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Predicting the short-term and long-term impact of Chiefs rookie class

By Sterling Holmes

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 21: Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. #6 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tackles running back Kavosiey Smoke #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 21: Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. #6 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tackles running back Kavosiey Smoke #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – SEPTEMBER 9: Kyle Hicks #21 runs the ball behind the blocking of Lucas Niang #77 of the TCU Horned Frogs during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Horn Frogs defeated the Razorbacks 28-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – SEPTEMBER 9: Kyle Hicks #21 runs the ball behind the blocking of Lucas Niang #77 of the TCU Horned Frogs during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Horn Frogs defeated the Razorbacks 28-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Lucas Niang 

This may be the most underrated pick made by the Chiefs this year. While he will be sitting out this year due to the coronavirus, the upside he possesses at a very important position makes me extremely optimistic. I wrote an article after he was drafted which went in-depth on his skills and weaknesses. When you add it all up, Niang seems like an absolute steal at the end of the third round.

At 6’6 and 315, Niang has the size of an elite tackle and the quickness that shows glimpses of top-end talent. He didn’t give up more than a single sack in his three years starting at Texas Christian, and Chase Young even said he was the toughest opponent he faced. While he has his share of weaknesses, including footwork, they all seem fixable especially with proper coaching and having mentors like Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz.

Sitting out this year is obviously not ideal for his development, but luckily the Chiefs on paper shouldn’t be too worried. The Chiefs have a plethora of talent on the offensive line for this year and allowing him to develop outside of game action is still helpful.

With both Schwartz and Fisher getting older, I think it was the prudent decision to start stocking the cabinet to protect Mahomes. Niang has the potential to be a starter at either tackle spot and should eventually prove to be a nice third-round find.

This Season’s Impact – N/A

Future Impact – Consistent starter at either tackle spots

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