The Kansas City Chiefs definitely have needs up front on their offensive line, especially at the tackle positions. The team has been investing in the middle of the line in recent years, with Jon Asamoah two drafts ago and Rodney Hudson in this past draft. If mock draft experts have their say, then it seems the Chiefs might go for the line again early in the 2012 NFL Draft by selecting Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin.
Chad Reuter of CBS Sports writes, "Martin isn't as athletic as the tackles going ahead of him in this draft, but should be a solid starter for years to come at either left or right tackle." If Reuter's order is right, Martin will be the third OT to go off the board in the top 10 of the draft, showing how important it is to protect a team's biggest investment at quarterback. Matt Kalil of USC and Riley Reiff of Iowa are the first two off the board.
Tackle is a deep position in the upcoming draft, so that's good news for a team that needs help in that specific area. Branden Albert has held his own at left tackle for the Chiefs yet has yet to overwhelm anyone in doing so. Barry Richardson on the right side has needed replacing for some time. The Chiefs are consistently beat around the edge and a strong starting tackle to stabilize the line could do wonders for the running and passing game and keep the chains moving.