The Kansas City Chiefs threw resources at their offensive line over the past several seasons, potentially adding both of their 2025 starting offensive tackles through free agency and drafting four linemen in the past two years. However, unanswered questions could push the Chiefs into the offensive line market again in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Chiefs might need two new starting offensive linemen next offseason. There’s an out in Jawaan Taylor’s contract that would save roughly $20 million. Per PFF, Taylor committed 43 penalties over the past two seasons. He’s a serviceable starter but not a player worth paying nearly nine percent of the whole salary cap. Kansas City’s left guard spot with second year project Kingsley Suamataia is also up in the air.
Early outlooks for next year’s draft indicate it could be one of the best for offensive linemen in the past decade. The class features some returning veterans and a robust group of young, ascending players who could take their games to new heights this fall. Early big boards feature as many as 22 offensive linemen in the top 100, with many coming from the SEC.
Chiefs fans looking to get a head start on their 2026 scouting should focus on a few key SEC programs.
The Texas Longhorns replaced left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with Trevor Goosby, who might be an even better prospect than his predecessor. Goosby needs to gain experience and bulk up in the run game, but he’s already a first round-caliber pass protector. His elite athleticism helps him mirror pass rushers and protect the pocket.
The Florida Gators feature a trio of highly viewed prospects, including left tackle Austin Barber, left guard Knijeah Harris and center Jake Slaughter. Barber is a fluid and athletic mover with good range, while Harris is a thickly built hammer with a powerful anchor and the play strength to open run lanes. Both of them project as Day 2 selections.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have their own star trio in left tackle Kadyn Proctor, right guard Jaeden Roberts and center Parker Brailsford. Proctor is a nimble and springy athlete despite being 6’7″, 360 lbs. He projects as a potential first round selection. Roberts needs to play with better balance but is a bully in the run game.
Brailsford is incredibly undersized, but he’s technically advanced and competes above his weight. He and Roberts project as Day 3 selections and serviceable backups.
There are so many more offensive linemen for Chiefs fans to watch. If a good chunk of the juniors and redshirt sophomores declare, the 2026 class could reshape the NFL landscape.