Is there any real news? You see Chief’s writers and pundits scrambling and focusing on tidbits. Me too.
The Offensive Line is in excellent shape, thank you very much! — ROT – Who will emerge in camp as the designated starter?
The ROT role was up for grabs in 2021’s camp. Niang emerged as the starter after injuries to other players. It has been a constant open issue because I have been a big supporter of Lucas Niang. I was disappointed when he sat out in 2020 and again when he was injured in 2021. Unfortunately, I cannot say that he will be ready to hit the field when training camp opens. Since there is doubt about that, I still project Niang as the future at ROT.
My thinking on this has shifted to consider what the competition will be. These thoughts have arisen, some I have mentioned before. Now? After the draft, we have added an OT who has a “Trey Smith-like chip on his shoulder” — Darian Kinnard. Does it get any better than this? I think we acquired a player with a bit of nastiness for the OT position.
Louis Riddick of ESPN has Kinnard as a “steal” in the draft, and I wholeheartedly agree. Luke Easterling of Draftwire viewed Veach’s pick of Kinnard as one of the draft’s best steals. Recall, if you will, the selection of Trey Smith in 2021. Another item that was a huge addition to the Chief’s front five. Trey Smith emerged during camp, took on the starter designation, and never looked back. Will Kinnard follow the fashion? It is possible.
Being able to draft Kinnard in the 5th round was a blessing for the Chiefs. PFF had Kinnard rated as a 3rd round prospect. Similarly, other sources had him highly valued. I knew he would be out there after round three flew by, but I did not have my eye on an OL draft pick. I think he will give all the competition to other Chief’s players who I have written about: Andrew Wylie and Geron Christian.
Wylie was Released and Then Re-signed – We all know that Andrew Wylie stood in good stead for Niang after Lucas was injured. Wylie also has the versatility to play on the IOL.
Geron Christian – Christian was a terrific F/A signing as well. Geron had been the starting LOT for the Texans. With Wylie and Christian, the Chiefs have two experienced veterans who have been starters in the NFL. One thing to note about the pair – they will both be competing for the starting ROT role.
I think Christian will be in the mix, competing for the ROT role. I would not count him out. We should note that Geron was a starter on the left for the Texans and has played on the right. However that works out, it seems logical that Christian would give the Chiefs’ front five a swing-man for the OT Role.
Two UDFA’s to the 90-Man Roster – While discussing the same topic, Veach brought forward two offensive linemen from the OTAs. They are both road-grader type blockers, and both have a bit of history with pancaking opponents: Chris Glaser-OT, UVA, who is 6-4 300, and Vitaliy Gurman-OG, Toledo, 6-4, 310. I am not saying either will make the active roster. However, I can see both on the Practice Squad for 2022. It appears Brett Veach is intent on protecting QB Patrick Mahomes.
Orlando’s Contract – The other news that needs to ponder is that LOT Orlando Brown, Jr’s Contract has not been resolved. Part of the delay is that Brown changed agents, to which Brett Veach commented that getting the deal done was delayed. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler observed: “The Chiefs are optimistic that they can sign Brown long-term, but one hurdle is Brown is between agents. It’s believed he’s in the process of trying to hire one now. As of now, this is similar to the [Lamar] Jackson situation; no agent means the process can play out slowly.” Brett Veach informed us in an April presser told reporters in April before the draft that there was “no rush on either side” to hammer out a deal. Indeed, At that time, Brown did not have an agent.
The LOG role is well in Hand – Joe Thuney is so solid a technician that I gave him the “Franchise” designation last year(as I did Orlando Brown, Jr. at LOT). I have admired Thuney from afar and told Laddie at one point in 2020 that I wished KC could acquire him somehow. Then Low and Behold, Brett Veach did just that.
ROG – Trey Smith Proved It – I had projected Trey Smith being drafted far sooner than the 6th round. We were fortunate to be able to draft him. He was competing for the Right Guard role, and as usual, the injury bug gave Smith the opportunity. He grabbed it, and it grandly launched his NFL Career.
The New “Creed”- I did not, as Laddie will attest, think that the Chiefs would draft a Left-hand snapper for Mahomes. Boy, was I wrong!
After Creed’s 2021 season, I am so grateful that Veach saw no problem with the “lefty” consideration. But, keep in mind that I am a lefty too. Creed Humphrey started all 17 games and only allowed 12 quarterback pressures (three sacks) with a dominant run-blocking grade of 93.1.
Trevor Sikkema of PFF wrote about Creed’s rookie season: “Humphrey’s rookie campaign was sensational. He played the most snaps of any rookie offensive lineman (1,184) and notched the best grade (91.4). His elite overall grade was fourth-highest for all offensive linemen and first among all centers. He and fellow rookie Trey Smith were a big reason the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line was as improved as it was in 2021. It was an incredible start to Humphrey’s career, especially considering he opted out of the 2020 college football season.”
Nick Allegretti Fits The IOL Depth role – I have been enthusiastic about Nick since he made the active Roster. His value is most anticipated due to his versatility. Nick can play all three positions of the IOL.
The Chief’s Offensive Line is well-manned with big men who can road-grade the path to daylight for the run game. I am not the only one who has this view, of course. Here is another big supporter of the Chief’s Offensive Line that is related to pass-blocking:
https://twitter.com/Jacobs71/status/1529563578193387523/photo/1
Jeff Saturday has a great view. I expect its improvement. The pass protection was solid in 2021. I suspect that the Front Five will be more impressive in 2022. I see no worries to fixate upon for the Front Five, even if the player at ROT changes.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne