Three weeks ago it was a forgone conclusion that the Chiefs would play out the season and draft a QB with their likely top 5 pick. Since that time Tyler Thigpen has completed 65% of his passes thrown 6 TD 0INT and over 700 yards.. Not only has Thigpen played well he has inspired his teammates and raised their level of play, exactly the qualities you look for in your quarterback of the future.

Not to say Thigpen is the QOF he still has a lot of things he would need to accomplish for the Chiefs to be convinced he is the starter for 2009 and beyond. Number one would be win a game, Franchise QB?S win games in the 4th quarter. Thigpen has played impressive but has not been able to take over and will his team to victory in three consecutive close contests.

Number two would be have a couple of 300 yard games, the Chiefs would prefer to run the ball and not have their QB throw for 300 yards but if he is your guy you want to know he can air it out when need be. The last thing Thigpen needs to do is stay healthy something Chiefs QB?S have struggled to do all season.


Thigpen is at higher risk than most quarterbacks to get hurt because when a play breaks down or no receiver is open he looks to make something happen with his legs, which in turn gives him a better chance of getting smashed by a safety or bulldozed by a linebacker. Even if Double T flat out dominates these last seven games the Chiefs would still need to draft a QB to provide depth or as a insurance policy in case Thigpen is a one hit wonder.

With improved QB play and a fairly deep draft class the Chiefs now have the option to explore the possibility of using their first pick on the holes in the offensive line or shoring up their line backing unit. Some people still think the Chiefs need to throw 70 million at a name like Matthew Stafford or Sam Bradford with their top five pick to make sure they have a legitimate QB. The Chiefs are not far enough along in the rebuilding process to draft for need, they need to take the best player that falls in their lap. There will be equitable or slightly lesser prospects available in the late first or early second round, the Chiefs can sit back and draft the QB that slips thru the cracks like Aaron Rogers did for the Packers. Stats don?t tell the whole story but based on their 2008 season is any of these QB?S worth 50 million more than the other?

Sam Bradford**, Oklahoma
Height: 6-4. Weight: 214.

CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA LNG TD INT SACK RAT

224 330 3406 67.9 10.32 77 38 6 7 188.94

Projected 269 396 4087 67.9 10.32 77 46 7 8 188.94

Projected round: Top 5

Team Record: 9-1

Matt Stafford*, Georgia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 237.

CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA LNG TD INT SACK RAT

176 289 2587 60.9 8.95 78 15 8 13 147.69

Projected 211 347 3104 60.9 8.95 78 18 10 16 147.69

Projected round: Top 10

Team Record: 8-2

Tim Tebow*, Florida
Height: 6-3. Weight: 235.

CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA LNG TD INT SACK RAT

126 194 1740 64.9 8.97 70 17 2 11 167.14

Projected 182 280 2513 64.9 8.97 70 25 3 16 167.14

Projected Round: Mid to late first round

Team Record: 8-1

Colt McCoy*, Texas
Height: 6-3. Weight: 205.

CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA LNG TD INT SACK RAT

244 313 2879 78.0 9.20 91 28 7 16 180.27

Projected 288 370 3402 78.0 9.20 91 33 8 19 180.27

Projected Round: 2nd or 3rd

Team Record: 9-1

Josh Freeman*, Kansas State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 249.

CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA LNG TD INT SACK RAT

200 334 2552 59.9 7.64 77 15 8 10 134.09

Projected 240 401 3062 59.9 7.64 77 18 10 12 134.09

Projected Round: 2nd or 3rd

Team Record: 4-6