With just a week remaining before the 2024 NFL draft, the Kansas City Chiefs are finalizing their draft board. Although they are expected to prioritize selecting a wide receiver in the first round, they may deviate to address a significant gap in their roster. Presently, the Chiefs lack a viable starting left tackle to safeguard quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs are actively seeking to address this position. Before offensive tackle Andre Dillard joined the Green Bay Packers, he visited the Chiefs as a free agent. Fowler reported that Kansas City is in need of tackle assistance, which they might find through the draft. AtoZ Sports’ Charles Goldman added that despite this, there are several free agents available who could complement the Chiefs, notably former Packers standout David Bakhtiari.
Goldman suggested, “If they opt for a low-risk, high-reward approach, they could consider former Green Bay Packers LT David Bakhtiari. Despite playing in just 13 games since his ACL injury in late 2020, if fully recovered, he could be a valuable addition.”
Following the trade of L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, the Chiefs possess approximately $20.1 million in cap space. Even if they intend to draft a left tackle, having a veteran like Bakhtiari, a two-time First-Team All-Pro, to mentor the prospect would be beneficial.
Analyst Wendell Ferreira recently identified the Chiefs as a likely landing spot for Bakhtiari, citing the need for an upgrade over projected starter Wanya Morris or the alternative plan of shifting Jawann Taylor to left tackle and Lucas Niang to right tackle. Ferreira noted that while Bakhtiari’s health is a concern, the Chiefs could manage if he misses a portion of the season, provided he’s available from November onward.
When healthy, Bakhtiari, a 2013 fourth-round pick from Colorado, has been formidable. He has allowed 32.0 sacks over 5,758 pass-blocking snaps since entering the NFL and earned a solid 79.8 overall grade for his 11 starts during the 2022 season.
Meanwhile, the possibility of re-signing Donovan Smith remains open for the Chiefs. Despite missing games due to a neck injury last season, ESPN insider Bill Barnwell highlighted penalties as a concern for Smith. Nevertheless, if the Chiefs fail to secure an offensive tackle in the draft or find a suitable veteran alternative, re-signing Smith could be a fallback plan.
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