KC Chiefs 2024 NFL Draft Offensive Tackle Position Preview
If Kansas City opts to add to its tackle depth in the draft, which prospects make the most sense on Days One, Two and Three?
The Kansas City Chiefs have been searching for a long-term answer at the tackle position since Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz were let go. They have tried to find it in multiple ways, whether it be the draft, free agency, or trade.
They seemingly found an answer for one spot by signing Jawaan Taylor last offseason, however, there are still question marks surrounding the left tackle position. Wanya Morris is slated to be the starter at the moment, but he isn't solidified as the long-term answer.
The 2024 NFL Draft's offensive tackle group is one of the deepest in recent memory, especially in the first round. As many as nine tackles could be picked there. It is projected to start with Joe Alt, son of former Chief John Alt. In some order, the group of Olu Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga, Troy Fautanu, JC Latham and Amarius Mims will follow him.
Those players have little to no shot at being available at 32. The two names that are intriguing in a possible trade-up scenario are Fashanu and Mims. Fashanu seems to be falling out of favor with draft analysts, and Mims has questions about his limited college experience. If either were to get into the range where the Chiefs could realistically move up, it could solidify the left tackle position for the next decade in Kansas City. The three names that keep getting mocked to Kansas City at pick No. 32 are Kingsley Suamataia, Tyler Guyton and Jordan Morgan.
Morgan's arm length doesn't fit the threshold for Andy Reid tackles coming out of college, so it's unlikely that the Chiefs would see him as a tackle prospect. Suamataia and Guyton are both rawer prospects with elite athletic traits and size. Guyton is on the older side and predominantly played right tackle during college, making Suamataia the more intriguing prospect. He has an NFL-ready frame with the necessary strength, size and athleticism to play on day one. He will likely need to refine his technique, which offensive line coach Andy Heck has been great with in the past.
If the Chiefs decide to pass on taking a tackle in the first round, they will have options on the second day of the draft. Patrick Paul might be the most Reid tackle in this draft. He's a good athlete with a solid frame and freakishly long arms. He must improve his feel for the snap count and refine his footwork — he might not be ready to start in the NFL from day one. However, he could be a steal and become a longtime starter at left tackle with proper coaching.
Other names in the second round that should be paid attention to are Kiran Amegadjie, Roger Rosengarten and Blake Fisher. All have the makings of swing tackles and potential long-term starters. They would be welcomed additions to the Chiefs' current offensive tackle group. Elsewhere, the Chiefs may feel comfortable with Morris or bringing back Donovan Smith to start at left tackle. Therefore, they'd elect to wait until the draft's third day to address the tackle position.
Kansas City has been linked to Javon Foster and Giovanni Manu for top 30 visits; both are projected to be taken some time on the draft's final day. They could be brought in as projects that can develop in the system without the pressure to play early. Delmar Glaze, Tylan Grable and Anim Dankwah are also intriguing prospects who fit the mold of having NFL traits but are raw technique-wise and need development before they step onto the field.
Offensive tackle is one of the most critical positions in football, especially in Kansas City, protecting the best player in the world. You can never have enough quality tackles. Whether the Chiefs opt to target one early or late, adding another talented piece to the group would be wise.
