Kansas City Chiefs: 7 Players worth trading up for in Round 1
By Grant Tuttle
6. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Why he’s worth the risk:
Again, the Chiefs have publicly announced that newly-acquired Jawaan Taylor will make the switch to left tackle. However, in the case that a top lineman should fall in this draft class, there is a real chance that the Chiefs would want to solidify the left side of the line with a great cost-controlled option. Paris Johnson Jr. is one of the best tackles in the class and could immediately come in and play left tackle with Kansas City.
With tremendous athleticism and great length at the point of attack, Johnson would solidify a duo of great pass blockers on each side of the Chiefs’ offensive line. For the cost-controlled option alone, it would be worth the investment.
Why he could fall:
It seems unlikely, in the state of today’s NFL that Johnson is going to fall out of the top 15, but it’s not impossible. As mentioned already, it is expected that a number of quarterbacks are going to go early in this draft. With quarterbacks, cornerbacks, and running backs being heavily talented this year, it does create a scenario in which a great offensive lineman falls in the draft.
Where is the “sweet spot” for moving up?: #15-#22
If Paris Johnson Jr. is still available at pick 15, the Chiefs should be burning up the phone lines, trying to find a way to make it happen. The high-end potential and pass-blocking ability alone is worth gambling on. With that in mind, I would consider this one to be a “stretch.”