Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Ryan Kelly

The Kansas City Chiefs need help along the offensive line. Is there any way that they would consider drafting a center early on?

The offensive line has been a huge problem for the KC Chiefs over the past few seasons. This offseason the team needs to get some guards to add to the line, as Ben Grubbs was cut last week.

With the Chiefs needing some offensive guards on their roster, would it be beneficial for the team to draft a center and then move Mitch Morse into one of the guard spots? If so, Ryan Kelly out of Alabama is the best center available in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Now yes, Mitch Morse was a great rookie center last year, but the Chiefs drafted him for his versatility. Taking Kelly in the draft could really fill out the line well, and the Chiefs would have several backup options at the center position if needed.

Kelly was the 2012 and 2015 recipient of the Rimington Trophy, given out to the best center each year. He also won the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given out to the best blocker each year, which he shared with a member of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Combine Results

40-yard dash – 5.03 seconds
Bench press – 26 reps
Broad jump – 103.0 inch
3-cone drill – 7.58 seconds
20-yard shuttle – 4.59 seconds

Combine results courtesy of NFL.com’s Draft Tracker

Ryan Kelly was the glue that held the Alabama offensive line together and he’s a hell of a leader. He’d be joining a Chiefs offensive line that is just starting to find their groove and gel together, and Kelly would only add to that momentum.

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As good as Kelly is, I don’t see the Kansas City Chiefs spending their first round pick on him. Morse really flourished for the team at the center position last season, and Zach Fulton fared well whenever he took over. Center is not a position of need for the Chiefs.

The analysts at CBS Sports think that Ryan Kelly will be drafted by either the Indianapolis Colts or by the Houston Texans, both of which would be good landing spots for the National Champion.

If the Chiefs are going to draft an offensive lineman, it needs to be a guard. They lost Grubbs due to a failed physical and need to start building an elite line to protect the quarterback.

Next: Chiefs Go Best Available in Mock Draft

Would you want to see the KC Chiefs take Ryan Kelly or a center in the 2016 NFL Draft?

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