Kansas City Chiefs: Four offensive linemen to consider for 2021 NFL Draft
By John McCarty
The process of rebuilding the offensive line may begin this offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs with developmental prospects for the future.
As the Kansas City Chiefs face a future with aging offensive linemen and an ever more expensive quarterback, the process of finding production from players making less begins this offseason, and will likely happen in some fashion along the offensive line. Who will be back and what is valued will be important, but the Chiefs must begin the process of finding younger blockers.
I don’t believe the Chiefs will entrust one of their tackle spots to an untested, unproven rookie right out of the gates unless outside circumstances force their hands. For that reason, I don’t anticipate the organization targeting a lineman in the first or maybe even the second round. I could see multiple choices in the middle rounds targeting developmental depth.
Something to keep in mind is that typically when the Chiefs draft offensive linemen, they draft tackles. They may intend for them to play guard (Andrew Wylie, Laurent Duvarney-Tardif, Martinas Rankins) or even center (Mitch Morse) but it’s a good bet if the Chiefs are bringing someone in, they probably played tackle in college. Versatility and pass blocking are paramount.
Offensive Tackle. Buckeyes . Thayer Munford. 75. player. 812.
Thayer Munford has the athleticism, quickness, and size that you would want in an offensive tackle. Playing in a wide-open offense at Ohio State, he has experience blocking in the open field and on the move (a must for Andy Reid) and entered the 2020 season with 26 starts under his belt. He has seen a lot of action in the Big Ten.
On film, you can see his potential both as a run blocker and in the passing game, showing the ability to funnel pass rushers around the pocket while getting to the second level or sealing off defenders in the passing game. His size is very similar to current Chiefs right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, both of whom were multi-year starters in college.
What Munford lacks is consistency, especially in technique. He can get caught with his hands down in pass sets, or slow to get into his sets. In the run game, especially when moving laterally, will put his head down, causing him to miss a block or be ineffective. He must refine the technique and become more consistent. He, if the target is for him to play on the left side, will need likely at least a season of coaching and refinement.