A closer look at the Kansas City Chiefs interior offensive line
Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz anchor the outsides of a fairly strong offensive line for the Chiefs. Here’s a closer look at the interior.
An offensive line never seems to be 100% set, does it? There’s always a leak to patch or someone struggling to upgrade.
The Kansas City Chiefs are set on the bookends, having signed both Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz to long-term deals at left and right tackle, respectively. But what about the interior of the Chiefs offensive line? Are there are pieces to replace? Here’s a closer look at the current starters along the line.
Parker Ehinger
[Author’s note: Before I begin, I’ll admit I have been guilty of spelling and saying this man’s name wrong. From the Chiefs.com page, as a matter of fact, his name is spelled Ehinger and pronounced EIN-GER.]
Ehinger joined the Chiefs in the 4th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He walked into camp, took the starting spot, and never looked back. The season opener against the Chargers proved a tough introduction to the NFL game, where Ehinger fell to injury but came back rather quickly. The next three games saw Ehinger making significant strides with each contest. It was here Ehinger proved his worth as a draft pick.
Against the Indianapolis Colts, however, Ehinger would see his season cut short. If his season had not ended so abruptly, Ehinger could have been right up there with the likes of Marshal Yanda and Zack Martin.
The 2017 season will prove to be a good one. Keep an eye on Ehinger, should this growth continue, John Dorsey may have found yet another brilliant interior offensive lineman.
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
LDT, as this man is commonly known, joined Kansas City in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft. I remember at the time, I saw his name and wrote him off as, at best, a practice squad member. LDT proved me wrong. Starting his time in KC as a rotational fill in for whomever fell to injury or fatigue, LDT worked his way into the starting lineup. Upon cementing himself there, he showed us why he was the recipient of the J.P. Metras Trophy, the Canadian award for the best college offensive lineman, during his senior year.
For the most part, LDT has proved himself to be a fierce competitor and reliable pass blocker. While not being an elite blocker, his natural talent together with some more time to learn and develop could help him anchor the right guard position for several years.
Mitch Morse
I’ve saved the best for last here, folks. I present to you, Mitch Morse. Taken in the 2015 NFL Draft, Morse, a 2nd round choice, was meant to succeed the recently departed Rodney Hudson. I recall talking with a friend about the Morse selection, stating my hopes that he possessed the skills to fill the gap Hudson left. Morse came into town, asked “Hudson who?”, then took that center position by the horns. Morse made everyone forget about Hudson, who ended up signing with the Oakland Raiders.
Morse started his career on a high note for a rookie at his position, and his second season was a nice step in the right direction to add to his rookie start. He finished in the top 20 at his position with grades of solid pass blocking and decent run blocking from PFF. Morse is another one of these draft picks that, in a year or two, will be among the best. Here’s to you, big guy!
Given all of this, the Chiefs’ offensive line is pretty solid. Zach Fulton should never ever be a full time starter, instead used for a handful of games at most. A healthy Ehinger, teamed up with ever improving Morse and LDT, will make for a strong interior for the offensive line.
What do you think Chiefs Kingdom? Is the interior line set? If any, what changes would you make? Looking forward to chatting with you! Stay loud, stay proud, and Go Chiefs!