2015 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Select OT Ereck Flowers at No. 18

With the No. 18 pick in the DBN 2015 NFL Mock Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select...

Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami

The selection and write-up were made by JamesPowell:

Nearly every article discussing Kansas City's draft priorities mentions that in 2014, no Kansas City wide receiver caught a touchdown pass. It's a strange statistic, but it must mean something, right? More obvious is that the Chiefs only wider receiver with more than 30 catches, Dwayne Bowe, is gone.  So why go with an offensive lineman?

First, the WRs remaining on the board don't strike me as 1st round talent. Second, the Chiefs' need to upgrade the offensive line is even more crucial.  An offense depends on the health of its QB and Alex Smith was tied for 4th most sacked in 2014.  And Jamaal Charles isn't going to be making the pick, but he has weighed in with the late-in-career observation that he needs lineman to be successful.  Although Andy Reid and GM John Dorsey may not appreciate his input, it is unquestionable that without a running game, the Chiefs' offense goes nowhere. It has become the consensus that having a star running back is not as important as it once was, an effective running game remains essential. Just ask Pete Carroll.

Ereck Flowers is the OT in this draft most likely to have immediate positive impact for the Chiefs. At 6'-6" and 329 lbs, Flowers has the ideal size and the strength to go with it - He led all OLs at the Combine with 37 reps in the  bench press.  Every scouting report notes that Flowers has a mean streak. He loves to dominate and hates to lose the battles in the trenches. His combination of agility and strength makes him a good fit for the Chiefs' zone blocking system.

Every scouting report also notes that his pass-blocking "needs work" or is "a work in progress." He has also shown that he is can learn. He is only 20 years old - he has shown he can learn. His pass-blocking improved each year. He has a very good upside.

Given his limitations on pass blocking, he is not a candidate to start at LOT in his rookie year, but he will be a definite upgrade and should be a superb right tackle. If he pans out as I expect, Jamaal Charles will be happy and Alex Smith will be healthy.

The second offensive lineman goes off the board at No. 18, and I think the Chiefs are more likely to be successful on offense this year with a tough running game than a miracle resurgence in the passing game.

The Cleveland Browns are up next, led by Royce Groff.

2015 DBN Community Mock Draft Results (so far)