NFL mock drafts project offensive line help for Kansas City Chiefs
By Matt Conner
Jalen Mayfield, OL, Michigan
Jalen Mayfield is the sort of high-ceiling offensive tackle who could be long gone by the time the Chiefs are actually on the clock. That said, if Mayfield happens to fall this far (and doesn’t come with any newfound concerns—e.g. medical), then general manager Brett Veach should be ready to pounce.
Mayfield has missed time with a high ankle sprain this season, but that won’t be enough to diminish his ceiling in the eyes of pro scouts who have loved him since he showed up so well at right tackle during his one full season for the Wolverines. Therein lies any concern for Mayfield’s detractors—his lack of experience—but all you have to do is look back at last year’s draft to see how many offensive tackles were taken in the first round. Many of them had far greater concerns than Mayfield at this point.
Mayfield’s ceiling is considered to be quite high, and his selection would likely accelerate any timeline to move on from veterans like Eric Fisher or Mitchell Schwartz. It might feature some overlap but that’s a good problem to have considering the aforementioned injuries and issues this year up front. Glynn Morgan of NBC Sports has Mayfield falling to the Chiefs:
"A physically maturing athlete, Mayfield can still add to his large frame (6’5″, 320 lbs) and increase his functional strength. Nimble and well balanced when engaged in blocks, Mayfield showcases an above average knack for gaining leverage and imposing his will on defenders."
Mel Kiper, Jr. included Mayfield at No. 20 overall in his early big board after last year’s draft, and Mayfield originally stated he was going to declare for the upcoming draft even after only one season at Michigan when the Big Ten thought their season wasn’t going to happen due to the coronavirus. He’s got the goods to go early, so it will be interesting to see if his stock would fall all the way to the bottom of the first.