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.
Round 3: Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion
Nick Saldiveri has all the tools that are required of a tackle at the NFL level. There’s just one thing: He spent his time at Old Dominion. During his time there, he was a dominant player that was physically imposing. He flashed athleticism and versatility and proved to be a very good pass-blocker.
For the Chiefs, he would be a developmental piece that could serve as the swing tackle and play anywhere he was asked. The Chiefs would need to work with him on his power at the point of attack in the rush game and some technique, but overall Saldiveri could be a steal in the third round of the draft.
Round 4: Carter Warren, Pittsburgh
Carter Warren checks the boxes for a fit with the Chiefs. With good length and pass-blocking skills, at first glance, you might think Warren is a second or third-round option. Unfortunately, Warren has struggled with injury and is already 24 years old and will be 25 during his first season in the NFL. The Chiefs would be wise to take a look at him regardless due to his skills in the passing game.
Warren will need to get back to strength and work on his play strength as he would occasionally get overpowered by stronger pass-rushers. Further, he is not overly athletic or quick. He would make for an interesting option later in the draft for the Chiefs.
Round 5: Wanya Morris, Oklahoma
There have been some rumblings about Anton Harrison being a late first-round pick. While Harrison is a tremendous player, we shouldn’t forget about his counterpart, Wanya Morris. While Morris was inconsistent all throughout his career, he has all of the traits that an NFL tackle should have. He has good power, length, and athleticism.
Morris would be a versatile swing piece for the Chiefs. While he may never develop into a great starter, he would bring value to the Chiefs in terms of depth. For a team that likes to throw the ball frequently, Morris could be a valuable long-term asset.
Round 6: Earl Bostick Jr., Kansas
Earl Bostick Jr. turned some heads in the pre-draft process due to his good athletic testing after his invitation to the NFL Combine. While Bostick is not a world-beater, he is a functional piece that has some experience and ability at the tackle position.
For Kansas City, he would likely be a depth-only/ developmental practice squad guy. That being said, with some NFL coaching and development, Bostick could be a nice depth piece for the foreseeable future.
Round 7: Jaxson Kirkland, Washington
In the 7th round, you are just looking for guys to fill out the bottom of the roster. Jaxson Kirkland is a capable pass-blocker. While he will likely never develop into a starter, the Washington tackle could be a nice tackle for depth purposes. Kirkland’s injury history is a bit of a red flag, but it may be worth a low-round gamble if you wanted to take him before he hit undrafted free agency.