Grading the Draft

All of the experts have given their opinions: Opinions on college players who have never played a single down. Estimations that ignore opportunity, motivation, injuries and other circumstances. Guesses that are long on speculation and short on actual data. So even though much can be said about the NFL Draft, little can be known. Here's what the Chiefs did:

1 Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU (6-2, 217);
2 Turk McBride, DT, Tennessee (6-4, 276);
3 Tank Tyler, DT, North Carolina State (6-2, 323);
5 Kolby Smith, RB, Louisville (5-11, 215);
5 Justin Medlock, K, UCLA (6-0, 201);
6 Herb Taylor, T, TCU (6-4, 296);
7 Michael Allan, TE, Whitworth (WA) (6-6, 251)

We do know that the Chiefs, a team that hasn't had a wide receiver lead the team in receptions since Andre Rison (1997), picked a big receiver in the 1st round. We also know the Chiefs drafted the highest rated kicker in the draft, Justin Medlock of UCLA, a Div III tight end, and two defensive linemen named Tank and Turk. We also know the Chiefs didn't trade Trent Green or Larry Johnson or fill current needs on the offensive line or future needs in the defensive backfield.

Time will tell.

So here's a look at the Chief's picks from last year.

1 Hali, Tamba DE 6-3 275 Penn State
Started every game and had 58 tackles, 8 sacks, and an interception as a rookie starter.
2 Pollard, Bernard SS 6-2 223 Purdue
Played 16 games but never started and only had 10 tackles.
3 Croyle, Brodie QB 6-3 204 Alabama
He only threw seven passes his rookie year, but will get a chance to start this year.
5 Maxey, Marcus CB 6-2 197 Miami (Fla.)
Only 2 game appearances, cut, re-signed and barely on the team.
6 Stallings, Tre' G 6-3 315 Mississippi
Eli Manning's college left tackle, didn't play in '06 but is currently playing in NFL Europa.
6 Webb, Jeff WR 6-2 201 San Diego State
10 game appearances, no starts, three catches, but lots of potential for next year.
7 Page, Jarrad SS 6-0 220 UCLA
35 tackles, 3 interceptions, and a sack in his rookie year. The pleasant surprise of this draft class.