lDec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs knew going into 2015 there were some areas that had to be improved in order to progress and have more success in the win column. The team had previously ranked 29th in passing but were much better running the ball, checking in 10th in the league.
Knowing this, the Chiefs traded for guard Ben Grubbs in March along with signing another guard in Paul Fanaika. In the 2015 NFL Draft, Kansas City took another step in improving the woeful line by drafting Mitch Morse who played for Missouri. He’s expected to be able to play center or guard for the Chiefs.
On paper, Kansas City has made some improvements that should bring less sorrow to the team’s performance on offense. However, one big question mark still remains at left tackle which is currently being filled by third-year man Eric Fisher. Fisher was drafted was the first-overall pick in 2013 by a Chiefs team that had only managed to win two games the previous season.
Kansas City had been in a contract battle with Branden Albert who was wanting top-left tackle money going into that draft, so the team had felt compelled to fill that spot with a younger, cheaper body. Fast forward a year later and Albert’s contract did not get done, leaving him to be the eighth-highest paid left tackle in the league by the Miami Dolphins.
The Chiefs were confident in rolling the dice on Fisher, but so far the team has been left with egg on its face as Fisher has not lived up to the hype and expectations. In his first season, Fisher played at right tackle and dealt with multiple injuries. He had a less than stellar season, allowing seven sacks and 35 quarterback pressures according t0 Pro Football Focus. In 2014, he was moved over to left tackle to replace Albert and allowed another seven sacks but was able to get his quarterback pressures down to 24, per PFF.
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