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Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart: Offensive Linemen
Andy Reid: Head Coach Of Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman are a solid bunch with loads of potential and high draft picks. Together, there are two first-round picks, two second-round picks and two third-round picks out of the bunch. The Chiefs have one of the best tackles tandem in the league with Branden Albert and first overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft Eric Fisher. On the inside, they have Jeff Allen, Rodney Hudson and Jon Asamoah at the guards and center spot. Backing up those players are swing guard-tackles Geoff Schwartz and Donald Stephenson, and sixth-round pick Eric Kush at center.
This group got stronger this offseason with the addition of Schwartz and Kush. Their top-end picks have also gotten better with a couple of year of experience under their belt and should provide the Chiefs with a top-five rushing attack this year again. In pass protection, they need a little work, but I believe that Alex Smith will stay in the pocket long enough and when it breaks down will buy enough time with his legs for this offensive line unit to be productive. The Chiefs might also pick up a player or two that gets released by another team to shore up this offensive line. If that is the case, Rodney Hudson, who has struggled a bit in the preseason, would be the odd man out.
I don't know if any of them will make the Pro Bowl outside of Branden Albert, but they will sure be fun to watch road grade for All-Pro runningback Jamaal Charles and that rushing attack.
Branden Albert: 1st-String Left Tackle
Branden Albert is the Chiefs starting left tackle. They signed him to a one-year franchise tender, which shows you how important they think he is to the Chiefs team. He is great in run blocking and always improving in pass protection. He shouldn't give up too many sacks on the year going up against elite competition on the other side.
Jeff Allen: 1st-String Left Guard
Jeff Allen really struggled last year but he is much improved and should be a vital part of this Chiefs offensive line for years to come. He was a second-round draft pick a year ago, and by all accounts should have been a plug-and-play guard. Look for him to live up to his potential this year for the Chiefs.
Rodney Hudson: 1st-String Center
Hudson has really struggled but he is the best option at center as the Chiefs can't go with a rookie center to start the year. He might be replaced sometime in the year if he doesn't pick up his game, but I expect him to play better and go back to last years form.
Jon Asamoah: 1st-String Right Guard
Asamoah is a top-10 talent at guard in the NFL. He was a plug-and-play guard out of Illinois and will be a mainstay of this Chiefs offensive line for years to come.
Eric Fisher: 1st-String Right Tackle
Eric Fisher comes into the season with a lot of hype. So far, he has played like a rookie but he potential is there and I only expect the first-overall draft pick of the 2013 NFL Draft to put it all together by years end.
Geoff Schwartz: Swing Guard/Tackle
Schwartz is a capable backup guard or tackle. Look for him to play for Allen if Allen really struggles, but other than that, he provides great depth at a position of need.
Eric Kush: 2nd-String Center
Eric Kush was a sixth-round pick of the 2013 NFL Draft and is the best pass blocker on team. He takes great angles and will provide the Chiefs with a solid backup to Hudson.
Donald Stephenson: Swing Tackle/Guard
Donald Stephenson was a third-round pick a year ago. He needed to get stronger and he has by all accounts. He should be a capable backup to the starting tackles and serve well if one of them goes down with an injury.
