For the first time in over a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs found themselves on the outside looking in during the 2025 NFL Playoffs. But if you thought they'd rest on their laurels, think again. Just weeks before the NFL Draft, the Chiefs have shown they're not afraid to shake things up, even with recent Super Bowl wins under their belt.
In a bold move, the Chiefs released starting offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, freeing up a hefty $20 million in cap space. With Jaylon Moore next on the depth chart, there's buzz about whether Monroe Freeling could be the missing piece Kansas City needs.
Monroe Freeling's Combine Performance: A Game-Changer for Kansas City?
While many top draft prospects skip the combine, Monroe Freeling, the standout from the Georgia Bulldogs, decided to make his mark. And what a mark it was. Freeling dazzled with a 4.93 40-yard dash and a 1.71-second split, ranking 5th and 2nd among offensive linemen, respectively.
His athletic prowess didn't stop there. Freeling landed in the top 5 for both broad and long jumps. But here's where it gets historic: he's the first player at least 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds to post a sub-5.00 40-yard dash, a vertical jump over 30 inches, and a broad jump over nine feet at the combine.
Freeling's performance cements him as one of the most athletic offensive linemen in this draft class. His combination of size and agility could see him rise sharply in draft rankings. And with the Chiefs cutting Jawaan Taylor just a day after Freeling's impressive display, the timing seems more than coincidental.
With Patrick Mahomes, arguably the league's top quarterback, Kansas City's priority is clear: protect their star. After Mahomes' injury in 2025, Coach Andy Reid might be eyeing a revamp of the offensive line. Given Freeling's record-breaking combine, it's not far-fetched to envision the Chiefs eyeing him with the ninth overall pick.