Offensive Tackles
The Chiefs COULD have their starting tackles for next season under contract in Jawaan Taylor and Lucas Niang, but Taylor isn’t proven at left tackle and Niang isn’t proven at anything. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Chiefs add another veteran tackle to the mix AND draft a tackle early on in the draft. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of tackles to choose from. I’m not going to break this one into categories because they could all be lumped into a low-level starter/quality depth options. So here are a few quick thoughts on the guys available.
Isaiah Wynn – while a former 1st round pick sounds right up Brett Veach’s alley, his struggles in pass protection don’t seem like a great fit for KC’s offense.
Donovan Smith – a former solid left tackle that looked like he was on the decline last season.
Taylor Lewan – see Donovan Smith.
Cameron Fleming – a journeyman tackle that looked solid starting for Denver last season. I actually like him the best of the options available as a possible swing tackle that could start if KC’s other options fall through.
Billy Turner, George Fant, Brandon Shell – The last trio of guys with starting experience that KC could sign for depth and I’d be fine if it was cheap enough. After that it’s hard to find anyone that would even be competition for Niang at right tackle or Prine Tega Wanogho as a backup.
Now let’s move to the defensive side of the ball, starting with the defensive tackles.