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KC Chiefs 2021 Draft: Best interior o-line prospects to protect Patrick Mahomes

By Thomas Welte

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 20: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks on during a timeout against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter on October 20, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Northwestern won 18-15. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 20: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks on during a timeout against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter on October 20, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Northwestern won 18-15. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft prospect Ben Cleveland
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – SEPTEMBER 26: Ben Cleveland #74 and Trey Hill #55 of the Georgia Bulldogs blocks Jonathan Marshall #42 and Grant Morgan #31 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on September 26, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 37-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Ben Cleveland, G, Georgia

Ben Cleveland is a well-built behemoth and one of my favorite prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. Cleveland has largely flown under the radar, but has the tools to develop into an above average starter in the NFL. The Georgia Bulldog is a mountain of a man and turned heads at the Senior Bowl when he measured at 6-foot-6 and 354 pounds.

Cleveland carries a top-heavy build and displays above average functional strength when engaging defenders. He looks comfortable in pass protection and balanced with adequate foot speed in his pass sets. A straightforward drive blocker who also demonstrates the ability to peel off a block and find another, Cleveland was not asked to move much laterally in terms of pulling or sealing the edge, and that is not considered an area of strength for the Georgia native.

Cleveland appears to have an innate feel for the game and solid football IQ, embodies the toughness and effort you want your linemen to have. The biggest concern for Cleveland is his athletic profile and how he will handle the speed of the NFL.

Cleveland would be an intriguing fit in Kansas City since his attitude and aggressive style in the trenches would be a tone setter. Despite the concerns about his movement and ability in space, Cleveland could see starting reps in Kansas City and see them early. The Chiefs coaching staff has shown a willingness to adapt their blocking scheme to the talent they have.

Ben Cleveland reminds me of former Chiefs guard Geoff Schwartz, who had a similar build and play style to the Georgia prospect. Cleveland has some work to do in terms of refinement, but could be a steal in the 2021 NFL Draft.

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