Chiefs May Have Found a Starting WR in the 2008 Draft Too

I think we can all agree that the Chiefs had the best draft in the history of the world last month. After having close to 50 picks, Kansas City landed a starting lineman (Branden Albert), a potential Pro Bowl defensive tackle (Glenn Dorsey), a nickel back (Brandon Flowers), and a change-of-pace back to compliment Larry Johnson (Jamaal Charles).

Kansas City also added a humongous tight end (6-8 Brad Cottam) and a heady safety (DaJuan Morgan), and every one of these selections were made in the first three rounds.

But maybe the most important pick (or one of the most important -- it's hard to think anybody will overshadow the impact Dorsey should have) is Missouri's Will Franklin, drafted 105th overall.

Coming off a four-win season usually means a team has any number of needs. The Chiefs did a swell job of addressing most of them, but depth at wide receiver remained a huge question, even after Kansas City added 12 guys to the roster via the draft.

Last year's first-rounder, Dwayne Bowe, emerged as the team's only legit downfield threat a year ago, but the Chiefs may have found another young starter on the outside in Franklin:

Jeff Webb and Devard Darling are currently heading the line to be the starting wide receiver opposite Bowe. It's not inconceivable Franklin could beat them out.

"It's unfamiliarity with the offense, for one, and with the quarterback," said coach Herm Edwards, listing some of the reasons that rookie receivers have problems. "The window closes a lot faster in pro football than it does in college football, so you have to be more disciplined in your route running. All of those things are a factor. "All of a sudden, you're playing against good corners. That's a difference."

Webb and Darling have only been part-time players during their NFL careers so even though they may have experience to fall back on, there's no guarantee they'll actually win the job. And the more weapons for Brodie Croyle, the better.