Left Tackle Watch - 2025 Offseason

[kcgreene]

Since this is the most important problem with our roster right now, I figured I'd put something together that organizes all of the Chiefs options into one thread for anyone that wants to take a deeper dive into it.

I'll make sure to update if players are extended, etc.

In-House Solutions

Spoiler!

1.) Keep Thuney at Left Tackle - He handled himself better than many thought, but having Caliendo play LG hurt us big time, and Thuney did get outmatched against the better EDGEs. It was a matter of 'Thuney loses slower than anyone else'.

2.) Have Faith in Wanya or Kingsley - Perhaps Kingsley can make a big jump with a year of offseason training? or Wanya will take an additional step forward? (Personally, I'm thinking Wanya could excel if he slid inside, but there are brighter minds than anyone here at 1 Arrowhead Dr.)

3.) Bring back Humphries - Maybe he still needed more time after sitting so long after his injury? 2025 could potentially be a better year for him with a whole offseason to rehab and put work in.

4.) Move Jawaan to the Left Side - Something that gets brought up quite a bit but doesn't seem like it will realistically happen to me.

Players Potentially in Free Agency
(Age will be age as of Sept 1, number does not entail ranking, just order I wrote them in)

Spoiler!

Slated for Free Agency
1.) Cam Robinson - MIN, 29yo, 6'6", 322lbs, 35.5 Arm, 10.5 Hand - Hasn't been elite by any means, but has shown to be good in pass protection both in Jacksonville and Minnesota last season.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/cam-ro...0-3f306dd57a65

2.) Ronnie Stanley - BAL, 31yo, 6'6", 312lbs, 35.625 Arm, 10.625 Hand - Elite.... when healthy, but he did finally have a healthy year last year after missing 10 games in the previous 2 seasons, and 36 total in the last 4.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ronnie...7-2a4d1dc0dc12

3.) Tyron Smith - NYJ, 34yo, 6'5", 307lbs, 36.375 Arm, 11 Hand, - Still showed he can play at a great level when he's healthy, but hasn't played a full season since.... *Checks PFR*... 2015.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tyron-...3-4c45b840e8ca

4.) Alaric Jackson - LAR, 27yo, 6'5.5", 321lbs, 33.875 Arm, 9.25 Hand - Great pass protection, leaves a lot to be desired in run blocking, but he's young, and we could get him tied up long-term. (ESPN reporting that he will not be tagged) (Extended 3 yr/ $57M by Rams)
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/alaric...5-0392a24d89a5

5.) Dan Moore Jr. - PIT, 26yo, 6'5.5", 311lbs, 34.5 Arm, 10.125 Hand - Mediocre at best in my opinion. This last season was his best year so far, which still wasn't great.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dan-mo...5-ff2e4eb4db91

6.) Jedrick Wills - CLE, 26yo, 6'4", 312lbs, 34.25 Arm, 10 Hand - Former Top 10 pick, and has been good when healthy, which hasn't been the last two years.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jedric...3-20c37d057bf8

7.) Cornelius Lucas - WAS, 34yo, 6'8", 316lbs, 36.75 Arm, 10 Hand - Was the backup in Washington before Coleman went down. Started 7 games, looked decent, but is already older and lacks substantial starting experience, not a good combo.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/cornel...0-2460bc8db96b

8.) Jaylon Moore - SF, 28yo, 6'4", 311lbs, 33.375 Arm, 10.75 Hand - Did solid in the 5 games played in relief of Trent Williams' injury this year.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jaylon...b-566a99739b64

Potential Cap Casualties of other teams
1.) (Potentially Retiring) Terron Armstead - MIA, 34yo, 6'5", 306lbs, 34 Arm, 9.25 Hand - Great Tackle, 5 time Pro Bowler. He does have some injury issues, seemingly missing a few games annually, and at his age, he would be a stopgap for us.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/terron...9-15966a0ab591

2.) Vederian Lowe - NE, 26yo, 6'5", 314lbs, 35.375 Arm, 10.375 Hand - Young, started 13 games this last season, but leaves a lot to be desired as a bookend.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/vederi...4-6711a6aecbb4

The Draft
(Looking at Top 100-Tackles, guys who potentially can start in 2025, rated by placement on Dane Brugler's current Big Board along with his synopsis. Their number is their place on his Big Board. All Tackles are included on this list [Left and Right])

Spoiler!

6.) Will Campbell - LSU, 6'6", 319lbs, 32.675 Arm, 9.5 Hand

Campbell stays balanced in pass protection using his weight distribution and controlled technique, although he can do a better job protecting versus inside/counter moves. He plays rugged in the run game and offers the body fluidity and explosive power to torque and displace defenders. If I were running an NFL team, I’d be keeping him at tackle until I have a reason to move him inside to guard.

8.) Armand Membou - Mizzou, 6'4", 332lbs, 33.5 Arm, 9.75 Hand (NOTE: Right Tackle in College)

As a pass blocker, Membou displays above-average balance and quickness plus a jolting punch in his sets to mirror up and down the arc. He was equally effective in the run game, as the Missouri offense often ran behind No. 79 (and his drive power). Some teams like him best inside at guard, although there is nothing on his tape that says he can’t stay outside at tackle.

17.) Josh Simmons - Ohio State, 6'5", 310lbs, 33 Arm, 10 Hand

Simmons made a strong case over the first month of the season for OT1 status in this class, before a non-contact knee injury ended his year. His projection is still somewhat in limbo until NFL teams get updated medical info on his patella injury. If fully healthy, Simmons has the body control and nimble feet to be a starting blindside tackle in the NFL.

22.) Kelvin Banks Jr. - Texas, 6'4", 325lbs, 33.5 Arm, 10.375 Hand

With his well-timed feet and handwork, Banks is a natural in pass protection. He also shows an instinctive feel for his biomechanics, which allows him to attack with leverage, bend and create force. That said, although he has the initial timing and mechanics down, his balance can be too easily disrupted — especially in the run game — and leave him overextended or on the ground. Teams are split on his best position, between tackle and guard.

34.) Donovan Jackson - Ohio State, 6'4", 320lbs, 33.5 Arm, 9.875 Hand (NOTE: Best known for playing Guard, See Below).

After a rough first start at left tackle against Penn State's Abdul Carter, Jackson played at a high level the rest of the way in 2024 — including an impeccable playoff run. Long considered a guard prospect by NFL teams, his left tackle tape was better than what he showed at his previous position, forcing scouts to reevaluate his best fit at the next level.

50.) Aireontae Ersery - Minnesota, 6'6", 339lbs, 33.125 Arm, 9.5 Hand

With his NFL-ready build and length, Ersery has a stiff punch to steer rushers wide of the pocket, and he can anchor down when rushers try to attack him up the middle. Ersery moves well for a big man, especially as a zone blocker, but there are some sloppy elements to his game. He must improve his timing and consistency during his NFL transition.

63.) Cameron Williams - Texas, 6'5", 335lbs, 34.5 Arm, 11.375 Hand (NOTE: Played Right Tackle at Texas)

With his wide frame, long arms and functional movement skills, Williams has the ability to overwhelm defenders in the run game and force rushers to take a $20 Uber ride to get around him in pass pro. However, there are several basic (and non-negotiable) details that he must develop for the next level, including well-timed or repeatable hands. Williams is another prospect for whom the medicals will influence the final draft ranking.

81.) Ozzy Trapilo - Boston College, 6'8", 321 lbs, 33 Arm, 10.375 Hand (NOTE: Played both LT and RT in his college career.)

Although he never had the chance to see his late father, Steve, play in the NFL, Ozzy Trapilo has the same offensive line talent in his DNA, with natural movements and technical control. He needs to be more consistent blocking low to high in the run game, but he quickly establishes body positioning to manipulate spacing and cut off defenders.

[Dunerdr]

Originally Posted by Mr_Tomahawk

Sign Ronnie Stanley and draft a project.

We already have the project just out a vet in front of him.

[Mr_Tomahawk]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

We already have the project just out a vet in front of him.

I will agree with you halfway. We have a vet, but we don't have a project. We have a project at guard...

[Dunerdr]

Originally Posted by Mr_Tomahawk

I will agree with you halfway. We have a vet, but we don't have a project. We have a project at guard...

No way. You can’t write the kid off from one game. He was fine against good rushers in Baltimore. He’s super raw. Should not have been starting. He needs to work on hand placement and footwork. He’s an elite size/movement T prospect. If this staff ****ed around with Niang for 4 years who showed less, they’re not moving this kid to guard after 2 games starting. I’d bet money he’s at duke mannyweathers right now.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by Mr_Tomahawk

I will agree with you halfway. We have a vet, but we don't have a project. We have a project at guard...

What exactly is your definition of a project?

A guy that's starter level right away?

Because that's not a project.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by Mr_Tomahawk

Sign Ronnie Stanley and draft a project.

Let me ask you another question-

If you're Baltimore, a perennial contender picking in the low 20's every season-why would you let an above average LT go? You can't replace him in the draft, you pick too low. You can't replace him in free agency, it'll cost as much or more and the pickings are slim.

So why wouldn't you just re-sign the guy you have?

The ONLY reason is that you don't think he's going to be physically able, and in that case, KC should be very wary also.

And THAT is all I have to say on Ronnie Stanley.

[Gary Cooper]

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

Let me ask you another question-

If you're Baltimore, a perennial contender picking in the low 20's every season-why would you let an above average LT go? You can't replace him in the draft, you pick too low. You can't replace him in free agency, it'll cost as much or more and the pickings are slim.

So why wouldn't you just re-sign the guy you have?

The ONLY reason is that you don't think he's going to be physically able, and in that case, KC should be very wary also.

And THAT is all I have to say on Ronnie Stanley.

Isn't Baltimore up against the cap? They'll probably want to keep Flowers and Hamilton long term. Also, Lamar doesn't need a LT as much as other QBs who are more stationery in the pocket.

I'd keep Staley if I were them but I can see the arguments against.

[Dunerdr]

Originally Posted by Gary Cooper

Isn't Baltimore up against the cap? They'll probably want to keep Flowers and Hamilton long term. Also, Lamar doesn't need a LT as much as other QBs who are more stationery in the pocket.

I'd keep Staley if I were them but I can see the arguments against.

The idea that the most mediocre qb consistently in the playoffs doesn’t need a LT is absurd. Just because he can run doesn’t mean he’s impervious to pressure.

[Gary Cooper]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

The idea that the most mediocre qb consistently in the playoffs doesn’t need a LT is absurd. Just because he can run doesn’t mean he’s impervious to pressure.

Sure it's great to have a solid LT. Lamar is the most unique QB though. I'd keep Staley but they have other needs too.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by Gary Cooper

Sure it's great to have a solid LT. Lamar is the most unique QB though. I'd keep Staley but they have other needs too.

There's no greater need if you have a gaping hole at LT, I would think this last season would show that for Chiefs fans.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

He’s got baby arms. He’s not a LT for Andy Reid.

Watch the cut-up of his snaps against the Eagles.

Yeah, he has short arms, but he isn't getting beat in that game by any of the moves that typically give tackles with short arms a problem.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by tredadda

Only thing that I wonder about is why the Rams are are not looking to retain him, especially at $16 million a year projected. If there are no red flags, then at that price KC really needs to consider trying to get him.

The Rams are trying to do a complete reset on offense, similar to the one they did after Donald retired.

It wouldn't surprise me if they're planning to move everything on offense but Nacua and Williams, re-set, and if they end up awful... being so, so sad about being in position to take Archie Manning... and then support him on a rookie deal with a young, dynamic defense and a young, dynamic offense.

[Dunerdr]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Watch the cut-up of his snaps against the Eagles.

Yeah, he has short arms, but he isn't getting beat in that game by any of the moves that typically give tackles with short arms a problem.

I don’t hate the film, I just think the coaching staff puts him in the no pile of applicants because of it.

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Watch the cut-up of his snaps against the Eagles.

Yeah, he has short arms, but he isn't getting beat in that game by any of the moves that typically give tackles with short arms a problem.

Agreed. The Rams left him on an island a lot more than people seem to be giving him credit for.

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

He’s got baby arms. He’s not a LT for Andy Reid.

Andy Reid traded for Jason Peters in 2009.... He was 6'4" 328 with 33-1/8" arms. Arm length, IMO, can be overblown.

Alaric Jackson plays well, that matters most.

That's why I think Conerly is a fit. Ultra-athletic like Peters was and has longer arms than Peters.

[Chiefshrink]

Originally Posted by tredadda

Only thing that I wonder about is why the Rams are are not looking to retain him, especially at $16 million a year projected. If there are no red flags, then at that price KC really needs to consider trying to get him.

Exactly! There's a reason why Doug Pederson did not want Taylor either and now we know!