KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs' offensive line overhaul: Smart strategy or desperation?

A Super Bowl loss exposed Kansas City's protection issues-will the draft provide a fix?

If Kelvin Banks Jr. Falls to Kansas City, the Chiefs Have a No-Brainer...
If Kelvin Banks Jr. Falls to Kansas City, the Chiefs Have a No-Brainer Pick(AP Photo/George Walker IV)LAPRESSE

If the Kansas City Chiefs learned one thing from their Super Bowl LIX loss, it's that their offensive line needs work.Patrick Mahomes was under pressure far too often, and the protection cracks that had been showing all season finally became impossible to ignore.

In response, the Chiefs made a move, g former 49ers tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year deal. Moore has potential, but he's far from a guaranteed solution. Kansas City still has serious questions at tackle-so it's no surprise that draft analysts are pointing to the Chiefs as a team that could go after offensive line help in the first round.

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A draft-day steal or just wishful thinking?

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. seems to think Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. could fall right into Kansas City's lap at pick No. 31. That's an exciting possibility-Banks is an experienced and well-rounded blocker who could step in and compete for a starting job right away. He has the versatility to play multiple spots on the line, making him an ideal fit for a Chiefs team that has been forced to shuffle players around.

The problem? Banks might not be there when the Chiefs pick. According to A to Z Sports' NFL Mock Draft database, his early projection is as high as No. 6 overall. His median range is around No. 13. It would be far more shocking to see him slide all the way to the bottom of the first round than to see him taken in the top 10.

So, what happens if Kansas City really wants him? Would they trade up?

How far are the Chiefs willing to go?

The Chiefs have a history of being aggressive in the draft when they identify a player they really want. Just look at how they moved up to land Mahomes in 2017. But with limited draft capital and multiple needs, a big trade up might not be in the cards this year.

That leaves Kansas City with a tough decision. Do they sit tight and hope Banks-or another top tackle prospect-falls to them? Or do they look elsewhere, potentially targeting a developmental prospect they can coach up?

At the end of the day, the Chiefs will be adding to their offensive line in some form. But whether it's Banks or another player, Kansas City has to get this right. The difference between another Super Bowl run and a frustrating season could come down to just how well they protect their MVP quarterback.

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