Follow us:

Both Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz are scheduled to be free agents after the 2021 season. While Mayfield has started at right tackle for the Wolverines, I believe the 20-year-old tackle has the versatility and skill set to develop into a starter on the left side or even kick inside as well.

Offensive line might be the move (perhaps Michigan's Jalen Mayfield or Oklahoma State's Teven Jenkins), and the defensive back group is also accepting reinforcements. But this pick offers great value and brings a fast, versatile matchup component to the second level of the defense to pair with Anthony Hitchens. Bolton is a tackling machine with great instincts and solid coverage ability.

Adam Teicher on his fit with the Chiefs: Bolton would fit the pattern, as the Chiefs have tried to become more athletic at linebacker. He might not be a regular immediately -- defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is demanding of rookies -- but he should eventually be an upgrade in an area where the Chiefs have struggled.

Oweh isn't a finished product but has All-Pro athletic traits and a chiseled frame.

Based on the performance of their makeshift offensive line in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs are likely to prioritize protecting Patrick Mahomes by strengthening that group, especially with injuries to Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz. But with the run on tackles late in the first round, the Chiefs can try to solve their pass-rushing issues by selecting Phillips. Even with star pass rushers in Chris Jones and Frank Clark, the Chiefs' defensive line didn't generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks when coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wasn't blitzing. Adding Phillips, a quick, athletic defender with violent hands, gives the Chiefs a formidable trio to complement their strong secondary. -- Nate Taylor

If there's one thing the Chiefs learned on the way to try and defend their Super Bowl title in the 2020 season, it's that offensive line depth is good. Of course, it's a horrible liability to be down both of your left tackles when you're facing a Buccaneers team in Super Bowl LV that put together the defensive game plan of the year, but Todd Bowles got a lot of help from that decimated Kansas City front five. Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz should be back for the 2021 season, and that's great -- the Chiefs especially missed Schwartz, who's the best right tackle in the NFL -- but there's every reason to believe Andy Reid's team could be in the next Super Bowl, and they'll want to avoid bringing a knife to that particular gunfight.

At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Alabama's Landon Dickerson didn't just establish himself with authority as the Crimson Tide's center over three seasons; he also has experience at every position along the offensive line. Not that he'd do it at a Schwartz level, but Dickerson played 59 snaps at left tackle and 51 at right tackle in 2018, and had 216 snaps at right guard in 2019, along with 32 snaps at left guard in 2020.

Of course, you want Dickerson on that wall as a center, and he's a damned good one. Over three seasons in total, he allowed just one sack, four quarterback hits, and eight quarterback hurries, and he's a total road-grader in the run game. Dickerson is recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in the SEC title game, but when he's recovered from that, he'd be a huge upgrade in the middle for a team that will likely shore up its O-line issues with a vengeance this offseason.

The Chiefs will let a number of cornerbacks hit the market and upgrade the position with the rookie.

The Chiefs were so good on offense last season despite a revolving door almost everywhere across the offensive line. Eric Fisher was the lone starter to finish the regular season, but then tore his Achilles in the AFC championship game against Buffalo. He'll be on the shelf until at least late this year, and perhaps even 2022.

The greatness of Patrick Mahomes has made up for the mediocrity of his offensive line since he became the starter. Vera-Tucker was one of the best offensive tackles in the country, but could also shine on the interior in the NFL.