Kansas City Chiefs 2015 Team Needs: Some issues the same

A Kansas City Chiefs helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs played dominant football at times last season, and even though they weren’t able to make it into the playoffs for the second time in two seasons under the new regime, they did at least take care of business at home against the rival San Diego Chargers in Week 17. With an efficient running game, a smart quarterback, and an excellent defense that boasted the second-best defensive player of the season, the Chiefs finished with a 9-7 record and had a 10-6 expected win-loss total, per Pro-Football Reference. The Chiefs don’t have to make major changes, but any team that misses out on the playoffs can afford to make some significant upgrades.

1. OT

You could argue that the Chiefs needs on the offensive line trump their needs at wide receiver or in the secondary. Eric Fisher continues to have issues adjusting to the NFL game, but the Chiefs did get some solid play from veteran right tackle Ryan Harris. An impending free agent, Harris will likely re-sign with the team, but there are no guarantees here. The importance of adding a new offensive tackle will depend on whether or not the Chiefs re-sign Harris, but it also depends on how confident you are in Fisher, who, sadly, did nothing to inspire confidence in his second season.

How bad was Fisher last season? Well, he allowed seven sacks, and he was also responsible for nine penalties, which is just far too many. The amount of times he gets beat in pass pro continues to be a concern, but, on the bright side, he’s started to warm up as a run blocker, where his athletic ability and upside have begun to shine through.

I expect the Chiefs to stand by Fisher going into the 2015 season, but I’m not sure John Dorsey and Co. will guarantee him a starting job despite some steady improvement that, hopefully, won’t go unnoticed. Even so, offensive tackle is a sizeable need for the Chiefs, especially since it is one of the most important positions in the league.

Next: Guard might be biggest need