Last year the Chiefs' defense finished 31st -- next to last -- in the league in yards allowed and a host of other categories. Only the dreadful 0-16 Detroit Lions were worse. The new regime of Scott Pioli and Todd Haley has seen video evidence of that disaster, and defense is where they trained their guns in the 2009 NFL Draft.

"Todd and I feel like we've upgraded our football team on offense, defense and special teams," Pioli said. "It wasn't the plan for us to spend the first day on defense and the second day on offense. It is how the draft kind of fell to us."

Maybe so, but additions at defensive end, defensive tackle and cornerback in their first three picks were key as the Chiefs go about transitioning from the 4-3 to the 3-4 hybrid that they plan to play this year.

Defensive end Tyson Jackson is seen as a five-technique, a guy who will line up on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. Third-round pick Alex Magee is seen as a three-technique, a guy who can line up in the gap between guard and tackle. Both have played inside and outside on the college level giving them the kind of versatility the Chiefs seek as they switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4.

Haley's coaching staff has spent the last few months evaluating the talent on hand and did not find the parts necessary to make the switch. Thus, the Chiefs made the early picks up front.

"When you start to think about changing over into an odd front you need certain types of players," said Haley. "To get two big defensive linemen who can compete right away, that's a pretty big deal."

The blueprint for rebuilding the Chiefs' defense is something Pioli brought with him from New England. They trained their sites on defensive line, selecting Richard Seymour, Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork with first-round picks over a period of four years (2001-04). On the second level, the Patriots went out and got veteran free agent linebackers to play behind those young lineman, guys like Roman Phifer, Rosevelt Colvin, Chad Brown and Mike Vrabel, along with veterans they inherited like Tedy Bruschi, Willie McGinest and Ted Johnson.

Right now, Pioli has drafted the young defensive lineman and acquired veteran linebackers like Mike Vrabel (trade) and Zach Thomas (free agent).

They jumpstarted that building process in Pioli's eyes by getting Jackson with the third pick. He recalled a conversation with former Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson about Dallas acquiring Russell Maryland with the first pick of the 1991 Draft.

"(He was) a player who played in the league for 10 years, had only 24-and-a-half sacks over the course of his career and only went to one Pro Bowl," Pioli said of Maryland. "But Coach Johnson talked about how he (Maryland) allowed him to play the defense they wanted to play and what an important component he was even though he didn't rack up sacks or only went to one Pro Bowl. He was as a player in a very key position that allowed the defense to be what the defense was.

"We spent a lot of time with the defensive coaches this week trying to understand how they want to play the scheme and finding the right players to fit in there."

There were other New England touches to this Kansas City draft class. The Chiefs early choices were from big-time programs and players who have played in a lot of big games. They were also players who had shown versatility over their college careers. The best example may be fifth-round offensive tackle Colin Brown out of Missouri, who at various times with the Tigers played center, guard and tackle.

That quest for versatility even reached down into the sixth round, where they selected McNeese State wide receiver Quinten Lawrence. He's got sub-4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash and should become a factor as a returner in the kicking game and some NFL teams even had him pegged as a potential cornerback.

"We improved our depth and competition," Pioli said of the '09 draft class. "We still have a lot of ground to cover."

BEST PICK: First-round choice DE Tyson Jackson has all the elements that general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley think are important for success in the NFL. It's not just the size-speed ratios that are outstanding. It's not just his athletic skills, which are considerable. And it's not just his resume of playing for one of the best college football programs in the country at LSU. It is Jackson's personality and approach to the game that hooked the Chiefs.

"He loves football," Pioli said.

COULD SURPRISE: Fifth-round choice Colin Brown, who played center, guard and tackle over his career at Missouri. He's athletic, having been a McDonald's All-America nominee and all-state performer in basketball at Braym

er (Mo.) High School. He made 28 starts at right tackle with the Tigers very productive pass offense, so he knows how to protect the quarterback. He's not just tall at nearly 6-8, but he's big boned and could probably add more weight. The Chiefs see him as a right tackle.

A closer look at the Chiefs' picks:

Round 1/3 -- Tyson Jackson, DE, 6-4, 296, Louisiana State

The Chiefs view Jackson as the foundation for the revamping of their defense because of his versatility; he can play tackle in the 4-3, end in the 3-4. His Best position might be five-technique in the 3-4 defense.

Round 3/67 -- Alex Magee, DE, 6-3, 298, Purdue

Magee is another defensive lineman who has shown the ability to play both inside and outside, which he did with the Boilermakers. His natural position is the three-technique in a 4-3 front.

Round 4/102 -- Donald Washington, CB, 6-0, 197, Ohio State

Underachieving defensive back who has tremendous athletic ability (45-inch vertical leap), but has not transferred those skills to the football field. Kansas City liked his experience covering slot receivers.

Round 5/139 -- Colin Brown, RT, 6-7, 335, Missouri

A former walk-on who eventually earned a scholarship, Brown was a two-year starter at right tackle in Mizzou's prolific offense. Also versatile; he played center and guard for the Tigers as well.

Round 6/ 175 -- Quinten Lawrence, WR, 6-0, 184, McNeese State

Slightly built, but speedy wide receiver, he missed most of his senior season because of a leg injury. Chiefs think he not only runs fast, but plays fast and could factor in on returns as a rookie.

Round 7/212 -- Javarris Williams, RB, 5-10, 223, Tennessee State

Powerful and physical runner who went over 1,000 rushing yards in his last three college seasons.

Round 7/237 -- Jake O'Connell, FB/TE, 6-4, 250, Miami (Ohio)

In a deal with Miami, the Chiefs gave up their seventh-rounder in 2010 to get to O'Connell, who is viewed as a potential tight end, H-back or fullback. He's good on special teams.

Round 7/256 -- Ryan Succop, K, 6-3, 218, South Carolina

Mr. Irrelevant in the 2009 draft was a four-year kicker for the Gamecocks who worked as a kicker, punter and kickoff specialist.