaches in attendance on Thursday, including New England Patriots' Bill Belichick, Cleveland Browns' Pat Shurmur and Dallas Cowboys' Jason Garrett. There were also a few general managers, including Tennessee Titans' Ruston Webster, San Francisco 49ers' Trent Baalke, Detroit Lions' Martin Mayhew, Pittsburgh Steelers' Kevin Colbert and Cleveland Browns' Tom Heckert.

Richardson will probably be gone by the time the 11th pick comes around. Notice that the Browns sent both their head coach and GM to Richardson's workout and not Ryan Tannehill's on the same day. Upshaw has a shot to be available at No. 11, even though some have connected him to the Bills at No. 10. Barron will likely be there.

The Chiefs love themselves some SEC players so don't be surprised if you see an Alabama guy drafted this year.

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2012 NFL Mock Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars Select...

by Joel Thorman

Representing the Jacksonville Jaguars, GenericBrand with the seventh pick in Arrowhead Pride's 2012 NFL mock draft...

David DeCastro, G, Stanford

For the last couple of seasons I've mocked a pass rusher for the Jags because it's consistently been their biggest need on defense. It's still a need but with Jeremy Mincey emerging, Tyson Alualu finally getting healthy and no real inspiring 4-3 pass rushers worth this pick, I decided to go another way (although now that I finally didn't mock one, GM Gene Smith will probably pick one). The rest of the defense has really tightened up in Jacksonville and they've addressed some of the DB issues in free agency and can continue to do so in later rounds.

Looking at the offensive side of the ball there are quite a few needs but they would be huge reaches (not that Smith hasn't reached before and had it work out) and probably not worth this pick. It's too early for Michael Floyd of Stephen Hill or Alshon Jeffery at wide receiver, too early for Dwayne Allen or Coby Fleener at tight end and there's no other offensive weapon worth taking in this spot to help out Blaine Gabbert.

That leaves us looking at the offensive line to improve the running game and protection for the QB.

After a little research and some discussion with Jags fans I was surprised to find that they actually boast a pretty strong offensive line They're set at both tackle spots with young talent and also have a good center. The weakness of the line comes at left guard where Will Rackley holds down the fort. Although a good player he could definitely use upgrading which would take the line to the next level.

Despite grading out well last year the Jags gave up 44 sacks and although alot of that is on the rookie QB, it would still benefit him to give him a little more time. Also, even though the Jags boast one of the best RBs in the league, they only managed to put up a top 12 rushing attack but did so grinding out a paltry 4.0 yards per carry. Because of the style of runnner Maurice Jones-Drew is they run alot between the tackles, with 60+ percent of their runs last year.

DeCastro is the logical choice. He's an upgrade at pass blocking and gives them a huge upgrade in the run game for the style of running game that they like to use.

This would freaking suck! If Decastro is gone at 7, who do we go with then? Poe, Kuechly, Upshaw, or trade down. They could trade down for a guy like Glenn , Hightower, maybe a guy like Devon Still if Dorsey isnt going to get resigned. If Romeo went to Alabama Pro Day i have to think he was looking at a guy like Upshaw and probably Richardson to see what the fuss is about.

2012 NFL Draft: KC Chiefs Are Working Out Another QB

by Joel Thorman on Mar 30, 2012 2:20 PM CDT in NFL Draft 2012

We'll call this the offseason of the quarterback. Romeo Crennel and GM Scott Pioli kicked things off earlier this offseason talking about the Kansas City Chiefs having more competition at quarterback next season. Then it was the Peyton Manning talk. Then it was a visit with Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins. Then it was going to Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill's pro day and scheduling a workout with him.

And now it's Arizona State QB Brock Osweiler, who tells Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic that he is working out for the Chiefs next week.

Star-divide

Also on the workout list is the Denver Broncos. He's visiting the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. It's not totally clear if Osweiler is visiting Kansas City or the Chiefs are working him out at the ASU facility.

This is actually the second interaction between Osweiler and the Chiefs we've tracked -- they also interviewed him at the NFL Combine.

Osweiler is coming off of a foot injury which kept him from working out until now. Last season he completed 63 percent of his passes for over 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.