The Kansas City Chiefs took significant steps to remodel their offensive line this offseason. First round pick Josh Simmons certainly possesses the talent to stabilize the position, but the best front offices understand that maintaining a potent offensive line requires continuous investment. A small school prospect in the 2026 NFL draft could become part of the Chiefs’ long-term plan.

Desmeal Leigh is a redshirt junior who only played football for one season in high school, making him very new to the sport. For reference, players drafted in 2021 have as many NFL seasons under their belt as Leigh has total football seasons. He’s raw and technically underdeveloped but possesses a unique set of traits that make him worth a mid-to-late round investment.

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Leigh meets all the measurements to play offensive tackle in the NFL. His hand usage is already in a great place for an inexperienced lineman. He uses feints to make the pass rusher expose their hands before delivering jolting punches. Leigh deploys snatch-traps to tear defenders off balance and frames blocks well with his powerful grip strength. His strike timing needs some work, but that’s a correctable issue.

Leigh’s footwork in pass protection needs significant work. He fails to maintain a wide base, which makes him vulnerable to power rushers. Sinking in his stance and playing with a lower pad level should address this concern. Leigh’s footspeed is inadequate to operate on an island against NFL-caliber rushers, but developing a better kick step will even the playing field.

Leigh flashes potential in the run game. He moves well when working to the second level and executing short pulls, pancaking linebackers and defensive backs along the way. Leigh needs to play lower and control his forward lean on blocks to avoid slipping off his assignment. The building blocks exist for him to be a powerful run blocker, but his technique and discipline remain shaky.

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Leigh’s stock could shoot up if he takes the next step in 2025. Even if his play improves, there’s no guarantee he declares for the draft. Many small school offensive linemen benefit from transferring up a level and playing well before heading to the league. The move isn’t a requirement, but such a decision might delay Leigh entering the draft until 2027.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs summer scouting report: Youngstown State OT Desmeal Leigh