After analyzing the draft needs of all 32 teams, PFT will review how well each team addressed those needs. Up next: The Kansas City Chiefs.
What they needed: Offensive tackle, running back, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, tight end.
Who they got:
Round 1: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan.
Round 3: Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati.
Round 3: Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas.
Round 4: Nico Johnson, ILB, Alabama.
Round 5: Sanders Commings, DB, Georgia.
Round 6: Eric Cush, C, California (Pa.).
Round 6: Braden Wilson, FB, Kansas State.
Round 7: Mike Catapano, DE, Princeton.
Where they hit: If Fisher is even an above-average left tackle, the Chiefs will have done well taking him No. 1 overall considering the value of his position. The Chiefs can control his rights for up to five years. Kelce doesn’t lack for talent, and if he can avoid off-field missteps, he figures to be a key part of the TE mix in the coming years. Johnson, an experienced contributor for a powerful Alabama defense, strengthens a position of need.
Where they missed: All things considered, the Chiefs did well to address areas that had to be bolstered. Down the road, outside linebacker could be a need, but the Chiefs still have Tamba Hali and Justin Houston signed through 2015. In the short term, there were other priorities that rated more highly.
Impact rookies: Fisher will be an immediate starter on the line. The question now is whether the Chiefs deal Branden Albert, removing any doubt that the No. 1 overall pick will start on the left side. Travis Kelce, the brother of Jason Kelce, whom Andy Reid coached in Philadelphia, could vie for immediate playing time. Johnson also looms a threat to compete right off the bat at inside linebacker. Finally, Wilson may have a shot at stepping right in at fullback.
Long-term prospects: The Chiefs’ first three picks of Andy Reid’s tenure were offensive players: Fisher, Kelce, Davis. Moreover, the Chiefs’ second-round pick was sent to San Francisco in the deal for quarterback Alex Smith. The success of this offseason -- and likely this draft -- will be tied to the play of the offense in 2013 and beyond, what with the defense already in good-enough shape to win. If Fisher quickly becomes a quality starter on the edge of the line, and if Smith thrives working with Reid, the Chiefs could quickly be on the move on the AFC West standings. From the looks of it, the Chiefs are laying a solid new foundation.