KC Chiefs: Offensive line options for the 2022 NFL Draft

We continue our fit in each round series with an underrated position of need: offensive line. K.C. could be looking for depth or even a starting tackle.

The Kansas City Chiefs did an excellent job of overhauling their offensive line last season. They have a long-term left tackle, left guard, center, and right guard, but may still be looking for a right tackle. Lucas Niang is on the mend, but his time table for a return remains unclear. Further, the Chiefs have some nice pieces, but could use some depth.

The Chiefs are more likely to address a number of other needs before offensive line, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t take a top-end right tackle. Brett Veach has had a nice history of drafting offensive linemen in his short time as the general manager.

If Veach turns to address the position once again, who fits their needs? We discuss.

Likelihood of drafting: Low

This seems relatively unlikely, but certainly not impossible. In a draft full of wide receivers and defensive stars, it is not impossible that a guy like Charles Cross takes an unexpected tumble. While it would not make for the sexiest pick, Cross would solidify the entire offensive line from left to right.

The Chiefs may really love Charles cross because he is an excellent pass blocker. With good feet and balance, he is able to retreat and beat defenders to a spot. With an offensive line in position around him, Cross would make for an excellent final piece of the puzzle and if he slides, the Chiefs should be willing to draft him due to the sheer value of the position and overall talent Cross possesses.

Likelihood of drafting: Medium

This is not an “ideal” fit for Kansas City. While Faalele is a behemoth of a human being that can punish defenders on both passing and rushing plays, his quickness in pass is suspect at times. In a scheme that would require him to move all over the field and improvise on the fly, he is obviously not a specific fit for the offense as it is today. With that in mind, he is a guy that Andy Reid may fall in love with for a “new-look” offense.

Faalele is a hulking individual standing 6’8 and weighing a whopping 384 pounds. Having Faalele on one side and Orlando Brown Jr. on the other would give the Chiefs one of the most punishing offensive lines in the NFL. If the Chiefs wanted to become an offense that is more willing to run the ball and exploit two-high safety looks, Faalele may help them achieve their goals. With some NFL development and coaching, Faalele could be a very good player for a long time.

Likelihood of drafting: Medium

This seems like the sweet spot for the Chiefs to solidify the right tackle position in the draft. Nicholas Petit-Frere is exactly what Brett Veach would be looking for as well. A former five star recruit, Petit-Frere shows all of the makings of a very good offensive tackle in the NFL for the next decade. With quick feet and good technique, he is able to take on defenders of all types in pass sets. While he is not the most powerful blocker, he has the athleticism to make up for it. The Chiefs love guys that can play several different positions on the line as well and Petit-Frere offers some flexibility.

Likelihood of drafting: Medium

Rasheed Walker looks the part of an NFL caliber offensive tackle. With very quick feet and an ability to move laterally very well, it would not be surprising if he was gone by round four. He is able to retreat and meet rushers with good balance and hand placement. His biggest knock is that his power is not great, but his quickness and length can make up for a lot of that. Brett Veach and the Kansas City Chiefs would be wise to take a good look at Walker if he is still on the board in the fourth round.

Likelihood of drafting: Medium

Versatility, versatility, versatility… The Chiefs love to have players that can play in a number of different roles. Munford makes for a great cheap option as a swing tackle for a long time. Munford is very good as a guard, but has played some tackle at Ohio State. While he was never a tremendous player at any one position, he was solid at each one. He is not overly powerful or quick, but he is a project pick. If he can find consistency and develop his technique, he will stick on an NFL roster. Especially one that values his versatility.

Ryan Hayes is not polished enough to be an earlier pick. Despite being 6’7, Hayes plays smaller and often with inconsistent form. He can be very effective on passing downs, but has been exploited by quicker defensive ends. With that in mind, Hayes does have some upside. With flashes of brilliance, one can see how he may develop into a serviceable tackle at some point in an NFL career. Kansas City could have him as a practice squad candidate that gets elevated to the active roster in an emergency. While his role as a rookie would be limited, he may eventually blossom into a nice depth piece.

This is a swing. Chasen Hynes started his career at LSU as a defensive tackle. Hynes has a low center of gravity and a good anchor. He has the potential to be a good run blocking guard at the next level, but there are a ton of questions around just how much he can be developed at this point. If it works, Hynes makes for a genius seventh round pick.