at some point there will be too many.

And why just allow them to be there anyway, when you can take steps to avoid that deficiency?

Just...forget it. We'll see what happens.

What the **** is this shit?

Fisher tore a core muscle and instead of panicking, they just plugged in Cam Erving. Now, they're plugging in Rankin.

Fisher was clearly the best choice in a shitty draft and he obviously didn't like Brandon Albert or he wouldn't have drafted Fisher.

Schwartz was a nice free agent signing but again, as you can see, the Chiefs haven't drafted a starting Right Tackle since Reid arrived in 2013.

And that was a different time, was it not? Alex Smith needed as much protection as possible.

Can you say the same about Mahomes? Clearly not, as he's had 4 starting Right Tackles this season without missing a beat.

I didnt' say that the Chiefs will do nothing. I clearly stated that I think they'll take a tackle on Day 2 or Day 3 but that depends on Fisher's availability AND Rankins' performance tomorrow.

There's no reason to waste a Day 1 or Day 2 on a tackle if the Chiefs are good with their current tackles heading into the 2021 season.

Yeah, I guess so. You're overreaching when no one knows whether or not Fisher and Schwartz will be available to start the 2021 season and if so, this entire conversation is for naught.

https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2020/aa...ch/research17/

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf...3011417S000314

I'm just providing these to give you some background that there is absolutely no guarantee Fisher returns at all, much less as the same caliber player.

I'm not a doctor, so I go with the statistics from people that are. An Achilles is the most damning injury in sports today. Everyone heals differently from it given the lack of blood flow.

It would be nice, for sure. I don't trust him out there but we'll have to see. I have to imagine we'll see more rolling away from that side and some chips to help, but we'll see how much faith Andy puts in him and how well he responds. For the sake of winning a title, I sure hope it works well.

Thanks for the links. The good thing is that he's not a running back because if that were the case, I'm sure the Chiefs would just move on.

The second link stated that the recovery time is 9 months and that "more players are returning to play after injury and with better post-injury performance as compared to the previous two decades".

So if that's the case, Fisher might be ready by Training Camp but I think it's probably safer to guess that he'll end up on the PUP and return somewhere around Week 9, as long as his recovery goes smoothly.

I feel bad for the guy because he's missing out for a chance to win a second consecutive Super Bowl as an NFL starter. Hopefully, he'll come back and play in a third straight Super Bowl.

I almost want to re-watch the Week 17 Chargers game to get a really good look at his performance in that game.

Almost.

:D

Niang was probably going to start the season on PUP and they planned on using him as a backup guard to start with. In other words, if Little is a Niang type, he's not starting at LT next year.

Eichenberg projects as a RT. He's strong in the running game but struggles in space.

Jalen Mayfield is always there at 64 and I see him available into the 4th at times. He's just not a top flight prospect.

And Radunz is probably the best LT prospect of that bunch but even he isn't going to be able to start day 1. He's extremely raw.

And these aren't my opinions, these are all opinions I've drawn from scouting reports.

If I had access to it, I would. I passively watched that game because it was pretty well a throw-away game. I don't recall him being overly impressive, but hey I could be waaaaaay off base there.

Those are nothing like the scouting reports that I have read on ANY of those guys.

Kiper is mocking Mayfield at #14. He has him ranked as the #3 tackle, and says he'd rank him first but Mayfield has 15 starts. Now, it's Kiper, whatever, but he's NEVER there at #64 in any of the mocks I run or have seen. Late first-early second in every one.

I say Little is a Niang situation meaning that he's a first round talent but drops due to an injury in mid 2019, and covid opted out in 2020. So not in a "we gotta wait a year for him to be healthy" , he's healthy NOW. Nobody's projecting him to play Guard-and Niang was only projected there because you had a healthy Fisher and Schwartz at the time. What they were saying was they thought Niang would be one of their best 5; but I think you know that and are just being difficult.

NFL Draft Network's analysis of Liam Eichenberg says, "NFL ready starting Left Tackle who should find assimilating to the pro game fairly easy"-Crabbs So no, that doesn't sound like a RT or a G.

I get that you REALLY don't want to take an OT early. Like you hate the idea. But you're showing a lot of confirmation bias here. You've even had to take OT in your own mock machine drafts because you've seen that's literally where the value wants to fall.

Fix the offensive line? That would be ridicules! We lost because of our offensive line - let it go! God damn it!

I take no pleasure in being right.

But anyone who tells me that it's a bad use of resources, or to just keep adding playmakers can eat a dick.

We lost this game because we could not function up front, and got dominated. Even Mahomes needs blocking.

Dead ****ing wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Did I mention wrong?

WRONG.

This is the most embarrassing loss I have ever witnessed as a Chiefs fan. Even more that the kicker who shall be unnamed God damn this hurts. A 25 year old QB with no OL help vs. a ****ing 43 yr old QB who made us look like absolute fools! Yes, WE NEED AN OFFENSIVE LINE - no doubt about it - DRAFT OL FIRST, SECOND, THIRD! This is ridicules!

Except that I don't.

I don't hate the idea at all.

What I'm against is drafting a tackle in the first regardless of who is there. I want a guy that can actually start on the left side day 1 if I'm taking a tackle that high. If Fisher comes back, then move him to the right, that's fine too.

There's very few guys that fit that bill, though.

Mayfield's lack of experience is concerning. Eichenberg absolutely is better suited for right tackle. Little's history is a red flag. None of those guys jump off the page for any other reason than they are tackles, not because they are top flight prospects.

Now, if we end up at #31 with one of those guys available and a bunch of other prospects with question marks at other positions, like DE, then you have to give the nod to need and take the tackle.

But if a potential blue chipper drops out of the 20's into our lap and we take a 2nd tier tackle, that's just bad drafting.

Agree.

I don't want to reach for an LT, but I sure as hell don't ever want to relive this Super Bowl. That was awful.

Absolutely DO NOT draft OL in all 3 rounds. That would be the dumbest move ever.

Agree. Plus in 4 years you get so see most of that talent walk.

How bout now?

Wouldn’t mind having that 3rd round comp the next 2 years for coach Bienemy about now....

Of course not - I am just pissed right now. Forgive me!

EB is not going to be a HC, probably ever.

There's something not right there.

Okay, I can forgive that. :D

Really. What?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ripjDCR17XM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I know feel the opposite of how I did before the game. We should only by drafting OL in the first round. Mahomes was incredible with no protection at all.

Just give him a decent line and it doesn't matter who he throwing to (as long as they can run basic routes.)

Is there a chance Cosmi falls to 31?

Sure.

Yea, but it’s rather small.

There’s a small chance that one of Mayfield or Cosmi fall to 31.

But unless they do, I think we’re better off taking somebody like Little or Hudson on day 2.

I like it.

If I could have Cosmi and Niang at my tackle spots going forward, that could solidify it for a while. I like it.

The problem is, when you look at who’s drafting ahead of us, there’s a few picks where a run on OT’s could/should occur.

The Redskins, Bears, and Colts all need a T and are picking back to back to back in the early 20’s. Then there are some teams like the Steelers and Bills who could also be taking a T.

Ultimately, that’s where I think those guys go.

I still think WR or DE is where the value will be at in round 1.

Yeah, thats true.

I wouldn't be upset at looking around and trading a pick for an established LT. Not necessarily a high pick, but wiht the cap issues, if we can get it under control we could make a move of someone looking to move on.

Hearing multiple teams interested in Ravens Pro Bowl OT Orlando Brown, who has permission to seek a trade. Based on level of interest, good chance a trade that makes sense for all parties comes together. Brown has strong relationship w/Ravens, who would want value for him.

Yea I think that’s something they will consider as opposed to having Niang and another rookie.

But I agree it would be awesome to have Cosmi and Niang.

I think there are 4 day 2 T’s that are good fits though.

Dillon Radunz, North Dakota St.- Looked very good at the Senior Bowl and surprised people in comparison to his 2019 tape. Would likely require a trade up, but it’s possibly he makes it to 63.

Walker Little, Stanford- 1st round caliber prospect that had a injury in 2019 and opted out of 2020. Would be a perfect fit scheme wise.

James Hudson, Cincinnati- Still learning to play T after moving over from DT, but this guy has great athleticism and movement skills for the position.

D’Ante Smith, East Carolina- Another guy that shocked people at the Senior Bowl. He was dominant in 1 on 1 drills.

I just wish I knew what their plan was for Niang. Is he a guard? Is he the future RT? LT?

And what **** are we doing with Rankin?

Adrian Ealy is also a good developmental fit. Needs a year or two but has the tools to be a high-level guy.

Yea, there are just so many question marks on the OL.

On top of where do they see Niang playing:

When will Fisher be back? Is he still in their long term plans?

Is Schwartz going to retire?

Do they even want LDT back?

Are they going to let Reiter walk like we expect?

Do they see Allegretti as the future starter at C? If not, do they just pencil him in at LG again?

It’s way too early to have any idea what is going to happen to the OL.

I bet Kilgore and Stefan both retire.

Would it take a 3rd to get it done?

Doubtful. He’s 25 and better than average.

Lol no. They'll want a first.

No. Maybe 1 in a 1000. He's a top 15 prospect right now so unless one of the other guys moves up past him, he's not getting to 31. Most places have him going to the Chargers at 13.

Right now, all we have to go on is that Veach said Niang was going to be a guard to start with. Who knows now.

No way. I’d guess a 2nd maybe

But he’ll if you feel like he’s a legit long term LT (or rt) send them 31

If it takes a 2nd....then I’m doing that in a heartbeat. But there are 29 other teams who have a higher pick in the 2nd round that could make that deal.

They're going to want a 1st. Bank on it.

If Jamaal Adams is worth two 1sts, a starting LT of his quality is worth at least one.

24 yrs old, 2x pro-bowler.

I’d say 1st round pick and a starting caliber player.

Iirc he needs a new contract too?

If Schwartz is done, you could have brown play rt once Fisher comes back

Pretty sure he wants out of Baltimore because he wants to be a LT.

This is true

That’s fine

Pay him well and he won’t care I’d guess

He wants the deal they gave Ronnie Stanley.

yeah not gonna happen.

If we’re looking for a 3rd rd gem I highly recommend D’Ante Smith. He can play anywhere but C and looks athletic as all hell.

Here’s some footage:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">D&#39;Ante Smith is another player who has had a strong week. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ECU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ECU</a> <a href="https://t.co/WP4SihL7Nx">pic.twitter.com/WP4SihL7Nx</a></p>&mdash; Billy M (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/1354814191421407238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Now D&#39;Ante shows what he can do at RT <a href="https://t.co/NcL7z4Elft">pic.twitter.com/NcL7z4Elft</a></p>&mdash; Billy M (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/1354815218820374533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">To the echo of the whistle! D’Ante Smith (#67) plays with a nasty temperament. Most of his experience is at left tackle, some teams may value that type of disposition inside. <a href="https://t.co/iDDHqfuXsI">pic.twitter.com/iDDHqfuXsI</a></p>&mdash; Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) <a href="https://twitter.com/RiseNDraft/status/1343385518164357120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reminds me a ton of Matt Peart from last year who ended up going 99th. Same guy, light in the pants but ultra-athletic and pops on tape. I think you'd have to spend a year bulking him up to move him inside unless he could end up handling center, otherwise you're probably looking at leaving him at LT. Interesting guy though.

I’ve been on the Smith bandwagon ever since I saw him during Senior Bowl week.

He’s going to be a great late day 2 to early day 2 value.

I am currently thinking I would prefer an edge rusher in round 1 and then an OT in round 2 and WR in Round 3.

Think the field is deep for WR and OT but not so for edge rushers.

this is exactly what I have found.

Gonna have to ask htismaqe about the Iowa kid Alaric Jackson. He seems like an excellent G prospect who has played extensive time at Tackle.

Seems like an ideal mid rd option

Probably a little later than mid-round. He was inconsistent at tackle but could definitely play inside in the NFL. I think he'll likely be a 5th round pick at this point.

Yes. Nice prospect if you can get him at the right price. I think he might be able to play RT in the NFL, but he's a little raw. I don't think he's ever played inside at Iowa.

He hasn't but he doesn't really have the length to play outside. He's a "box" guy so he would likely operate better inside with guys to either side of him.

Man, one thing is for sure:

There is no consensus this year on anyone outside the top maybe 20 guys. Everyone else's boards are all over the place. Some mocks have guys going late first/early second and other mocks have them as fourth rounders. I mean it's really all over the place.

I don't expect that to change, honestly. It's going to come down to scouting and scheme fits because there won't be the work-out warrior thing as guys shoot up due to the combine.

Yeah, there's some weird takes out there for sure.

I saw a Zeirlein (I think it was) mock where he had 6 ILB going in the 1st round.

It's weird, but I have to think it will favor stable organizations. We should have a good draft.

I agree. It sure seemed to be okay last year for us.

Thats actually great news, plus with no combine... Advantage Veach!

So maybe not in the first but what about James Hudson out of Cincy?

Converted from d line to LT and in 2 years he gave up 0 sacks and only 6 pressures.

:rolleyes:

Yeah, I sure hope the Chiefs draft a tackle in every round! That'll fix all of their issues!

The Combine isn't happening this year in Indy so the draft will be even more risky than in past years.

And to be quite honest, I don't think there's a tackle at #31 in this draft that can start in Week 1, whether it's Left or Right, so if Fisher and Schwartz are both out for the year, the Chiefs will need to sign guys in free agency.

James Hudson and D’Ante Smith are my guys in the 3rd. Walker Little if we want to see if he slides into the 3rd and trade up too.

There’s value at OT in rounds 2-3, no need to reach for one in the 1st.

Didn't read all of the previous posts but if that is the case then who do you like in the first? Or do you trade down to gain more picks? Do you trade our 1st for a player on another team? Just curious of your thoughts.

It depends on the board but there should be value at both DE and WR at #31, in addition to OT. If things fall right, trading down would be a good option.

Thanks just wanted to follow along and get feedbacks. Another crazy year!

I've rarely been critical Chiefs since Reid took over in 2013, other than some questionable contracts and draftees by John Dorsey, but I have to say, I am very disappointed by the fact that the Chiefs haven't directly addressed the timetable for Schwartz and Fisher's recovery/return.

The season is over, both men ended last season on IR and they don't need to play any games with the roster.

They've had plenty of time to appraise the fans of their injury status, so what's the holdup?

Trade down would be great if some team wants to move up for Trask or Jones- provided they don't go earlier. I was thinking Carolina might do it but who knows now with Watson rumors.

Great question and this needs to be addressed sooner than later. We, as fans, would like to know what's what - like NOW!

Last thought on this currently is:

What will the salary cap be in the end?
Who gets cut and what does the roster look like after said cuts
How can we restructure the remaining
What do we do in FA
Who is there @ #31
What do we do with that pick? Do you move up to try and get Azeez Ojulari · Edge rusher or Teven Jenkins · OT or take Landon Dickerson · C ( Azeez Ojulari is my choice of the 3 here)
I believe in Veach so far so I think he knows what he is up against and how to handle it efficiently

Just my .02

On to the 21 season!

I say we go hella heavy on OL, like 2 in the first 3 rounds.

Go DE in the 3rd round and maybe go somebody like Amari Rodgers in the 4th.


Mahomes made Albert Wilson look decent, he could do the same if not more with a guy like Rodgers. I’m down.

If you want anything other than a project at DE, you need to grab one in the first round.

I think this really sets up for a Chiefs trade down if they are going to use early picks on offensive linemen.