Left Tackle Watch - 2025 Offseason

[kcgreene]

Since this is the most important problem with our roster right now, I figured I'd put something together that organizes all of the Chiefs options into one thread for anyone that wants to take a deeper dive into it.

I'll make sure to update if players are extended, etc.

In-House Solutions

Spoiler!

1.) Keep Thuney at Left Tackle - He handled himself better than many thought, but having Caliendo play LG hurt us big time, and Thuney did get outmatched against the better EDGEs. It was a matter of 'Thuney loses slower than anyone else'.

2.) Have Faith in Wanya or Kingsley - Perhaps Kingsley can make a big jump with a year of offseason training? or Wanya will take an additional step forward? (Personally, I'm thinking Wanya could excel if he slid inside, but there are brighter minds than anyone here at 1 Arrowhead Dr.)

3.) Bring back Humphries - Maybe he still needed more time after sitting so long after his injury? 2025 could potentially be a better year for him with a whole offseason to rehab and put work in.

4.) Move Jawaan to the Left Side - Something that gets brought up quite a bit but doesn't seem like it will realistically happen to me.

Players Potentially in Free Agency
(Age will be age as of Sept 1, number does not entail ranking, just order I wrote them in)

Spoiler!

Slated for Free Agency
1.) Cam Robinson - MIN, 29yo, 6'6", 322lbs, 35.5 Arm, 10.5 Hand - Hasn't been elite by any means, but has shown to be good in pass protection both in Jacksonville and Minnesota last season.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/cam-ro...0-3f306dd57a65

2.) Ronnie Stanley - BAL, 31yo, 6'6", 312lbs, 35.625 Arm, 10.625 Hand - Elite.... when healthy, but he did finally have a healthy year last year after missing 10 games in the previous 2 seasons, and 36 total in the last 4.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ronnie...7-2a4d1dc0dc12

3.) Tyron Smith - NYJ, 34yo, 6'5", 307lbs, 36.375 Arm, 11 Hand, - Still showed he can play at a great level when he's healthy, but hasn't played a full season since.... *Checks PFR*... 2015.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tyron-...3-4c45b840e8ca

4.) Alaric Jackson - LAR, 27yo, 6'5.5", 321lbs, 33.875 Arm, 9.25 Hand - Great pass protection, leaves a lot to be desired in run blocking, but he's young, and we could get him tied up long-term. (ESPN reporting that he will not be tagged) (Extended 3 yr/ $57M by Rams)
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/alaric...5-0392a24d89a5

5.) Dan Moore Jr. - PIT, 26yo, 6'5.5", 311lbs, 34.5 Arm, 10.125 Hand - Mediocre at best in my opinion. This last season was his best year so far, which still wasn't great.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dan-mo...5-ff2e4eb4db91

6.) Jedrick Wills - CLE, 26yo, 6'4", 312lbs, 34.25 Arm, 10 Hand - Former Top 10 pick, and has been good when healthy, which hasn't been the last two years.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jedric...3-20c37d057bf8

7.) Cornelius Lucas - WAS, 34yo, 6'8", 316lbs, 36.75 Arm, 10 Hand - Was the backup in Washington before Coleman went down. Started 7 games, looked decent, but is already older and lacks substantial starting experience, not a good combo.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/cornel...0-2460bc8db96b

8.) Jaylon Moore - SF, 28yo, 6'4", 311lbs, 33.375 Arm, 10.75 Hand - Did solid in the 5 games played in relief of Trent Williams' injury this year.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jaylon...b-566a99739b64

Potential Cap Casualties of other teams
1.) (Potentially Retiring) Terron Armstead - MIA, 34yo, 6'5", 306lbs, 34 Arm, 9.25 Hand - Great Tackle, 5 time Pro Bowler. He does have some injury issues, seemingly missing a few games annually, and at his age, he would be a stopgap for us.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/terron...9-15966a0ab591

2.) Vederian Lowe - NE, 26yo, 6'5", 314lbs, 35.375 Arm, 10.375 Hand - Young, started 13 games this last season, but leaves a lot to be desired as a bookend.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/vederi...4-6711a6aecbb4

The Draft
(Looking at Top 100-Tackles, guys who potentially can start in 2025, rated by placement on Dane Brugler's current Big Board along with his synopsis. Their number is their place on his Big Board. All Tackles are included on this list [Left and Right])

Spoiler!

6.) Will Campbell - LSU, 6'6", 319lbs, 32.675 Arm, 9.5 Hand

Campbell stays balanced in pass protection using his weight distribution and controlled technique, although he can do a better job protecting versus inside/counter moves. He plays rugged in the run game and offers the body fluidity and explosive power to torque and displace defenders. If I were running an NFL team, I’d be keeping him at tackle until I have a reason to move him inside to guard.

8.) Armand Membou - Mizzou, 6'4", 332lbs, 33.5 Arm, 9.75 Hand (NOTE: Right Tackle in College)

As a pass blocker, Membou displays above-average balance and quickness plus a jolting punch in his sets to mirror up and down the arc. He was equally effective in the run game, as the Missouri offense often ran behind No. 79 (and his drive power). Some teams like him best inside at guard, although there is nothing on his tape that says he can’t stay outside at tackle.

17.) Josh Simmons - Ohio State, 6'5", 310lbs, 33 Arm, 10 Hand

Simmons made a strong case over the first month of the season for OT1 status in this class, before a non-contact knee injury ended his year. His projection is still somewhat in limbo until NFL teams get updated medical info on his patella injury. If fully healthy, Simmons has the body control and nimble feet to be a starting blindside tackle in the NFL.

22.) Kelvin Banks Jr. - Texas, 6'4", 325lbs, 33.5 Arm, 10.375 Hand

With his well-timed feet and handwork, Banks is a natural in pass protection. He also shows an instinctive feel for his biomechanics, which allows him to attack with leverage, bend and create force. That said, although he has the initial timing and mechanics down, his balance can be too easily disrupted — especially in the run game — and leave him overextended or on the ground. Teams are split on his best position, between tackle and guard.

34.) Donovan Jackson - Ohio State, 6'4", 320lbs, 33.5 Arm, 9.875 Hand (NOTE: Best known for playing Guard, See Below).

After a rough first start at left tackle against Penn State's Abdul Carter, Jackson played at a high level the rest of the way in 2024 — including an impeccable playoff run. Long considered a guard prospect by NFL teams, his left tackle tape was better than what he showed at his previous position, forcing scouts to reevaluate his best fit at the next level.

50.) Aireontae Ersery - Minnesota, 6'6", 339lbs, 33.125 Arm, 9.5 Hand

With his NFL-ready build and length, Ersery has a stiff punch to steer rushers wide of the pocket, and he can anchor down when rushers try to attack him up the middle. Ersery moves well for a big man, especially as a zone blocker, but there are some sloppy elements to his game. He must improve his timing and consistency during his NFL transition.

63.) Cameron Williams - Texas, 6'5", 335lbs, 34.5 Arm, 11.375 Hand (NOTE: Played Right Tackle at Texas)

With his wide frame, long arms and functional movement skills, Williams has the ability to overwhelm defenders in the run game and force rushers to take a $20 Uber ride to get around him in pass pro. However, there are several basic (and non-negotiable) details that he must develop for the next level, including well-timed or repeatable hands. Williams is another prospect for whom the medicals will influence the final draft ranking.

81.) Ozzy Trapilo - Boston College, 6'8", 321 lbs, 33 Arm, 10.375 Hand (NOTE: Played both LT and RT in his college career.)

Although he never had the chance to see his late father, Steve, play in the NFL, Ozzy Trapilo has the same offensive line talent in his DNA, with natural movements and technical control. He needs to be more consistent blocking low to high in the run game, but he quickly establishes body positioning to manipulate spacing and cut off defenders.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Balto

I’m seeing 33 7/8 at his Pro Day. This isn’t bad at all.

Yeah, if Jackson's arm length is 33 3/4, there's really no reason to be concerned about that, and it makes the ease with which he handles speed to power and long arms a little more normal or sensible.

It's going to come down to how the Chiefs think he fits, and how much money he commands.

But to me, he's far and away the only "big money" option in FA in which I have any interest. Far superior to Stanley - who is too big an injury risk for a large financial commitment, to me - or Robinson - who just isn't as good as the money he is going to command.

[smithandrew051]

His arm length is all over the place online.

Anywhere from 32 1/2 to 33 7/8.

I’m typically a trust Reid/Veach guy, but they may just want to reconsider their obsession with arm length given the state of LT since Fisher. Just get a good player.

And no, it hasn’t stopped the Chiefs from winning 2 Super Bowls and going to the last 3. So this isn’t a complaint. Just an observation that arm length shouldn’t be the determining factor with this specific FA at a position of need.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by smithandrew051

His arm length is all over the place online.

Anywhere from 32 1/2 to 33 7/8.

I’m typically a trust Reid/Veach guy, but they may just want to reconsider their obsession with arm length given the state of LT since Fisher. Just get a good player.

And no, it hasn’t stopped the Chiefs from winning 2 Super Bowls and going to the last 3. So this isn’t a complaint. Just an observation that arm length shouldn’t be the determining factor with this specific FA at a position of need.

I tend to agree with you. We'll see what they do.

[smithandrew051]

Wanya Morris has 35” arms.

Bernhard Raimann has 32 7/8” arms.

Just get a good player.

[kcgreene]

Personally, the more I look at the market, I'm leaning on Wills, if our training staff feels we can keep him healthy. He's good when he's been healthy, but that's what it all breaks down to.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in taking a flyer to lock up Jaylon Moore for a few years relatively cheap.

Personally, I just think that the 4 that appeal to me the most (Armstead [if he is cut for cap purposes], Robinson, Stanley, and Jackson) are going to be absurdly priced.

[rfaulk34]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

You guys are gonna flip when he’s got a better market than that. People only want Jackson because he’s a perceived discount. If he’s starter good it won’t be on a discount. Not to mention he has extremely short arms. Shorter than thuneys.

Yep. When the bidding starts, that 16 will go up. Taylor was 12-14 when he was a free agent and you guys signed him for 20.

[GordonGekko]

Originally Posted by rfaulk34

Yep. When the bidding starts, that 16 will go up. Taylor was 12-14 when he was a free agent and you guys signed him for 20.

Veach will get the money if they think he is the answer

[T-post Tom]

I have 34 inch arms & will play for the vet min. My talent level is way below most high schoolers, but I’m a great locker room guy.

[RunKC]

Originally Posted by smithandrew051

Wanya Morris has 35” arms.

Bernhard Raimann has 32 7/8” arms.

Just get a good player.

Kingsley was an ideal LT on paper but didn’t know how to use his hands or leverage. 31 bench reps is incredible for a lineman and he got walked into Mahomes by Trey Hendrickson bc of his poor technique/leverage.

Conversely Mitch Schwartz had G arm length at only 33 1/2 and he was amazing bc he did what Kingsley could not do: utilize his hands and maintain excellent technique.

That’s why I think Alaric Jackson is interesting

[St. Patty's Fire]

Originally Posted by T-post Tom

I have 34 inch arms & will play for the vet min. My talent level is way below most high schoolers, but I’m a great locker room guy.

basically gehrig deiter

[kcgreene]

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/...e/80249143007/

The Dolphins are operating as if Terron Armstead will not be returning due to retirement.
"As a result, I think we have to operate as though he won't play." per McDaniel. So potentially could see them cutting him before the league year if he hasn't made a decision yet to save money before free agency and the draft.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

You guys are gonna flip when he’s got a better market than that. People only want Jackson because he’s a perceived discount. If he’s starter good it won’t be on a discount. Not to mention he has extremely short arms. Shorter than thuneys.

Not really.

If the Chiefs are after him, they're convinced that what he did in LA is repeatable here.

And if he can do here what he did there, I'd be just fine giving him $18-20 million for 4 or 5 years to be done with the problem for a half-decade.

Overpaying for Jackson makes more sense than paying market for Smith by a damn sight.

[kcgreene]

Updated Alaric Jackson status and Updated Arm and Hand Measurements of Draft Prospects in Original Post.

[In58men]

Bengals have released veteran G Alex Cappa.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2025

[smithandrew051]

With Jackson off the table, I’ve moved on to Jaylon Moore