KC Chiefs projected to take offensive tackle in latest mock drafts

The 2022 NFL regular season has not begun, but draft pundits are already looking at the 2023 draft. Who will the Kansas City Chiefs target?

The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to break their first huddle of 2022, but the 2023 NFL Draft machines are already pumping. Surprisingly, two major outlets have the same target for the Chiefs in 2023.

Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Hanson and DraftWire’s Luke Easterling both mocked Maryland offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan to the defending AFC West champions. Both analysts had a similar reason behind the Chiefs hypothetically selecting Duncan, citing positional uncertainty.

The Chiefs do not have an offensive tackle with starting experience rostered past 2022, despite their best efforts. Orlando Brown Jr. is currently playing on the franchise tag, trying to prove himself worthy of a long-term, big-money contract. The Chiefs and Brown’s representation failed to negotiate a new contract this offseason, leaving uncertainty at the position beyond 2022.

Hanson highlighted the situation and Duncan’s upside at the NFL level.

"After designating Orlando Brown Jr. with the franchise tag this spring, the Chiefs were unable to work out a long-term agreement for Patrick Mahomes’s blind-side protector even though they “got really close.” If the Chiefs were to find themselves in a similar situation in 2023, Duncan would offer them an athletic tackle to develop as insurance."

Meanwhile, Easterling analyzed Duncan’s versatility and use as an insurance policy.

"Duncan has tons of starting experience on the left side, which could make him a potential replacement for Brown, or his bookend on the other side if a long-term deal can be reached."

Both failed to touch on Duncan’s proven success against high-tier NFL prospects in 2021. He had a standout performance against the Michigan Wolverines, namely pass rushers David Ojabo and Aidan Hutchinson. Duncan did not surrender a sack to either player and only one pressure between the two. His ability to contain Ojabo’s speed and Hutchinson’s power bodes well for his NFL future.

Duncan is a tackle who could enter the OT1 conversation in the 2023 NFL Draft. As it stands right now, the Chiefs could certainly use a high-upside prospect like Duncan on their roster.