KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Offensive tackle isn't a priority for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft. The roster has two quality starting tackles in Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz.
Now might be a good time if general manager Brett Veach wants to find a developmental tackle who could be ready in two to three years when the contracts of the Chiefs' current starting tackles expire.
The Chiefs appear to prefer long-armed, athletic athletes with excellent lateral quickness who project as solid zone blockers with an ability to pull into space and pass protection adequately on the offensive line.
Recent history suggests that the Chiefs tend to prioritize athletic ability over technique deficiencies.
Kansas City also hasn’t acquired many offensive linemen high in the the draft. The only recent first-round investment was No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher in 2013.
Former general manager John Dorsey acquired most of the remaining line through free agency or in the sixth round or later.
Veach picked up Cameron Erving in a trade last year, but he has made most offensive line additions through free agency. Here are some of the top fits at offensive tackle:
ADDITIONAL NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
[April 10 — Nick Jacobs: Best running back fits]
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[April 12 — Nick Jacobs: Best tight end fits]
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[Today — Nick Jacobs: Best offensive tackle fits]
[April 17 — Nick Jacobs: Best edge rusher fits]
[April 18 — Nick Jacobs: Seven-round Chiefs mock draft, v 1.0]
[April 18 — Nick Jacobs: best defensive tackle fits]
[April 19 — Nick Jacobs: First-round mock draft]
[April 19 — Nick Jacobs: Best linebacker fits]
[April 22 — Nick Jacobs: Best cornerback fits]
BEST OFFENSIVE TACKLE FITS FOR CHIEFS
1. Jawaan Taylor, Florida
Height: 6-5 — Weight: 312 — Bench press: 24
Taylor is fundamentally sound in his technique, displaying one of the best drive blocks and down blocks when he's mindful of his pad level is down. He is patience in his sets and adjusts to the defender to avoid holding penalties.
Taylor also has a good anchor and understands how to keep a wide pocket for his quarterback.
2. Bobby Evans, Oklahoma
Height: 6-4 — Weight: 312 — Bench press: 22
Evans possesses a good blend of size and athletic ability. His long arms allow him to lock on defenders and not let go, but he also shows great drive and combo blocks on tape, pushing defenders off the ball and often finishing with a pancake.
The former Sooner has solid pulls with respect both footwork and speed and also does a good job of widening out defenders with his sets.
3. Jonah Williams, Alabama
Height: 6-4 — Weight: 302 — Bench press: 23
Williams locks down his defenders once he gets into their chest. He is a violent run blocker on seals and second-level reaches.
It seems as if Williams wants to put his opponents in the dirt. He also has a solid punch and has shown the ability to be elite with the right mindset.
Williams can get beat on his inside shoulder if he is setup with a combo move, but he's a solid drive blocker when given the chance and keeps a clean pocket by widening out defenders, who then struggle to get the bend on him.
4. Paul Adams, Missouri
Height: 6-5 — Weight: 317 — Bench press: 16
The first thing that stands out about Adams on tape is his size and long arms. He is patient with his sets and keeps himself under control on his kick steps while riding out the defender.
Adams has a strong punch that stuns defenders combined with above-average athletic ability and good quickness to pull then get to the second level. The former Tiger is a great drive, down and reach blocker.
5. Yodny Cajuste, West Virignia
Height: 6-4 — Weight: 312 — Bench press: 32
Cajuste has a long arm reach. When the former Mountaineer uses short, choppy steps, he shines in both run and pass blocking.
Otherwise, Cajuste can have heavy feet that make his kick step look taxing, but he's a solid run blocker overall. He will need to keep his feet moving at the next level in pass protection or edge rushers will give him trouble.
Cajuste has a solid punch when he gets a chance to hit a defender's chest at a good angle.
Other tackles who fit for the Chiefs: William Sweet (North Carolina), Tytus Howard (Alabama State), Devon Johnson (Ferris State), Tyree St Louis (Miami), Trey Pipkins (Sioux Falls) and Jackson Barton (Utah)
The Chiefs have plenty of bigger needs on the roster but there are some quality options there to develop long-term until it jumps higher on the list.
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