Exclusive Interview With Scott Wright

Posted: February 11, 2009

After the conclusion of the worst season in franchise history, the Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to fill plenty of holes this offseason. While the 2009 NFL Draft isn't for another two months, we thought we would get an expert opinion on where the Chiefs stand and who may be wearing red and gold in 2009.

Our guest interview is with renowned draft guru Scott Wright, of DraftCountdown.com. The transcript is below:

NICK: You attended Senior Day a few weeks ago. Who did you see Chiefs officials talking to, and out of those who they talked to, did any of the players stand out in practice or the game?

SCOTT: The players Chiefs officials spoke with were Central Arkansas quarterback Nathan Brown (projected mid-rounder), USC middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (projected mid-1st rounder), Ole Miss wide receiver Mike Wallace (projected mid-rounder), USC outside linebacker Brian Cushing (projeced 1st-2nd rounder), and West Virginia quarterback/wide receiver Pat White (projected mid-late rounder). But honestly, when push comes to shove, these (observations) aren't necessarily a great indicator of who teams will take. They might be just gathering information and doing their due dilligence. I guess the two high-profile guys I saw KC talking to were Rey Maualuga and Brain Cushing and that makes sense since they need at least one, if not two, linebackers.

NICK: Obviously Maualuga and Cushing are projected as mid-first rounders. Do you think the Chiefs will consider trading down, given Scott Pioli's history of stockpiling draft picks in the past?

SCOTT: I think Scott Pioli would like nothing more than to trade down and acquire a bunch of valuable picks. The same can be said for most teams though. The question is does anyone want to come up and are they willing to pay the price? More often than not the answer is no.

NICK: The Chiefs recently hired former Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree has drawn a lot of comparison to Cardinals standout receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Are these comparisons warrented, and do you think Haley wil be able to pass on Crabtree at #3?

SCOTT: Fitzgerald is just one of the players Crabtree has been compared to, along with Terrell Owens, Brandon Marshall, etc. Those are obviously some big names, but many feel Crabtree is in their league. I am not quite as high on him, but he is probably going to be a Top 5 pick and won't get past Oakland at #7. Kansas City could still use some more help at wideout, but they do have Dwayne Bowe so I think they have bigger fish to fry in round one.

NICK: Many mock drafts (including yours) have the Chiefs picking Wake Forst linebacker Aaron Curry at #3. Traditionally, this is pretty high for a linebacker that is not a DE/OLB tweener. What makes Curry so special?

SCOTT: Aaron Curry really is the total package. He has the ideal physical tools you look for. He can play inside or outside linebacker in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. He is a very safe pick and would be a great fit and value for the Chiefs at #3 overall.

NICK: This year's class of offensive linemen is the best we have seen in a long time with four potential franchise left tackles projected as Top 10-15 picks. The Chiefs are in dire need of a right tackle, right guard, and may also look to bring in a center if Rudy Niswanger is moved to guard. Which of the top four tackles (Andre Smith of Alabama, Eugene Monroe of Virgina, Jason Smith of Baylor, and Michael Oher of Ole Miss) stands out the most to you, and do you think the Chiefs may consider drafting one of them?

SCOTT: First of all, I don't think the Chiefs will take a tackle at #3. They are set at left tackle with Branden Albert and you don't pay #3 overall money for a right tackle or guard. A guy who might be a good fit in round two is Oklahoma's Phil Loadholt, who looks like a prototypical right tackle. Of the top tackles, I like Eugene Monroe the best because I feel he is safe and the best all-around blocker, followed by Jason Smith, Andre Smith, and Michael Oher.

NICK: The Chiefs defense set the league record for fewest sacks in a season last year. This year's defensive end class isn't the greatest, and there isn't a pass rusher projected as a Top 5 talent in this year's class. Do you think the Chiefs will address this need early or look for help in free agency?

SCOTT: The Chiefs have to address their pass rush very early and if there was a stud defensive end in this draft, he'd be a lock for the Chiefs at #3. Unfortunately for them, there isn't. However, Aaron Curry is a very good pass rusher and blitzer. I would be surprised if they didn't grab a DE or OLB in the top two rounds and some possible options at #34 (second round) would be Clay Matthews (OLB) from USC, Michael Johnson (DE) from Georgie Tech, Paul Kruger (DE) from Utah, and Robert Ayers (DE) from Tennessee.

NICK: Are there any small-school pass rush specialists that could possibly be had on day two, and be a possible Jared Allen-type steal for the Chiefs?

SCOTT: I am a big fan of Connor Barwin (DE) from Cincinnati, who is more of a 3-4 OLB. I think Tim Jamison (DE, Michigan) is underrated and he had a good Senior Bowl week. A lot will depend on what type of defensive scheme (3-4 or 4-3) the Chiefs go with.

NICK: Last question. You say the Golden Rule of the NFL Draft is: if you don't have a franchise quarterback, you don't pass on one. Tyler Thigpen played well for the Chiefs last season, but one has to wonder what his ceiling is. Would the Chiefs take Matt Stafford (QB, Georgia) if he slipped to #3, assuming they don't make a play for Matt Cassel?

SCOTT: I think the Chiefs have to consider both Stafford and (Mark) Sanchez (QB, USC). A lot will depend on how the new front office and coaching regime feels about Thigpen. Some say that Pioli doesn't take quarterbacks early, but he has never had (the need) to either, so we really don't know his true philosophy. Personally -- if it were me -- I'd take a quarterback at #3 if I were Kansas City.

Nick Britt is a writer by hobby, not profession. He is a lifelong Chiefs fan and loves to play armchair GM. You can contact him at nick@kcredzone.com.