What If The Kansas City Chiefs Drafted A Different Team

Below are the abbreviations for the positional players:


QB = quarterback
RB = running back
FB = full back
WR = wide receiver
TE = tight end

C = center
OT = offensive tackle
OG = offensive guard

DT = defensive tackle
DE = defensive end

LB = line backer

CB = corner back
S = safety
SS = strong safety
FS = free safety

P = punter
PK = place kicker
KR = kick returner

In the 2003 NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected Larry Johnson (RB) with the 27th overall pick. Johnson has been a two-time Pro Bowler, but since those seasons, he has struggled with injuries and his attitude. We'll consider this a good draft pick for the Chiefs even though Johnson should be playing better than he has in the last couple of seasons.

In round 2, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Kawika Mitchell (LB) and is an average player for a 2nd round selection. A better player here would have been Lance Briggs (LB), Jason Witten (TE), Osi Umenyiora (DE) or Anquan Boldin (WR).

Julian Battle (CB) was taken in the 3rd round. Battle was known to be a bench player. A much better option for the Chiefs would have been Terrence McGee (CB). Kansas City picked Brett Williams (OT) in round 4 and was a horrible pick since he only played in five games in the NFL. The Chiefs would have been better off selecting Asante Samuel (CB) or Robert Mathis (DE).

Kansas City drafted Jordan Black (OT) in the 5th round. Black wasn't an elite player, so the Chiefs should have taken David Diehl (OT) or Dan Koppen (C). Jimmy Wilkerson (DE) was grabbed in round 6 and was just a role player. A good starter that Kansas City could have added to their team was Cato June (LB).

In round 7, the Chiefs picked Montique Sharpe (DT) and he too only played in five NFL games and was done. Kansas City could have added their future quarterback with Tony Romo (QB) who went undrafted in 2003. Kris Dielman (OT) and Antonio Gates (TE) were also undrafted and could have signed with any NFL team.


Summary Of Players The Kansas City Chiefs Should Have Acquired In 2003

Lance Briggs
Terrence McGee
Robert Mathis
David Diehl
Cato June
Tony Romo
Kris Dielman
Antonio Gates

The Chiefs had no 1st round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, so they drafted Junior Siavii (DT) in round 2. Siavii was a terrible pick because he never developed into starter during his two years with the team. The Chiefs should have saved this draft pick for Bob Sanders (SS). Kansas City selected Kris Wilson (TE) also in the 2nd round and was just an average player. The Chiefs would have gotten more value out of a draft pick such as Chris Cooley (TE), Darnell Dockett (DT), Matt Schaub (QB) or Nick Hardwick (C).

In the 3rd round, the Chiefs picked Keyaron Fox (LB) and was mainly a bench player. A better option here would have been Jerricho Cotchery (WR).

Samie Parker (WR) was taken in round 4. Parker was a disappointing play maker. Nathan Vasher (CB) and Michael Turner (RB) were still on the draft board. With their other 4th round selection, the Chiefs drafted Jared Allen (DE). Allen is one of the biggest play-making defensive linemen in the NFL. Kansas City got a real stud with this 4th round draft pick. Unfortunately for the team, the Chiefs traded Allen to the Vikings in 2008.


Summary Of Players The Kansas City Chiefs Should Have Acquired In 2004

Bob Sanders
Chris Cooley
Jerricho Cotchery
Nathan Vasher

The Chiefs drafted Derrick Johnson (LB) with the 15th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. Johnson has started nearly every game of his career, but is not yet a Pro Bowler. Kansas City should have considered bigger impact players like Lofa Tatupu (LB), Roddy White (WR), Logan Mankins (OG), Marion Barber III (RB) or Frank Gore (RB).

The Kansas City Chiefs picked Dustin Colquitt (P) in round 3. Yes, the Chiefs used their second pick in the 2005 NFL Draft on a punter. Apparently this was a big need for the franchise and he is still with the team, so this will be considered a good pick.

Craphonso Thorpe (WR) was drafted in the 4th round. Thorpe was a huge wasted pick since he played in zero games for the Chiefs. They should have selected Darren Sproles (RB).

Kansas City had two draft picks in round 5. They used those draft selections on Boomer Grigsby (LB) and Alphonso Hodge (CB). Both guys were role players, so the Chiefs should have picked Trent Cole (DE) and Ryan Grant (RB). Josh Cribbs (KR) and Grant could have been drafted by any NFL team, but went undrafted and became free agents. The Chiefs could have signed both of these guys to contracts.


Summary Of Players The Kansas City Chiefs Should Have Acquired In 2005

Lofa Tatupu
Darren Sproles
Trent Cole
Ryan Grant
Josh Cribbs

1. Tyler Thigpen
2. Tony Gonzalez
3. Dwayne Bowe
4. Larry Johnson
5. Connor Barth

Tamba Hali (DE) was taken with the 20th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Hali has been a solid player, but bigger impact players like DeMeco Ryans (LB), Greg Jennings (WR), Devin Hester (KR) or Marcus McNeill (OT) were still on the draft board.

Kansas City selected Bernard Pollard (S) in the 2nd round and has had good defensive production for the Chiefs, so this is a good pick. Brodie Croyle (QB) was grabbed in round 3 and has not been able to stay in the starting lineup for the Chiefs (he has injury issues). The Chiefs would have been better off drafting Owen Daniels (TE) or Brandon Marshall (WR).

The Kansas City Chiefs picked Marcus Maxey (CB) in the 5th round. Maxey played in only one game for the Chiefs, so a better pick here would have been Omar Gaither (LB).

Tre' Stallings (OT) was taken in round 6 and was another wasted draft pick since he only played in one game for Kansas City. A better option here for the team would have been Charlie Johnson (OT) or Antoine Bethea (FS). The Chiefs selected Jeff Webb (WR) with their other 6th round draft choice. Webb is mainly a bench player, but Kansas City could have added Marques Colston (WR) to their roster instead.


Summary Of Players The Kansas City Chiefs Should Have Acquired In 2006

DeMeco Ryans
Brandon Marshall
Omar Gaither
Charlie Johnson
Marques Colston

The Chiefs could have been a better team right now. However, poor drafting has set this Kansas City franchise back and may take a couple of more years to get the team back to the playoffs.

The Chiefs "dream team" below was an actual team they could have drafted if they changed their draft picks. The team is based on draft choice locations and franchise needs.

Tony Romo (QB)

Larry Johnson (RB)
Ryan Grant (RB)
Darren Sproles (RB)

Brandon Marshall (WR)
Marques Colston (WR)
Jerricho Cotchery (WR)

Antonio Gates (TE)

Marcus McNeill (OT)
Kris Dielman (OT)
David Diehl (OT)
Charlie Johnson (OT)

Darnell Dockett (DT)
Jared Allen (DE)
Trent Cole (DE)
Robert Mathis (DE)

Lance Briggs (LB)
Lofa Tatupu (LB)
Cato June (LB)
Omar Gaither (LB)

Nathan Vasher (CB)
Terrence McGee (CB)
Bob Sanders (SS)
Bernard Pollard (S)

Josh Cribbs (KR)
Dustin Colquitt (P)