Offensive tackle prospects who could solve the KC Chiefs concerns

Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan

This year’s tackle class is headlined by a big three: Evan Neal (Alabama), Ikem Ekwonu (NC State), and Charles Cross (Mississippi State). Each of the three is unlikely to escape the top 20, and it is even more unlikely that the Chiefs are interested in making a trade to go get one of them. As you move beyond the cream of the crop, the top five become pretty clearly rounded out by Trevor Penning and Bernhard Raimann. With the depth at wide receiver, edge, and cornerback in this year’s draft, one of the two could slip as far as 29 for the Chiefs to have a shot at. If Veach wanted to address the tackle need with one of his first two picks, it may likely be spent on Bernard Raimann.

Trevor Penning often gets favor ahead of Raimann for the sheer size advantage that he has over him. Aside from the one inch and 20 pounds that separates them, Penning is lauded as one of the most aggressive and bullish members of this year’s tackle class. Raimann is perceived as having a smaller body, although he’s 6’6″ and weighs over 300 pounds. His athleticism and potential are coveted as the heights he could reach as a tackle are yet to be seen. In 2020, he converted from tight end to left tackle for Central Michigan, and his ability to enter the first round conversation with just one full season at the position is remarkable.

Raimann would make for an interesting fit in Kansas City, although likely a bit of a development project. The athleticism he possesses would be welcomed as a challenge in the tackle room with a slower, big-bodied, perpetually injured Lucas Niang and a serviceable—but not quite special—Andrew Wylie as his competition. The ceiling for Raimann is prospectively high with his coachable nature, and it would be a pleasure to see just what Andy Heck could pull out of him.