This is a future focused piece — a wider-ranging view — of what will be happening through to 2024. Yes, I really love the OL that we will field in 2021 and it’s going to be a gang-buster group of men in the OL trenches. However, if you thought that the look down the road component of this article is about 2021, you are mistaken.
One of our major followers prompted this article: Merlin! His views about NFL Football and specifically the Chiefs are something I always pay attention to. It was a completely worthy comment to something I wrote — because I didn’t think the OL rebuild ends in 2021 — and I agree with Merlin. I still think of the OL rebuild as a 3-season process, so I think his three-year prospectus is correct.
Merlin’s OL Observations
After an off-season of the Chiefs rebuilding the OL from scratch, Merlin wrote:
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Merlin’s Observation all Spring: I think it’s a three-year project, Brett Veach, Hold my beer.
(Making fun of his own concern)
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Merlin then added:
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“To be fair, we were talking about more than just the starting line, but still, what Veach has done in one off-season is truly impressive.”
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Note: I can barely conceal my optimism about this OL. Barely? My optimism has grown stronger by the day!
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Merlin’s observation is important, and astute. What follows is why I take note and consider those factors for 2022 and beyond. The trenches are where games are won, on both offensive and defensive lines. Of course, there are going to be factors that come into play in 2022 and 2023 to get there. A couple of initial observations.
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1. 2021 Upside – As deep and impressive as the Chiefs OL will be out of the gates, it will improve as the season progresses and possibly be a top 5 OL by season’s end. IOW, the 2021 prospects look bright.
2. Future Age Factor – After this year, age will figure it to the equation. It is difficult for me to imagine that older players such as LDT, Kyle Long, Mike Remmers, are part of the 3-year projection. By the time 2023 arrives, Joe Thuney will hit age 30. I am not saying that he will be over the hill. I am saying at that time, Brett Veach has got to be looking at his replacement in the draft.
3. Future Turnover Factors – I do not expect Andrew Wylie to return for 2022. I am not in favor of LDT returning either. It is difficult to imagine Kyle Long returning. That is a turnover of 3 players right there.
4. In-House Solutions – We do have young talent in the wings: Prince Tega Wanogho made strides this year and is now on the PS and he might have even made the 53-man roster under other circumstances.
5. Back to the Future Drafting – I expect the Chiefs to go after an OL player in each draft. I am confident that Veach and Reid now see that the old way of doing business caused the disaster experienced on the OL in 2020 that culminated with the defeat in Super Bowl LV.
6. The Low Cost Track – It’s a young group, and the money is going to be tied up in Orlando Brown. I see Joe Thuney around for 3-4 seasons — possibly 5 — but the rest of the crew is “cheap” in comparison. The new player feed must continue. Hopefully, it is accomplished via the draft.
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I think Veach and Reid worked the plum out of the pie for 2021. Let’s hope that success breeds success.
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Anticipation: The Future Foofaraw
It’s a Veach Balancing Act For Sure
2022 Balancing Act I: In 2021, LDT is playing at age 30. He has been a starter for the OL to this point in his career. If he wants to play this year, he should opt to be traded. Let’s presume that doesn’t happen. The Chiefs want to retain him due to his significance is beyond journeyman-level talent. The same ugly horse arises in 2022. He will be 31. He won’t be earmarked to be a starter then either. He has the talent that other teams will desire, but I don’t think LDT plays football for the Chiefs in 2022.
2022 Balancing Act II: Mike Remmers, who appears to be the “First-In” OT this year at age 32. He is likely earmarked as the Swing-Tackle. He lost out his starting position to Lucas Niang due to back spasms during Training Camp. Big Mike played ROT very well last year after Mitch Schwartz was injured so he is valuable to the 2021 roster. In 2022 he will be 33. To return Mike to the 2022 Roster, he needs to prove he can play out the season without further back spasms. if he can do that, he could be a valuable player next year. However, what I believe happens is that the Chiefs don’t tender Mike a contract, instead opting for younger talent. It is at this point, that I see Prince Tega Wanogho’s time with the Chiefs unfolding. Wanogho replaces Mike Remmers as the Depth OT for 2022 and possibly the Swing-Tackle. Then, Mike Remmers won’t be with K.C. after 2022.
2022 Balancing Act III: Austin Blythe is 29. He didn’t win the starting role for OC. In fact, as the season opens, it appears that Nick Allegretti will be the #2 Center. The good thing about both players is that they can play all interior OL positions. I see the Chiefs maintaining both players due to versatility and a fit for the Chiefs persona. After 2022, the question will be measured by their performance.
2022 Balancing Act IV: Kyle Long has returned during the 2021 season. I anticipate that Long plays a significant role on the OL in 2021. He returns in 2022 but departs before the 2023 Season. Either way, I see Kyle Long’s tenure potentially extending into 2023 despite being 33 now. Maybe that is my prejudicial view of Kyle. He is versatile at both OG and OT positions. Long will be 33 in 2022. I doubt that Kyle will play beyond 2022 but won’t ever say about him: Never.
2022 Balancing Act V: Mike Remmers and Kyle Long, both age 33 in 2022, will not return for 2023.
2022 Balancing Act VI: It’s possible Andrew Wylie, age 27 this year, returns as a versatile chess Piece for Andy Heck in 2022. Right now for the 2021 Season, it appears that Wylie will be the #2 ROT. That would change if Kyle Long returns to the Active Roster soon. Andrew Departs in 2023. Perhaps he is merely a placeholder until LDT, Blythe, and Kyle Long return to duty. He is just a placeholder as Veach seeks to continue the construction of the future offensive Line.
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Final Note
I think the Chiefs draft an OT in the 2022 draft — a fairly high pick. It could be a pair of choices, OT and OG. I am absolutely convinced that Veach and Reid never want to experience the problems with age and health as they did in 2020.
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David Bell – ArrowheadOne
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