Chiefs Already Considering Position Change for Rookie Draft Pick
The Kansas City Chiefs are 12-1 on the campaign but dealt with a bunch of adversity through three months. From injuries to shaky play at key positions, the Chiefs have had to overcome a lot.
The offensive line has been a work in progress all season long. Keeping Patrick Mahomes clean and upright throughout the game is the main objective for this team. They've had questionable play at the tackle spots in 2024, leading to them bringing in D.J. Humphries, who made his debut in Week 14.
Since Humphries has taken over as the starting left tackle, naturally questions around rookie Kingsley Suamataia have risen. With Suamataia on the bench, the Chiefs have started getting him comfortable at other positions along the offensive line.
#Chiefs OL coach Andy Heck says that Kingsley Suamataia has been cross-training at multiple positions, including guard.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) December 12, 2024
Chiefs News: Kingsley Suamataia Getting Reps at Guard
Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck revealed that Suamataia has been training at multiple positions and one of those spots is guard.
Heck spoke about the rookie on Thursday and gave him some positive remarks.
"{He's doing} very well, also handling it like a pro, a young pro, but he's working very hard every day, and I'm seeing some improvement out of him. I really like both of our young tackles and their ability and how they're working right now."
- Andy Heck
Suamataia was given all of training camp and the first two weeks of the season to carve out a role for himself but didn't take advantage. Across 164 offensive snaps, the BYU product has a 36.7 overall grade (130th out of 133), 33.2 pass blocking grade (120th out of 133), and 42.7 run blocking grade (128th out of 133) according to PFF.
Frankly, he was one of the worst tackles in the NFL this season, so him learning to play other positions could be beneficial down the line. Being versatile allows players to get back on the field if any injury were to happen.
Suamataia getting reps at other positions in practice allows him to improve his play and technique in key areas. It also shows his willingness to get better.
This isn't what the Chiefs expected when they selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft but this report shows they are looking to get the most out of him.
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