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    Tucker D. Franklin

    Tucker D. Franklin is an alumnus of Northwest Missouri State University, majoring in sports media and graduating in 2019. Tucker was previously the sports editor for The Maryville Forum and is now the editor-in-chief of Inside the Royals as well as the deputy editor for Arrowhead Report on SI.com and the host of the Roughing the Kicker Chiefs podcast. Follow Tucker on Twitter @tuckerdfranklin.

    Articles From This Author

    Feb 4, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens (53) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
    Podcasts

    Anthony Hitchens Deserves More Love Than He Gets

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Kyle Long, Trey Smith and Andrew Wylie
    Podcasts

    Who Will Start at Right Guard for the Chiefs in 2021?

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Oct 11, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of the line of scrimmage as Kansas City Chiefs center Austin Reiter (62) snaps the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    New Chiefs Offensive Line 'Working Their Tails Off' During OTAs

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Feb 7, 2020; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Patrick Mahomes on Toe Rehab: 'If There Was a Game, I’d Be Able To Play In It'

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Nov 8, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs against Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) after a catch during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    Travis Kelce on Chiefs Possibly Trading for Julio Jones: 'That's a Game-Changer'

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive assistant coach Katie Sowers before Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Katie Sowers to Join Chiefs Through Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship Program

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Oct 3, 2020; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee running back Eric Gray (3) is tackled by Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton (32) in the fourth quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Calvin Mattheis-USA TODAY NETWORK
    Podcasts

    Seth Keysor on Willie Gay Jr. and Nick Bolton: "They Provide Two Very Different Roles"

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Kamalei Correa (44) walks off the field after the team s 35-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020 in Kansas City, Mo. 85a8418
    News

    Chiefs Sign Five-Year NFL Linebacker Kamalei Correa

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Cornell Powell (17) runs the ball past Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Shaun Wade (24) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    Cornell Powell Will Do Whatever It Takes To Win

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Jan 19, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) against the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Former Chiefs Left Tackle Eric Fisher Scheduled To Visit With Colts

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    OU's Creed Humphrey (56) walks to the field before the 2019 season opener against Houston at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. creed
    GM Report

    Creed Humphrey Is No Stranger To Protecting Big-Time Quarterbacks

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    USATSI_14988444_168390306_lowres
    GM Report

    Chiefs Second-Round Pick Nick Bolton Is Ready To Compete At the Next Level

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) during the Vol Walk held before a football game between Tennessee and UAB at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, November 2, 2019. Kns Uabvut1102 Bp Jpg
    Draft

    Instant-Reaction: Chiefs Select IOL Trey Smith At No. 226 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Sep 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL, USA;Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) blocks during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
    Draft

    Chiefs Select IOL Trey Smith At No. 226 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Jan 30, 2021; Mobile, AL, USA; American wide receiver Cornell Powell of Clemson (14) gets loose in the second half of the 2021 Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
    Draft

    Instant-Reaction: Chiefs Select Wide Receiver Cornell Powell At No. 181 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Cornell Powell (17) runs the ball past Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
    Draft

    Chiefs Select Wide Receiver Cornell Powell At No. 181 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Oct 27, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Noah Gray (87) runs after a catch against Pittsburgh Panthers linebacker Elias Reynolds (44) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
    Draft

    Instant-Reaction: Chiefs Trade Up to Select Tight End Noah Gray At No. 162 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Oct 3, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Noah Gray (87) makes a catch during warm ups before playing against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
    Draft

    Chiefs Trade Up to Select Tight End Noah Gray At No. 162 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Nov 25, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Joshua Kaindoh (13) rushes during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
    Draft

    Instant-Reaction: Chiefs Select Joshua Kaindoh At No. 144 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    FSU's Joshua Kaindoh works out during their opening practice for fall camp at the Al Dunlap Training Facility Monday, Aug. 6, 2018. 636691563414364535-B49I3209.jpg
    Draft

    Chiefs Select Joshua Kaindoh At No. 144 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Tim Grunhard
    News

    Former Chiefs Center Tim Grunhard to be Inducted into Chiefs Hall of Fame

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Oct 12, 2019; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Creed Humphrey (56) wears the Golden Hat after the game against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
    Draft

    Instant-Reaction: Chiefs Select Creed Humphrey At No. 63 Overall

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Sep 26, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Nick Bolton (32) celebrates after making a tackle against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
    Draft

    Instant-Reaction: Chiefs Select Linebacker Nick Bolton At No. 58 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Dec 28, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners center Creed Humphrey (56) prepares to hike the ball during the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Chiefs Select Center Creed Humphrey At No. 63 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Dec 12, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Nick Bolton (32) gets ready to defend against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
    Draft

    Chiefs Select Linebacker Nick Bolton At No. 58 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Dec 26, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon (28) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Chiefs Sign Free Agent Running Back Jerick McKinnon

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    mock draft 12.0
    Draft

    Kansas City Chiefs Seven-Round Mock Draft 12.0

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Dec 8, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown (78) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
    Podcasts

    Jim Mora Jr. on Orlando Brown Jr. Trade: 'I Don't Think There Is Any Downside'

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Sep 22, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Orlando Brown (78) during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    Orlando Brown Jr. Wants To Be in Kansas City 'For A Long Time'

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Nov 25, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown (78) reacts against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    Instant-Reaction: Chiefs Make Blockbuster Trade for Ravens Tackle Orlando Brown Jr.

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Feb 7, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    Patrick Mahomes and Tyrann Mathieu Reflect On Super Bowl Defeat

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    mock draft 11.0
    Draft

    Kansas City Chiefs Seven-Round Mock Draft 11.0

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    John Denton Lucas Niang
    GM Report

    'I Think We’re OK There' — Andy Reid Breaks Down Offensive Tackle Situation

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Oct 8, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws in front of head coach Andy Reid before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid React to Alex Smith's Retirement

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    mock draft 10.0
    Draft

    Kansas City Chiefs Seven-Round Mock Draft 10.0

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Jan 24, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach on field before the game against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
    Podcasts

    Like It Or Not, Brett Veach Has Something To Prove In This Year’s Draft

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    mock draft 9.0
    Draft

    Kansas City Chiefs Seven-Round Mock Draft 9.0

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Nov 2, 2019; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield (73) blocks Maryland Terrapins linebacker Shaq Smith (5) during the first half at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
    Podcasts

    Does Arm Length Really Matter for NFL Offensive Tackles?

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Nov 22, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Damien Wilson (54) against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Former Chiefs Linebacker Damien Wilson Signs With Jacksonville Jaguars

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Sep 2, 2017; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Willie Gay Jr (6) pumps up the crowd during the game against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Chiefs Propose Rule Change to Loosen Jersey Number Restrictions

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    mock draft 8.0
    Draft

    Kansas City Chiefs Seven-Round Mock Draft 8.0

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Nov 4, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) celebrates with defensive end Frank Clark (55) following a sack against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
    Podcasts

    The Chiefs Still Have Needs to Fill Despite Jarran Reed Signing

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Jan 19, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (92) against the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Tanoh Kpassagnon Signs Two-Year Deal With Saints

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    mock draft 7.0
    Draft

    Kansas City Chiefs Seven-Round Mock Draft 7.0

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    From Retirement to Kansas City: Kyle Long Discusses His Road Back to the NFL

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    'I Look Forward to Getting to Work' — Kyle Long is Ready to Retake the Field

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Three-Time Pro Bowler Kyle Long Returns to NFL, Signs with Chiefs

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    Dec 9, 2018; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Joe Thuney (62) against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
    GM Report

    Reacting to the Chiefs' Signing of Joe Thuney

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    mock draft 6.0
    Draft

    Kansas City Chiefs Seven-Round Mock Draft 6.0

    By Tucker D. Franklin
    October 4, 2020; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
    News

    Trent Williams Re-Signs with 49ers Despite Rumors Connected to Chiefs

    By Tucker D. Franklin
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