Kansas City Chiefs: Options Along Offensive Line

By Leigh Oleszczak | May 27, 2015

The Kansas City Chiefs had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season. John Dorsey did his part this off season to address the line, and there should be some decent competition along the offensive line in OTAs and training camp.

Just who do we have along the offensive line, you ask? What a good question!

Starting with the left tackle, we have first overall in 2013 pick Eric Fisher. Fisher has been considered somewhat of a disappointment during his first two years in the league. He battled injuries frequently his rookie year and while he looked better in year two, fans won’t be enthused if Fisher doesn’t play like the first overall selection in the draft.

Fisher won’t have competition because as a former number one overall pick, it’d be a waste to have him riding the bench. This season is do or die for Eric Fisher. Yes, he still has a year left on his contract after 2015, but this is a huge season for Big Fish.

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Moving next to Fisher is at the left guard position where more than likely Ben Grubbs will be starting. Grubbs was acquired this off season from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a fifth round pick. This, next to the Jeremy Maclin acquisition, was the best move this past off season for the Kansas City Chiefs. Grubbs is a terrific guard and will immediately help out this Chiefs o-line.

Now the center position is an intriguing one. Rodney Hudson bolted to Oakland once free agency started, and third year man Eric Kush has been groomed for this moment since his early days in Kansas City. The Chiefs took Mizzou offensive lineman Mitch Morse in the second round of the draft, and as of now, he’s projected to play center. Morse is a versatile lineman though and likely could play anywhere along the line if need be.

At right guard, Zach Fulton got the nod last year in place of Jeff Allen, who went on injured reserve after the first game of the season. While Fulton wasn’t great, he was a sixth round pick and was expected to be more of a work in progress rather than a starter in year one.

The Chiefs also acquired Paul Fanaika from the Arizona Cardinals during the off season. Fanaika is a good addition for sure, and it’ll be interesting to see who gets the nod at right guard between him, Allen, and Fulton. Allen’s previous experience on the line should help him in competition, but Fulton started most of the games last year in his absence. Fanaika also played along the line for the Cardinals and looked pretty good.

Allen will also be competing for the right tackle spot with Donald Stephenson. Stephenson was suspended for four games last season, which allowed Ryan Harris to step in his place. Stephenson rarely saw the field in 2014, but Andy Reid indicated that he’d likely get the starting spot this year, according to Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride.

The offensive line should be much better in 2015, which will be a huge relief. Last year it was frustrating watching Alex Smith get pummeled on every other play, so hopefully an improved line and a (slightly) improved receiving corp will help Smith lead the Kansas City Chiefs to greatness this season.

Next: Five Worst Starting Quarterbacks in Chiefs History

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