Kansas City Chiefs: How Does Offensive Line Shake Out?

After a successful 2015 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs enter the season with few obvious question marks on their roster. With the additions they made at the cornerback position, the Chiefs’ defense looks locked and loaded to be a very good once again in 2015. Offensively, wide receiver is an unknown, but the addition of Jeremy Maclin helps solidify their entire core.

In my opinion, the offensive line is the biggest question mark for the Chiefs heading into the 2015 season.

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It is not from a lack of trying. The Chiefs did use some resources to address their issues up front this off season. They added guard Ben Grubbs via trade from the New Orleans Saints who should be a nice upgrade for the team at left guard. That being said, Grubbs is not the player he used to be, and should not be expected to come in and be a savior.

Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Mitch Morse (65) blocks against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs also brought in veteran free agent Paul Fanaika who should bring some nice depth at the guard position. Second-round pick Mitch Morse has good athleticism and power, while bringing the ability to play all five offensive line positions. Morse seemed like a reach in the second round, but he has a chance to make a positive impact on the team as soon as this season, and his versatility is a major plus.

Despite the additions, the biggest loss the Chiefs had on their entire roster came on the offensive line, when center Rodney Hudson signed a free agent contract with the Oakland Raiders. I do not blame the Chiefs for not re-signing Hudson, as the five-year, $44.5 million contract he got from the Raiders seemed like an overpay. That being said, Hudson was a stable force for the Chiefs in the middle of their line, and his loss will undoubtedly be felt.

The favorite to replace Hudson is 2013 sixth-round pick Eric Kush, who has seen almost zero playing time through his first two years in the league. Kush was drafted as a project by the Chiefs, and he is a player with some nice upside, but his abilities are relatively unknown. His biggest competition will likely come from the rookie Morse, who was announced as a center at the draft. Morse and Kush will battle it out for the starting center position in training camp, with Kush probably having the slight edge at the moment.

The left side of the line is basically set in stone. It starts with 2013 first overall pick Eric Fisher, who will be the team’s left tackle once again while Grubbs is expected to be the starter at left guard. While Fisher does have some upside at the left tackle position, he simply must get better. Last year was his first year at left tackle in the NFL, and it did not go as expected.

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

Fisher does deserve credit for durability, as he started every game for the Chiefs at left tackle last season. That being said, his performance was mixed. Fisher has great athleticism, but may lack the pure power to be a force at the position. He did improve down the stretch, but 2015 is a big year for him. If Fisher continues to struggle this season, the Chiefs will likely be looking for a different option at the position next off season.

Along with the center position, the right side of the line is expected to have a ton of competition. Zach Fulton started all 16 games for the Chiefs at right guard as a rookie last season, and while he was solid, it is not like he ran away with the position. The veteran Fanaika certainly brings competition at right guard, as will Morse if he does not land the starting center job.

Jeff Allen, who missed the entire 2014 season after a Week 1 elbow injury, will certainly play into this as well. Allen and incumbent Donald Stephenson will battle for the right tackle position in training camp. Allen is probably the more talented player, but his experience at the position is a bit limited. He has the versatility to kick inside to guard, and maybe even center. If Chiefs find Stephenson as the starter at right tackle, Allen will figure in at the competition at right guard. Regardless, his versatility is a very nice weapon for the Chiefs.

Nov 3, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Jeff Allen (71) against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

No matter who starts at center or on the right side, the Chiefs’ offensive line is going to be a huge question mark next season. They simply must find a way to get their best five offensive lineman on the field.

I think that the Chiefs’ best realistic unit would be the following:

LT Eric Fisher

LG Ben Grubbs

C Mitch Morse

RG Zach Fulton

RT Jeff Allen

This group will certainly have some growing pains, but I feel like those are the best five lineman on the roster. Stephenson, Fanaika and Kush would all be good back-up/depth options.

They have the talent up front to be a solid unit, but it is impossible to expect that right now. If Fisher can grow into the player they expected when they took him with the first overall pick, it would go a long way towards solidifying their efforts up front. Regardless of who ends up starting, the offensive line will be a major position of interest throughout the season.

Next: 2015 NFL Draft: Grading all Selections for the Chiefs

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