The Lazy Big Board: Chiefs’ Targets at OL

The Lazy Big Board: Chiefs’ Targets at OL – the 2020 draft is pretty deep on the offensive line, and it’s probably not being talked about enough. Chiefs certainly have a need on the interior, but the real strength of this OL class, is the Tackle group. While the Chiefs are currently set with Mitch Schwartz and Eric Fisher, they lack a game-ready swing tackle. It should also be noted that Fisher’s contract makes him very easy to trade in 2021, opening up $11.5M in cap space. With the type of haul that Left Tackles have recently brought, it’s not out of the question for the Chiefs to acquire a first round pick for him next year. Inside or outside, the Chiefs will have multiple options to choose from, in some rounds of the draft, who fit their scheme very well.

Pick 32: OC Cesar Ruiz, Michigan 6’ 3” 307 lbs.

A game-ready center, and the best interior OC in the draft: Ruiz is strong, with solid movement skills. He’s not a mauler, but he’s smart, and a solid fit for Chiefs scheme. Instant, massive, upgrade over Austin Reiter.

Pick 32: OT Austin Jackson, USC 6’ 5” 322 lbs.

Prototypical size/speed combo to play Left Tackle. Jackson moves really well and has an excellent frame, with big hands. His technique is still in need of some work, but he could see early action as an OG, if necessary. As Chiefs are game-planning for the salary cap, Jackson offers a viable replacement for Fisher, in a year or two, provided Andy Heck can get him up to speed.

Pick 63: OL Ben Bartch, St. John’s 6’6” 309 lbs.

Former Tight End with fantastic movement skills. He’s not as long as your average LT, but, if he’s given time to polish up his technique, he’s got the quickness to mitigate that. As a recent convert to OT, there will be a growth curve, but Bartch has improved rapidly. If he stays on his current trajectory, he could be a starter within a couple years, while offering an excellent Swing OL, in the meantime. Alternatively, his physical profile matches what Reid likes in an OC. If he has the brain for Center responsibilities, and can learn to snap, I think he could solidify the position, for years to come.

Pick 96: OC Matt Hennessy, Temple 6’ 4” 307 lbs.

Hennessy is a really fluid mover and matches the athletic profile Chiefs have coveted, at Center. He’s technique sound and game-ready from a football IQ standpoint. Tough player with the right mindset. He’s on the small side, and tends to struggle with big DTs. Could immediately step in for Reiter, but getting him in an NFL weight program, first, would probably allow for a smoother transition.

Pick 96: OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State, 6’6” 311 lbs.

Super athletic Left Tackle. Leap in competition and physicality will definitely take him some time to adjust to. Needs to build strength, in his frame, to handle NFL size. Offers immediate value, as a Swing Tackle, and should be able to handle speed rushers right away. Might always struggle, a little bit, with power rushers, but a year, or two, in an NFL Strength and Conditioning program, could turn Cleveland into an above average starter at an extremely valuable position.

Pick 138: OG/C Jonah Jackson, Ohio State 6‘3” 306 lbs.

Jackson isn’t an ideal fit, for Chiefs offense, as he lacks the mobility to succeed, in the run game. However, he’s excellent in pass pro, and quick to identify stunts and twists, something Chiefs constantly struggle with. Upside is limited, and he’ll probably always be a liability, when running the ball. That said, his immediate ability to step in, and protect Mahomes would be a terrific asset, to the Chiefs. If they don’t run the ball much, he could be an above average starter.

Pick 138: OG/OT Yasir Durant, Missouri 6’ 6” 331 lbs.

Durrant is a massive Right Tackle who lacks the movement skills Chiefs generally prefer, but stands up really well to physical opponents. Lack of athleticism will relegate him to backup duty, but, if he has to step in, at OT or OG, he’s not going to get run over. Can really solidify the pocket, against strength-based rushers, even if he will tend to struggle with speed guys.

Pick 177: C/OG Kyle Murphy, Rhode Island 6‘3” 316l bs.

Murphy is a very athletic interior lineman in the mold Chiefs like. Coming from a smaller program, he’ll have to adapt to NFL speed and size. His awareness, as an OC, is not quite there yet, and he has some minor technique issues to polish up. That said, Murphy should offer solid depth, at Center, and be ready to start at Guard, if need be, by mid season.

The Chiefs struggles on the interior last year were well documented. A high quality addition like Cesar Ruiz, would be a welcome sight. That said, the Chiefs have lately tended to get by with lesser investments, between Schwartz and Fisher. Jonah Jackson would be a really nice addition, to that group, as a great value. His lack of prowess, as a run-blocker is unlikely to be much of a deterrent as Chiefs are one of the most pass-happy teams in the NFL. Keeping Mahomes healthy should be their number one priority, going forward.

Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne

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