Monday's decision to slap Branden Albertwith the franchise tag will not preclude the Kansas City Chiefs from selecting a left tackle such as Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel, Central Michigan's Eric Fisher, or Oklahoma's fast-rising Lane Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick.
New general manager John Dorsey has been adamant about taking the best player available. The goal, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport said Tuesday on "NFL Total Access," is to draft a Hall of Famer at No. 1, regardless of position, according to a team source.
"I know of no other philosophy but that. We have been doing the same model and concept for the last 20 years," Dorsey explained at his introductory press conference. "You spent all those months as a group staying true to your board, and all of a sudden you have to jump a player because of positional needs? I don't think you do that. We have proven you don't do that."
The recent flurry of activity has given Dorsey plenty of roster options. Albert can be moved inside to guard or dangled on the trade market. Right tackle Eric Winston, signed by the previous regime, hardly is cemented if the Chiefs go that route in the first round.
In need of secondary help, Dorsey even could consider making Alabama's Dee Milliner the first cornerback drafted No. 1 overall in NFL history. Milliner shouldn't hold out too much hope, however. Per Rapoport, the Chiefs plan to take advantage of a deep free-agent market to address the position.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
