A look at the Chiefs options to replace Laurent Duvernay-Tardif in 2020
By Matt Conner
Martinas Rankin
The unpredictability continues with the idea of Martinas Rankin, an exciting import last preseason who was unfortunately sidelined by a season-ending injury.
Shortly before the regular season began in 2019, the Chiefs traded veteran running back Carlos Hyde to the Houston Texans in a player-for-player swap that brought Rankin back to the Chiefs. After Wylie started the season at left guard for the Chiefs, Rankin took over for the injured Wylie and started five games in his place. Then a patella injury took him out for the rest of the season.
Rankin’s potential is intriguing—hence the reason Veach traded for him—as a former third round pick in 2018. The former Mississippi State tackle was lauded for his instincts and intelligence, but a move inside was predicted all along. He’s got a well-rounded skill set, but the ceiling wasn’t notably high according to draft analysts.
The Chiefs have done well coaching up players in the past (e.g. LDT himself was a former sixth round pick), and perhaps there’s some real potential here as a starter for Rankin. Then again, coming off of a major injury, he might not be ready yet.