2023 NFL Draft: Scouting offensive tackles for the Chiefs
By Grant Tuttle
After the departure of Andrew Wylie and Orlando Brown Jr., the Chiefs are in need of a tackle. We’ve got a list of tackles that they could take in every round.
The Kansas City Chiefs are re-tooling the offensive tackle group this offseason. After the team opted not to re-sign Orlando Brown Jr. or Andrew Wylie, they added just one tackle during the offseason. Jawaan Taylor has reportedly been tapped to take over the left tackle position in Kansas City. While there is some speculation as to whether Lucas Niang might finally become the starter on the right side.
No matter how you look at it, the Chiefs will need both depth and at a starter at the tackle position. We’ve got a list of players at the position that might be available in every round of the draft, starting with round one.
Round 1: Darnell Wright, Tennessee
The Chiefs have now taken a look at Darnell Wright on two different occasions. They have visited with him at the NFL Combine and they have also had him in for a private visit. That could mean a couple of different things: Either they are very interested, or they are not sure if they are interested. I believe that it is probably more the former than the ladder.
While Darnell Wright is not a mauler in the run game, he would fit in Kansas City’s offense like a glove. Wright is a talented pass-blocker with good length and power in his hands. While there are strides to be made in flexibility, Wright would make a great fit in Kansas City’s high-velocity passing offense.
Round 2: Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
Duncan is less of a sure thing than many at the top of the draft at offensive tackle. While he is lengthy, he is not consistent in his technique or overly powerful at the point of attack. What is intriguing is that Duncan has the athletic traits to be a good pass-blocker. He will, however, take time to become refined and capable of playing at the NFL level.
For the Chiefs, if they wanted a competition between Lucas Niang and a rookie, this one would make sense. Duncan is quick and able to adjust to faster pass-rushers. While the power of the NFL players he is about to play with may be intense, he could be a talented player once he is accustomed to the playing conditions.