Selection Saturday: Addressing Chiefs’ Offensive Line Needs

Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) reacts as he walks towards teammates in the huddle against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Hey, Kansas City Chiefs fans, thanks for joining me this weekend to discuss our beloved team and what I believe is a pivotal draft for the franchise. You may disagree with me, but I think the Chiefs are close to putting this thing together and winning the division for years to come. There is a window opening with an aging Denver Broncos team that’s going to be rebuilding and possibly a San Diego Chargers team that soon could be without their franchise quarterback. Whether Philip Rivers leaves or not, the Chiefs need to seal the deal and draft well to put themselves in the driver’s seat in the division.

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When I reflect on the 2014 season, there are two major areas of concern that stand out to me: the offensive line and the run defense. Both of these areas were major problems that kept the Chiefs from winning more consistently and making the playoffs. I’m aware of the wide receiver position being bad but if Alex Smith has no time to throw then it’s not going to matter who runs routes. So let’s play a little survive and advance; we’ll discuss a few players that have been linked to the Chiefs and then you vote your preference.

Kansas City picked up a pair of guards in the offseason with adding Paul Fanaika and Ben Grubbs, so the need of drafting a guard isn’t as high as the right tackle and center positions. The only center being considered first-round material is Florida State center Cameron Erving who played for arguably the best team in the country over the last two years. The concern however is Erving being a work in progress as he switched from left tackle to the center position in 2014. Andy Reid may like the versatility, though. Here’s some tape of him up against another first-round, pass-rushing stud, Vic Beasley.

As for the right tackle position, there are several names being graded as first-round talent. Brandon Scherff  is considered by many draft analysts the best offensive lineman in this draft. He would likely be a better guard than a right tackle but he could fill that spot until we find someone else. The better the offensive line gets, the better Smith will play and that will ultimately make Chiefs fans happier. Below is a video that breaks him down as a player.

Naturally, I know you are all thinking, “How is this even a debate?” Honestly, I don’t blame you but my logic is simple. We don’t really know for sure if Eric Kush is a legitimate starting center. With the center being a critical position as far as communicating protections, is it really a bad idea to take the best player available at a position with thinner depth? Which is the more important position of these two to fill? Rock the vote and comment below!