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OG Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
The Chiefs enter the offseason along with the rest of the NFL, trying to figure out how to body out its offensive line. The Chiefs are more fortunate than most, with four starters in place, a hole only at right tackle, with a decent swing tackle in OT Lucas Niang. But with OT/G Andrew Wylie and OG/C Nick Allegretti likely moving on (in my humble estimation), the team needs interior depth. And as always, it's not clear what kind of depth on OL the team needs, as the line is full of power lineman, but HC Andy Reid loves athletic guards that can pull and get in space. What does Reid want?
Drafting Cody Mauch will help answer that question, as Mauch is a former tight end with dozens of games playing as a very nimble left tackle, who made is very difficult to ever challenge that outside shoulder and played with a strength and intelligence that, while doesn't seem to me like it will challenge for a Pro Bowl any time soon, he should be ready to play NFL ball sooner than later. It's widely reported that he will transition to the interior, but I want to see how he tests at the Combine first. Along the interior, some technique work and strength conditioning could mold him into a OG Joe Thuney type at guard.
The interior is completely bare if Allegretti walks (unless you have confidence in OT/G Darian Kinnard that I don't currently share). While I don't think Mauch will survive to the 3rd day of the draft, he would be a smart get in round 4, to continue keeping that OL fortified and keeping QB Patrick Mahomes clean. He also gives you a starting option down the line if OG Trey Smith submits contract demands in the coming year that the team simply can't meet.
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