Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Laken Tomlinson

The Kansas City Chiefs will be on the clock for the 18th overall pick on Thursday for the 2015 NFL Draft. They also have 13 other draft picks and more than likely, a good chuck of those will be used on the offensive side of the ball. One of the most important areas to beef up through the draft will be along the offensive line. The Chiefs could elect to spend one of their early round picks on offensive guard Laken Tomlinson.

Tomlinson, out of Duke, is considered the best offensive guard in this year’s draft. He played for the Blue Devils for four years and was a starter every year. While Ben Grubbs will likely take one of the two starting guard positions, Tomlinson could take either the other side, or replace Grubbs in the future.

Combine Results

40-yard dash – 5.33 seconds
Bench press – 25 reps
Vertical jump – 31.5 inch
Broad jump – 103.0 inch
3-cone drill – 8.17 seconds
20-yard shuttle – 4.87 seconds

Pro Day Results

40-yard dash: 5.23 and 5.2 seconds
Short shuttle: 4.73 seconds
3-cone: 7.87 seconds
Vertical jump: 29 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet

Results courtesy of NFL.com

Like I mentioned above, Tomlinson was a four-year starter at Duke and could definitely compete for one of the two starting guard positions. He’d likely be a second round pick, but that work out just fine for Kansas City. I’d be content with the Chiefs going with a cornerback, offensive lineman, or wide receiver in the first round, so if they take a corner or receiver in round one, Tomlinson could be their round two pick.

"Tomlinson has treated defenders like a squat rep at times, but getting defenders centered and jacked will be tougher in the NFL. His lack of athleticism is a major concern and will cause problems winning initial engagements as defenders will get into him first. What Tomlinson lacks in second-level ability he makes up for in straight-ahead power and an ability to stalemate power players. His success in the NFL could be predicated on scheme and landing spot.– Lance Zierlein of NFL.com"

The offensive line definitely needs improvement, but the signing of Grubbs and former Arizona Cardinal Paul Fanaika will help. Add a few more lineman in the draft and Alex Smith should feel much more confident when dropping back to pass.

Zierlein did mention that Tomlinson has a lack of athleticism, which is a concern. A pro that sounds pretty dang good though is that Laken Tomlinson did not allow a quarterback sack during his final two years on Duke’s offensive line. I’m sure Alex Smith would love that, as would Chiefs fans everywhere.

Next: Offensive Line Scouting Report Central

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