KC Chiefs: Five options if Orlando Brown Jr decides to hold out

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 14: Guard Joe Thuney #62 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 41-14. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 14: Guard Joe Thuney #62 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 41-14. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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Lucas Niang #67 of the Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Lucas Niang #67 of the Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Lucas Niang

As mentioned above, Niang was the next man up when Brown went down before, so it stands to reason that if Niang is healthy himself in his return from a devastating injury like a patellar tendon tear, then his name is likely going to be called quickly this time around as well.

Niang has had issues staying healthy so far in his short career, but it’s become a bit too easy for fans to overlook the raw talent here that made general manager Brett Veach select him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft in the first place. He was a long-term starter at right tackle for TCU coming out of the draft with praise from the likes of Chase Young for his performance.

Unfortunately, he’s missed a lot of developmental time after sitting out the 2020 season due to COVID-19 and then the injuries last season. However, if he can be healthy, he’s got the goods to serve as a serviceable starter outside with upside if Brown stays out.