Kansas City Chiefs: An early look at the 2016 offensive line prospects

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Shon Coleman (72) looks down field during the game against the Memphis Tigers at the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Shon Coleman (72) looks down field during the game against the Memphis Tigers at the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

When looking at this second tier as a Kansas City Chiefs fan it could turn out that all five of these prospects fall between KC’s first two picks. In other words, they may be too big of reach to take in the first round, but may not make it to KC’s second round pick. That having been said, the last three guys in this tier are all tackles and their big board averages were within about one pick of each other. It’s certainly possible that one of them could still be there when KC picks in the second round if they decide to go elsewhere with their first pick.

Shon Coleman – OT – Auburn – 6’6″ – 313 lbs – Big Board Avg: 38.7

As of today, Shon Coleman seems to be the number five tackle in this draft and may be the first one taken in the second round. He’s an older prospect at 25 because he lost a couple years to battle leukemia. He’s raw and will need some coaching, but has both strength and athleticism upside.

Ryan Kelly – C – Alabama – 6’4″ – 297 lbs – Big Board Avg: 48.3

Ryan Kelly is the clear top center prospect in the 2016 draft class. With Kansas City taking Mitch Morse last year it would be hard to imagine the Chiefs taking Kelly this year. Still, Morse did have concussion problems and could even conceivably move to guard if the Chiefs found themselves on the clock in the second round and Kelly was the top offensive lineman on their board.

Jerald Hawkins – OT – LSU – 6’6″ – 305 lbs – Big Board Avg: 50.0

Jerald Hawkins is another high upside prospect that needs some time in the weight room and good coaching to improve his technique. He left LSU early so he is still young and has time to improve. His natural athleticism makes him an intriguing upside pick, but there’ll be work to do with this guy.

Germain Ifedi – OT – Texas A&M – 6’5″ – 325 lbs – Big Board Avg: 50.7

Germain Ifedi is another high upside prospect. He has good feet for his size and has the potential to be a really good all around right tackle at the NFL level. However, he plays sloppy a lot and if NFL coaching fails to get through to him he could have problems.

Jason Spriggs – OT – Indiana – 6’6″ – 301 lbs – Big Board Avg: 51.3

When compared to the previous three tackles in this tier, Jason Spriggs is probably the most fundamentally sound. Spriggs was a four year starter at left tackle in college and showed the athleticism and technique needed to pass protect at the NFL level. That having been said, he’ll never be a mauler in the run game and probably doesn’t have the physical upside of the other three tackles in this tier.

Now on to tier three…..

Next: Tier Three Offensive Line Prospects

Schedule