1 - Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis (6-4, 346); 2 - Jeff Allen, OG, Illinois (6-4, 307); 3 - Donald Stephenson, OT, Oklahoma (6-5, 312); 4 - Devon Wylie, WR, Fresno State (5-9, 187); 5 - DeQuan Menzie, DB, Alabama (5-11, 202); 6 - Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M (5-10, 206); 7 - Jerome Long, DE, San Diego State (6-4, 290); 7 - Junior Hemingway, WR, Michigan (6-1, 225)
Top Picks Analysis: General manager Scott Pioli's emphasis on building through both lines was crystal clear in this draft, with the Chiefs utilizing their first three picks on players who operate in the trenches. The plan began with the selection of the polarizing Poe, an athletic freak with a massive frame and superior strength who's remarkably light on his feet, to presumably anchor the middle of the defensive front. Scouts have wondered whether his short- armed build is best suited for a two-gap plugger, however, and his failure to dominate at a lower FCS level has raised questions as well. The second round brought Kansas City's left guard of the future in Allen, an excellent pass protector and high-character guy who's likely slated to take over for veteran Ryan Lilja in 2013. The Chiefs grabbed another combine marvel with the choice of Stephenson, who posted the best 40 time and vertical jump of any offensive lineman in Indianapolis. Though incredibly raw and an underachiever in college, he's got the skill set to become a starter with some work.
Best Value Pick: Gray is one of this draft's better receiving running backs who can also make an impact as a return man. He gives the Chiefs some insurance in a backfield led by the duo of injury risk Jamaal Charles and fumble-prone Peyton Hillis.
Questionable Calls: Taking a boom-or-bust player such as Poe at No. 11 overall certainly carries some risk, and fourth-rounder Wylie is a hit-or-miss prospect as well because of a scary medical history.
Summary: A good overall collection with the potential to be great if both Poe and Stephenson can translate their physical talents into on-field production and the shifty Wylie can stay healthy and provide the offense a dynamic slot receiver it's presently devoid of.
FINAL GRADE: B
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