Due to the nature of large threads, several days ago the Spagnuolo thread kind of veered off for awhile into a discussion about offensive line. I thought an interesting conversation got going while we were on the subject of drafting/developing players cheaply when we Mahomes eventually needs to get paid and how we can get a head start on gaining some of that flexibility.
These are the Chiefs OL who are 2019 free agents:
Mitch Morse
Jordan Devey
Jeff Allen
If we just let them walk, we'd be left with:
Austin Reiter
Jimmy Murray
Kahlil McKenzie
Andrew Wylie
Eric Fisher
Mitch Schwartz
Cam Erving
LDT
Plus the following dudes from the practice squad if you want to be "official":
Ryan Hunter
Pace Murphy
How much investment in OL do you think is optimal? Are you satisfied with the developmental guys on the roster, or would you go so far to use even a 2nd rounder to replace Morse? Would you take it a step further and also invest in finding a better LG or even backup OT? [Reply]
I think either a veteran FA or a draft pick comes in to compete for the starting Center job. The brass likes Morse, but sadly he is not durable. I’d be surprised if he is retained. The Reiter contract was a reward for yeoman’s duty, but I think they see him like they saw Erving in 2017 - your swing guy who can fill in at G/C in a pinch. [Reply]
After securing a corner/linebacker/safety in this draft, I wouldn't be mad if they threw every other draft pick at an offensive lineman. Solidify the protection in front of Mahomes. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bowser:
I'd bet DeVey comes back.
After securing a corner/linebacker/safety in this draft, I wouldn't be mad if they threw every other draft pick at an offensive lineman. Solidify the protection in front of Mahomes.
Agree that Devey is coming back, I also think the throw a later round pick at a tackle or C. I think they have high hopes for Mackenzie at G. [Reply]
Great topic for discussion, it's an issue I vacillate on quite a bit
Not too long ago I was calling for a high pick on a new center, but these days it feels like Reiter would be serviceable
Also wanted to upgrade Erving, even though he was a pleasant surprise... yet lately I'm wondering what steps McKenzie has taken in his growth
As it stands right now, I'd be ok just keeping Devey as depth and spending a 4-5 on a raw but talented LT project... we seem to have a nice stable of guys on the interior, but tackle not so much
We put up a lot of points on an extremely well coached pats D with what's already in the cupboard, so I see no reason to spend big at the grocery store this year