Having the first pick in the NFL Draft can be great or an incredible burden. The Kansas City Chiefs are faced with a big decision and short amount of time to make it. After acquiring Alex Smith in a trade and signing Chase Daniels as a backup, their draft plan changed. The Chiefs have now narrowed things down to four possible options for the draft, including a quarterback or a trade.
Despite having picked up two quarterbacks in the offseason, the Chiefs are still taking a serious look at drafting another one. Geno Smith is the top quarterback in this year's draft class and Kansas City officials were reportedly fascinated by Smith while watching him perform at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. His accuracy and ability to throw on the run make him very intriguing to teams. However, the Chiefs could just be setting up a smokescreen to other teams interested in Smith. The Jacksonville Jaguars are the only team desperate for a quarterback that has yet to acquire one in the offseason. If they think the Chiefs are seriously interested in Smith, they will make a trade offer in order to move up and grab the quarterback before anyone else can.
Head coach Any Reid is looking to keep all draft options open and that includes accepting a trade. The Chiefs gave up a second round pick to get Smith and they want that back. The team hopes to get a trade deal done before draft day. Then they would move down a few spots plus have a second round pick and could plan their draft accordingly. If the Jaguars believe the Chiefs are bluffing on their interest in a quarterback, they will be forced to use the pick.
Luke Joeckel is reportedly the Chiefs' true top target if they are forced to use the No. 1 overall pick. The left tackle out of Texas A&M has protected everyone from Ryan Tannehill to Heisman winner, Johnny Manziel. The team released tackle Eric Winston and have a hole to fill on the roster. Joeckel is considered to be NFL-ready and could start for the team right away which is a big upside. He has started every game from 2010-12 while in college and has played every position on the line minus center. The Chiefs like his versatility. They could also go with left tackle Eric Fisher if they are able to move down the draft board, but he is merely a final option.
The Chiefs are keeping an open mind entering the draft later this month. All signs point to their desire to trade away the top pick, it just depends on getting the right deal in place.
