The Chiefs struggled to a 4-12 season in 2007, but will have the No. 4 or 5 draft pick (determined by a coin flip) coming up in April. Kansas City does have some existing talent to improve in 2008 and challenge for the AFC West crown. Brodie Croyle got some much needed reps at the end of the year, as well as running back Kolby Smith. Larry Johnson looks to come back from injury with a vengeance, returning as one of the elite running backs in the NFL. Dwayne Bowe showed promise with 995 yards and 5 touchdowns as Kansas City’s best wide receiver in recent memory. The offensive line is aging and needs replenishing, but Brian Waters and Casey Wiegmann can still perform on a high level. Jared Allen and Tambi Hali are great pass rushers off the edge. The Chiefs could use an inside presence on the defensive line. Derrick Johnson’s youth adds to the experience of Napoleon Harris and Donnie Edwards in the linebacking corps. Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are savvy veteran corners, but are a little long in the tooth to keep up with all the young receivers in the league.
Overall, Kansas City will target defensive tackle, safety, a back-up running back and a wide receiver in the 2008 draft. With their 1st round selection, Kansas City would be lucky to have mammoth defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis on the board. Outside of Ellis, if the Chiefs aren’t sold on Croyle to lead the offense into the future, the 2008 draft is the time to snag a franchise signal caller. Matt Ryan, Brian Brohm and Andre Woodson will be gone by the end of the 1st round, but Kansas City may have their pick of the three at #4 or #5.
The 2nd round brings play-making wide receivers Early Doucet and Limas Sweed into the mix for the Chiefs. Powerful tackles Anthony Collins (Kansas) and Gosder Cherilus (Boston College) are other options. The 3rd and 4th rounds brings underrated quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Erik Ainge to the table. Both are big pocket passers with a tremendous upside for future growth in the NFL. Tashard Choice or Patrick Allen can provide running back depth in the middle rounds. Marcus Griffin (Texas) and Tom Zbikowski (Notre Dame) and good options at safety.
With a healthy Larry Johnson, more development by Brodie Croyle (or a drafted QB) and another young defender or two, Kansas City can turn a 4-12 campaign in 2007 into an 8-8 or better year in 2008. The AFC West is up for grabs with Denver and Oakland having numerous question marks.
