NFL Draft 2011: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin 21st Overall to Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City’s needs:
- Wide Receiver
- Right Tackle
- Nose Tackle
- Inside Linebacker
- Outside Linebackers
Gabe Carimi is who again?
By the numbers:
Age: 22
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 314
2010 Stats: Started 13 games at left tackle.
Career Stats Started 47 games at left tackle.
By the word:
Carimi lacks the type of foot quickness that typifies successful NFL left tackles (this wasn’t a problem at Wisconsin as they were extremely run oriented), but he is tough to overpower and an absolutely dominator in the running game. He projects as a fringe LT, but a stud RT.
Why Carimi is the pick:
The Chiefs could use a receiver, but 21 is a little jigh for Jonathan Baldwin, Torrey Smith, Titus Young—so they turn their attention to the offensive line.
Castonzo is the best pure left tackle on the board, but Carimi is the best prospect overall, and for that reason I think they opt for the Badger.
Who else was considered:
1. Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor — Kansas City’s defense improved by leaps and bounds last year, and they could do so again by upgrading from Ron Edwards at the nose tackle. Taylor is the best NT in this draft, and would make life a heck of a lot easier for the Chiefs’ LBs (whoever they may end up being).
2. Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona — The Chiefs would love to grab a 3-4 OLB to complement (and/or replace) Tamba Hali, and Brooks Reed is one of the hottest names in the draft.
3. Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia — Houston was last month’s Brooks Reed—a sizeable 3-4 OLB prospect, a little raw but loaded with potential.
4. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College — The Chiefs could use a RT even more than a left, but by no means does that preclude Castonzo, probably the best overall tackle left on the board, from getting consideration.
5. Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State — Ibid. Sherrod isn’t quite as much of a sure thing as Castonzo is, but he has the potential to be a more successful pro. Sherrod needs to add strength, but he has the makings of an elite NFL pass blocker.
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