2014 Kansas City Chiefs Draft Grades: Zach Fulton
By Ben Nielsen
Nov 23, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the second quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Did the Kansas City Chiefs find their starting right guard? Zach Fulton certainly has the potential to turn into one.
With the first of two sixth-round picks, the Chiefs took the Tennessee Volunteers’ right guard, an offensive line that could feature four draft picks when all is said and done. Here are a few write-ups on Fulton.
"2013 was Fulton’ third season starting at right guard for Tennessee. He has some power to open holes in the run game. Fulton broke into the starting lineup as a freshman while dealing with some injuries. He started every game as a sophomore and junior. In 2013, Fulton improved his pass blocking. He remained a tough run-blocker. Sources said they view Fulton as a third-day player. He had a better performance than expected at the Combine."
"Three-year starter at right guard. Semi-athletic lineman who plays with intelligence. Fires off the snap, explosive at the point, and turns defenders from the line. Plays with a nasty attitude, quickly gets his hands into opponents, and works them throughout the play. Strong and displays the ability to steer athletic defensive tackles from the action."
Does Fulton have what it takes to be a plug-and-play guard? This is a question we’ll be following during training camp as the Chiefs are going to have an interesting battle between Rishaw Johnson, Jeff Linkenbach and Fulton.
Kansas City needed to add some depth to their offensive line and they got a very solid project in Fulton at the very least. Given Fulton’s experience in college and his size, one would think with good coaching he could have a very decent shot at earning a starting spot.