In the aftermath of their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Kansas City Chiefs have swiftly turned their attention to critical areas of improvement as they gear up for the upcoming scouting combine. A glaring need for a solid left tackle has emerged, especially after enduring a turbulent season punctuated by the quarterback Patrick Mahomes being sacked six times during the championship game. The Chiefs, known for their dynamic offensive gameplay, must prioritize bolstering their offensive line if they wish to remain competitive in the coming seasons.
The Chiefs‘ offensive line has faced considerable instability, having cycled through four different left tackles since parting ways with veteran Eric Fisher following the 2020 season. During the recent campaign, Orlando Brown Jr. filled the left tackle void, but after two seasons, he departed as a free agent, marking another chapter of uncertainty. The challenge deepened with Donovan Smith taking on the role in 2023, even though he had spent the previous season out of the league. Attempts to integrate younger talent such as Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris led to further disappointment, as both were unable to demonstrate the requisite skills, resulting in their benching.
This disarray led the Chiefs to employ guard Joe Thuney as a temporary left tackle, a move indicative of their ongoing search for a permanent solution. However, Thuney was never seen as a long-term fix, raising concerns about whether the Chiefs currently have the appropriate personnel on their roster. With Suamataia experiencing a positional shuffle late in the season and Morris lacking a clear future, it seems probable that the key figure for the left tackle position in the upcoming season is yet to be discovered.
With the Chiefs holding the No. 31 pick in the 2025 draft, they have the opportunity to secure a premier left tackle, albeit in a year that lacks depth at this crucial position. General manager Brett Veach has previously hinted at a more restrained approach to free agency, focusing primarily on retaining their own free agents. Potential departures include key players like guard Trey Smith, wide receiver Hollywood Brown, linebacker Nick Bolton, and safety Justin Reid, which could lead to a roster overhaul.
It’s noteworthy that the Chiefs have stockpiled an impressive four picks within the first three rounds of the upcoming draft, a strategic advantage that puts them in an advantageous position to address their needs. The addition of an extra third-round pick resulted from a prior trade with the Tennessee Titans, which included cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. This deliberate accumulation of draft assets indicates a long-term view, as they lean toward rejuvenating their roster with youthful energy rather than seeking short-term fixes through costly trades.
In their pursuit of a robust roster, the Chiefs must also address defensive line weaknesses. They are set to welcome back a core group of players including Chris Jones, Mike Danna, and former first-rounders George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah. However, the potential departure of Charles Omenihu and Tershawn Wharton poses new challenges. The need for reliable depth is palpable, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding free agency.
The secondary is another area of concern, especially after struggling to find dependable coverage when Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson were sidelined last season. A reliable nickelback is necessary, ideally capable of stepping up in the absence of key players like Watson, who sustained a serious injury during the season.
On the offensive side, while the Chiefs do have promising talents in Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, they must build depth to ensure offensive productivity, particularly if Brown opts to leave as a free agent. The loss of depth could hinder their effectiveness, making it imperative for them to explore potential acquisitions in both the draft and free agency.
Additionally, the Chiefs would benefit from procuring a versatile running back to partner with Isiah Pacheco, especially given the physical toll the position demands. Furthermore, concerns loom over the linebacker corps, particularly if Bolton’s free agency leads to his exit. Tight end remains a critical focus as well, regardless of Travis Kelce’s potential retirement. At 36 and coming off a season with his lowest career output, the need for a future-focused strategy at tight end cannot be ignored.
The Kansas City Chiefs stand at a pivotal moment as they attempt to reshape their roster for sustained success. With ample draft picks and strategic decisions to make, the upcoming scouting combine will be crucial in setting the foundation for next season’s campaign. By addressing their offensive line, bolstering their defense, and adding depth to their receiving core, the Chiefs can position themselves as formidable contenders for years to come.
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