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2016 NFL Draft Preview: Six Intriguing Offensive Linemen

The eighth article in our series leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft

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Over the past three years, Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey has selected five offensive linemen in the NFL Draft.

Offensive Linemen Selected by John Dorsey

2013 Draft

Name

College

POS

Round 1, Pick 1 (1)

Eric Fisher

Central Michigan

OT

Round 6, Pick 2 (170)

Eric Kush

California U. of Penn.

C

2014 Draft

Name

College

POS

Round 6, Pick 17 (193)

Zach Fulton

Tennessee

OG

Round 6, Pick 24 (200)

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

McGill

OG

2015 Draft

Name

College

POS

Round 2, Pick 17 (49)

Mitch Morse

Missouri

C

Of those five linemen, Eric Kush is the only one who isn't on the team right now. The other four combined to make 53 starts for the Chiefs last season.

After losing three of last year's contributors in veterans Jeff Allen and Donald Stephenson in free agency this offseason and Ben Grubbs via retirement, the Chiefs went out and signed one of the best right tackles in all of football in former Cleveland Brown Mitch Schwartz.

In his four-year career, Mitch Schwartz hasn't missed a single snap on offense.

Last season, the Chiefs had nine different starting combinations along the offensive line, which ranked among the most in the NFL. Because of injuries, there were five players who started at multiple positions last year, so it's obvious that versatility is an important trait to have as an offensive lineman for the Chiefs.

With that said, here are six intriguing offensive linemen available in the upcoming draft who have played multiple positions in college, including a little bit of analysis on their abilities from CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler.

A look at five of the top OL in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Washington State's Joe Dahl (6 feet 4, 304 pounds)

Dahl began his college career redshirting at the University of Montana in 2011 before transferring to Washington State. There, he had to sit out the 2012 season because of NCAA transfer rules.

During his three-year career at Washington State, Dahl started 22 games at left tackle and 12 at left guard.

He earned first-team All-Pac 12 honors after his senior season.

Here's what Brugler had to say about Dahl:

"A three-year starter at Washington State, Dahl spent one season at guard before kicking out to left tackle the past two seasons, earning All-Conference honors both years – exclusively in a two-point stance in the WSU offense. Originally starting his career at Montana, Dahl bet on himself by walking on at Washington State, paying his own way for two seasons. He is a balanced mover with natural body control and flexible hips, showing the feet to easily shuffle. Dahl has a tough time anchoring vs. power, but his upper and lower halves are consistently on the same page, displaying the desired instincts and competitive temperament to be a long-time starter at the next level – best NFL position is inside at guard, but can kick outside to tackle if needed."

Arizona State's Christian Westerman (6 feet 3, 298 pounds)

Westerman spent two years at Auburn (he redshirted in 2011) before transferring to Arizona State after the 2012 season.

He started 25 games at left guard for the Sun Devils over the past two seasons, earning first-team All-Pac 12 and All-American honors after his senior season.

Here's what Brugler had to say about Westerman:

"A two-year starter at Arizona State, Westerman was a prized recruit out of high school, but his first three years of college football didn't go as planned, seeing action in only three combined games, initially at Auburn before transferring closer to home. He rarely loses one-on-one match-ups on film due to his natural strength and athletic body control, utilizing his powerful hands to be a sticky blocker. He is quick-footed to hook defenders and finish them off – projects as a NFL starter at guard or center."

Louisiana State's Vadal Alexander (6 feet 5, 326 pounds)

Alexander started 25 games at left guard, 20 at right tackle and 1 at left tackle in his four-year career at LSU.

Last year, Alexander earned first-team All-SEC and All-American honors after helping pave the way for running back Leonard Fournette to rush for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns.

**

**Here's what Brugler had to say about Alexander:

"A four-year starter in Baton Rouge, Alexander entered the line-up as a true freshman and started 46 of LSU's last 47 games. He started his career at right tackle, but while at left guard as a sophomore and junior, Alexander formed one of the best tackle-guard tandems in the country next to La'el Collins – moved back to right tackle for his senior season. He is a masher in the run game with the brute strength and bully mentality to generate movement. He has reliable football character and offers experience at multiple positions, but his NFL future is likely inside at guard."

Kansas State's Cody Whitehair (6 feet 4, 301 pounds)

Whitehair grew up less than an hour outside of Manhattan in the small town of Abilene, Kansas, and it was always his goal growing up to play football at Kansas State.

He chose the Wildcats over Oklahoma State and Colorado State.

Whitehair showed plenty of versatility throughout his career, starting 26 games at left tackle, 22 at left guard and 3 at right tackle during his four-year career with the Wildcats.

Here's what Brugler had to say about Whitehair:

"A four-year starter, Whitehair 'prefers' to play guard, but he has extensive experience at tackle and has practiced at center – team-first attitude and played where he was needed. He left an indelible mark at Kansas State with his leadership, work ethic and high-level of play the last four years and boasts the professional make-up that will be welcomed in NFL locker rooms – does all the right things and endeared by coaches. Whitehair has the base strength, toughness and instincts to start as a rookie at either guard or center – late first round prospect."

Missouri's Evan Boehm (6 feet 2, 302 pounds)

Boehm.jpg

Boehm played at Lee's Summit High School before committing to the University of Missouri, where he stepped on the field at left guard as a true freshman and was named a Freshman All-American.

In his four-year career, Boehm started 40 games at center and 12 at left guard.

Boehm was one of 18 local prospects who participated in the local Pro Day for the Chiefs back on April 8.

Here's what Brugler had to say about Boehm:

"A four-year starter, Boehm was a fixture on the Missouri offense line over his career, leaving with the school-record for consecutive starts, although he never earned a spot on the All-Conference first or second team. His lack of athleticism and flexibility stands out, but so does his brawling strength and squatty frame to dominate in his square. A football lifer, Boehm will endear himself to coaches with his killer mentality, vocal leadership and violence to finish each rep."

Missouri's Connor McGovern (6 feet 4, 306 pounds)

Much like former Mizzou product and current Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman, Mitch Morse, who was the team's second-round pick last year, McGovern showed a lot of versatility during his collegiate career.

McGovern started 24 games at right guard, 12 at left tackle and 4 at right tackle in his career. He's NFL Network Draft analyst Mike Mayock’s No. 4-ranked guard available in this draft.

Here's what Brugler had to say about McGovern:

"A three-year starter for the Missouri spread scheme, McGovern bounced between positions due to his versatility and offers starting experience at right guard and both tackle spots, also practicing at center – graded well on the Tigers' offensive line, but never earned All-SEC honors. The son of a body builder (Keith), he focused more on lifting than football in high school and relies more on power than technique on film to win the point of attack – flashes violence in his hands, but his counter maneuvers need refinement."

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