Two Clear Winners Emerge in Pivotal Chiefs Position Battles

A pair of clear winners are emerging in two pivotal position battles for the Chiefs at training camp, clarifying perhaps the biggest questions fans had entering the summer.

Rookie OT Kingsley Suamataia appears to have won the starting left tackle job over Wanya Morris. He's received the majority of first-team snaps of late and the team did not employ a rotation at Thursday's practice, signaling Suamataia officially pulled ahead.

Meanwhile, former first-round pick Kelvin Joseph is still working as the No. 2 outside cornerback opposite Trent McDuffie, seemingly planting his flag as a theoretical L'Jarius Sneed replacement.

OT Kingsley Suamataia and CB Kelvin Joseph Emerging as Chiefs Starters

It was generally expected that Suamataia would eventually emerge as the starting left tackle after the Chiefs traded up to select him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He's passing every early test, though Morris is still capable should the rookie out of BYU falter.

Joseph's standing is more of a surprise. Kansas City signed him to a reserve/futures contract after he was released from the Seahawks' practice squad and he's quickly established himself in Steve Spagnuolo's rotation in the secondary.

During the offseason, it was generally expected that either Jaylen Watson or Joshua Williams would start at outside corner with Chamarri Conner playing inside. Watson missed some practice time though returned on Wednesday, yet Joseph is still getting first-team reps.

That battle still feels open but it's certainly leaning Joseph's way. Suamataia seems to have a stranglehold on the left tackle spot, leaving that cornerback spot, the third running back, and multiple special teams positions as remaining position battles.

Should Joseph hold onto the job in the secondary, he'll be an excellent example of Brett Veach finding a valuable contributor despite the rest of the league believing he wasn't worth the hassle.

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