2008 RECORD: 2-14

LAST SEASON: Chiefs had worst season in history and released both their general manager and head coach. They lost games in just about every way imaginable and essentially had only two dependable players. Both of them, guard Brian Waters and tight end Tony Gonzalez, are well into their 30s and will probably be long gone by the time new management team gets things turned around.

THEY NEED: Help almost everywhere. New GM Scott Pioli already addressed most important position, trading with his old boss, Bill Belichick, for New England quarterback Matt Cassel. He's also acquired veteran linebackers Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas, who will do for this year but are not long-term solutions at another position group of great weakness. Last year's most glaring feebleness was 10-sack pass rush. Rookie DT Glenn Dorsey was very disappointing. Chiefs badly need to upgrade D-line and wide receivers and right side of O-line.

THEY DON'T NEED: Cornerbacks or left tackle. Rookies last year, particularly left tackle Branden Albert, seem to offer much promise.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Curry.

OUTLOOK: Pioli made his bones wheeling and dealing alongside Belichick and getting his fingerprints on some of shrewdest and most farsighted pickups the league has seen. Now he's on his own. Fans lap it up when owner Clark Hunt brags that in Pioli and rookie head coach Todd Haley, he's hired two of the greatest football minds in the NFL.