The Kansas City Chiefs have various areas they'll be looking to upgrade this offseason after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59. Although improving the wide receiver room and finding a potential Travis Kelce successor are part of general manager Brett Veach's offseason 'to-do' list, addressing the Chiefs' left tackle situation must be a top priority.
Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia both struggled in the starting LT role throughout the 2024 campaign, resulting in All-Pro guard Joe Thuney being moved to the outside. The trio is still under contract for the 2025 season, however, it's clear that the Chiefs must move Thuney back to guard while finding a legitimate starting left tackle.
The 2025 NFL draft is one path the Chiefs can venture down to solve their LT problems. In fact, the latest offseason rumors make it likely that GM Veach might consider moving up in the draft if it means strengthening the offensive line.
Chiefs Draft Rumors: Kansas City Could Trade Up to Improve LT
According to 610 Sports Radio's Bob Fescoe (h/t @ChiefsBlitz), "the Chiefs are considering everything and everyone when it comes to the left tackle spot." Considering the decent number of tackle prospects that have been projected to go in Round 1, it wouldn't be shocking if Kansas City moved up to address its pressing LT need.
🚨 UPDATE 🚨
— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) March 3, 2025
The #Chiefs are considering everything and everyone when it comes to the left tackle spot.
They are ready to throw numbers at it.
Per, @BobFescoe on @TheFan965. pic.twitter.com/5mPtx0cxgt
Just over a week away from free agency, the Chiefs currently hold six 2025 draft picks, with the No. 31 selection being the best of the bunch.
Tackles like Ohio State's Josh Simmons and LSU's Will Campbell are among the best blockers in this year's class, however, both could be off the board within the first 10 picks. While the Chiefs likely don't want to burn through their draft assets to move up that high, they can pair the 31st overall pick with a later-rounder or two to target one of the other promising prospects.
For example, Texas' Kevin Banks Jr. is currently this year's No. 19 prospect, according to ESPN. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound blocker features a solid combination of quickness and reliable hands that could provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with elite protection, proven by Banks' 89.9 Pro Football Focus pass block grade in 2024.
If not Banks, Josh Conerly Jr. is another potential trade-up target for the Chiefs.
The Oregon product provided the Ducks with reliable pass-blocking on the left side throughout the last two seasons and even showed potential as a run blocker. Although his blocking wasn't on the same level as Banks, Conerly's 83.6 pass protection grade indicates that he could also be Kansas City's LT solution for years to come.
With how fast the 2025 offseason is going, it won't be long before Chiefs fans know if a first-round trade-up is in the cards. Round 1 of this year's NFL draft begins on Thursday, Apr. 24, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wi.