After winning just ten games in their previous three seasons combined, the Kansas City Chiefs surprised the NFL in 2010 with a 10-6 record, a trip to the playoffs and their first division championship since 2003. As the 2011 NFL Draft quickly approaches, here are the Chiefs’ draft needs, which if not addressed could result in a fall from grace every bit as dramatic as last season's rise to the top of the AFC West.

Quarterback: Low
Matt Cassel proved to everyone in Kansas City in 2010 that the Chiefs were right in acquiring him from the New England Patriots back in 2009, throwing for 27 touchdowns and earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl. However after six years in the league, backup Brodie Croyle just doesn't have the makings of a full-time NFL starter should anything happen to Cassel. The Chiefs need to find the next QB-in-wait in Kansas City, but it may only be in the form of a late-round flyer in a quarterback-rich draft.

Running Back: Low
With Jamaal Charles under contract through 2015, the Chiefs need only worry about the eventual departure of veteran Thomas Jones. While Jones has confirmed that he will return for his 12th season, the Chiefs should begin making plans for life without Thomas in 2012.

Wide Receiver: Must Have
After the 2009 season, Kansas City thought they may finally have a solid No. 2 receiver to pair with Dwayne Bowe in veteran Chris Chambers. However, 2010 likely saw the Chambers era in Kansas City come to an end as the veteran wideout caught only 22 passes on the season and was deactivated from the Chiefs playoff loss to the Ravens. The Chiefs have to address this position in the draft and find themselves a starter that can take some pressure off Bowe and tight end Tony Moeaki.

Offensive Line: Must Have
It isn't the nature of Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli to draft offensive linemen in the first round. In fact the only time it has happened in Pioli's career was when he was a member of the Patriots' front office in 2001 when they selected Matt Light. This year, with needs at both right tackle and center, don't be surprised if Pioli and company go after Wisconsin's Outland Trophy winner Gabe Carimi in round one. Carimi is the best run-blocking tackle in the draft, and he would appear to be a match made in Chiefs' heaven blocking for Jamaal Charles.

Defensive Line: Very High
While the Chiefs defense made huge strides in 2010 under the leadership of defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, the most glaring area in need of improvement remains the defensive line, particularly nose tackle. Veteran Ron Edwards has held the position for the past two seasons, but has done so averaging fewer than 30 tackles per season and not forcing a single fumble. Defensive end is also an issue, but may only be addressed if Pioli is willing to admit that drafting Tyson Jackson was a mistake. Jackson has underwhelmed in his two seasons since coming to the Chiefs as a first-round pick out of LSU, averaging 34 tackles and registering just one sack in 28 games.

Linebacker: Very High
After veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel gets done with his off-season job of representing the players union in its negotiations with the owners, he'll be looking to see if the Chiefs are willing to offer the 35 year-old free agent a new contract. Vrabel tallied his lowest tackles total (48) since 2000 when he was special teams player with the Steelers, and for the first time in his career didn't register a single sack. Needless to say, the Chiefs need to find a replacement for Vrabel quickly, and while reserve Andy Studebaker has shown flashes in his three seasons, it remains to be seen if he can truly take over a starting role.

Secondary: Low
The Chiefs have one of the best young cornerback tandems in the league with starters Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr. And after drafting safeties Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis to go with nickel back Javier Arenas a year ago, the Chiefs appear set for at least the next few years in the secondary.

Special Teams: Low
Punter Dustin Colquitt and kicker Ryan Succop aren't at risk of losing their jobs anytime soon, and with the Chiefs picking up Arenas and wide receiver Dexter McCluster in last year's draft, they have the return game covered as well.

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-- JAMES ADKINS
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