The Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line situation was a talking point leading up to Week 1, and not necessarily for the right reasons. Starting left tackle Josh Simmons is dealing with a back injury, and there weren't any suitable replacements for the season opener.
Things got so bad that the Chiefs had to turn to Kahlil Benson, an undrafted free agent who played mostly right tackle and some right guard before moving to the left. But instead of being the offensive line's weakest link, he was actually one of the highlights of the evening.
Not only did the rookie from Indiana hold his own in his first day as an NFL blindside protector, but he did so against one of the toughest defenses in the league. It's too early to deem him an ever- game starter, but the first returns are extremely encouraging.
The Chiefs may have found a true gem in Kahlil Benson
After attending Chiefs camp as a tryout guy with more than 75 players, Benson made his way to the Chiefs' 53-man roster. Then, in Week 1, despite constantly lining up against an elite pass rusher like Nik Bonitto, he allowed just one pressure in 32 pass-blocking snaps. That was the fewest pressures allowed among rookie OTs in Week 1, including three first-round selections.
He was called for a penalty and allowed a quarterback hit, but it was still a stellar debut for the national champion. He was also a stalwart in the running game, helping Kenneth Walker III post career highs in rushing yards in his Chiefs debut.
Week 1 can lead to hyperbole and overreaction, but the tape doesn't lie. His presence might give the Chiefs enough time to be patient with Simmons' recovery, and while they haven't shared much information regarding his mysterious back injury, it looks like they're taking it as a week-to-week situation.
Blindside protection has been a major concern in Kansas City for years. Simmons looked solid in his first season, but he's missed way too much time already, and this will remain a headache until he proves that he can consistently stay on the field.
It's way too early to anoint Benson as the next Willie Roaf, but we have to give credit where it's due. Even on a night when Patrick Mahomes wasn't as sharp in the passing game as he usually is — and understandably so — Benson gave him a clean pocket and time to operate.
And with so many teams using first-round picks to bolster the trenches, Benson's recent rise will make dozens of general managers and scouts look foolish. He played a pivotal role in the Indiana Hoosiers' national championship, pretty much hiding in plain sight.
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