On Saturday, it was reported that the Kansas City Chiefs had a formal interview with the Oregon Ducks’ starting left tackle: Josh Conerly Jr.

Conerly protected the front side of a fellow draft hopeful — left-handed quarterback Dillion Gabriel — in one of the country’s top offenses last season. In 523 pass-blocking snaps, Conerly only gave up one sack and two QB hits.

Background

Listed at 6 feet 4 and 315 pounds, Conerly is from Seattle, Washington, where he played at Rainer Beach High School. A five-star college recruit, he was the No. 1 offensive tackle in his recruiting class and the No. 8 overall prospect. He received offers from a long list of schools that included Alabama, USC and Michigan.

Injuries along the line caused his high school coach to ask Conerly to convert from running back.

“I had to do what I had to do for the team,” he told NBC’s Connor Rodgers at the Combine. “We lost our starting O-Line and D-Line — so I mean, you just do what you gotta do sometimes.”

He also said he comes from a close-knit family — and considers himself a family man.

The thing that sets Conerly apart from the pack is his athleticism: for a big man, the former running back is very agile and light on his feet. He’s also young — he’ll be just 21 when the NFL season begins — and possesses good length.

Film evaluation

At Oregon, Conerly played against the toughest competition in college football. Even against the quickest edge rushers, he showed he has no trouble getting back into his pass set. He has the length to keep defenders from getting into his chest and does a good job of mirroring them.

His athleticism really shows when he passes on the defensive stunt; he’s still able to recover and lock up the new edge defender. He makes pulling and getting out in space look effortless.

Because he is so fast for his size, Conerly says that one of his favorite things to do is block on outside zone run schemes.

This clip really highlights Conerly’s insane athleticism for an offensive tackle. He recovers well, displaying the tools needed to fight back and win reps that most guys would lose.

Here, he’s matched up against a projected top-5 pick — Penn State’s Abdul Carter — and holds his own.

But Conerly is not a perfect prospect. He sometimes struggles to anchor against bigger rushers or handle bull rushes. Still, he has the frame (and quickness) to add size without sacrificing the athleticism that makes him special.

How he fits with the Chiefs

Left tackle is probably Kansas City’s biggest need — and Conerly’s skill set makes him a nice fit for the Chiefs. He would give quarterback Patrick Mahomes a blocker who can scramble with him, getting out in front to block for him downfield.

Conerly has one drawback, though: his 33 1/2-inch arms are just under the 34-inch threshold for the team’s offensive tackles. But many of the best tackles in this draft class — including Josh Simmons, Will Campbell and Kelvin Banks Jr. — have the same problem.

The bottom line

Conerly has the physical tools you want in an offensive tackle. He’s a hard-working guy with a good attitude — and his natural side is on the left. Despite occasional strength issues, his upside is higher than any other tackle in this draft.

If he reaches his potential, l think the Chiefs have found their left tackle for the next ten years. I’d be willing to trade up to the 23rd pick to get him.