The Kansas City Chiefs have penciled in their starter at the right tackle spot for now. However, they have options internally, in free agency, and the NFL Draft to find the best long-term fit at right tackle. So will they take one of the top tackles at pick nine? We preview all their options.
Spencer Fano (University Of Utah)
He demonstrates strong pass protection skills and has above-average fundamentals in both the passing and running games. He excels at anchoring against bull rushes and effectively using angles. However, he struggles with penalties and handling inside pressure. I hope he proves himself this year; otherwise, I will consider this contract disappointing and a failure so far. It hasn’t met my expectations. I also hope there’s a competition for the right tackle position during training camp.
He is a 6’5″, 311-pound offensive tackle who played three seasons at Utah. During his time there, he participated in 822 snaps, with 382 dedicated to pass blocking and 440 to run blocking. He incurred 5 penalties, allowed no sacks, and gave up 5 pressures. His impressive performance earned him the title of 2025 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, along with All-American honors.
At the NFL Combine, he recorded a time of 4.91 seconds in the 40-yard dash, a 32-inch vertical jump, a 9’3″ broad jump, 7.34 seconds in the 3-cone drill, and 4.67 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle. He is a three-year starter with experience at both tackle positions.
His footwork and body control enable him to stay connected on move blocks, and he demonstrates excellent hand strike quickness when allowed to fire out. However, he can sometimes be pressured and displaced by defensive ends and tackles with heavy hands, and he tends to open up too quickly, which can leave him susceptible to inside moves. Overall, I think this move would definitely help Mahomes in the pocket.
Francis Maugioa (University of Miami)
He is a 6’6″, 315-pound offensive tackle who spent three seasons with Miami. During that time, he recorded 826 offensive snaps, including 440 pass-blocking snaps and 386 run-blocking snaps. He allowed 2 sacks, 3 hits, and a total of 10 pressures.
Some of his strengths include excellent positioning when working in double teams, good contact balance, and a strong core. He effectively latches onto and redirects pass rushers around the pocket. Additionally, he possesses the footwork, anchor, and punch timing necessary to make a significant impact in his pass protection approach.
He has a few weaknesses, particularly when facing a spin move from the defensive end; he struggles to counter effectively in pass protection. This is a concern, especially because he tends to fall off blocks when his feet lag behind his pads.
It’s important not to reach for any of these players or overpay for them. However, I’m excited to see who emerges as the starting right tackle and who the Chiefs bring in to compete for that position.
Esa Pole (Kansas City Chiefs)
He is a 6’7″, 319-pound offensive tackle who spent one season in the NFL with the Chiefs and the Jets. During that time, he recorded 275 offensive snaps, which included 186 pass-blocking snaps and 89 run-blocking snaps. He was charged with 3 penalties, allowed 1 sack, permitted 4 hits, and surrendered a total of 15 pressures.
In Week 14, he replaced Wanya Morris in a game against the Houston Texans, where he played 63 snaps, allowing only 3 pressures and no sacks. He is a versatile tackle who can play both left and right tackle, as well as guard. He displays lateral quickness, good movement, and fluid pass sets, which contributed to his impressive performance: he had zero sacks in the 2024 season while playing 498 pass-blocking snaps.
The only downside is that he has raw technique due to starting football late in his junior college years, which can result in choppy footwork. I’m eager to see how he performs in the 2025 season with the Chiefs and hope they give him a shot at the starting Right Tackle position. I can’t wait for training camp!
James Hudson (New York Giants)
He is a 6’5″, 313-pound offensive tackle who spent four seasons in the NFL with the Giants and the Browns. In the 2025 season, he played 85 offensive snaps, allowing 1 sack, 2 hits, and 4 hurries. Additionally, he recorded five penalties during that season. Some of his strengths include his versatility at both right and left tackle, his ability to reach the second level in run blocking, and his skill in handling speedy edge rushers.
However, he does have weaknesses, particularly in pass protection; he has allowed some high-pressure plays against elite pass rushers, and he only started one full season in college. If the Chiefs were to sign him, I would expect him to serve as a backup or swing tackle rather than to secure a starting position.
Jaylon Moore (Kansas City Chiefs)
He is a 6’0″, 311-pound offensive tackle who played five seasons in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. In 2025, he recorded a total of 427 offensive snaps, which included 257 pass-blocking snaps and 170 run-blocking snaps. During that season, he allowed 3 sacks, 2 quarterback hits, and 27 total pressures. He signed a two-year, $30 million contract.
He demonstrates strong pass protection skills and has above-average fundamentals in both the passing and running games. He excels at anchoring against bull rushes and effectively using angles. However, he struggles with penalties and handling inside pressure. I hope he proves himself this year; otherwise, I will consider this contract disappointing and a failure so far. It hasn’t met my expectations. I also hope there’s a competition for the right tackle position during training camp.
