NFL.com thinks Kansas City Chiefs day 3 draft selection could be a starter in 2022
NFL.com thinks the Kansas City Chiefs could have landed a starting offensive lineman on day three of the draft for the second year in a row. Last year, it was sixth-round selection Trey Smith, a former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman, who ended up starting for the Chiefs as a rookie. Former Kentucky Wildcats offensive lineman Darian […]
NFL.com thinks the Kansas City Chiefs could have landed a starting offensive lineman on day three of the draft for the second year in a row.
Last year, it was sixth-round selection Trey Smith, a former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman, who ended up starting for the Chiefs as a rookie.
Former Kentucky Wildcats offensive lineman Darian Kinnard, a fifth-round draft pick by Kansas City last month, could travel the same road as Smith, according to NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter.
The Chiefs' right tackle situation is fluid, to say the least. Veteran Andrew Wylie could take over there, as could Lucas Niang if healthy. Kinnard's power on the edge, however, and Wylie's value as a sixth man if there is an injury at another spot on the line, might force the rookie into the starting lineup sooner than later. The team plugged in first-year players Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey last year, so it's not a huge leap to think they'll do the same if Kinnard's length and strong grip impress this summer.
This is a situation where Kinnard likely won't have a chance to start unless there's an injury.
Obviously, Chiefs fans are hoping for an injury-free season, but that's not realistic. Having depth along the offensive line is extremely important — it can be the difference between winning a Super Bowl and missing the playoffs.
Kansas City, however, is fortunate to have good depth. And that's thanks to the great job that Brett Veach and the front office have done in the draft in recent years.
If the Chiefs hit on another late-round offensive lineman who can be a consistent starter in the NFL, it will solidify Veach as one of the best general managers in the NFL when it comes to drafting offensive linemen.
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
