Dec 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Is Eric Fisher ready to lock down the left side of the offensive line?
Eric Fisher, the number one overall pick from the 2013 draft, was going to be a project. We knew this at the time of his selection, but many of us didn’t realize how big of a project he would be heading into last season. Fisher struggled to hold down the right side of the offensive line, hindered by his lack of size to handle an NFL bullrush. Things improved as the season moved on but injuries prevented him from being able to put together some consistent performances.
Now Fisher is tasked with the more important role of protecting Alex Smith’s blind side in addition to being matched up against the opponent’s best pass rushers. Has Fisher done enough this offseason to able to handle his new responsibilities?
Two offseason surgeries prevented Fisher from participating much in the Chiefs OTA practices, so it is difficult to know how comfortable he is returning to his natural position. Even with the rehab from the surgeries, Fisher was able to add a significant amount of weight and muscle. Some reports have him ballooning up to 315 pounds after playing in the 290s his rookie season.
It takes time to get comfortable and in shape after adding so much weight. How long it takes him to get used to his new body is going to be key in his ability to improve on his poor rookie season performance. But the talent and the upside are there for Fisher, which is why the Chiefs drafted him over the more polished Luke Joeckel. Kansas City could really use a sophomore leap from Fisher.