2025 NFL Scouting Combine measurements throw a major wrench into the Chiefs' draft plans at the left tackle position

Sub-33-inch arm length will practically remove players like Will Campbell (32 5/8th), Marcus Mbow (32), and Grey Zabel (32) from the Kansas City draft board at the tackle position. The interior offensive line is a different story. 

But even a sub-34-inch arm length is unfavorable for many NFL teams, including Kansas City. Many tackle prospects they're expected to be interested in during the 2025 NFL draft fall in that range, including Missouri's Armand Membou (33.5), Ohio State's Josh Simmons (33), Oregon's Josh Conerly (33.5), Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery (33.125), Ohio State's Donovan Jackson (33.5), and NC State's Anthon Belton (33.875). They even formally met with some players above at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Significant discrepancies exist between the measurements at the Senior Bowl and the combine, but I don't think that matters much here. The Chiefs will get their measurements when they meet with draft prospects on top-30 visits later this month and throughout April. 

Ultimately, the Chiefs value arm length because it enhances their ability to control pass rushers and widen the edge. However, this aspect is trivial if an offensive tackle lacks other essential traits like footwork and lateral agility. Still, that extra arm length can significantly impact performance against the elite athletes who rush the passer in the NFL today.

This isn't to say the Chiefs will be out of the entire tackle class, but some of their valuations of specific prospects will almost certainly change. On others, they'll have to go back to the tape and see if any issues related to arm's length crop up regularly. If they do, that'll probably be enough to remove them from Kansas City's board entirely. I wouldn't be shocked to see the team search even deeper for free agent and trade solutions at left tackle due to the shorter arm length in this draft class.