Kansas City Chiefs: Offensive Line Targets for Each Round of the Draft
First Round: Cameron Erving, Florida State
Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles offensive tackle Cameron Erving (75) gestures during the second half of the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game against the Oregon Ducks at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps no prospect in this draft class fills the Chiefs’ needs quite like Cameron Erving. He was a dominating force at left tackle for two and a half seasons at Florida State, before a need at the center position allowed him to move his talents inside.
Most scouts now see Erving’s best position at the NFL level at center, and he has an opportunity to be great. At 6-foot-5, 313 pounds, Erving not only has great size for an NFL offensive lineman, he has impressive length, quickness and overall athletic ability as well.
He is a very versatile player who has shown great toughness and aggressiveness as an offensive lineman. Erving has easy athleticism, and looks very smooth and natural while pulling and reaching the second level of the defense.
His pass protection skills are top-notch, especially for a center. Erving shows very quick feet and good footwork while dropping in protection which allows him to succeed against speed guys, and plenty of strength to take on bigger bull rushers.
While he is probably better in pass protection, Erving is no slouch in the run game. His athleticism and ability to reach the second level makes him a great fit for the Chiefs’ zone blocking system.
It is fair to consider taking a center prospect with the 18th overall pick a bit of a reach, but Erving has the potential to be elite for the position. Also, do not forget about his success at the left tackle position. His athleticism and pass blocking skills could easily translate to success at left tackle in the NFL as well.
Erving could start out as a great center for the Chiefs, and could move outside if Fisher does not take to the left tackle position. That gives him more potential value than most regular center prospects. Erving should be available when the Chiefs are on the clock, and he needs to be in the conversation.
Other possible first round offensive line targets: T Andrus Peat, T/G La’el Collins, T/G Jake Fisher and T Ereck Flowers.
Next: Second Round