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Chiefs Predicted To Land Potential Jawaan Taylor Replacement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zahid Rashid | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 11:54 AM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off one of the worst seasons of the last decade, finishing 6–11 and missing the playoffs. Adding to the disappointment, Patrick Mahomes missed the final three games after tearing his ACL, putting the start of his 2026 season in doubt.

Mahomes’ individual numbers remained impressive as he completed 315 of 502 passes for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 14 games, cementing his status as one of the league’s top players. However, over the past two seasons, he has also taken the most sacks of his career (36) and the second-most (34), respectively.

Although the Chiefs’ offensive line was solid for the most part, starting tackle Jawaan Taylor struggled throughout the season, especially with penalties. He committed 10 penalties in just 12 games and has 40 over three seasons with the Chiefs. While he allowed just a 0.4% sack rate at one point in 2025, Taylor was underwhelming overall and was eventually released, saving Kansas City $20 million in cap space.

Patrick Mahomes drops back to pass as Jawaan Taylor gets ready to block at Arrowhead Stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Now, offensive tackle is expected to be one of the Chiefs’ top needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, and CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards projects them to select Utah Utes lineman Spencer Fano with the ninth overall pick.

"Kansas City takes offensive tackles in back-to-back drafts as Spencer Fano is tabbed as Jawaan Taylor's replacement. The Chiefs are not often in a position to add a premium talent in the top 10 overall. It is not a flashy addition, but they are filling in potholes on the roster with another pick in the round," Edwards wrote.

While one could argue that edge rusher or wide receiver is a bigger need, the Chiefs are thin at the tackle position after releasing Taylor. Although Jaylen Moore is set to step into the starting right tackle role, Kansas City is one injury away from risking Mahomes’ protection, which is arguably the team’s top priority.

The 6-foot-5, 304-pound Fano brings explosive acceleration when moving through gaps, firing off the line, and getting into space. There have been some concerns about his pass protection, but he showed improved footwork and anchoring ability in 2025. Given his raw talent and physical tools, Fano projects as a future NFL starter who could strengthen the Chiefs’ offensive line and help better protect Mahomes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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