SDOGO

An in-depth look at the Chiefs' needs heading into the 2007 draft:

1. Defensive tackle. After whiffing at this position their past several tries, the Chiefs will try again because the top veteran candidates for playing time -- Ron Edwards, James Reed and Jimmy Wilkerson -- are free agents. The team would love to get into the mix for Michigan's Alan Branch, but he will be gone by the time it selects. It could settle for someone such as DeMarcus Tyler of N.C. State.

2. Offensive tackle. The Chiefs got by with left tackle Jordan Black last season but preferred an upgrade. They let Black leave for Houston but signed former Dolphin Damion McIntosh, so they still might be able to put this pursuit off a year or two. They won't reach to get a tackle, but if one they like is available in an early round, they might go for him.

3. Wide receiver. Eddie Kennison had another good season in 2006, but he's 34. The Chiefs don't have another established receiver; Samie Parker and Dante Hall have yet to distinguish themselves, and though the team has high hopes for Jeff Webb, he still is unproven. The selection of a player such as LSU's Dwayne Bowe makes sense.

4. Cornerback. The Chiefs must get younger at this position. Patrick Surtain and Ty Law, last season's starters, are older than 30, and the Chiefs have no heir apparent. Cornerbacks who can run and tackle are more important in the Chiefs' cover 2 scheme than corners with great man coverage skills. Coach Herm Edwards says he can find corners in the middle rounds, so look for the team to select someone such as Josh Wilson of Maryland.

5. Tight end. Having re-signed Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs are set with pass catchers at this position. But they need to start thinking about replacing Jason Dunn, their second tight end. Dunn is a powerful run blocker, but he will turn 34 in November.

6. Quarterback. Trent Green will be 37 on July 9 and still may become a cap casualty, and backup Damon Huard, the potential new starter, will turn 34 on the very same day. The Chiefs also have 2006 third-round pick Brodie Croyle, who is being groomed as the eventual starter. But Croyle is far from a sure thing; he has a slight frame and struggled with injury in college. He might not be able to withstand the punishment an NFL quarterback endures.

OUTLOOK

With so many holes to fill, the Chiefs need to get quantity more than quality from this draft. Because they sent their fourth-round pick to the Saints in the trade for running back Michael Bennett, they could trade down, perhaps out of the first round altogether, if it means they can gather extra selections. That would be a wise move, particularly because Branch won't be available at No. 23. Look for the Chiefs to take at least one cornerback and perhaps a safety, too, even though they drafted two last year. Edwards says a team can never have too many good defensive backs.

And just because they have a developmental quarterback in Croyle, don't dismiss the possibility they might take another one on the second day. The team has a history of drafting multiple offensive linemen, but this is not the year to do that. Though starting quality is an issue, especially at tackle, the Chiefs have plenty of depth and several prospects on their line.

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