Kansas City Chiefs: Offensive Line Targets for Each Round of the Draft

By Dan Schmelzer | Apr 9, 2015

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Nov 9, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Besides the quarterback position, having a stable offensive line is the most important piece to a successful offense. Alex Smith may not be the quarterback to take the Kansas City Chiefs to the next level, but with the 18^th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Chiefs are unlikely to find an immediate upgrade at quarterback.

However, the Chiefs will have plenty of opportunities to improve their offensive line in this draft, which in turn will improve their offense as a whole. Right now, the offensive line for the Chiefs is a major question mark, and it all starts at the most important position up front, left tackle.

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While he has yet to establish himself, former first overall pick Eric Fisher will return as the team’s starting left tackle in 2015. Fisher is still a player with major upside, but his first go around at left tackle last season did not exactly go according to plan.

He had a tough time in pass protection allowing seven sacks and 24 hurries on the season, and is not exactly a dominant run blocker. Fisher certainly has some upside going forward, and the Chiefs would be wise to let him figure it out as a left tackle, but he must prove his worth this season.

Joining Fisher on the left side will be veteran guard Ben Grubbs who the Chiefs acquired this off season in a trade with the New Orleans Saints. Grubbs is a solid veteran who excels in the run blocking department. Grubbs should be a consistent performer for the Chiefs this season, although his production has slipped in recent years, and his upside is very limited.

In Fisher and Grubbs, the left side of the offensive line in probably set for Kansas City. The rest of the positions however, are a relative unknown.

After losing Rodney Hudson to the Oakland Raiders in free agency, center is a major position of need for the Chiefs. If the season started today, 2013 sixth round pick Eric Kush would likely be the starting center. Kush has barely seen the field in his two-year career, and the Chiefs need to at least find an option in the draft to compete with him.

Right now, the right side of the line could be covered by a combination of four players. Jeff Allen, Donald Stephenson, Zach Fulton and the recently acquired Paul Fanaika are all decent options who could fill in when needed, but each are probably best suited in some sort of reserve or swing role.

Allen probably has the most upside of the bunch, and he could be a solid option at either right guard or tackle, but even he does not move the needle much. Upgrades on the right side of the offensive line will certainly be available for the Chiefs in the draft.

While other positions like wide receiver, defensive line, inside linebacker and cornerback will certainly be on the table for the Chiefs in the upcoming draft, they simply need to add potential impact talent on the offensive line.

There will be intriguing offensive line prospects who could help the Chiefs in all seven rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft. With ten total draft picks, the Chiefs will have a strong opportunity to land at least one or two of these prospects.

If the Chiefs expect to improve on their 9-7 record from 2014, they simply must protect Smith better, and open up running lanes for Jamaal Charles to run through. As the old adage goes, “It all starts up front,” and the Chiefs would be wise to build their offensive around the line.

Here are offensive line prospects who the Chiefs should consider, and could realistically be available in all seven rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Next: First Round

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