KC Chiefs Mock Draft: Round 6 B.J. Coleman

With the 12th pick (182 overall) of round six the Kansas City Chiefs select University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Quarterback, B.J. Coleman.

Before free agency began, Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli and Head Coach Romeo Crennel made numerous statements on the need for competition at the quarterback position.

After briefly tossing their name in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, the Chiefs unveiled the meaning behind “quarterback competition” with the signing of journeyman Brady Quinn.

Although Quinn’s addition on the depth chart was one the Chiefs desperately needed, and could turn out valuable, I get the sense that the Chiefs are not done tinkering with the quarterback position.

The Chiefs are in a seemingly good position to land another signal caller. And in most draft boards, that means Texas A&M Quarterback, Ryan Tannehill.

Though the Chiefs have shown interest in Tannehill over the previous weeks, his stock is rising meaning the Chiefs eleventh overall pick could become very valuable as draft day approaches.

So with the understanding the Chiefs don’t go with the sexy pick, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback B.J. Coleman in round six makes a lot of sense for KC.

Though I don’t know much about UTC Football I do know that the Mocs starting quarterback for the past 3 season’s has a lot of NFL scouts clamoring GM’s to take a flyer on the FCS QB.

Coleman began his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee as a top grab of then head coach Phillip Fulmer’s 2007 recruiting class. However, after Fulmer’s subsequent firing in 2008, the red-shirt sophomore transferred to UTC and instantly made impact.

In Coleman’s first year as a starter, he compiled 17 touchdowns against just seven interceptions and finished his 11 starts with 2348 passing yards.

Coleman had an injury filled senior season but still finished his collegiate career with over 6000 yards and a touchdown to interception ratio of 52:32.

Though his statistics are not overly impressive in areas, Coleman looks and acts the part of a prototypical NFL quarterback. His 6’5”, 220-pound frame, and large hands give a bit of insight into why Coleman is getting mentions in some draft circles but it’s what he does off the field that could land him a NFL roster spot.

Coleman is a born leader and a wiz in the class/film room. Though the Chiefs branched out away from the “right 53” mantra with last year’s draft class, Pioli likes to stockpile project players with big upside. In this department, few could have a higher payoff than B.J. Coleman.

And the only negatives I can find on Coleman, were his perceived lack of arm strength and drop-back footwork. Though the arm strength could be an issue, most who have watched Coleman play say his accuracy down the field is actually very strong. Footwork will be a concern initially but with a full offseason in KC with quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn, Coleman will be up to speed in no time.

During the Pre-Draft press conference, Pioli stated that depending on the final announcement of roster allotments for training camp in 2012, he would like to have 4 quarterbacks in St. Joseph when the Chiefs start camp in July.

Though I believe the Chiefs are still planning to bring in competition at the quarterback position, I don’t think Matt Cassel is in any fear of losing his job. The Chiefs are in no way married to Quinn however, and last year’s fifth round selection Ricky Stanzi never suited up in his rookie season. Neither player is beyond the hands of the Turk - including even Coleman himself.

With the addition of Coleman, the Chiefs add not only competition at the bottom of their depth chart but also stand the chance of landing one of the biggest sleepers in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Round 7: C Garth Gerhart

Round 7: T Chandler Burton

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