Question...

Is it that all of the tackle prospects have some rather significant flaws as left tackles or is it that they are being overanalyzed?

Is the crop, as a hole being overrated?

Christian Darrisaw - Notable issues in pass pro with hand placement/technique but seems to have the rest.

Samuel Cosmi - Clear lack of strength. Slow off the ball. Balance and hand placement issues. That said, shows elite-level athleticism. Is he moldable clay or not?

Rashawn Slater - Seems to have it all in spades, except arm length which is a troubling 33 inches.

Liam Eichenberg - Put down the best pass rushers he faced but 32-3/8" arms are more than concerning, doesn't have great lateral agility, and lacks the athleticism to get out in space.

Dillon Radunz - Seems to have most of what you look for but bad hand placement, lacks sand in his pants, and definitely a poor level of competition.

Alex Leatherwood - Bad hand placement, stops his feet on contact, balance issues, late off the snap, movement is clunky.

Spencer Brown - consensus RT only type with great length and athleticism but a long ways to go in just about all areas.

Jalen Mayfield - inexperienced, bad hand placement, balance issues, only played RT and allowed alot of pressure

Stone Forsythe - not a mover, terribly slow and heavy feet.

Walker Little - Stiff movement, bad against inside moves, some balance issues, not the quickest off the snap, hasn't played in nearly 2 seasons.

Teven Jenkins- Balance issues, lacks awareness, hand placement and overall technique needs refinement, not enough time at LT.

Brady Christensen - Doesn't move well in space, needs to add strength, struggles with speed, moderate competition


Most of the rest are being talked about as guards because of severe limitations in length or movement.


So where do the Chiefs go?

It seems like Slater will get snatched up by someone early because he's an elite guard prospect if they don't see him as a tackle, and he's better than anyone else in this class to take a chance on at LT sans Sewell.

Darrisaw and Jenkins are the only others I've seen consistently in round 1. Many seem to think Darrisaw is there in the 19-20 range and with Washington at 19 being his home, they may be inclined to take him. Is he worth a trade to 18? I don't know.

Jenkins is getting a lot of play at the 24-25 range. I see him as a RT, but I'm not in the consensus. Maybe I'm over-evaluating. He certainly seems to come with the most correctable issues. The Jets seem like a logical trade partner at 23 if that's the case, and should only cost a 3rd (possibly 3 and 4).

If KC had a legit starter for this season, I'd heavily favor Radunz.

Most analysts seem to project a lot of the rest to be there for KC at 31 or beyond.

So, are the issues outlined legitimate enough to make KC pass or are they being overblown by over-analysis? I have a hard time thinking they'd not be enticed by coaching up a guy like Cosmi but maybe he's just not good enough.

I kind of like Radunz too. The right side should be okay. Remmers was okay on the RT spot last year. If Niang beats Remmers out, in theory we will be even better on the right side. Again, in theory, we should be much better on all three of the interior spots. We could roll with Radunz on the LT spot, and give him a little help with either a TE on his side, or a RB keeping an eye that direction if a play calls for Mahomes needing a little extra time while Radunz is getting more "sand in his pants" to handle the strength part of the job. Then, eventually, you would hope Radunz will be able to handle the LT spot on his own, as you would expect from any LT. But, if need be, give him some help early while he is learning, and trust the other 4 spots to do their job.

Yes and Yes.

And even more to the point, they're all being over analyzed by media types in a general way rather than a SPECIFIC way.

By that I mean that a player's specific skills may be perfect for one team and not another. It's difficult to know for sure what an individual GM and coaching staff will view as important and what they'll see as coachable issues. Orlando Brown Jr. may well be a perfect LT for a team like the Ravens, but isn't the best fit for a pass happy team like KC, for example. He'd be a good fit for like...The Titans, for example.

You can't coach out the measurables; the height, weight, reach, etc. Or probably not the 'quicks' or lack thereof. 40 time is probably irrelevant for OL but technique can be fixed.


So what do we kind of know about Andy Reid OT's? Are there strong tendencies in the measurables? I would expect you could assume you'd want to look at smart, hard workers.

Which sounds like Radunz.

It just shows me that screaming “OT at #31 or we suck” is stupid. There is no sure fire starter that we are getting at #31. Your best bet is sign a stopgap, find your best 3 OTs in the first two rounds and go get one of them. Whether that’s at #31, or trading back, or trading up in the 2nd or finding a guy at #63. No one is coming in day one and locking this position down. It’s just not happening.

And I love how everyone knocks a player like Niang or Little for not playing football in a year (yes I get they had injuries as well) but they won’t to blow two first round picks to get Sewell....who hasn’t played football in a year.

Sewell is 20 and could legitimately be an Orlando Pace type LT so I get the want.

Kind of similar to J Chase.

Tall— >6’5”
Long arms— >34 inches
Smart
Athletic

There was an article on Andy’s affinity for long arms in linemen with a lot of telling data. I’ll see if I can find it

Well you’re going to have a hard time finding a LT at 31 that meets all of those requirements...

It’s almost like we’d be better off signing a stop gap, going elsewhere at 31, and taking somebody like Little or Forsythe on day 2....

My two are Radunz or Little right now.

The more I look around, I might be more inclined to do that. But I also would just play him this year. With Thuney next to him, I think they could coach him up.

Sidenote: I really hope the Chargers don’t get get this guy. He looks like a future stud

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rashawn Slater v. Chase Young <a href="https://t.co/90NhjjPsLI">pic.twitter.com/90NhjjPsLI</a></p>&mdash; Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbySkinner_/status/1377335343934889986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Or we trade up for a Teven Jenkins like Nate Taylor projected (assuming he’s in range). I think Nate has good info.

Idk why but I see Jenkins as a Steeler. I don’t think they pass on him

His arms are under 35”...

See, this is where I've kind of always been on this and why I've been so vocal about it...

I don't think they're legitimate enough to pass up a LT altogether but in my mind, there's just NO WAY I trade up in this draft for a LT. The only one really worth it is Sewell and that would cost us more than we gave up for Mahomes. I just can't say that's a good idea.

Theres a ton of guys this year with short arms.

Seems like that's a non-starter for the Chiefs.

But it does seem like they really like Jenkins, so who knows?

Has Jenkins had his pro day yet?

Just saw that it’s today.

Yea it’s today, but sounds like his arm length is expected to be around 33”.

Good. Now can he play LT? Hasn’t he played RT his entire career?

No, he’s played LT as well and G.

I personally think he can play LT. I think with him and Niang both being capabalr you can sort that out in camp.

Maybe. Then again these guys went against everything we thought they believed in last year when they drafted a RB and LB in the first 2 rds

I really think it's going to be in the 2nd that we take an OT.

Little, Radunz, Christiansen, Forsythe, Brown are all possibilities.

You should have seen Rashawn Slater vs. AJ Epinesa. I saw it more than once.

Slater struggles with long, lanky DE's. That's why people think his best position in the NFL will be on the inside.

Correct.

He's played about 80% of his career at RT from what I gather. Another 15% or so at LT and the rest on the inside.

I think Forsythe is the sleeper right now. You look at what he offers in terms of size and athleticism, combined with his pass blocking, and I think it might be a shocker.

Andy pulls his tackles out in space alot though, and Forsythe isn't going to be able to do it. I don't see it.

Yep. Radunz only came in at like 33-1/8 or something like that too. Weird year.

The only tackles I've seen so far that kind of fit the athleticism and arm length requirements Reid typically looks for are:

Darrisaw - 34-1/2"
Leatherwood - 34-3/8"
Brown - 34"

Slater, Cosmi, Jenkins, Radunz, Mayfield, Christensen, Hudson, and Carmen all came in at 33-1/4" or less. Hell, Jenkins, Mayfield, Christensen, and Carman came in under 33"


If the Chiefs are taking a tackle in 1, I'd put money on moving up for Darrisaw and hoping they fix his issues.

Otherwise...????

Well, if they really are going to move up for Darrisaw, we just have to hope the board breaks the right way.

If the Cowboys pass or Sewell slips, then the Chargers can take Slater and we don't have to trade up to 12.

I really like Darrisaw's upside. He needs to develop for sure but he has pro bowl potential for sure.

what's up with all these T.Rex mother****ers?!

I'm 6'3" and I'm 34".

Brady Christensen and Jackson Carman arm length is less than 33. Goddamn

what did Little measure in at?

Know who has over 33” arms? Lucas ****ing Niang.

Stone Forsythe arms are over 34 according to his pro day results.

I can’t find a number but his scouting reports rave about his length (giggity) and some tweets I’ve seen indicate he’s one of the guys who pass the length threshold average of 34

A trade back out of the first or a trade up in the second for Little then.

Here's why I think Little may well be the guy we take, and most likely at #63.

1)It's literally a repeat of the Niang pick. First round value talent, drops due to an injury.

2)He fits the physical measurables; all the traits Reid looks for. His pass blocking is his strength too.

3)Dummies don't go to Stanford. This is a smart kid. He's going to have the mental wherewithal to handle whatever they want him to teach him.

Calling it now: trading up for Teven Jenkins.

I agree.

Prototypical RT that doesn't have the measurable Andy likes.

I don't think it happens.

1. Terrance Marshall WR LSU
2. Walker Little OT Stanford
3. Daelin Hayes DE Notre Dame

Who says no to this?

Have yet to see a report with it. I've been looking. That said, Little had some pretty serious pass blocking issues that you'd have hoped to see him work out over time but injury and covid...

Welp....I just came.

I like Hayes, but I think there will be better pass rushers available at 94.

Give me Odeyingbo or Turner and I’d be thrilled.

I really disagree on pass blocking being his strength and I can say confidently I'm very much not alone there. Agility issues, specifically opening and aligning his hips, and letting guys into his chest were huge problems. I think he has the ability to learn and get better there, but there's a difference between that and it being a strength.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My latest OL rankings for the 2021 draft dropped this morning over on B/R<br><br>Here’s my latest top tackle list, minus Stone Forsythe who I graded right as this article was getting edited. <br><br>Forsythe = 8.0/OT6<a href="https://t.co/koPu9duLEG">https://t.co/koPu9duLEG</a> <a href="https://t.co/e7cgkSrDHS">pic.twitter.com/e7cgkSrDHS</a></p>&mdash; Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonThornNFL/status/1377627392299110414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Would be more like the Willie Gay pick IMO. Measurables there and upside is big, but don’t play all that much ball in college.

I'd be fine with it.

I'm leaning more towards:

1. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech (trade up to 18)
2. Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina
3. Adetokunbo Ogundeji, DE, Notre Dame

Either case of 1/2, I'd rather Ogundeji over Hayes.

That puts Forsythe squarely in the conversation at #31.

that's not what any scouting reports I've read say.

McShay has Sewell falling to the Chargers at 12 in his latest mock.

It's just going to come down to who Veach and the coaching staff like.

I think there are several guys that fit the measurables and athletic ability they prefer. It's entirely possible that they WON'T like guys that are 'consensus' picks.

I think a project like a Little or a Forsythe may well be the pick, paired with a veteran on a short deal.

I doubt they take a guy and expect him to start right away.

and honestly, maybe they take Jenkins or Brown in the second or third, put him at RT in camp to fight it out with Remmers and move Niang to LT. Maybe they think that projects well for them.

Nope. Kccrow told me he’s a day 3 pick!

:)

I don’t think he’s a 1st rounder at the end of the day, but he’s probably going somewhere on day 2.

I keep trying to tell everybody that Cosmi falling to 31 is a legitimate possibility...

Here's some knocks for you. Don't get me wrong, I think he's a hell of a developmental guy but I'd be remiss if I didn't think he also has some serious flaws to work out before he is counted upon at the pro level. That said, I don't think he has major, uncorrectable shortcomings. Maybe an NFL coach thinks he can knock enough of the bad out of him in one training camp?

He should be about a round 4 guy. His feet are shit and his run blocking is near non-existent. Doesn't mean he shouldn't be on the radar or shouldn't be picked. Guys become starters in that range, even at LT. In fact, odds show if you aren't picking a LT by 23, do it in round 3 or 4.

fair enough.

I think those criticisms all say 'raw' to me, which I would expect. I'd also expect a Stanford kid to learn fast.

Radunz graduated in December with a degree in engineering and management. I've seen several comparisons to the Packers Bryan Bulaga.

Matt Miller’s latest mock.

31. Kansas City Chiefs
The Pick: OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State

A right tackle for the most part in college, Teven Jenkins told me last month that he’s comfortable playing on the left side. That’s music to the ears of the Kansas City Chiefs, who couldn’t reel in a free agent left tackle.

Jenkins is a powerful run blocker and mean finisher when he gets his hands on a defender. He also has the size and length to be effective cutting off the backside on all those beautiful Patrick Mahomes rollout passes.

Brett Veach could always surprise us with a wide receiver pick here, but Jenkins feels like a match of need and value they can’t ignore.

I don't think Jenkins will make it to 31 but who knows. I think there may be some surprises on draft day. This may be one of the toughest draft classes to evaluate because of the opt-outs and limited play etc.

I have a hard time seeing Jenkins at 31. He seems to be be emerging as the clear #4 tackle.

The guy I think surprisingly (for some) falls to 31 is Cosmi.

Yeah, I can see it now. It's going to be interesting.

I called it first!

Jenkins is good but what else is he gonna say? "No I don't like playing LT"?? He just wants to be drafted as high as possible at this point so of course he's gonna say that. The question remains can our rookie LT come in three games into the season if needed? We cannot aford to have a kid who needs a year or two to adapt to playing there so Veach has to think very carefully about this.

I would be happy with Jenkins or Cosmi.

This draft is so loaded with O lineman we are very fortunate. Guys like those two rarely make it to 31.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Considering how often UF went empty and how little help they gave Forsythe in high leverage situations when they didn&#39;t, I&#39;d put his pass pro tape/traits/skill very, very high in this class based on who I&#39;ve watched so far. So impressive.</p>&mdash; Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonThornNFL/status/1376259226188808192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Chiefs are going to shock everybody and take Forsythe at 31 aren’t they?

Or find a way to get him in the 2nd round with a WR in the first.

Obviously I’d prefer this, but the former wouldn’t surprise me either.

Nope. I’m fine either way. I’m just dreaming of Marshall in the first and Stone in the second.

Everything will depend on the run on linemen and when it happens. If all the teams who are tackle needy get their guys in the first then the Chiefs will be able to be patient. But if three or more teams don't bite in the first and we find ourselves being able to pick from Stone, Cosmi, Jenkins, Radunz, Little etc then I think it could be risky waiting tbh. IF Marshall or Batemen are there for us though you probably have to take em because the tackle class has way more options.

I have seen a few mocks now where the first OT has fallen to around 11-13.

I think it could be worth trading up to 12 where the Eagles are now if Sewell falls that far.

It gets us a great OT for the next 10 years and stops the Chargers having him.

I do think we need to at least get above the Steelers/Bills who are going to take one to make sure we get the tackle we want unless they are comfortable taking someone like Little in the second round.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who are analysts selecting for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> at pick No. 31? <a href="https://t.co/sGoGTf3h0g">https://t.co/sGoGTf3h0g</a></p>&mdash; Chiefs Wire (@TheChiefsWire) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheChiefsWire/status/1378320655746228224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

From GBN:

My god, Sewell dropping and Slater/Darrisaw going first is the only thing that would tempt me to trade up...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oklahoma State OT Teven Jenkins on what teams are getting if they draft him.<br><br>&quot;Tough, physical, nasty mother****er. A dude who does not shy away from hits. A dude&#39;s who is going to bust his ass.&quot;</p>&mdash; Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alex_Kozora/status/1377680920203902980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I trust Veach, Reid, and Heck to make a solid choice.