Chiefs Notes: McCluster, Joeckel, and Draft Needs

Over the weekend there was plenty to talk about relating to the Chiefs. Here is some of the news and notes that slipped through the cracks while we were all enjoying the weekend.

Dec 16, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) carries the ball against Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (52) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

CHIEFS HAVE PLANS FOR MCCLUSTER

Yes, another year, another “Dexter McCluster is going to breakout” article. This time it is the Andy Reid and Doug Peterson version, explaining how they loved McCluster coming out of the draft but it didn’t work out for them to be able to draft him.

"“I was interested in drafting him,” Reid said. “It just didn’t fall that way. But I did have some interest. I liked him as a football player. He’s a unique talent because he can do a couple, three different things for you whether it’s special teams as a returner or whether it’s offense as a receiver or a running back.“His value … is that you can move him into different spots where you can utilize his talents the best. You saw what Charlie (Weis) did with him the one year when he kind of mixed him in the different positions offensively. He can handle it. He’s a sharp kid. Obviously he’s a talented kid.”"

Sold.

As the article mentioned, McCluster has yet to have the impact the Chiefs thought they were getting when they drafted him in 2010 in second round. He has great speed but if you breath on him hard enough he’ll go down. He’s also had issues staying healthy, in part because he is being asked to run routs over the middle only to be crushed by linebackers and in part because Matt Cassel left him hanging out to dry a few times. Either way, health is a concern for McCluster and may ultimately be the reason why he never lives up to his second round billing.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A

LUKE JOECKEL SAYS PLAYING FOR THE CHIEFS WOULD BE A “DREAM COME TRUE”

Potential number one overall pick Luke Joeckel sat down with The Sports Network’s John McMullen to talk about the NFL Draft and how he’s gotten to this point in his career. McMullen asked about the possibility of going number one overall to the Chiefs and this is what Joeckel had to say.

“It would be really cool. A dream come true,” Joeckel said. “But the way I’m just looking at tit, I want to get there. I am definitely striving to be the No. 1 pick, going through this entire process. But my dream is to just play in the NFL.”

I’m supposing that the true “dream come true” is the paycheck that comes with being the number one overall picks, but I’ll avoid the cynicism and wish the kid the best in the draft with the hopes that the Chiefs decide to go elsewhere.

December 02, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs the ball in the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

TEAM NEEDS

Pro Football Talk released what they feel are the Chiefs “needs” heading into the draft. Number one of the list? Offensive tackle (convenient) followed by… running back?

"The Chiefs have a clear-cut featured back in Jamaal Charles. However, the depth behind Charles needs improvement. Kansas City doesn’t necessarily need to address this position early in the draft, given how running backs are valued these days, but adding a back — perhaps one with a little more bulk than Charles — would be wise. The good news for Chiefs fans? The Eagles showed a sharp eye for running back talent throughout Andy Reid’s tenure as head coach."

When going through the list of Chiefs needs I don’t think running back would rank as number two. Yes, the Chiefs need depth at the position, but they also need a starting middle linebacker, the Chiefs true “need” of the draft unless they trade Branden Albert.

If you were going to make a list of the Chiefs needs it probably read like this: Middle Linebacker, offensive tackle (if Albert is traded), depth. Kansas City isn’t in the market for immediate starters outside of the middle linebacker position. Looking for depth and future playmakers is what the Chiefs will be spending their picks on in this draft.