Kansas City Chiefs can’t rely on draft to solve left tackle issues

Teams are going to overdraft offensive linemen

Because of COVID-19 and the lack of the normal draft process, teams will do as they often do, which is run to what is perceived to be a ‘safe’ option and select a lineman. Between that fact combined with what is accepted as a deep draft at the position group, I expect players to come off the board in rapid succession, potentially in numbers we have never seen before.

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It can’t be overstated how important it is for fans to understand that not every offensive tackle can succeed in every scheme and they can struggle to get going the same as any other position. The linemen that can step in and are remotely successful are not going to be on the board at pick 31. They will be off the board far, far sooner.

Immediate impact offensive tackles are rarely on the board where the Chiefs are picking. Usually, where they’re drafting, all that’s left are tackle prospects that will kick inside to guard.

That doesn’t help the Chiefs. Adding another guard is not going to get it done.

What should the Kansas City Chiefs do?

Unless the price tag is just obnoxiously high, the Chiefs should be working the phones talking to the agents of Riley Reiff and Alejandro Villanueva. They are established veterans that, while not elite, are solid players and would help provide stability to the position.

Doing that allows the Chiefs to attack the best player on the board, regardless of position, or maybe even do the unthinkable and look at moving down and out of the first round altogether.

Yes, the Chiefs will add linemen in the draft, but the team needs to land one of the established veterans in free agency so they can address strengthening the rest of the roster while also ensuring their offense can function at a strong level and continue to thrive.