Surprising Chiefs Position Change Ends Major Position Battle
By Joe Summers
If it wasn't already obvious that second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia is the Chiefs' starting left tackle, it should be now.
After Suamataia spent the entire week taking first-team reps, 2023 third-rounder Wanya Morris was with the second-team offensive line during Friday's practice. However, he was slotted at left guard instead of either tackle position.
Morris has experience at both left and right tackle, though he could become a new version of former Chief Nick Allegretti if he can hold his own on the interior as well. Andy Reid loves having players who can play across the line if necessary, so Morris could develop into that Swiss Army knife style of backup.
Kingsley Suamataia Clearly Won the Starting Left Tackle Job
The No. 2 offensive line right now: LT Ethan Driskell, LG Wanya Morris, C Mike Caliendo, RG Hunter Nourzad and RT Lucas Niang. Discuss.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) August 2, 2024
Ethan Driskell is a six-foot-eight undrafted rookie. It's logical for the coaching staff to see if he has the ability to effectively play left tackle, and slotting him next to the more experienced Morris tracks.
One could argue that Kansas City is simply testing things out but it's notable that Suamataia is not being asked to experiment. Morris is, and that indicates he's likely to handle a backup role. Fifth-round rookie Hunter Nourzad can play across the line as well, so he and Morris could give the Chiefs a dynamic pair of replacements should any starter go down with an injury.
Chiefs first-team offense put on a clinic this morning against the first-team defense in 11-on-11 goal line work.
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) August 2, 2024
Patrick Mahomes with numerous short-yardage TD passes. Also, rookie LT Kingsley Suamataia looked good against DE Mike Danna.
Morris worked at left guard with the first-team offense in Joe Thuney's place at times, letting offensive line Andy Heck have a look at what the line could be if Thuney misses any time this season.
The Chiefs are clearly planning for every outcome. They invested heavily into the line over the last several years and drafted three linemen this year, determined to avoid another disaster like what happened in the Super Bowl loss to the Buccaneers.
Suamataia is now a huge part of the future both figuratively and literally. He's now in charge of protecting Patrick Mahomes' blindside with the weight of a city on his shoulders.
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