On Point: Where does the Chiefs offensive line stand?
By Ryan Tracy
This is a critical week in the preparations of a contender.
The first week of OTAs was about new players getting dropped into the team fishbowl. Now, its about old or new, veteran or rookie; who can swim with the sharks and make an impact for the Chiefs.
Two major position groups come to mind immediately when discussing the impact the rookies can have in Kansas City for the 2016 season. One of those is the offensive line group. Its early in the process for the rookies, but moves made this week could pay dividends in the regular season.
On the Check With Me podcast this week, we look at both those position groups as well as the AFC North offseason. The Chiefs play the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 4 of the 2016 season. Here’s the show:
You can subscribe to the show on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean or Google Play.
Who is starting upfront?
Week two of OTAs peaked some interest along the offensive line. Andy Reid has shown his propensity to tinker with the big men on the o-line, switching the lineups to try and spark a unit with superior chemistry. He’s been consistent in this approach throughout OTAs and camp in each of his seasons leading the Chiefs. This offseason, changes have been few to this point.
From initial team activities, it looks like the coaching staff wants to keep four of the five offensive line positions static. Newcomer Mitchell Schwartz, Laurant Duvernay-Tardif, Mitch Morse and Eric Fisher have lined up as the first team for their respective positions consistently.
“Guys are picking up where they left off to learn, move forward, learn more of the intricacies of the game” – Offensive line Coach Andy Heck
Mitch Morse and Eric Fisher are veterans of the Reid offense. Mitchell Schwartz is the most prized (and most surprising) free agent signing of the year. That leaves two pertinent points to look at.
Firstly, the coaching staff seems to want to keep the right side of the line consistent. LDT has reportedly been the only man to line up with the first team between Morse and Schwartz.
A controversial figure among fans, LDT has the confidence of the staff and they seem intent on allowing him to continue to develop unencumbered by another position change. Jah Reid hasn’t been given the same chance at right guard. Yet. Expect that to change in training camp as its his strongest position. But for now, LDT has the chance to grow at the position and move the offense forward. (more on that here)
Secondly, rookie Parker Ehinger is getting a look at the expense of Zach Fulton. This should come as no surprise. Fulton’s best position is at center and his second best position is at right guard. Fulton is a long shot to start at left guard come the regular season.
Related Story: Chiefs Road to Super Bowl - part 1
Ehinger, a self-proclaimed fast learner, has the edge; although he may see some competition if LDT loses out to the previously mentioned Jah Reid. Both he and LDT are athletic former left tackles who are best equipped athletically to play left guard in Kansas City.
The Chiefs have to hope Ehinger is up to the task. I referred to this in the link above a few weeks ago. The best scenario for the franchise is for he and Reid to win the starting guard jobs. It would mark an overall improvement if last season’s starter (LDT) was no longer the best at the position.
This will be a good one to watch, Addicts. Who do you want to be the starting guards?