The trade between the Chiefs and Vikings should work out for both teams. Obviously, you see the initial upside for the Vikings; they get the NFL sack leader from last year with 15 1/2 sacks. For the Chiefs, unknown commodities, a bit of a risk, but it could all pay off in the end.
I’ve reported, as other news outlets have, that the Chiefs get the Vikings 1st round pick (#17) and two third round picks in exchange for Jared Allen. I believe this is going to be a good move, but it’s all going to come down to how the Chiefs use those picks along with their #5 pick that will determine if this is in fact a great move.
Here’s why I like it. First, the Chiefs are rebuilding. If Jared Allen was one of the last missing pieces for a strong playoff contender, I would never let him go, but the Chiefs aren’t going anywhere this season and they need to build up their team through the draft. Picking up three additional players within the top 84 of the draft is a no brainer. The Chiefs will be able to address several key areas where they need to improve: defensive line, offensive line, cornerback, and possibly quarterback.
As Scott Wright from NFLdraftcountdown.com told me during my Press Box session this week (my weekly podcast) by having two first round draft picks, it allows the Chiefs to not need to waste that number 5 pick on an offensive lineman.
Where I disagree with Wright is I think they should take a defensive lineman to make up for the absence of Allen, he thinks drafting Matt Ryan, the QB from Boston College is the way to go.
Ultimately, the Chiefs need to find starters, or guys who will be able to contribute within a year or so to make this trade successful for KC. Even if it leads to players that upgrade special teams until they fill into starters would be better than keeping Allen. Kickoff and punt returns were awful last year, but the Chiefs need to find at least three starters with those four draft picks. I’d like to see them go d-line, o-line, and secondary.
Download/listen to Scott Wright (1:10 MP3)
