Chiefs: Why the “New Look” Aerial Options Will Work!

We all knew that when Tyreek Hill departed, things were going to be different. Some fans were angry, and some were disconcerted. I saw it for the opportunity it would provide the Chiefs in the drafts for 2022 and 2023. I do believe 2022’s draft will be a historical one. I have covered all the draft picks in various articles before this date. Also, I have covered the position groups, including the WRs, CBs, LBs, Safeties, and the Defensive Line. I addressed the offensive line in past articles and fully believe the Chiefs have a highly competent group with veteran depth. Things are looking up.

The Brown Contract

When Brown was rumored to be looking to garner a contract as the highest-paid LOT in the NFL, I pooh-poohed that right away. I must admit that the idea rankled the hackles. Now that I have settled down, we do need Brown on the Offensive Line. The Chiefs committed to his future with the Kingdom when they made a significant trade to bring him to Kansas City.

Brett Veach will not allow the story to be incomplete and a failure. Orlando Brown, Jr. is a top-of-the-list OT, and we will keep him. He won’t be cheap, but it won’t bankrupt the Chiefs. At the same time, I think Brown is a Prima Donna, and I don’t appreciate that aspect of his public persona. On the other hand, Brown has slimmed down from his weight in the 2021 season. According to Jeff Fetodin: “Because Brown — on whom the Chiefs placed the non-exclusive franchise tag — remains unsigned, he has not attended the Chiefs’ organized team activities (OTAs). Instead, he has been working toward his goal of shedding weight with Pete Bommarito, who also trains Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones and former Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill…”

Brown has stated he wants to play with the Chiefs for the duration of his career. He has also developed a friendship with his QB Patrick Mahomes. Fetodin quotes Brown’s Agent, Michael Portner: “He looks trim.” In addition to becoming leaner, Brown is focusing on improving his mobility, flexibility, and strength.”

When the deal is consummated, the Chiefs will gain more cap space. Ryan Tracy postulated that the total value would be around $96M with guaranteed money on a 5-year deal. I had previously thought it would be $105M, 5-yrs with a graduated Amount perhaps from $15M and growing each year. There is much speculation about Brown and his recent statement, which caught a lot of public attention a couple of days ago. The deal would have enough guaranteed money to make it impossible for Brown to turn it down.

However this works out, Orlando Brown, Jr. will anchor the left side of the Offensive Line for several years to come. He wants to be here. He wants to play with Patrick Mahomes, and Mahomes wants him on the left side. The deal will happen.

The Offensive Line is in Good Hands Across the Board

In the past, I have written about the ROT and posited that the player of the future there was Lucas Niang. I still believe this will be the case. At the same time, the Chiefs drafted Darian Kinnard, OT-KY. Kinnard is a very capable lineman, no matter how you view it, and I think he is capable of being a starter in his rookie year. Drafting Kinnard was an intelligent move by Brett Veach for two reasons: Veach didn’t know how soon Niang could return to action, and adding a quality player to the OL who could be moved to the interior was a solid reason. Fortunately, Kinnard was undervalued, and the Chiefs drafted another “Steal” in the draft. I thought Kinnard would go in round three. PFF thought possibly round 2, and that is where they ranked him.

Kinnard arrives with a chip on his shoulder because so many teams passed him by. That’s “goodness” for the Chief’s Offensive line. Darian could find success immediately by winning the starting ROT role since Lucas Niang’s rehab status is unknown. He could become the Swing Tackle as well. Beyond Niang and Kinnard, Andrew Wylie or Geron Christian could also win the starting role. The Offensive line will be in good hands, with good veteran players for depth.

Here is how I see the Offensive Line, Plus Depth(This view uses 11 Offensive Linemen)

LOT  Brown…….LOT#2 Wanohgo

LOG Thuney……LOG#2 Allegretti

OC Humphrey..OC#2 Reiter

ROG Smith……..ROG#2 Kinnard

ROT Niang(?)….ROT#2 Wylie

SW/T Christian

Yes, I know the Chiefs won’t retain 11 Offensive Linemen, and yes, the likely number will be 9. I would think the Chiefs might put Two on the PS. They might release players as well. There are other Linemen on the 90-man roster to consider: Darrel Williams(OC), Mike Caliendo(O–also out of Western Michigan like Moore), and Roderick Johnson complete the list. I think that you can see the thrust of this view. The Chiefs OL is in Capable Hands.

One more aspect of this Offensive Line that needs to be expanded: A renewed emphasis on the run game. Mahomes would benefit since his play calling will change with the absence. of Tyreek Hill. At the same time, Mahomes made adjustments in 2021 in terms of the depth of his drop. That meant he had grown more confident in the pocket, trusting the offensive line more and more as the season rolled along. Starting at this place in 2022 could see PMII under center more often, and that would expand play-action passing aided by an expanded run-game effort.

On Tuesday, I took a look at the Chief’s Receivers and judged that the WR group would be formidable. As a result, I added TEs with Kelce and Fortson. In that article, I addressed, in summary, the RBs as receivers as well.

Mahomes Creating Play Success – image credit: Las Vegas Review-Journal

Why is the offensive line in a topic about the Chief’s “New Look” Aerial Attack, you ask? To be successful, the line must protect Patrick Mahomes. That is job one. Getting the Brown Contract completed is essential for the same reason. It would also aid in setting up a signing of a Defensive Tackle or Defensive End. If Patrick Mahomes is protected, the aerial game will be a success.

And even when the current play is well defended, Mahomes is the most successful among all NFL QBs at making the play a success anyway.

The Chiefs have the right man at QB to distribute the ball to the many Targets that the Chiefs will field.

David Bell – ArrowheadOne