K.C. Chiefs already have offensive line options on the roster

Martinas Rankin

The returning offensive lineman who I have the most questions about has to be Martinas Rankin. Rankin was the starting left guard for the Chiefs in 2019 before suffering a season-ending patella injury. That injury kept him out of most of this past season too, yet even after he was finally activated, the Chiefs still didn’t put him back in the starting lineup, even with all of the injuries they suffered. So what gives? Was he never really healthy last year? Have the Chiefs soured on Rankin?

While it may seem like a long time ago, I can make an argument that Rankin was K.C.’s best interior lineman before getting injured in 2019. So if they liked him enough to start him then and he played well given the opportunity, why not give him another shot if he is now fully healthy? Let’s say the Chiefs do think Allegretti could play center. They could play Rankin at left guard where he started in 2019, Allegretti at center, and LDT at right guard, and they would have their entire interior line set with guys who have all started games for them before.

The other interesting think about Rankin is his possible position versatility. He was a left tackle in college and is currently listed as a tackle on the Chiefs roster. It’s even been speculated that Rankin could play center and that he’s gotten some looks there in practice before as well. Do the Chiefs like Rankin’s potential at tackle? Could he be in the plans this season at tackle while they develop younger guys? Will he get any consideration at center?

The bottom line for me is that I don’t think fans should rule out the possibility that Rankin is able to reclaim a starting spot on the line this season. If he can return to his pre-injury form he certainly warrants starting consideration, especially given the current status of the line.

Finally, the Chiefs have some young developmental options that could factor into their long term plans too.