The logic of drafting OT in the 1st.
 

What we know about this team is that it typically likes to fill its roster out as much as possible in free agency and then spend its highest picks on potential replacements for job openings a year down the road, and that includes Veach.

I doubt I even need to run down the list but:

2020: CEH --> Williams
2019: Hardman --> Hill/Watkins
2018: Speaks --> Ford/Houston
2017: Mahomes --> Smith

Fisher will be on the last year of his contract, and most of us suspect Schwartz retiring.

The Chiefs obviously like Niang but going OT 1st gives them the options:

• Niang vs. the rookie for starting RT
• if the rookie wins, Niang can slide into guard or hold the swing tackle position
• if Niang wins, the rookie can slide into guard or hold the swing tackle position
• the Chiefs love Fisher but if both Niang and the rookie excel, maybe they cut bait
• if only one of them excel, the Chiefs can extend Fisher

It just seems like the kind of move that gives them the flexibility in future decisions that they like to have.

I'd rather they go DE, even if it means trading up for one. But based on what we know, OT could ostensibly solve up to two different OL spots in 2021 and gives them all kinds of options in 2022 based on how 2021 goes.

I’m not totally against it, but I’d prefer EDGE or WR.

Niang, if he’s healthy, should be Schwartz’s replacement, and Fisher will likely get an extension.

Re-sign Remmers and let him and Niang compete for RT.

All about who is available to me.

If they pass on Jaelan Phillips, Toney, or Marshall to take Teven Jenkins or Alijah Vera-Tucker, I won’t be pissed, but I’d be disappointed.

As I don't think you want to go into a year with a rookie left tackle being forced to protect Mahomes, I agree it's ideal to draft a tackle a year early if/when a LT is needed. That being said, I think an extension this off-season for Fisher should be a priority IF they do in fact intend to keep him long term. The issue is the compensation. Fisher simply is not worth the $20 million or so a year top left tackles are getting. If they can get him for maybe 4 years, $60 million or so I think that would be wise to go ahead and extend him to avoid the uncertainty with him entering free agency after 2021. However, if that doesn't happen then I think you're forced to take a tackle in the first 2 rounds to prepare for the possibility of someone else manning the position starting in 2022.

Fisher isn't going anywhere. They're not going to take an OT in the 1st.

The Chiefs aren't taking an offensive lineman in the 1st round.

This isn't 1960 or 1970 or 1980 or 1990 or 2000 or even 2010.

This is a different Chiefs team that's built on skill players and a QB, not on the offensive line, which can be fleeting at best.

How well did the Cowboys do after loading up their offensive line with 1st round picks while starting a 4th round QB?

Or how about those Browns?

I'd go up and grab a guy like Slater if he dropped far enough.

Admittedly, I don't really pay a lot of attention to mock drafts anymore, not for a long time. But I happened to read a mock draft preview recently that predicted the Chiefs would probably either take an EDGE or a WR in the 1st, and maybe a OL in the 2nd/3rd.

Now, it was just one article, and I don't even remember who wrote it, so probably that guy knew as much about who KC might draft as I do.

But based on Andy's recent history, I'd be shocked if he took a OL in the 1st.

I dont have a problem with it if that lineman is the BPA at that draft position.

Eric Fisher wasnt an exciting pick, but he was the right pick.

Highly unlikely.

There’s a lot of buzz that many teams actually have Slater as OT1 over Sewell.

He’s going top 15 at least, maybe top 10.

Eric Fisher.

I know that was under Dorsey, but it’s still the Andy Reid era.

I have ER as the top need, followed closely by WR, and then OL (specifically RT and Center)

Now, I like Phillips, Rousseau, Oweh, Jones, and Weaver as fits on the edge. I'm not overly excited about Paye or Basham early. I'm not so sure I'd spend a 1 on Oweh. I think the kids from Miami are gone. That leaves looking the ones from Pitt, and that DL was very talented. So, who is a beneficiary and who is the difference maker? I've been a fan of Weaver but I'm unsure about round 1 with him as well. I like him more than his teammate Jones as a guy that generates his own wins.

At WR, I have Chase, Smith, Waddle, Marshall, Toney, and Stevenson as guys I like early. I think the first three go pretty early. I think we'd have a to move up a handful of slots to get Marshall. I could be a buyer on either of the other 2 but...

That kind of leaves the what you bring up at OT and I'm a big fan of keeping Mahomes breathing. I don't trust Niang enough after an opt out rookie year to lock him in. I've said all along that if Jalen Mayfield is sitting there, I'd have a really hard time passing him up. I maintain that stance. I feel like Mayfield is that Schwartz/Conklin quality of RT that you don't find many of. This is a guy that went toe-to-toe with Chase Young and pretty well shut him down. He's the only OT I'd consider round 1. So would I take Mayfield over Jones, Weaver, Toney, and Stevenson? The answer for me is a resounding yes. I have alot more faith a really good receiver is there at the end of 2 or 3 than I do a RT of Mayfield's quality. You also have the opportunity to fix two spots with one pick by kicking Niang to guard.

The Chiefs are not taking a guard or center in the 1st round.

Good grief.

It's gonna be awesome to watch them use premium currency on offensive linemen only to have Patrick out there running around and people still blaming it on the offensive line.

And that’s exactly what will happen because people seem to think that great lines can keep a mobile QB upright while holding their blocks for 7 or more seconds.

Yep.

Go Chiefs

Niang played his ass off against Chase Young, right?

I said that last year about running back.

I think you're probably right, but we're in a different era now. It's a different thing when you're a championship football team trying to stay on top as opposed to trying to get there.

the simple fact of the matter is that if the line was a little better, we'd be better in the red zone, running the ball, and protecting Mahomes.

We can all argue about how much better, but it's clear that we could be more efficient in those areas.

I doubt that a Center or Guard is worth a #1 this year, but I DO expect a little more emphasis on the line this offseason given all of the injuries this season.

*by that I mean some mid-round picks as opposed to the usual late picks and UDFA's.

Weren't we pretty interested in Cesar Ruiz last year? At least enough that the Saints were too scared to trade back and miss out on him.

Yeah, we're in a different era. An era ruled by offensive skill players and defensive specialists.

It would be a terrible waste of resources for them to spend a 1st round pick on an interior offensive lineman. Championship teams aren't built that way.

Thank God they didn't take him. He was terrible.

If there's a good center prospect there at #64, I'd probably take him. Other than that, yeah, mid-round picks would be good. Hopefully we'll have an extra third from EB.

completely in agreement.

Personally, I'm leaning towards a DE in round one if there's a good fit.

But in Veach I trust.

I have to admit, I'm drooling over the thought of Terrance Marshall in this offense. But DE is easily 1b for me, so that would be great too.

Like you, though I completely trust this staff.

I'll just say, every time I run a mock on Drafttek, Jaelen Phillips is there at #32, and Creed Humphrey at #64.

I know, I know, that's not likely accurate, but that's hard to pass up.

That would be a hell of a first two days, for sure.

I thought the Chiefs would take a running back as early as #32 but with met with "**** that! The Chiefs need a guard or a center!".

If the Chiefs had taken a guard or center, there's not a chance in the world that they'd be 15-2 today.

As Reid has proven since his arrival in 2013, his offense isn't about offensive lineman but about the QB and skill position players.

People on CP used to complain that Brady was so good that the Patriots could just plug in anyone off the street and win Super Bowls but when the Chiefs are doing the same exact thing, people continue to bitch that the offensive line "isn't good enough".

The game has changed completely. You don't need 5 1st rounders to protect a QB for 2.2 seconds.

And he ****ing sucked his rookie season.

While I don't put any stock in to PFF, Wylie rated higher than Ruiz, which illustrates why the Chiefs continue to pass on IOL early in the draft.

There's not a chance in the world that the Chiefs take a tackle at #32 when their WR corp for 2021 consists of Hill and Pringle.

I disagree.

The Chiefs didn't really lose anyone of value on the offensive line to start the season and even with their 4th LG, 2nd Center and 2nd Right Tackle, the Chiefs obliterated the Bills with 245 yards rushing.

The problem is the running back room, which I've been hammering since March 2020. Darrel Williams has improved over his rookie season but he's still not a huge threat because he lacks top end and breakaway speed.

Darwin Award Thompson is a bottom of the roster guy that isn't going to give 100+ yards from scrimmage for 16 weeks and while I was excited about the addition of Leveon Bell, it's pretty clear that he's finished as a lead back and maybe even as a complimentary back.

The Chiefs need another long term complimentary back to CEH because there's no guarantee that 29 year old, Damien Williams will be the same guy as 27 year old Damien Williams, especially when taking into consideration his long injury history.

I'll 2nd (3rd?) this statement. Grab our possible Frank replacement/extra rusher in the 1st and hopefully grab a center with our second. We have Niang and the Frenchman coming back next season, so we'll automatically be better.

And there will be far more offensive lineman available for Vet Min in free agency due to expiring contracts and no opt outs.

Chiefs fans will just need to get used to JAG's on the interior because the value just doesn't equal a high pick in the draft.

And for as much as people think that Austin Reiter "sucks", this particular CBS Sports writer believes that Reiter will be worth $11 million per in Free Agency.

If he can get that, go for it, Dude.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/f...bell-and-more/

Reiter has been a nice find for the Chiefs, who claimed him off waivers back in 2018. He eventually earned a starting role and has proven to be a quality player for a championship-winning squad. This season, Reiter didn't allow a single pressure and wasn't penalized at all, according to PFF. Per Spotrac's market value projection, Reiter could expect to see a contract with an AAV of $11.4 million.

Yep.

Looks like we're going to need a new center. Reiter is absolutely not worth that kind of money. I mean, they let Morse go, they won't hesitate to let Reiter go at that rate.

Agreed. If Reiter can get that kind of dough in Free Agency, he should definitely go for it.

The Chiefs recently released rookie Center Darryl Williams from the Practice Squad, so they don't even have a center in their current pipeline.

...which I'm fine with. The only 2 spots I really care about on the line is LT- which we'll have Fisher back(hopefully less than 20 million/yr) and center.

I agree we don't need 1st rd picks there. We took Niang in what the 3rd? Thats fine for a lineman that was around 10th or so in his class. If we can grab the top ranked center at 64th-take it and call it a day.

I agree about Reiter btw, if he can find someone to pay him 11+ a year then godspeed. He actually might get it if we pull off the repeat. That superbowl smell has gotten many dudes overpaid after they win a ring. I just dont want Veach footing that bill.

Are you going to argue that the Chase Young Niang squared off against when Young was a Sophomore is the same Chase Young that Mayfield squared off against as a Junior? I don't think so.

That said, Niang was a catalyst for making Young a better player and focusing on his technique, so that's good for Young and a testimate to Niang using sound technique to beat pure athleticism.

While I do have some hope that Niang will become a good RT in this league, I do question him not wanting to be around for his rookie season. I get that COVID is "no joke" but are top athletes really an at risk group? I don't know, I'm not going to label him a pussy but it just doesn't sit well for me especially in that toughness department.

Anyhow, I'm not putting my eggs in any particular basket and, unlike some, I still consider RT on the table in round 1. To me, round 1 isn't for "playmakers," its for pillars. I consider OT a pillar. Argue all day on that one and my mind won't be changed.

I agree with a few others that interior offensive line, particularly Center, is a must have by the end of round 4 and I prefer a day 2 pick. I don't think you can go into 2021 with the current O-line and a couple round 6 guys. I just don't think you put Pat in that situation where he's going to have to wait until at least 2022 to see an improvement, if not 2023. Sure, you can patch in a couple shitty free agents, but generally they are exactly that. I don't mind Kilgore, actually, and wouldn't mind him back over Reiter but Reid has his odd loyalties.

OT at least has a higher value. It wouldn't be terrible in the 1st. I'd rather have other positions but OT isn't a bad thing. IOL would be though.

1)CEH was a great pick, no doubt. But I don't think anyone's saying that we need to drop our #1 on a guard. The Bills sold out to stop big passing plays, and so we ran it down their throats behind Allegretti and Kilgore almost exclusively, and both of those guys are better run blockers than they players they replaced. We have some issues running the ball; I don't think it's all about the backs. We have some issues in pass pro- we have issues controlling the line of scrimmage. I think Reiter's pretty lousy whatever some guy at CBS thinks. If he's going to get $11 million, good for him. We can do better anyway, which is really my point. Add to that Schwartz is MIA and big guys with bad backs over 30 don't usually get better and I think there's cause for maybe looking at restocking the line. That's not crazy.

2) obviously, Reid's offense is about skill position players; and we have Hill, Kelce, Hardman, and CEH for 2021 as well as Pringle who looks at least as good as Robinson. Watkins never plays anyway so whatever. It's probably time to draft some new blood in there for depth and development but I'll remind you that only CEH is a #1, and that was at #32. Other than Mahomes, of course, who is what really makes things go. No rookie WR is going to start anyway, it's not gonna happen. The offense is too complicated.

3)I don't think anyone's saying we need to spend a bunch of #1's on the line. Reid and Veach thus far have taken the path of UDFA and low picks in numbers to develop and hit on one here and there. That's cool, and cost effective. It's just that we might want to move it up the priority list a little and maybe get a guy that's more ready to play sooner than later, as we've got one quality starter under contract for 2021 that might be healthy. That's it. ONE. And Fisher's had injury problems that last two years too. Actually, I like Alegretti, so call it two. Like on the whole line.

4) Mahomes likes to chuck it 50 yards downfield. You need more than 2.2 seconds to do that, even when it's Tyreek.

I ain't mad at Veach, we had two covid opt-outs and Osemele exploded both of his knees and Schwart's back is ****ed and Fisher's back was ****ed, and shit happens.

I don't think it's nuts to maybe spend a mid round pick (you know, kind of like Veach and Reid did last season) on an offensive lineman.

Also-I said when we signed Bell (and before, when people wanted to sign him before the season) that his style wasn't a very good fit for a team with a less than average line. That's kind of just proven out.

Darrel Williams is a fine 3rd back. That's all. He's a role player.

Damien can't be a bellcow, he can't stay healthy, you're right. Of course, with CEH here, he becomes the #2. That's probably fine.

Wow Hardman is so bad you completely forgot about him?

I'd still be targeting WR, DE, S in the 1st.

All of this is fair except you can get all the way off Niang’s back for the opt out.

You don’t know his life circumstances and you don’t know what he’s dealing with.

Yeah, I guess so.

I'm good with WR, DE or even CB in the 1st but considering they have Thornhill and Mathieu, I don't see the logic in spending the #32 overall pick on a safety.

I can see them grabbing another safety in the 4th or 5th but not in the first.

It is most certainly about the running backs. Does anyone really think that Damien Williams wouldn't have been a huge upgrade over Darwin Award Thompson, Leveon Bell and Darrel Williams?

Even you just stated that they ran the ball effectively against the Bills and that was with three replacements on the offensive line.

Pringle is a JAG and I don't buy the idea that a rookie wide receiver couldn't compete in Week 1, especially since we've seen so many rookies over the past two years impress, regardless of the system.

LDT will be returning in 2021, so the Chiefs have their Left Tackle, Left Guard and Right Guard under contract next season, along with Schwartz, who until he announces his retirement, is still on the roster.

Mahomes has a quick release when he wants to use it but you can't blame the offensive line for not holding their blocks for 7 seconds at a time in order for Mahomes to find the open man downfield.

That's going to happen whether or not the Chiefs have their current personnel or replaced them with five 1st round draft picks. That's asking WAY too much from the lineman.

I don't think that anyone would disagree that the Chiefs should spend a Day 3 pick on at least one offensive lineman.

Who wanted to "sign" Bell before the season and how could the Chiefs "sign him" when he was under contract to the Jets?

Williams will be 29 to start the season and won't have played organized football in more than 18 months to start the 2021 season.

I hope he's healthy but there's no way the Chiefs should go into the season thinking that their running back situation has been resolved for the foreseeable future.

I don't think that anyone would disagree that the Chiefs should spend a Day 3 pick on at least one offensive lineman.-Dane

that's all I've been saying. All other arguments are chicken-and-egg arguments and shades of gray.

I'd like to see a mid-rounder or possibly two as I think it's the #1 weakness at the moment.

I think the logic for drafting an OT in the first rd just went up about 50% unfortunately

Yep, Veach may trade up for a LT because of Fisher's ****ed up Achilles

Yeah I think we're going to need an OT.

It sucks but I think at this point we need to put on the full court press and get an OT and a WR early

If Fisher tore his Achilles, that certainly does ramp up the need. It's rare a player is back anywhere near 100% in year 1 after the injury.

And with the timing of the injury, highly unlikely he's ready for the start of the season.

:reaches longingly for Terrance Marshall Jr:

:sighs. Takes Alijah Vera-Tucker instead:

and of course...I really think this defense is one good pass rusher away from being dominant.

But damn. Might have to go OT.

There are a lot of guys that would fit. Puts a lot more pressure on Niang coming back and contributing SOMETHING.

AMEN AND AMEN

What does it say about a kid's character and desire to play in the NFL especially being drafted by the defending SB champs knowing you have a great chance to repeat and protect the GOAT QB ??

Right now Niang will have to prove himself to me because right now he is on my sh** list.

Still doesn’t mean that you have to take one in the first round.

I kind of like Leatherwood or Jalen Mayfield at the end of the first. I think either could possibly play day 1.

most quality LT's are first rounders.

Agreed. This is a deep class and Andy is masterful with the OL.

If that’s BPA, then go ahead, but no pressure to do it in the 1st.

How many qualify LTs are you finding at the end of the first round?

how many are you finding later? come on man.

It is what it is.

You want to go into the season with some street bums on Mahomes' blind side?

We're probably picking #32.

I like Mayfield a lot. I like Teven Jenkins a lot in that range.

I don't think Leatherwood is an NFL LT, or at least not in an Andy Reid offense.

I thought maybe at RT.

You’re already adding a very talented 3rd round pick. I know Niang is an unknown, but dude had some good tape against Young/Bosa.

Re-sign Remmers, and draft another one somewhere in the rounds 1-4.

Hopefully Schwartz can play 1 more year.

And I’m fine with that. I’m just saying....what top LTs are going to be there at #32?

Man, it’d sure be nice if Schwartz wanted back in and was 100% healthy. It would give us so much breathing room to figure out LT.

You just can’t count on it.

I think it shoots to the top of our needs now.

I don’t see OT being BPA there.

Honestly I think this year needs to be a focus on the offense. I’d like both of our first 2 picks to be offensive minded, ideally a WR first (unless a good LT is there) and an OL in the 2nd.

I feel like we have the luxury to do that with the addition of Sneed, Gay, Wharton and Danna.

Patrick needs another WR to replace Sammy.

If KC wants an OT Veach will get one considering how he has tunnel vision for prospects he favors on the draft board

The evidence we have so far is that the Chiefs are comfortable getting by with bargains at guard but they’re perfectly willing to pay retail to get good tackles.

They’re going to spend some resources, guys. A fair amount of resources.

I’d prefer 2 of our first 3 picks to be OL and WR.

But that won’t keep me from taking a DE in the 1st that could take this defense to another level.

You know who’s probably the best fit for our offense?

Walker Little from Stanford.

He had a knee injury in 2019, and opted out in 2020. Him and Niang would give you 2 1at round caliber talents at OT that fell due to injury.

That’s how you get value while not having to use a 1st.

Let’s say Fisher does have a torn achilles, 2021 is the last year on his contract. It’s unfortunate, but does this injury change the plan at left tackle going forward? If somehow Niang or someone else was able to step up at left tackle in Fisher’s absence, maybe it makes sense to let him walk after next year?

If Fisher doesn’t look like he can make it back at the start of next season,
I think they’ll either ask him to work a team friendly extension or cut him.

Little IS a good fit. His stock has been up and down but he’s solidly in the second round range now.

I’d be cool with grabbing him there. I suspect his stock may rise as draft day nears.

May have to trade up for one.

Well, this thread became a lot more relevant in a hurry.

If it is a torn achilles (which it sounds like), then Fisher wouldn't even be able to play back to 'Fisher level' till 2022.

Niang coming back helps, but at this point we don't if he's anything more than a JAG or a guy that can actually hold down a starting T spot in the pros competently. IMO, they need to look to FA for a 'bargain' that they can maybe get on a short term deal and also draft one early.

Maybe they get lucky and Mitch comes back next year and is 100% but I'm not holding my breath. Those back injuries are bitches. Ruined John Alt's career. Likely Mitch is either done (as a premier tackle, anyway) or will retire. Fisher I would offer a team friendly extension too. I think he wants to stay and they might be able to get a 'bargain' for him now, due to the injury. He'll obviously be out for 2021, but assuming he progresses normally he should be back and ready to go strong for 2022. Yeah, it's a bit of a risk, but low cap # first year (next year) and then you'd still have him for under market value as the rest of the contract works out. If he's willing to do that, which I think he might be. I think he wants to spend his whole career here. He's mentioned something about it before and who wouldn't want to block for Mahomes knowing he gives you a chance to get to the Bowl every year. I think he stays.

We already needed to give some strong consideration to tackle this off-season. Now we're REALLY gonna have to devote some resources to it.

It is what it is.

I don't think you can give Fisher an extension until you see him on the field.

Remmers, all of a sudden, becomes a must-re-sign this offseason.

I have a bit of inside info on Fisher, apparently he was planning to retire at the end of this current contract but if the Chiefs were gonna give him another contract I doubt he would. He loves it in KC.

I'd put Niang at LT, look for another RT.

Usually, LT's have to come from pretty early in the draft sadly.