The Chiefs were a dominant team this past season — until the Super Bowl, when a particular weakness was exposed.
Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times in the 40-22 loss, so Kansas City has its sights set on fixing that hole in the upcoming NFL draft.
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller reported that the reigning AFC champions are “actively looking” to trade up in round No. 1 of next weekend’s draft and are keying in on a “long-term offensive tackle solution.”
“I heard the goal would be to move in front of the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Rams if the Chiefs like a specific left tackle still on the board,” Miller said.
Kansas City owns the 31st pick while Houston and Los Angeles hold No. 25 and 26, respectively.
According to CBS Sports’ live tracker of which prospects are visiting with which teams, the Chiefs have hosted eight offensive linemen, five of whom are listed as offensive tackles.
OT Anthony Belton (N.C. State), OL Mose Vavao (Fresno State), OL Esa Pole (Washington State), OL Bryce Cabeldue (Kansas), OT Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan (Oregon State), OT Caleb Etienne (BYU), OT Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) and OT Dalton Cooper (Oklahoma State) have all visited Kansas City.
None of the eight offensive linemen are ranked any higher than No. 8 on Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) top offensive tackle prospects, so they are likely targets in the later rounds.
In the Post’s latest mock draft, PFF’s No. 3 offensive tackle Josh Simmons (Ohio State) projects to go No. 27 to the Ravens. Simmons being available this late could be one of the potential outcomes that would lead to the Chiefs pushing for a trade to picks 25 or 26.
Kansas City’s offseason has been relatively quiet aside from signing fellow offensive tackle, former 49er Jaylon Moore.