According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, UConn OT Ryan Van Demark’s next stop is Kansas City to take a visit with the Chiefs. Pelissero reports that Demark has six total pre-draft visits lined up and that he visited the Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts all this past week.
Listed at 6-6 and 307 pounds, Demark was a multi-year starter at left tackle for the Huskies. He was snubbed from the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, but he put together a great week of practice at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He followed that performance up by posting some incredible times at his pro day with a 5.15s 40-yard dash and a 1.75s 10-yard split. He also managed 24 repetitions of 225 on the bench, a 30.5-inch vertical jump and a 112-inch broad jump.
UConn OT Ryan Van Demark — who shined at his shirtless pro day — visited the #Chargers, #Cardinals and #Colts this week, with the #Chiefs up next, per source. Six official visits in all for Van Demark, who stands 6-6 and 307 pounds. https://t.co/fhY7DNZ3hS
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 15, 2022
The Chiefs have an understated need at the offensive tackle position with Lucas Niang having suffered a significant knee injury last season. He’s unlikely to be ready to go to start the 2022 NFL season, meaning he could begin the season on the PUP list. That’d leave players like Andrew Wylie, Prince Tega Wanogho, Geron Christian and Roderick Johnson to duke it out for the starting right tackle gig.
It’d behoove the Chiefs to add some competition at that spot in the draft, especially competition with the upside to become a starter. Demark fits that mold, boasting a monster frame (with good weight to add), great footwork and superb hand placement. Getting some extra time with him is a wise move by Kansas City.