In the first round, the Kansas City Chiefs added a tackle, and four rounds later, they drafted an interior offensive lineman from Penn State who could be a starter in 2025.
Penn State Offensive lineman Hunter Nourzard is a big-bodied, talented interior lineman who can play center, guard, and tackle. He’s the versatile offensive lineman they had in Nick Allegretti, who signed a free-agent deal with the Washington Commanders.
Heading into the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs were thin along the offensive line. Outside of the five starters from last year, and yes, I’m including Left Tackle Wayna Morris, Nourzard was a significant need for Kansas City.
This pick is interesting because Joe Thuney could be playing his last year in Kansas City. I’m not saying Thuney is gone, but he has a significant cap number next season.
If Nourzard shows off his talents in training camp, the Chiefs must deal with a massive contract for Trey Smith. Though KC’s right guard has made it clear he wants to remain in Kansas City, he also wants a big-time contract. As a former sixth-round pick, the price tag for Smith and Center Creed Humphries could be steep for Kansas City to sign both next year.
The Chiefs’ idea of bringing in a talented interior offensive lineman in the fifth round makes a lot of sense. They have a year to see what he can do, but he is a valuable backup for Kansas City.
