3 left tackles the Chiefs could target in the draft

Even with the signing of free agent left tackle Jaylon Moore last month, the Kansas City Chiefs’ most crucial roster need is at left tackle.

Consider the skepticism shown by some league executives. Per The Athletic’s Mike Sando, at least one front office staff member from another team was scratching their head at the Moore signing.

“Jaylon Moore has had durability issues, he has never been a front-line player and he’s been protected in a system that is not dropback-heavy, so I do not love that move,” one exec said.

As the draft draws nearer, all eyes are on general manager Brett Veach — and what he will do to help solidify quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side in the draft.

Here are three prospects the Chiefs could target (one for each day of the draft):

Day 1: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Height: 6’5

Weight: 315 lbs.

Arm length: 33 1/2 inches

Projected: pick 15-25

This selection might require the Chiefs to make a mid-size trade-up to get him. But if you’re serious about protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side for the next 10 years and preventing the horror show that was Super Bowl LIX from happening again, then this is the move you have to make.

The only knock on Banks is the same knock on literally every other left tackle at the top of the board, and it’s that he has sub-34-inch arms. But, if we’re being honest. So does Jaylon Moore, and so did Joe Thuney. Desperate times call for rethinking your thresholds to see if they still hold, and I think Banks Jr. is the exception to the rule.

He is smooth in his pass sets and utilizes his hands to good effect with a well-timed punch and great footwork. He doesn’t get caught off-balance very often and doesn’t end up on the ground unless he’s pancaking a guy. If you were going to push your chips in, this is the guy to do it with.

Day 2: Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College

Height: 6’8

Weight: 316 lbs.

Arm length: 33 inches

Projected: pick 65-90

The big issue with Trapilo is that he is even shorter-armed than Banks, and at 6 feet 8, it’s even more of a concern for a guy who (due to his height) will struggle at times with letting defenders into his chest and allowing them to get below his pad level. However, it is worth noting that Trapilo does have position versatility. He played both right and left tackle during his time at Boston College.

Trapilo has that mean streak you want in an offensive lineman, and if he doesn’t work out at tackle, he is a ready-made nasty boy to slide inside to left guard and pair with Trey Smith.

Trapilo is thick through his trunk and possesses awesome power in his hands. He looks to finish his blocks by driving through his guy on running plays. In pass sets, he is hard to move and handles power well. He has enough lateral movement not to be at a deficit against bendy edge rushers.

Day 3: John Williams, Cincinnati

Height: 6’4

Weight: 322 lbs.

Arm length: 33 7/8 inches

Projected: pick 170-235

At this point, we are talking about diamonds in the rough who could be the sleeper pick of the draft, and if you’re betting on winning the lottery to pay your mortgage, then you should probably reevaluate your life choices.

That being said, if there is a late-round guy who I think could come in and play right away, it’s Williams. He is copy-and-paste consistent in his pass sets, to the point where, when you watch his game film, you sometimes feel like you’re watching the same play repeatedly.

He’s not a perfect player by any means; he’s not overly powerful with his hands, but he is athletic. Some scouts think he might end up sliding inside to guard at the next level, but there is a lot to like here for a bottom-of-the-draft guy.

What do you think? Who is the prospect you want to see the Chiefs target?