While some fans might scowl at Gabe Carimi being the Chiefs' choice in the upcoming NFL draft, SB Nation writer Brian Galliford believes it's a possibility given the perceived issues along Kansas City's offensive front. In the latest mock draft, the Chiefs take the Wisconsin offensive tackle at No. 21, bringing a solid bookend at a position that has seen quite the rotation.
If you remember last offseason, the Chiefs finally addressed the offensive interior with the addition of Ryan Lilja. Casey Wiegmann was also signed to bolster the center position, but that was mostly a one-year move and the answer there will most likely be drafted as well. However, the right side has always been in flux, with waiver claims like Ryan O'Callaghan or late-round choices like Barry Richardson manning the position. Before that, it was aging free agents like Damion McIntosh who were called upon to anchor the right side. None proved the long-term answer.
As Galliford writes, "Despite being one of the league's best running teams over the last two years, the Chiefs have had problems at right tackle. Carimi won't be an elite pass protector, but he brings stability and immediate impact to his position, and is a nice fit for an improving Chiefs offense."
This sounds eerily like the Bryan Bulaga pick for the Packers a year ago around the same draft position, and the results were positive there. Most fans envision a stronger linebacking corps or defensive tackle in the first round, but the offensive line is a possibility. Perhaps Carimi can become the long-term answer at the right tackle position.