KC Chiefs: Four players who need to step up in 2021
By Josh Fann
Lucas Niang
Lucas Niang is the highest investment in the offensive line (at least through the draft) that general manager Brett Veach has made since he was named general manager. The former TCU offensive tackle opted out of the 2020 season shortly after being drafted and it was probably better for his long-term development, as he was coming off a shoulder injury. However, with the Chiefs desperately needing help along the line, he needs to show why the Chiefs drafted him that early in the first place..
As of right now we know nothing about Niang. He had a good college career at TCU, and you’ve probably heard by now that star defensive end Chase Young said that Niang was “the toughest opponent he ever faced in college”. That’s high praise, but the NFL is a different animal. Can Niang hold up against some of the most athletic pass rushers in all of football week in and week out? We will have to see, but one thing is for sure: Niang needs to prove himself as a starter of the future at right tackle. Mike Remmers filled in admirably for Mitchell Schwartz last year, but this is what the Chiefs drafted Niang for. Time to prove it.