The Kansas City Chiefs had long been thought to be targeting an offensive tackle with the first pick in the draft. PFT learned earlier today that Central Michigan tackle Eric Fisher would be the Chiefs choice. Now it’s official. The Chiefs have selected Fisher with the No. 1 overall selection.
Fisher is the first non-quarterback to be selected with the first overall pick since 2008 when the Miami Dolphins selected tackle Jake Long out of Michigan.
The Chiefs chose Fisher over Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel. Fisher has been able to overcome concerns over his level of competition in the Mid-American Conference to become the first player off the board. Fisher performed well at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine and impressed teams during the interview process. The impression he made on the Chiefs was enough to lift him over Joeckel in the eyes of the Chiefs front office.
When Alex Smith was in San Francisco, his blindside was protected by a Central Michigan product in Joe Staley. That trend will continue in Kansas City with Fisher likely poised to take over the left tackle position for the Chiefs.