Eric Fisher Selected No. 1 by Kansas City Chiefs

(Mary Altaffer/AP)

Follow every pick of the 2013 NFL draft

At various points during the ceaseless run-up to the NFL draft, the idea was floated that Kansas City might use the No. 1 overall pick on something other than an offensive tackle. It never really made total sense, not with the Chiefs axing Eric Winston and especially not with recent word that they want to deal Branden Albert.

Add in that Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are easily two of the best prospects in a light-at-the-top draft, and the Chiefs' choice here was rather obvious.

Now, Joeckel's been atop the Audibles 2013 Big Board since its inception, so I could knock the Chiefs for passing on him. But Fisher never stood that far behind, and he just kept closing the gap through the Senior Bowl and NFL combine. While Joeckel might be better from the outset of his career, Fisher probably possesses a higher ceiling -- he improved rather dramatically each year at Central Michigan.

Fisher is strong (and getting stronger) in the run game and brings to the table enough pass-protection prowess to keep Alex Smith upright in Andy Reid's West Coast scheme. Plus, it's worth mentioning that Smith's two best statistical years, 2011 and pre-injury 2012, came with Joe Staley, an average pass blocker, protecting his blindside.

The Chiefs can drop Fisher in at left tackle and turn their full focus to remaking the rest of the team to fit Reid and GM John Dorsey's vision. Fisher has all the tools to live up to his No. 1 pick.

Grade: A