The Chiefs have shown interest in a versatile offensive lineman from LSU in the draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs went through wholesale changes along their offensive line two years ago at this time, an impressive turnaround considering how well each of the additions worked out for general manager Brett Veach. By the time he was finished, the Chiefs had four new starters and three of them can call themselves Pro Bowl performers.
This year, however, it’s time for another round of alterations, although not quite on the same scale as before. The Chiefs will still boast three strong interior linemen in Joe Thuneydsf, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith, but the Chiefs might be looking at two new tackles and a need for new backups at more than one position.
This is what makes Anthony Bradford such a compelling potential addition in the 2023 NFL Draft. Per Justin Melo of Pro Football Network, several teams had a formal meeting with Bradford at the 2023 NFL Combine, including the Chiefs, and he should remain a prospect to watch throughout the pre-draft process.
Bradford just turned in one of the most athletic Combine scores out of this year’s event in Indianapolis, which should only help move him up draft boards over the next few weeks. He also comes from a high-level program at LSU where he was a valuable and versatile lineman—just what the Chiefs could use as a floor at this point.
Remember, the Chiefs are set to lose Nick Allegretti along with Brown and Andrew Wylie in free agency. While there developmental names on the list, from Prince Tega Wanogho outside to Darian Kinnard and Mike Caliendo inside, but adding a new name who might be pro-ready is definitely an investment the Chiefs need to make. Kinnard was last season’s fifth round pick and he has yet to see how he fares inside against real competition. Caliendo is a former undrafted free agent who’s earned an extra look this year.
Bradford has made 10 starts at right guard, 5 at left tackle and a couple more at left guard and grew into a full-time starter during his stint with the Tigers. He’s also massive after weighing in at 332 lbs. and standing 6’4″ from Indianapolis. That size and strength could go a long way toward being a positive performer at multiple positions at the pro level.