Chiefs’ latest injury could finally give Ethan Driskell a shot to prove himself

As the Kansas City Chiefs begin training camp, fans learned of a key piece of injury news on the offensive line. Jawaan Taylor will begin the preseason on the PUP list, meaning that there's a greater opening for reps at right tackle in the interim.

One under-the-radar name to watch this summer is Ethan Driskell, who the Chiefs signed as an undrafted free agent out of Marshall in 2024. Driskell, a massive 6'8" tackle with two years of starting experience for the Thundering Herd, didn't play much as a rookie, only appearing in two games for the Chiefs last year, but the team clearly has a vision for his potential.

While similar prospects typically languish on a team's practice squad, Driskell was a healthy stash on the team's active roster all season long. That's the sort of move that protects a prospect from being poached by another franchise.

With Taylor missing time this summer, Driskell could get some meaningful reps at right tackle to further develop his game. While Andy Reid has said that he expects Taylor to be back in time for the regular season, even just getting Driskell some versatile reps in his place could help bolster his chances to make the team once again.

Ethan Driskell will have a greater chance to prove himself this summer.

Taylor, if healthy, is likely going to be the starting right tackle. Yes, he's yet to live up to his lofty contract since joining Kansas City in 2023, but he's their best option there until proven otherwise. Driskell, however, can take advantage of Taylor's absence and at least turn up the heat against fellow competitors down the depth chart.

Left tackle will have one of the most interesting battles this summer with Jaylon Moore and rookie first-rounder Josh Simmons duking it out for the starting job. The Chiefs may lean on Moore at right tackle as well. But behind them (and Taylor), there could be a battle for depth roles with former third-round pick (2023) Wanya Morris along with undrafted rookies like Esa Pole and Dalton Cooper.