As the Kansas City Chiefs carve their path toward revitalizing their roster in the lead-up to the 2025 season, the imperative to address their offensive line looms large. The team’s recent performance, particularly their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, exposed significant vulnerabilities, prominently highlighted by the staggering fact that quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times during the game. With their left tackle position in a state of disarray, fixing this critical area is at the forefront of General Manager Brett Veach’s agenda as the scouting combine approaches.
Since the departure of longtime left tackle Eric Fisher in 2020, the Chiefs have struggled to find a reliable replacement. The tenure of Orlando Brown Jr. provided hope but ultimately culminated in his free agency and subsequent signing with the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving Kansas City in search of a new anchor on their offensive line. The 2023 season saw Donovan Smith step into the left tackle role, yet he too fell short, having been out of the NFL the prior season. This ongoing uncertainty was compounded by the underwhelming performance of prospects Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris, who both failed to make an impact and were quickly benched.
In a desperate bid for stability, the Chiefs even experimented by shifting Joe Thuney from guard to left tackle. However, this maneuver was viewed merely as a stopgap solution, highlighting that the organization likely does not have next year’s starter on the current roster. The upcoming draft, particularly with the 31st overall pick, may not yield an ideal candidate, especially in a year where offensive tackle options are scarce.
The Chiefs’ draft strategy needs careful consideration, as they may find themselves in a challenging position this year. With previous attempts to bolster their line through the draft having fizzled—most notably with the second and third-round selections of Suamataia and Morris—the stakes have never been higher. General Manager Veach has communicated a desire to retain draft picks rather than risking them for immediate trades, a decision that underscores a commitment to rebuilding through the draft.
Kansas City enters the draft with four picks within the first three rounds, which can be a strong foundation for rebuilding their offensive line and addressing other pressing needs. However, if the team decides to be passive in free agency—focusing instead on retaining their own players, such as guard Trey Smith and wide receiver Hollywood Brown—they may miss out on valuable opportunities to acquire immediate help, especially should the offensive tackle market remain bleak.
Aside from the urgent need for a left tackle, attention must be turned toward the Chiefs’ defensive line. While notable players like Chris Jones and George Karlaftis return, the potential loss of Charles Omenihu and Tershawn Wharton due to free agency leaves a question mark over the unit’s depth. It will be crucial for Kansas City to explore defensive prospects who can step in and complement their established players without missing a beat.
Additionally, the cornerback position needs reinforcement. Despite having Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs were unable to stabilize their nickel coverage, particularly when Watson was sidelined. An infusion of talent in this department would help enhance the team’s overall defensive scheme.
On the offensive side of the ball, the receiving corps remains thin. While Xavier Worthy, last year’s first-round pick, may hold promise, the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice’s return from a knee injury raises concerns about depth. Furthermore, if free agency sees Brown depart, the Chiefs could find themselves in dire need of fresh talent at wide receiver.
Another critical area that requires urgent attention is the tight end position, especially considering the looming question of Travis Kelce’s future. As Kelce ages—turning 36 this fall—his role may need a contingency plan. With career lows last season in yards and touchdowns, it becomes evident that Kansas City has to strategically plan for life after Kelce.
The upcoming offseason represents a pivotal moment for the Kansas City Chiefs. With glaring deficiencies in several key areas, particularly on the offensive line, addressing these issues through a combination of strategic drafting and careful management of free agency is crucial. The decisions made in the coming months will determine the team’s ability to once again contend for a championship and safeguard the future of their franchise quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. As all eyes turn toward the draft and the potential for new talent, the Chiefs must ensure they do not miss their chance to solidify a brighter future.
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