KC Chiefs will visit with offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark

Each of the National Football League’s franchises is allotted 30 official visits with prospects before the annual first-year player draft, and each team utilizes those private workouts in various ways. For some, it’s a chance to cross off medical concerns or interview them further. For others, it’s a chance to look closer at fringe draftees or even send a smokescreen.

Whatever the reason, the Kansas City Chiefs are spending one of their free-agent visits on offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark, a player who is earning more attention as the draft gets closer.

NFL reporter Tom Pelissero says the Chiefs are next in line to host Van Demark on an official visit in the days before the draft. Previous teams include the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Los Angeles Chargers.

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft, they’re spending one of their visits with offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark.

Van Demark is a product out of UConn who didn’t get an invite to the Senior Bowl or the NFL Combine which is perhaps why he’s been overlooked and considered a late riser. He did, however, show up strong at the Shrine Bowl and his pro day numbers were good enough to have placed him quite well at the Combine. As a long-term starter at left tackle for the Huskies, Van Demark has the experience that teams will also like.

As for the Chiefs, it makes sense that they might show interest in tackles in the draft considering the need for a long-term answer at swing tackle and potentially even a right side starter. Lucas Niang is working his way back from an unfortunate patellar injury, and the Chiefs have Geron Christian and Andrew Wylie for the next year and that’s it. Orlando Brown should receive a long-term extension this offseason to lock down the left side, but further security and youth should be a solid priority in the draft.