The Kansas City Chiefs need a bully at right tackle
Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Brandon Scherff (68) before the start of the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers at EverBank Field. The Tennessee Volunteers beat the Iowa Hawkeyes 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
1. Brandon Scherff – Iowa – 6’5″, 319 lbs – 33 3/8″ arms – 23 bench press reps
Brandon Scherff is widely considered the top offensive line prospect in the 2015 draft class. Of all the prospects on this list, he is probably the one that is least likely to still be on the board when the Chiefs pick. Scherff has seven games available to watch on draftbreakdown, and I have only watched two of them. That’s all I needed to see to know that he’s as good as advertised, and I didn’t want to get my hopes up by watching any more.
As expected, Scherff was powerful at the point of attack, probably the best of all the “bullies” on this list. He’s a force to be reckoned with in the run game and when he gets his hands on guys in pass protection, he does the job there as well. He’s a little stiff though, which is why he likely will never play LT in the NFL. Many believe he would be an amazing guard in the NFL, but I believe he could also be a dominant RT. He may occasionally need help from a TE or RB if lined up against an elite speed rusher, but he does move adequately. In fact, I was actually surprised at how well he moved to the second level.
Don’t just take my word for it……
From Dane Brugler’s draft guide:
"A road grader in the run game with top-notch football character … physical, competitive finisher and enjoys the violence of the game, bringing it every snap with intensity that never wavers … plays decisive and sure of himself with consistent hustle … natural leadership traits with reliable intangibles."
Final Verdict:
Without question, Brandon Scherff passes the bully test. In fact, he’s the ideal bully. Unfortunately, I don’t see him making it to the Chiefs. If he did fall to them it would be a no brainer to take the Iowa tackle.
So there you have it, my breakdown of the potential RTs the Chiefs could take in the upcoming draft. Of the six tackles that earned my “bully” status, I would rank them in order of value at:
Scherff (1st rd)
Collins (1st rd)
Havenstein (3rd rd)
Clemmings (1st rd)
Smith (2nd rd)
Flowers (1st rd)
That doesn’t mean that I like Havenstein as an overall prospect better than Clemmings, just that I think he’s a better value in the third than Clemmings is in the first and so forth.
So what do you think, Addicts? Are you with me in my desire to add a physically dominant mauler in the run game, bully of a right tackle in the upcoming draft? If not, why? If so, do you agree with my assessment of the tackles on this list? Which of these would you most like to see in Kansas City next season? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!!!!