The 2021 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and this year’s draft will be critical for the K.C. Chiefs as they need to hit on several positions where they’ve lost key starters. Free agency has come and gone for the most part, and though the Chiefs made some nice signings, the biggest needs continue to be needs such as left tackle, defensive end, wide receiver etc.
With that being said, I’ve fired up the mock draft machine using The Draft Network’s simulator to try and simulate an ideal draft for Kansas City that hits all the needs.
Round 1, pick 31, OT Liam Eichenberg
When I do these mock drafts I always keep an open mind about what position to take depending on the players available. I’ve taken linebacker Zaven Collins before. I’ve taken wide receiver Terrace Marshall, too. However, lately I haven’t been able to break away from picking Liam Eichenberg in various draft simulators in the first round for many reasons.
Eichenberg started at left tackle for Notre Dame all of last year and did a good job protecting quarterback Ian Book. Although, he may not have the long-term upside of some other prospects at a later pick, he’s a solid player who is NFL ready and could start from day one for the Chiefs at left tackle, which is ideal. Eichenberg possess good arm length, footwork, and technique, and can do most things things you would want from a left tackle.
Eichenberg could add some strength to acclimate to the competition in the NFL but there’s no reason to think he can’t do that. Again, he might be a little bit of a reach to some at 31 and he may not have the highest upside but you know what you’re getting in him. When you consider the position the Chiefs are currently in, reaching for what could still be a good starting left tackle for a Super Bowl contender is okay.