Pre-draft interest is going to become a very common topic over the next four months, which makes it important not to read too much into a reported meeting or interview between any specific team and player. That said, keeping an eye on the prospect radar for the positions and prospects that a franchise is interested in can add insight before the 2026 NFL Draft. Fans are starting to get a bit of that when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Our friend Ryan Fowler is at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl with reports of draft meetings, and Clemson offensive tackle Tristan Leigh is earning plenty of looks. Fowler reported from the first practices of the Shrine Bowl that the Chiefs are among 11 teams that have already sought him out.
Leigh, who stands 6'6 "and weighs 310 lbs., just finished his fifth season in the ACC and was a captain for the Tigers. He comes to the NFL with 42 career starts, including 35 at left tackle in the last three seasons. Leigh joined Clemson as a five-star recruit who ranked No. 16 nationally coming out of high school in Fairfax, Virginia. After an initial redshirt season, Leigh needed some time before becoming a full-time starter in his final three seasons.
The Chiefs have showed pre-draft interest in a long-term tackle from Clemson who might have some versatility at the next level.
While Leigh never quite reached the star potential he brought with him to Clemson, an injury-laden final season certainly didn't help. He battled through to start 10 games, but the performance dipped at a pivotal moment for NFL projections.
It is notable that Leigh is lauded for his athleticism and has a single start at right guard against N.C. State from his redshirt sophomore season that might provide a preview into his professional future. His stature would allow him to stay outside, but NFL teams might want to slide him inside to see how he looks in closer quarters.
For the Chiefs, there's a long-term need at tackle, with Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris both coming into contract years. Josh Simmons is the long-term starter on the left side, of course, and Esa Pole was a nice find as a depth option with intriguing potential. However, it makes sense for K.C. to continue to add to the mix, especially if there's versatility up front to help on the interior as well. Think of the value Andrew Wylie brought to the team and perhaps there's something here as well.
The Chiefs aren't the only ones curious about Leigh's potential. Fowler mentions 11 total teams that have reportedly met with him, and that list is going to grow considerably before the draft. There's no reason for any team to avoid meeting with potential o-line help in the draft's later rounds, but some franchises already showing interest include the Cowboys, Bears, and Ravens.