What we know about this team is that it typically likes to fill its roster out as much as possible in free agency and then spend its highest picks on potential replacements for job openings a year down the road, and that includes Veach.
I doubt I even need to run down the list but:
2020: CEH --> Williams
2019: Hardman --> Hill/Watkins
2018: Speaks --> Ford/Houston
2017: Mahomes --> Smith
Fisher will be on the last year of his contract, and most of us suspect Schwartz retiring.
The Chiefs obviously like Niang but going OT 1st gives them the options:
Niang vs. the rookie for starting RT
if the rookie wins, Niang can slide into guard or hold the swing tackle position
if Niang wins, the rookie can slide into guard or hold the swing tackle position
the Chiefs love Fisher but if both Niang and the rookie excel, maybe they cut bait
if only one of them excel, the Chiefs can extend Fisher
It just seems like the kind of move that gives them the flexibility in future decisions that they like to have.
I'd rather they go DE, even if it means trading up for one. But based on what we know, OT could ostensibly solve up to two different OL spots in 2021 and gives them all kinds of options in 2022 based on how 2021 goes. [Reply]
Well, this thread became a lot more relevant in a hurry.
If it is a torn achilles (which it sounds like), then Fisher wouldn't even be able to play back to 'Fisher level' till 2022.
Niang coming back helps, but at this point we don't if he's anything more than a JAG or a guy that can actually hold down a starting T spot in the pros competently. IMO, they need to look to FA for a 'bargain' that they can maybe get on a short term deal and also draft one early.
Maybe they get lucky and Mitch comes back next year and is 100% but I'm not holding my breath. Those back injuries are bitches. Ruined John Alt's career. Likely Mitch is either done (as a premier tackle, anyway) or will retire. Fisher I would offer a team friendly extension too. I think he wants to stay and they might be able to get a 'bargain' for him now, due to the injury. He'll obviously be out for 2021, but assuming he progresses normally he should be back and ready to go strong for 2022. Yeah, it's a bit of a risk, but low cap # first year (next year) and then you'd still have him for under market value as the rest of the contract works out. If he's willing to do that, which I think he might be. I think he wants to spend his whole career here. He's mentioned something about it before and who wouldn't want to block for Mahomes knowing he gives you a chance to get to the Bowl every year. I think he stays.
We already needed to give some strong consideration to tackle this off-season. Now we're REALLY gonna have to devote some resources to it.
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho:
If Fisher doesn’t look like he can make it back at the start of next season,
I think they’ll either ask him to work a team friendly extension or cut him.
Little IS a good fit. His stock has been up and down but he’s solidly in the second round range now.
I’d be cool with grabbing him there. I suspect his stock may rise as draft day nears.
I have a bit of inside info on Fisher, apparently he was planning to retire at the end of this current contract but if the Chiefs were gonna give him another contract I doubt he would. He loves it in KC. [Reply]
Originally Posted by O.city:
I'd put Niang at LT, look for another RT.
Usually, LT's have to come from pretty early in the draft sadly.
While I don't disagree with any of this, a kid like Jalen Mayfield is an interesting prospect. I think if he had one more college season he'd likely end up going high in the first. As it is, I think he's a late first/very early 2nd.
Niang I loved when they drafted him; and I kind of think this opt-out was a medical red-shirt for him to heal the hip injury, I really doubt that Veach and Reid were caught off-guard.
Anyway, I'm uncomfortable just handing him the spot. And at any rate, we're going to need TWO offensive tackles just to tread water.
And could use an upgrade or two inside too, especially considering Reiter's a FA and I think Wylie is too?
They don't have to be round one, but typically good OT's come there. [Reply]
And that doesn't include guys that were drafted in the 1st but after pick 22 (Duane Brown, Bryan Bulaga, Isaiah Wynn, Anthony Costanzo, Ryan Ramczyk, [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chris Meck:
I thought maybe at RT.
So how does that help with the loss of Fisher?
You reach for an OT in the 1st with so many other needs and better value available only to plug him in on the right side and still have a gaping hole at LT.
I think you could get creative and possibly trade 32 for a currently established LT if you had to. Wonder what the Eagles plans with Dillard are? [Reply]