Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE
Just as many began to jump aboard the Eric Fisher to Kansas City train, Jason La Canfora offers up a league source that pins Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel to the Chiefs at No. 1.
For the past several days there has been speculation of the Dolphins interest in KC’s Branden Albert. It now appears a bit of a forgone conclusion that Albert will be dealt before next Thursday’s start to the draft. The Dolphins were reportedly granted permission to negotiate an extension for Albert, who was franchised by the Chiefs in March.
The flipping of Albert to the Dolphins would pave the way for a tackle to slide right in at No. 1 overall to the Chiefs. The real question has been which one would it be? Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher?
La Canfora may have spoiled a bit of that intrigue with his story today that Joeckel is being tabbed the No. 1 pick. We fully expect the Chiefs to announce their intentions before Thursday’s kickoff to the draft.
Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel will be the first name called next week. According to numerous league sources, the Chiefs are locked in on him, barring anything unforeseen, after also strongly considering Central Michigan left tackle Eric Fisher. But Joeckel has played in a tougher conference and is a safer pick, and in a league where first-time general managers is becoming the rule (especially guys with college backgrounds), you are going to see a lot of clubs deferring to the safest guy (more on that later, when we delve into the guards).
We have speculated for months, for the very reason that La Canfora cites that it was Joeckel or bust for the Chiefs. Joeckel is a safe bet for a new General Manager and is thought of by many (including myself) as the top overall prospect in the draft.
At this point all signs are pointing in Luke Joeckel’s direction to be the first player to shake Roger Goodell’s hand on April 25.
