Is the Offensive Line a Concern for Kansas City Chiefs?

Remember the days of Willie Roaf, Brian Waters, Will Shields, John Tait, and a much younger version of a guy named Casey Weigmann? You know those days when Trent Green had all day to throw the football and Priest Holmes galloped thru holes that even little old ladies could walk thru?

Those were the days.

If there is one weakness that the Chiefs have this year, it's the Offensive Line

Listen, I give Scott Pioli alot of credit. He has done a terrific job of turning this franchise into one of the best "up and coming" NFL teams in recent years. Many of us have had doubts at times, be it trades or draft pick selections, and we all, myself included, have been guilty of looking at the past and playing "Monday Morning Quarterback"

I'm sure all readers have been keeping updates on a small number of very good signings that this team has made recently, but as a fan, there is still one area that needs addressed and time is running out. Yes, the Offensive Line

We can start with the cutting of Brian Waters. Waters has been a fixture for years on this team, and has  been the glue of the line. He is one of the few veterans who helped provide needed leadership to this team.

The fact that Waters was cut doesn't bother me. The club needed the extra $6 million to sign younger players to long term contracts.  

The problem is that you can't lose a Pro Bowler and not expect it to be a downgrade. Waters graded out this year as the 11th best guard in the NFL according to Profootballfocus.com, and that would put him in the top tier.

Granted, Jon Asamoah now gets a chance to shine, but it remains to be seen if he can play anyway near to Waters level.

Casey Weigmann will soon be 39 and clearly this is his last year. He is another player who ranks high at the position, but we all know he is still a Chief for his value as a mentor. 

There is a problem, however. It is quite possible that the player who needs mentoring, rookie Rodney Hudson, may have to back up Offensive Guard as well

Although no one anticipates a problem with that transition, the fact is that if Asamoah or right guard Ryan Lilja get hurt, he may be playing guard after all.

I am not naive. I realize that the Chiefs are not stupid and will attempt to address any Offensive Line issues in the upcoming weeks.

But you still have to wonder just how good this group will be and what could happen if any one or two of them are victims to injury. 

The Chiefs starting OL should consist of Brandon Albert, Jon Asamoah, Casey Weigman, Ryan Lilja, and Barry Richardson. That is an average line at best. 

Albert has breakdowns, Asamoah is raw, Weigmann is old, Lilja overachieves, and frankly Barry Richardson couldn't start on any team without the help of a tight end in pass protection, with an occasional chip by a running back.

But what is really shocking are this team's backups. We'll get a view at that second line thru the preseason.

Rodney Hudson should be solid, but it remains to be seen if he'll backup the Guard position as well as Center, and Ryan O'Callaghan is useless in protection.

After that what is left? Chris Harr, Darryl Harris, David Mims, and Mike Ingersoll? If I was the Offensive Line coach on this team, I would be nervous my job is on the line even before the first snap of the season

What really bothers me is that the Chiefs have totally neglected the depth at this position, and as each day passes we see more and more free agent offensive lineman signing with other teams.

Sure, they can wait until cut time to claim guys, but waiver wire players are released for good reason. They can't cut it. Also keep in mind that Pioli's "right 53" policy will make pickups difficult, since there is little time to interview those players that get cut by other teams.

My Opinion, trade a draft pick to a team deep at the Tackle position who can play both sides and sign the best Guard you can find.

Overall, the Chiefs have done an excellent job this offseason but ignoring this Offensive Line could be the biggest mistake management could ever make.