The 2006 Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft Wish List

Head Coach: Herm Edwards

2005 Record: 10-6

Strengths: Running Back, Tight End, Quarterback

Needs: Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Linebacker, Defensive End

Even at 10-6, the Kansas City Chiefs missed the NFL playoffs, so it will be up to new head coach Herm Edwards to fill the talent gaps on defense and get the team into football's "second season."

The Kansas City offense is pretty solid. Trent Green is one of the league's most underrated quarterbacks, having thrown for over 4000 yards last year. Eddie Kennison is a superb receiver, but will need a better second receiver to keep defenses from double-teaming him. Larry Johnson established himself as one of the best backs in the NFL, with Priest Holmes still a force as his backup. Tony Gonzalez came close to breaking the 1000 yard barrier in receiving yards last season, and is still the prototypical tight end. Having Gonzalez as a target that can easily outmatch linebackers for the football and force a defense to spread. Gonzalez will have to deliver another All-Pro season in 2006 to give the Kansas City backfield and wide receivers opportunities.

With so few needs on the offense, the Chiefs can concentrate on defense in the draft. They ranked 7th in the NFL versus the run in 2005, but 30th versus the pass. Giving up the long bomb cost Kansas City more than one game last year, and ultimately cost them the playoffs. The Chiefs are notoriously bad tacklers, and need players with solid fundamentals. Kansas City owns the 20th pick in the first round, so if they truly draft to need, they will take a corner. It is possible that Antonio Cromartie from Florida State may be available, but the smart money would be on Tye Hill from Clemson. Either one will make an immediate impact in the secondary,as both swarm the football and make plays. There is also a possibility that Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter or Florida State defensive end Kamerion Wimbley will be taken.

It is much more likely that Herm Edwards and the Chiefs will use their 22nd pick in the second round (54th overall) for a pass rusher that will take the pressure off of the secondary. At that point, Kansas City could have their eyes on defensive ends Stanley McClover of Auburn or Darryl Tapp of Virginia Tech. Both have the ability to step in right away and make a difference. The Chiefs have no fourth round pick, but do have the 22nd pick (154th overall) in the fifth round. In order to curtail the passing game and end the curse of missed tackles, look for a linebacker to go at this point. There should be some quality players capable of starting in the NFL available, including Keith Ellison of Oregon State and Freddie Keisho of San Diego State. Any of these players would be wecome additions to the Chiefs.

The Chiefs have two sixth round picks and one seventh round pick. One of these picks may be used to take a fullback, but it is unlikely the will try to fill their need for a wide receiver at this point. Where, then, will the help at wide receiver come from? It is possible the Chiefs could shock everyone by taking a receiver in the first round. The best receivers in the draft, Chad Jackson of Florida and Santonio Holmes of Ohio State, are projected to go late in the first round, and should be available at #20. If the Chiefs do take this route, they will have to turn to free agency to fill some of their defensive gaps. The Chiefs are more likely to find an effective defensive player in free agency than they are a wide receiver of the NFL caliber of Jackson or Holmes, so don't be surprised if Trent Green gets a new weapon early.

If they can solve their problems on defense, Kansas City could not only return to the playoffs, but challenge Denver for the AFC West title. Chiefs fans are used to not having the NFL's dominant team, but they do expect the team to be competitive. Trent Green, Larry Johnson, and Tony Gonzalez gave Kansas City plenty to cheer for last seaason, but were stymied by the underacheivement of the defense. It shouldn't take much to make the Chiefs a more balanced football team in 2007.