Kansas City Chiefs 2010 Draft Review

The Chiefs are quickly becoming the Patriot-esque organization that Scott Pioli envisioned when he came over from New England. Berry, McCluster, Arenas, Asamoah, and Moeaki are all expected to have major roles with the team next season. Berry was the best player available because of his ability to be a physical tackler and play zone and man coverage. McCluster will be a receiver and returner, who could run gadget plays from the backfield. Arenas is an excellent technician and should be able to win the nickel job. Asamoah is a perfect right guard candidate. Kendrick Lewis and Cameron Sheffield are nice developmental prospects and could make it on to the active roster. The Chiefs addressed their biggest needs and found quality NFL ready players at the top of the draft. 

Round 1, Pick 5

Eric Berry, S/CB, Tennessee

Ht: 5’ 11 5/8” Wt: 211

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  With the left tackle and quarterback positions secure, the Chiefs selected the best player available.  Berry is a dynamic playmaker and should be able to help the Chiefs defensive backfield immediately.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  One of the more gifted safeties to emerge from the college ranks in the last decade, Berry is an impact, ballhawking secondary leader with a special combination of athletic ability and instincts. Plays with a physical, old- school mentality but has superb coverage capabilities desired in the new generation of safeties. Can roam center field, bang in the box or line up in the slot and handle man and zone coverage. Bulked up prior to the Combine without detracting from his speed or agility, and outstanding workout solidified his standing as the top defensive back in the draft.

NFL projection: Top-10 pick

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Berry is an interesting prospect because he was an elite high school cornerback who was switched to safety at Tennessee, but from evaluating his play he is best suited to make the switch back to cornerback to become the top level player he has the athleticism to be.  I was shocked when evaluating Berry at how few plays he was consistently involved in from a safety alignment, but was clearly more productive when he came closer to the LOS and lined up and covered the “Slot” receiver in M/M coverage.  Overall, Berry is going to be drafted in a 1^st round because he has rare athleticism but I am very confident that if he is played at safety he will struggle with consistency and will not be highly productive.  While he has everything it takes to be an elite cornerback once he learns the nuances and improves his footwork/technique.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Because of less-than-ideal size, some scouts view Berry as a potential NFL cornerback.  While he possesses the unique blend of agility, straight-line speed and ball skills for that position, considering the impact players such as Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, Darren Sharper and Brian Dawkins have had in recent seasons, the value of safeties has never been higher. 

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Round 2, Pick 36 

Dexter McCluster, RB, Mississippi

Ht: 5’ 8 ¾” Wt: 172

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  McCluster is a game changer and an excellent receiver.  He is not nearly big enough to be a full time running back but the fact that he returns kicks and punts, can catch the ball, and can take a few carries out of the backfield make him extremely valuable. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A diminutive, big-play maker whose receiving skills really stood out at the Senior Bowl and left NFL brass excited about his potential as an instant contributor at slot receiver. However, he showed the second half of the season that he could be every bit as effective in the backfield, possessing elite burst and acceleration to become a game changer as a dynamic, complementary back. Brings additional value as a return specialist, and his ability to contribute readily at three positions could enhance his draft stock.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  McCluster’s diminutive size might keep some teams away, but considering his combination of agility, straight-line speed and versatility, most NFL teams will find room for a playmaker of his caliber.  He can be utilized as a runner, receiver and return man, similar to the Vikings’ Percy Harvin. 

Round 2, Pick 50 

Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama

Ht: 5’ 8 5/8”  Wt:  197

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another player who's not as great an athlete as a team's would like, Arenas is a skilled and smart corner.  Kansas City needs immediate impact players, and Arenas could step into the line up and start immediately.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Compactly built, strong, competitive, more-quick-than-fast cover-2 corner who plays bigger than his size. Has good football sense, plays physical and will not be intimidat- ed. Ronde Barber-type who brings added value as a punt returner.

NFL projection: Third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Arenas’ lack of height and pure speed is a concern to scouts.  He lacks elite straight-line speed and as such will struggle outside in a man-to-man scheme.  How fast he runs in the 40-yard dash could determine whether he’s a second- or fourth-round selection. 

Round 3, Pick 68 

Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois

Ht:  6’ 4” Wt:  305

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Though he is not an elite athlete, Asamoah has the aggressive style of play that coaches love.  He may not come in and make an immediate impact but will eventually become a contributor to Kansas City's offensive line.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A stiff, upper-body blocker who will enamor evaluators with his toughness and can deceive a trained eye when he is facing lesser competition and everything lines up the right way for him, but is not naturally big, plays short- armed, is extremely stiff and will struggle to match up against quickness and power in the pros. Will be drafted early and asked to start out of the gate likely by a team employing a zone protection scheme, but the team that drafts him too early could be looking to replace him, and he’ll struggle to be more than a serviceable pro. Could be best at center.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A three-year starter at right guard, Asamoah’s size, strength and excellent mobility makes him a coveted interior line prospect versatile enough to line up on either side of the formation.  In a somewhat thin class, he should hear his name called in the top 60.

Round 3, Pick 93 

Tony Moeaki, TE, Iowa

Ht: 6’ 3” Wt: 245

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another prospect that fell down the boards because of medical issues, Moeaki has the ability to become an impact player in the NFL.  Raw in technique, he will need time to develop to make an impact for the Chiefs. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Really came on as a senior and graded out like a second-round talent when he was healthy, flashing big-time receiving skills and the ability to function as a blocker. However, the inability to stay healthy for a full season is very concerning, and his injury history could push down his draft value. Would be best suited in a situational/backup-type role where he could take limited reps and preserve his body.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  When healthy, Moeaki’s strong blocking and ability to make spectacular catches make it easy to picture him as an NFL starter.  But those durability issues will not disappear during the draft process no matter how well he catches the all or runs during workouts. 

136.)  Kansas City Chiefs

Kendrick Lewis, S, Mississippi

Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 198

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another player expected to make an impact on special teams, Lewis is a tough player that overcomes his deficiencies by putting out great effort.  Will probably never be more than a solid reserve safety.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Try-hard, more-quick-than-fast former receiver who made strides as a senior, but quickness is just average and speed and athletic deficiencies were too glaring at the Combine not to trouble decision makers. Could have to stick in the box and make a mark on special teams to make it.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

142.)  Kansas City Chiefs
Cameron Sheffield, DE, Troy

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 257

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Sheffield played with his hand in the dirt at defensive end for Troy, but with his size, he projected to a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.  While it will take him some time to develop all of the skills needed to be a starter, he has that type of potential.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Was miscast as a collegiate right end. Is not explosive and lacks take-on strength but helped himself with a solid Senior Bowl showing and moves well enough to convert to strong-side linebacker in a 4-3 front. Could warrant interest as a developmental rush linebacker.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

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