There are plenty of big-name players from the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory that now have a jump start on an eventual Hall of Fame bid. There are others that seem to have a clear road to Canton, but perhaps one of the most deserving isn’t being talked about enough. No. 71 has been the best offensive lineman on the Chiefs over the past four seasons. There’s little doubt that RT Mitchell Schwartz is one of the most underrated in all of the NFL.
Schwartz joined the Chiefs in 2016 after spending his first four years with the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him in the second round back in 2012. He has started every single game he has played for eight straight years for a total of 128 regular-season games. Up until November of 2019, he had not missed a single snap of his career. Even when he was forced to come out of a game for the first time ever this past season, he only missed three snaps.
The Chiefs have been known for their running game and offensive line play dating back to the 1990s when Marty Schottenheimer was the head coach. That tradition continued under Dick Vermeil and even though the team’s consistency fell off after Vermeil exited, the Chiefs still boasted some impressive linemen. Still, from 2011 to 2016, the Chiefs had a different starting right tackle each season. Schwartz’s arrival game the offensive line stability at the right tackle spot for the first time in years.
Schwartz has been selected as an AP Second-Team All-Pro in 2016, 2017, and 2019. So far his only AP First-Team recognition came in 2018. In 2019, he earned a Super Bowl ring, while allowing just a single pressure in 140 postseason pass-blocking snaps according to PFF. Schwartz has gained more and more respect and recognition every single year he has been in the league.
Prior to the 2019 season, Schwartz signed a one-year extension that makes him a Chief through 2021. He turns 31 on June 8th and even though his best football might be behind him, he is still one of the premier right tackles in the game today. Until we see the play fall off, there is no reason to expect anything less than All-Pro play from Schwartz.
Schwartz played his college ball at Cal and since being drafted in 2012, he has made four straight All-Pro teams, started 128 regular-season games in a row, and now has a Super Bowl ring. We all know how talented the Chiefs are and with a number of additional accolades coming his way, Schwartz should and very well could be getting a bust in Canton, Ohio.
