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The AFC West representatives (three of the four teams, at least) for the Madden ’13 cover chase have been announced.

The four players who survived the intra-team play-in round are: Kansas City’s Dwayne Bowe, Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski, San Diego’s Antonio Gates and … Tim Tebow of Denver.

Awkward.

Denver’s representative is a player who is involved in a trade the team is trying to finalize with the New York Jets.

Tebow beat Denver linebacker Von Miller. Bowe beat Kansas City linebacker Derrick Johnson, Janikowski beat Oakland punter Shane Lechler and Gates beat San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.

The winners are now in the final 32 and they will compete against players on other teams. The results from that round will be announced next Wednesday.

Let’s wrap up the 2011 AFC West season by giving our annual awards:

MVP: Denver running back Willis McGahee

He was the best player on the surprise division champions. Denver’s running game was ranked first in the NFL and the biggest reason was the terrific season by the 30-year-old, who was one of the best free-agent signings of 2011. The Tim Tebow offense worked best when McGahee was leading the way. He finished the season with 1,199 yards on the ground and he showed great leadership.

Offensive player of the year: San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers

It wasn’t Rivers’ greatest season of his career, but he straightened out toward the end of the season and ended up putting up solid numbers. If Oakland running back Darren McFadden didn’t get hurt in October, when he was on his way to this honor (or perhaps the division MVP), he would have been serious candidate. But it goes to Rivers, whom I still believe is the best overall player in the division.

Defensive player of the year: Kansas City linebacker Derrick Johnson

He is one of the more underrated players in the NFL. He is a tackling machine and a timely playmaker. Johnson was brilliant in 2011 as he had a career-high 131 tackles. Along with fellow Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali, Johnson is the centerpiece to a potentially standout defense.

Coach of the year: Denver coach John Fox

Fox made his impact felt immediately in Denver. A player’s coach, Fox’s easy personality was exactly what the team needed after the Josh McDaniels disaster. The Broncos went from 4-12 to 8-8 and winning the AFC West. Fox helped guide a defensive resurgence and he adjusted well to playing with Tebow. This is a growing program and Fox is a big reason why.

Comeback player of the year: Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil

There were concerns that Dumervil would be rusty and unable to make an impact in Fox’s 4-3 defense. No worries. After overcoming several inquires early in the season, Dumervil finished strong and he ended up with 9.5 sacks. Dumervil missed all of the 2010 season with a pectoral injury. But he came back strong and teamed with rookie Von Miller to become one of the best pass-rushing pairs in the NFL.

Most improved player of the year: Oakland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey

Heyward-Bey deserves a lot of credit for the progress he made in 2011. I think he was one of the most improved players in the NFL. After catching just 35 passes in his first 26 games, Heyward-Bey had 64 catches for 975 yards in 2011. He still showed he has some issues with dropped passes, but his strides were huge and he took over some games. I can’t wait to see if can continue to make big progress.

Offensive rookie of the year: Oakland guard Stefen Wisniewski

Wisniewski looked like he was a 10-year veteran as a rookie. He is a natural player who is both athletic and intelligent. Born to be a Raider as the nephew of former Raiders great offensive lineman and current assistant coach Steve Wisniewski, Stefen Wisniewski upheld his family name well. There were times in the season when he simply took over. He was a steal at the No. 48 overall pick.

Defensive rookie of the year: Denver linebacker Von Miller

This was an easy one. Miller won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The No. 2 overall pick in the draft was dominant before he broke his thumb in late November. He finished with 11.5 sacks. Miller needs to improve as a run-stopper, but he appears to have limitless potential and is already a team leader. Denver has to be thrilled with this pick.

Executive of the year: Denver’s John Elway

It’s early, but the results have been promising. Elway doesn’t seem to be one of those playing legends, front-office-disaster types. He has proven to be humble and hard working in his new role. Elway’s choice of Fox as coach was a winner and Denver had success in the draft and in free agency. No one expected Elway’s first year as Denver’s football leader ending up in the second round of the playoffs.

Specialist of the year: Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski

This is a significant award because I believe this may be the premier special-teams division in football. Janikowski stuck out as the best specialist in a division of specialist stars. He opened the season in style by tying the NFL record with a 63-yard field goal in Week 1 at Denver and he showed great consistency all season. He is a true weapon.

This was indeed a special season for the San Francisco 49ers and, by extension, the NFC West overall.

The Associated Press All-Pro Team, announced Friday, includes five 49ers, a league high for any team. Arizona's Patrick Peterson made the team as the return specialist, joining the 49ers' David Akers and Andy Lee to give the NFC West all three specialists.

The 49ers' Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman made it as inside linebackers. Teammate Justin Smith made it as a defensive tackle. He also got votes at defensive end. Smith moves around the line, playing end in the base 3-4.

Aaron Rodgers won 47.5 out of 50 votes at quarterback, a strong indication Rodgers will emerge as the leader in MVP balloting. Those results have not yet been revealed, but they draw from the same group of voters.

The chart shows All-Pro counts by division.

Also making the team: fullback Vonta Leach, center Maurkice Pouncey, guard Carl Nicks, guard Jahri Evans, running back Maurice Jones-Drew, running back LeSean McCoy, tackle Joe Thomas, tackle Jason Peters, tight end Rob Gronkowski, receiver Wes Welker, receiver Calvin Johnson, cornerback Darrelle Revis, cornerback Charles Woodson, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive end Jared Allen, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, linebacker Derrick Johnson, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware safety Troy Polamalu and safety Eric Weddle.

» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final power ranking: 22
Preseason Power Ranking: 18

Biggest surprise: The Chiefs’ resiliency. Some may be surprised a team that went 10-6 last year and won the AFC West title and followed it up with a 7-9 season is trending up. But the Chiefs showed a lot of guts. First, they fought back from an avalanche of injuries and an 0-3 start to become competitive. Then, after coach Todd Haley was fired following the Week 14 loss, the Chiefs responded by going 2-1 under interim coach Romeo Crennel, including giving Green Bay its only loss of the regular season. Kansas City was a blocked field goal at the end of regulation in Week 16 against Oakland from repeating as division champion. Crennel is expected to be the permanent head coach. This is a young team getting key players back. The future is bright.

Biggest disappointment: The injuries. The Chiefs played the entire season with standout second-year tight end Tony Moeaki. They lost star second-year safety Eric Berry in Week 1 and star running back Jamaal Charles in the second week. Quarterback Matt Cassel suffered a season-ending injury in November. It could have been a much different season.

Biggest need: Kansas City still needs some help in many areas, including the defensive line, linebacker and at safety. But I think it needs to look at a tackle. Right tackle Barry Richardson is the type of player you look to upgrade from; I think tackle will be a focal point for the Chiefs in the first round, where they will have either the 11th or 12th pick in the first round. That will be decided by a coin flip with Seattle.

Team MVP: Linebacker Derrick Johnson. He is an underrated player and deserved his Pro Bowl berth. He is a playmaker and is always around the ball. Kansas City finished the season strong on defense and it began with Johnson.

Who’s the quarterback? After Sunday’s game, Kyle Orton, who started the final three games of the season after being claimed off waivers from Denver, said he believes it is Cassel’s team. I agree. I think the Chiefs will move forward with Cassel and Orton will look for a starting job elsewhere as a free agent.

» NFC Pro Bowl: East | West | North | South » AFC Pro Bowl: East | West | North | South

Perfect sense: Kansas City may be in last place but linebacker Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali are top-level players. They both deserve this honor. They are building-block players on a young defense. Johnson is a tackling machine and Hali, who has 12 sacks, is one of the better pass-rushers in the NFL. Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski made his first Pro Bowl in his 12-year career. It is past due and it's well deserving. Janikowski, who tied an NFL record with a 63-yard field goal at Denver in Week 1, is a great weapon. Oakland punter Shane Lechler is one of the game’s all-time best punters. He always deserves to go to the Pro Bowl. San Diego safety Eric Weddle is tied for the league lead with seven interceptions. He is earning his $40-million deal he signed this year. Denver linebacker Von Miller deserved being a Pro Bowler. He has 11.5 sacks and he’s been a complete player. The No. 2 overall draft pick has made a bigger impact as a run stopper and he has been a catalyst to a much improved defense. Kudos to Denver cornerback Champ Bailey, who is still playing at a high level. He is one of five players ever to be named to 11 Pro Bowls and he is the only cornerback with 10 or more Pro Bowls. Can you say “first-ballot Hall of Famer?”

Made it on rep: A few AFC West stars made the Pro Bowl in injury-filled years. Oakland defensive tackle Richard Seymour was banged up and he had some games where he didn’t make a big impact. Still, he also had some moments of greatness. He blocked two field goals in an Oakland overtime win at Kansas City on Saturday. San Diego tight end Antonio Gates dealt with a lot of injuries this season and he didn’t take many games over, but he had 59 catches and he is still a premier player despite the injuries. Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil, the first Denver defensive lineman to make the Pro Bowl in nine years, had a great season, but he didn’t enjoy a full season. He has 9.5 sacks, all in the past eight games. He was slowed by injuries early in the season. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers had big yardage numbers (he became the third player in history to throw for more than 4,000 yards in four straight years). But he has thrown 19 interceptions and he was out of sync for much of the season.

Get robbed: Denver running back Willis McGahee has been the lynchpin to the NFL’s best running offense. A big reason why the Tim Tebow offense has worked is because McGahee –- one of the best free-agent signings in the NFL this year -- ran so well. He is enjoying resurgence at the age of 30. McGahee, who has 1,054 yards rushing and averaged 4.8 yards per carry, is reportedly a first alternate. San Diego running back Ryan Mathews also had a strong season and he had a case to make the team. He is a second alternate. Kansas City receiver Dwayne Bowe had 75 catches and he had a nice season. Oakland safety Tyvon Branch and fullback Marcel Reece each had big years and could have earned spots on the team. Perhaps each player will get their due next year. By the way, Tebow is reportedly a second alternate. Because quarterbacks often bow out, there is a strong chance Tebow will be eating pineapple in Hawaii next month.

Click here for the complete 2012 Pro Bowl roster.

Looking back upon three things discussed here before the St. Louis Rams' 14-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night:

1. Run defense. Teams playing with purpose during the exhibition season often look very good. The Rams, unhappy with their performance against Tennessee last week, resembled such a team early in this game. They allowed no rushes longer than four yards in the first half. They sent linebacker Ben Leber, safety Craig Dahl and safety Quintin Mikell on blitzes. Cornerbacks Bradley Fletcher and Ron Bartell were hitting hard, too. This was the sort of defensive performance the Rams were seeking from their starting unit, against the run and everything else. Leber at halftime, courtesy of the Rams: "The defense is looking good right now. We had the one sudden change and we responded great. Overall, we’ve been in some good situations, some tough situations and we’ve responded. I think the defense is playing good right now."


2. Offensive consistency. The Rams opened with 12- and 10-play drives for touchdowns. They established running back Steven Jackson early. Jackson, a non-factor against the Titans last week, carried 15 times for 72 yards in a performance that should serve as a tune-up for the regular season. The Rams were determined to get him going. Though new coordinator Josh McDaniels generally prefers a one-back offense, the Rams used fullback Brit Miller extensively, and with positive results. Quarterback Sam Bradford used the running game to beat the Chiefs with play-action passes, including a 6-yard scoring pass to receiver Mike Sims-Walker. Bradford did throw an interception deep in Rams territory when he didn’t see Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson dropping into coverage. Bradford completed 9 of 16 passes for 95 yards with two touchdowns and one pick. Jackson: "Overall, we look good. I think we’ve been able to execute in the running game and the passing game. Last week, we had some up and down possessions, but this week we wanted to reestablish ourselves."


3. Wide receiver competition: Sims-Walker made an impact with his 6-yard scoring reception. Rookie Greg Salas made a positive impression with a reception across the middle for a first down. We saw, again, just how much Lance Kendricks will figure into the passing game. The rookie tight end caught another touchdown pass, this one an 11-yarder. But the focus remains on the wide receiver race. Donnie Avery, Mardy Gilyard and Danario Alexander are the three receivers I’ve singled out as likely fighting for a spot if the team keeps six at the position. None seemed to get much separation in this game, either from defenders or from one another. Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, providing commentary on the Rams’ broadcast, found fault with Alexander on two incomplete passes late in the first half. The way Faulk saw things, Alexander didn’t anticipate the ball well enough coming out of his break. Faulk thought Alexander rounded off another route, allowing the defensive back to make a play on the ball. Gilyard found little running room on punt returns and fielded one inside the 10, usually a no-no. The Chiefs picked off Rams backup A.J. Feeley on a pass intended for Avery. Faulk suspected Avery tipped off his route.

This is where your salary-cap money is going, Kansas City Chiefs fans.

Not bad, huh?

The Chiefs rocked the NFL late Wednesday night by agreeing to terms with star linebacker Tamba Hali on a five-year, $60 million deal with $35 million in guaranteed money. He is now the second highest paid outside linebacker in the NFL behind Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware.

Many Chiefs’ fans became antsy in recent days because Kansas City, flush with cap room, weren’t doing much. Securing one of their best players for the long-term qualifies as doing something. Hali was the franchised player. He hadn’t signed his tender. He can now practice Thursday.

Hali led the AFC with 14.5 sacks last season.

He is a tremendous player, who is the cornerstone of a strong, young defense. Hali, 27, is in his prime and he should be a premier pass-rusher for years. That’s why Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli locked him up.

In his two-plus years in Kansas City, Pioli has shown he is willing to give long-term deals to key players such as Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles, Derrick Johnson and now Hali.

This was good use of the salary-cap money. The Chiefs have methodically added some solid, reasonably priced veterans in free agency and now have answered the Hali question.

It’s another smart move in a strong offseason for the defending AFC West champions.

The Kansas City Chiefs signing of nose tackle Kelly Gregg might not get much attention or hoopla.

That’s fine. That’s what Gregg is all about.

This is a dirty-work player who was an underappreciated part of the Baltimore Ravens’ vicious defense. This guy was the constant space eater in the Ravens’ defense who made life much easier for linebackers. Now, he will be doing it in Kansas City. Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson will love this guy. The Chiefs signed Gregg to a one-year deal. He was just cut by the Ravens.

Gregg will turn 35 this year, so this a short-term fix, but it will help. He will make the Chiefs better at the position and serve as a terrific mentor to rookie Jerrell Powe. For a defense that lost Mike Vrabel to retirement, the addition of Gregg will only help in the leadership department.

I know many Chiefs fans wanted them to sign San Francisco big-dollar free agent Aubrayo Franklin, and he would be better for the long term, but Gregg solves the problem now. The Chiefs have wanted a nose tackle since the end of the season and tried to sign Shaun Rogers before the lockout.

In Gregg they get a proven nose tackle that has been a part of a great defense. While it might not be splashy or long-term, the 2011 Chiefs just got better.

» Best of NFC: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

As part of Best of the NFL Week on ESPN.com, here are five bests for the AFC West:

Best ego manager: Kansas City's Todd Haley is an in-your-face coach. He is scared of no one. His demeanor has led Haley to clash with players, and player-coach sideline disagreements are not rare. But his style works. Players respond to Haley and he gets their respect. When he became the head coach in Kansas City in 2009, Haley wasn’t looking for any friends, and he broke down several players, including former first-round picks Dwayne Bowe and Derrick Johnson. Both players responded well and played at a high level in 2010. Haley has dealt with several high-profile receivers in his career, such as Keyshawn Johnson and Terrell Owens. He survived them both. That is one of the reasons the Chiefs had no reservations about taking Pittsburgh receiver Jon Baldwin, who has a reputation as a diva, in the first round this year. Haley is prepared for Baldwin.

Best motivator: We’re taking a leap here because the Raiders' Hue Jackson has never been a head coach, but I’m confident he will be a premier motivator. He surely was as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator last season. He is very positive and often talks up his players. He is very vocal on the practice field. He also produced instant results last season -- Oakland’s offense was leaps and bounds ahead of the 2009 version. Jackson’s players always speak well of him, and he has them believing the Raiders are on the doorstep of big things. Something must be working.

Best coach-GM tandem: This is a potentially strong group of front-office types and coaches. In San Diego, GM A.J. Smith and coach Norv Turner work well together. Jackson and Oakland owner Al Davis appear to be very chummy and work well together. The early vibe on the John Elway-Brian Xanders-John Fox trio in Denver appears to be strong. But we’re going to give the nod to Kansas City’s tandem of Haley and GM Scott Pioli. The two have a strong working relationship, and they have turned the Chiefs around quickly. In their second season in Kansas City, Pioli and Haley built a division winner. The Chiefs are set up well for the future, and this tandem is the primary reason why.

Best delegator: The ability of Turner to to delegate in San Diego is one of his strengths. Smith has complimented Turner’s in that area in multiple discussions with this blogger. Turner is a premier play caller and quarterbacks coach. He knows his role, and he allows his coaches to work and coach. He is not a dictator or the type who needs to have his thumbprints on every minor detail. He lets his coaches do their jobs, and trusts they will get things done.

Best X's and O's: I’m going to give the nod to Fox, the new head man in Denver. Don’t be swayed by the fact that the Carolina Panthers were awful in 2010. Fox earned a strong reputation as fine coach in his nine seasons with the Panthers. He is a defensive specialist who is aggressive and detailed-oriented. On offense, Fox is a big believer in running the ball down opponents’ throats. He sticks to his plan and is very organized. The Broncos will be well-coached in 2011.

» NFC Underrated Players: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

A team-by-team look at the most underrated players in the division.

Denver Broncos

D.J. Williams, linebacker: Williams was a first-round pick in 2004, and the Broncos paid handsomely to keep him a couple of years ago. He is appreciated in Denver, but this athletic, smart linebacker doesn’t get much national notice. He has never been to a Pro Bowl, yet Williams is a tackle machine. He has had at least 119 tackles in three of the past four seasons. He is versatile and has played virtually every linebacker position possible.

Kansas City Chiefs

Brandon Carr, cornerback: I chose Carr over stout guard Ryan Lilja and play-making linebacker Derrick Johnson. Carr is younger than Lilja and Johnson, and he may eventually get the recognition he deserves. One of the reasons Carr is overshadowed is that he plays opposite fellow four-year cornerback Brandon Flowers. Flowers was a second-round pick in 2008, and Carr was taken three rounds later. The terrific Flowers has gotten most of the accolades, but Carr is standout as well. He is approaching free agency soon, and he’ll hit the cornerback jackpot by getting paid by either the Chiefs or some other lucky club.

Oakland Raiders

Marcel Reece, fullback: The fullback is becoming extinct in the NFL. Many teams just don’t have a use for this position. The fullback, however, thrives in Oakland, a franchise with a rich tradition of fullback play. The Raiders have scored again with Reece. A college receiver, Reece gives Oakland’s offense a delicious variation. He is a key blocker in one of the NFL’s best running attacks, and he is a receiving weapon in short-yardage situations. Plus, the intelligent Reece has become a leader of the unit. The fullback position is alive and well in Oakland.

San Diego Chargers

Antonio Garay, defensive tackle: Garay had an incredible impact on the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL last season. The Chargers’ defense was long ignited by the ferocious nose tackle play of the massive Jamal Williams. When Williams got hurt in the first game of the 2009 season, ending his career in San Diego, the Chargers were worried that their defensive identity was gone. But Garay, a 31-year-old journeyman, took over in 2010. He instantly became an anchor on the defense and dominated the line of scrimmage. The dominance of the nose tackle has continued in San Diego with Garay.

Be wary of big-time players out of the University of Texas.

That’s the lesson I’ve taken from watching Vince Young and Michael Griffin at close range, and guys such as Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson and Michael Huff from afar. It seems they get babied in Austin, and that such star treatment don't help them get ready for the stresses of the NFL. (Derrick Johnson was slow to come around. Brian Orakpo has been an exception.)

I loved Huff as a Longhorn. He has not turned into the NFL player I expected him to be.

Still, in a league in which the safety position is generally weak and the draft offers little in the form of immediate impact solutions, news that Huff is going to be on the open market when there is an open market is significant. The Raiders may well have been finished with him anyway, but contract complications will set him free.

You might have heard in this space (a few dozen times) that the Texans and Jaguars are in dire need at safety. And even if Huff is not a target of wither team, an additional available veteran can only help them.

If we see four-year players without contracts become free agents, I think both teams should chase Eric Weddle from San Diego or Melvin Bullitt from Indianapolis. (Jacksonville will shop; we’re not sure about Houston.)

Both teams should investigate Huff, too. He could be a cheaper option and a change of scenery might help him become the player some of us expected when he was drafted.

At the very least, the Jaguars and Texans should hope other teams hunting for a safety look at Huff and like the combination of price and potential, perhaps taking one of them out of contention for Weddle or Bullitt.

Heading into 2010, here’s what Scouts Inc. said about Huff:

"Huff is an athletic safety with above average speed and good acceleration, but he has struggled to establish himself in the secondary. Huff has started and played at both safety positions but just can't seem to take either one and run with it. Huff can be a heavy hitter when lined up inside the box and he recognizes the play as it develops. Unfortunately, he also will look like he overanalyzes or freezes up at times and can be slow to pull the trigger. Huff needs a lot of work on route recognition and reading the quarterback's eyes when in off coverage."

Matt Williamson of Scouts said Huff helped himself in 2010.

"I like Huff quite a bit," he said. "He struggled early in his career, but really came into his own last year. He can do a lot of things well, but I think he is at his best away from the line of scrimmage in more of a deep patrol role. Huge upgrade for either Houston or Jacksonville."

The AFC West had one representative in the ESPN.com linebacker Power Rankings.

Kansas City Chiefs’ outside linebacker Tamba Hali was tied for ninth with Carolina’s Jon Beason. I had Hali ranked ninth. Seventeen linebackers received votes. Hali was the only AFC West linebacker to receive votes. Hali, who led the AFC with 14.5 sacks last season, was fifth in our pass-rusher Power Rankings earlier in the offseason.

I think the AFC West has some very good linebackers. I also considered Kansas City’s Derrick Johnson, San Diego’s Shaun Phillips and Denver’s D.J. Williams. I could see Oakland second-year Rolando McClain soon getting recognition. This was a top-20 ranking, there would be a bigger AFC West presence.

As for the overall Power Ranking, San Francisco’s Patrick Willis was ranked No. 1. I think this ranking was difficult because there are so many different things to consider about linebackers and there are multiple positions to consider. Pass-rush ability, tackle numbers, leadership, intelligence and intimidation factor all must be considered.

I know there will be plenty of opinions on this list. Fill up the comment section with your thoughts.

We rank the cornerbacks next week. I expect a solid AFC West representation. Here’s a hint: I’m staying close for my vote for No. 1.

» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: history in that spot.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills' top pick is No. 3 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL teams in parentheses:

2010: DT Gerald McCoy (Buccaneers)

2009: DE Tyson Jackson (Chiefs)

2008: QB Matt Ryan (Falcons)

2007: T Joe Thomas (Browns)

2006: QB Vince Young (Titans)

2005: WR Braylon Edwards (Browns)

2004: WR Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)

ANALYSIS: Some sexy picks have been made in this spot. None of the players have been out-and-out busts, although character concerns have overshadowed a couple. Only McCoy and Jackson haven't been selected for at least one Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald is an elite receiver, arguably the best in the business. Edwards can be a dangerous playmaker when not dropping passes, which he didn't do last year. Ryan is an emerging star. Young has been a lightning rod, but he did win rookie of the year and has gone to a pair of Pro Bowls. Thomas is a star blocker with four Pro Bowls on his résumé already.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins' top pick is No. 15 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL teams in parentheses:

2010: DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants)

2009: LB Brian Cushing (Texans)

2008: G Branden Albert (Chiefs)

2007: LB Lawrence Timmons (Steelers)

2006: CB Tye Hill (Rams)

2005: LB Derrick Johnson (Chiefs)

2004: WR Michael Clayton (Buccaneers)

ANALYSIS: This is a region of the first round where picks can break either way. There have been solid players drafted here, but no superstars. Cushing was a rookie of the year, but his career has been tainted by performance-enhancing drug usage. Clayton made an immediate impact with 80 catches for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, but hasn't caught more than 38 passes since. Johnson has been a solid linebacker for Kansas City, while Timmons has been an influential member of Pittsburgh's defense the past two seasons. Hill has been the biggest disappointment. He has been with four teams, starting 25 games.

New England Patriots

The Patriots' first-round picks are Nos. 17 and 28 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in those spots, with their NFL teams in parentheses:

2010: G Mike Iupati (49ers) and DE Jared Odrick (Dolphins)

2009: QB Josh Freeman (Buccaneers) and G Eric Wood (Bills)

2008: T Gosder Cherilus (Lions) and DE Lawrence Jackson (Seahawks)

2007: DE Jarvis Moss (Broncos) and T Joe Staley (49ers)

2006: LB Chad Greenway (Vikings) and TE Marcedes Lewis (Jaguars)

2005: LB David Pollack (Bengals) and DE Luis Castillo (Chargers)

2004: LB D.J. Williams (Broncos) and CB Chris Gamble (Panthers)

ANALYSIS: Results have been mixed with these slots, but the 28th pick actually has found more starters than the 17th in recent years. Freeman showed signs of developing into a future star last year, and Cherilus has started 40 of his 43 games at right tackle. Williams and Greenway have been regular starters. But Moss and Pollock didn't work out. In the 28th slot, Odrick is the only one who hasn't been a regular starter. Injuries detonated his rookie season.

New York Jets

The Jets' top pick is No. 30 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL teams in parentheses:

2010: RB Jahvid Best (Lions)

2009: WR Kenny Britt (Titans)

2008: TE Dustin Keller (Jets)

2007: WR Craig Davis (Chargers)

2006: RB Joseph Addai (Colts)

2005: TE Heath Miller (Steelers)

2004: RB Kevin Jones (Lions)

ANALYSIS: What strikes me is that all seven selections not only are offensive players, but also ball handlers. Perhaps teams in the back of the draft feel they can gamble a little bit and try to hit big on a skill position. Whatever the reasoning, it seems to have worked. This has been a successful spot. Jones and Addai rushed for 1,000 yards as rookies. Best appears to be the Lions' running back of the future. Miller and Addai have gone to Pro Bowls. Britt was the Titans' leading receiver last year. Keller is one of the NFL's better tight ends.

Random thoughts from the media session Saturday with Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli:

Pioli stuck up for the past few drafts of the previous Kansas City regime. He lauded the drafting of players like Derrick Johnson and Jamaal Charles.

“The cupboard wasn't bare when Todd (Haley) and I arrived to Kansas City,” Pioli said. “There were some pretty good football players.”

Pioli lauded the 3-4 defensive end-outside linebacker group in this draft. Kansas City could be looking for a pass rusher with the No. 21 overall pick.

Pioli wouldn’t address the Detroit Lions recently being found guilty of tampering charges with former Chiefs safety Jarrad Page. The ruling means the Chiefs will move up 16 spots in the fifth round. Pioli called it a league matter.

Pioli expressed excitement about the hire of former NFL quarterback and head coach Jim Zorn as Kansas City’s quarterback coach.

Pioli said he thought Charlie Weis would be with the team for more than one year, but his departure is simply part of the game.

“I don't think you enter any relationship thinking it's going to be a short-term relationship,” Pioli said. “You adjust to it as you have to adjust.

"That's life. It could have been where Charlie got a coaching job in the NFL. That's a part of it when you're building a team.”

Pioli said he thought the Chiefs were a very slow team when he took over in 2009.

“We needed to upgrade our team speed, because I think when we first got there it was certainly the slowest football team I've been a part of,” Pioli said. “Not just on offense, not just on defense, but on special teams (too).”

KANSAS CITY -- The Kansas City Chiefs did not back into the playoffs. They earned their first AFC West championship in seven years by putting it away in Week 16.

Still, it’s difficult to imagine a team limping into the postseason with any less verve than the beat-down Chiefs did Sunday. After an alarming 31-10 home loss to the Oakland Raiders, the Chiefs must pick up their game in short order.

If Kansas City doesn’t straighten out its act this week, its first trip to the playoffs under head coach Todd Haley will be a short one. All the good vibes accomplished in its 10-6 season will be sullied by a bad couple of weeks.

“You want to have a good taste in your mouth going into the playoffs,” Kansas City guard Ryan Lilja said. “Clearly, we didn’t have the kind of performance you need to do that.”

Added Kansas City guard Brian Waters: "Losses like this have a way of staying with you. We can’t let it. We have to let it go by [Monday morning]. We have no choice. We have to focus on the playoffs as soon as we get back to work.”

Ultimately, the consequences of Sunday’s loss were not colossal for the Chiefs. They are still the AFC West champions. They still get to host a playoff game. They are still a wonderful worst-to-first story.

The Chiefs did lose the seed battle. Had they beaten Oakland, the Chiefs would have been the No. 3 seed. But the Indianapolis Colts are now the No. 3 because of the Chiefs’ loss and Indy's defeat of the Titans on Sunday afternoon. The Chiefs are now the No. 4 seed and will play host to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round next weekend.

More than the loss of the higher seed, Sunday’s game can be the type that wears on a team’s psyche. Kansas City was flat and completely outplayed by the Raiders (8-8), who completed a division sweep in the process.

“We were beaten in every phase,” Waters said. “They completely put it to us.”

Offensively, Kansas City was out of sync nearly all game with just a couple of decent drives. Quarterback Matt Cassel had perhaps his worst game of the season. He was 11-of-33 for 115 yards. He threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The offensive line gave up seven sacks and Cassel was on the run on almost every play. Kansas City receivers dropped several passes. The Chiefs, who had the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL this season, had 115 yards on the ground.

Their poor offensive showing came in the hours after offensive coordinator Charlie Weis decided to leave the team to take the same position at the University of Florida. He will be formally introduced in Gainesville, Fla., on Monday. Several Kansas City players said that Weis’ decision had no impact on their flat performance Sunday. They pointed to the fact that the game plan was installed and the practice week was concluded before Weis’ departure as reasons for it having no bearing on the outcome of the game.

“We put that behind us,” rookie receiver Dexter McCluster said.

Haley said that Weis is headed to Florida for family reasons. Weis will stay with the Chiefs through their playoff run. Haley said that he has no concerns about Weis’ commitment to the Chiefs during the playoffs. Haley pointed to the fact that Weis helped the New England Patriots win a Super Bowl after he took the Notre Dame job six years ago.

If Weis’ pending departure had the potential to be a distraction, the Chiefs found a more pressing issue to overcome: their first home loss of the season on the eve of the playoffs.

“We have a lot to fix,” center Casey Wiegmann said. “But we know what we have to do. This is isn’t the end of the season.”

The end will be near, however, if Cassel -- who will be making his postseason debut -- doesn’t play better, if the offensive line doesn’t keep the heat off him, if the Kansas City receivers don’t hold onto the ball, and if the running game is inconsistent. These haven’t been issues all season, but they definitely were on Sunday. The Chiefs have to focus on correcting mistakes instead of having the luxury of being a team soaring into the playoffs.

This surely will not be a week of celebration in Kansas City, which is perhaps a good thing for a team that now understands it must regain its focus.

“We have to get this out of our system right now,” Kansas City linebacker Derrick Johnson said. “There’s no way we can afford to do this again next week.”