Kansas City Chiefs 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 8.0
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Kansas City Chiefs Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Kansas City Chiefs from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
Before the Chiefs released starting (but injured) tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, it would have been reasonable to slot a tackle here given how much pressure they allowed in the Super Bowl. With both tackles no longer on the roster, it's become even more of a pressing need for 2021 and beyond. While he lacks ideal length and strength, Cosmi was a three-year starter at Texas with experience at both right tackle (2018) and left tackle (2019, 2020) and possesses outstanding athleticism.
It's difficult to not force an offensive tackle in here, and maybe the Chiefs reach a little for Notre Dame's Liam Eichenberg or Michigan's Jalen Mayfield. But the class is deep enough that they could find a solid tackle in Round 2, and the signings of Joe Thuney and Kyle Long -- along with the return of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif -- at least help shore up the interior. And edge rushing is a big concern too. Ojulari is a real specialist there, and a quartet of Chris Jones, Frank Clark, Jarran Reed and Ojulari could be problematic for opposing QBs.
The Chiefs cutting starting tackles Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher makes it a near certainty they take an offensive lineman with this pick -- unless they fall in love with one of the best players available. Cosmi is experienced and durable after starting three seasons for the Longhorns at both left and right tackle.
The Super Bowl shined a very bright light on the importance of a competent offensive line. At the time, we could chalk up the incompetence of the KC O-Line in the Super Bowl to injuries, but now it's a more permanent problem with the release of both of their starting tackles. KC has addressed the inside of the line by signing the best available in Joe Thuney and also enticing Kyle Long out of retirement but could still use some help on the outside. They were reportedly in on Trent Williams before he re-signed with the 49ers.
Eichenberg is a three-year starter at left tackle at Notre Dame and gives KC an experienced college player who can step in and contribute on Day 1.
The greatness of Patrick Mahomes has made up for the mediocrity of his offensive line since he became the starter. Joe Thuney was a nice addition at guard. Cosmi is capable of starting at right tackle day one, but has the ability to protect Mahomes' blindside eventually.
The Chiefs went all out to sign guard Joe Thuney in free agency, giving him a five-year, $80 million deal. They followed that up by coaxing Kyle Long out of retirement on a one-year, $1.5 million pact. Still, after releasing both starting tackles from last season (Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz), this offensive line needs more reinforcements. Enter Eichenberg. Although he hasn't generated much first-round hype, I could see a tackle-needy team jumping at the chance to grab him. Eichenberg brings length, technical savvy, and experience, with 38 college starts under his belt.
Kansas City revamped its offensive line after a very poor Super Bowl showing. Gone are tackles Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher and guards Austin Reiter and Kelechi Osemele. In are guards Joe Thuney and Kyle Long, and Mike Remmers at right tackle. That still leaves a hole at left tackle. Alijah Vera-Tucker played the shortened 2020 season at left tackle, but he also has lots of experience at guard, giving Kansas City extra flexibility if needed.
