Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid addressed the media at the onset of the offseason workout program on Monday, April 17.
This was the first time that media members had been able to chat with Coach Reid since the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season. Naturally, there were a lot of questions about some of the newest additions to the team.
One of those additions is Jawaan Taylor, who is currently expected to make a switch from right tackle to left tackle after almost exclusively playing on the right side during his NFL career. Reid seems quite excited about what he’s seen from Taylor when he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars and expressed full confidence in his ability to make the switch to left tackle.
“I liked him. I like his tape,” Reid said. “We saw him firsthand a couple of times too. Even though he was on the right side I think he can transfer over to the left side. He’s really a good athlete and I think he’s excited about that.”
Taylor played just 18 snaps last season at the left tackle position, but most of them were on heavy looks where he was aligned outside the team’s true left tackle. He started two games with the Florida Gators at the left tackle position in 2017, but that’s about the extent of his experience at the position.
While Reid expressed confidence in his ability to make the switch, he also expressed confidence in Taylor’s versatility. He seems to believe that he has the ability to play any position on the offensive line.
“Now, that doesn’t mean he can’t play the right side,” Reid said. “If we got another left tackle, he could play the right side. He gives you flexibility. He could probably jump in at guard. He’s smart. He could probably play center.
It appears that Reid and Brett Veach are keeping their options open with the upcoming 2023 NFL draft. The ultimate goal seems to be having as much flexibility as possible along the offensive line. Taylor appears to be a highly coveted piece in that puzzle for the time being.
“He’s a pretty talented kid,” Reid said. “We look forward to getting him in here. I think that was a great pickup by Brett (Veach).”
