In 2023, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ offensive line performed a essential function in profitable the workforce’s second straight championship.
Let’s think about what we should always anticipate in 2024.
Manning the center
Wealthy with expertise, Kansas Metropolis’s offensive line boasted the league’s finest inside trio in 2023. Middle Creed Humphrey, proper guard Trey Smith and first-team All-Professional left guard Joe Thuney set the wall for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and opened up working lanes for working again Isiah Pacheco. In 2024, all three will return — and their performances will once more be a essential issue within the line’s success.
Since each will likely be taking part in for wealthy new contracts, Humphrey and Smith will doubtless play their finest soccer. A Professional Bowl choice in 2023, Humphrey will in all probability rank among the many league’s prime facilities. Whereas he is likely one of the NFL’s most intimidating gamers, Smith has but to earn an All-Professional or Professional Bowl nod — however with a giant season, he has a superb opportunity to be listed among the many league’s finest at his place. Whereas the pectoral damage that prevented Thuney from ending the postseason has stored him out by means of OTAs, the perennial All-Professional is predicted to be prepared earlier than the season begins.
However one other key inside contributor won’t return. Reserve inside lineman Nick Allegretti signed with the Washington Commanders in free company. Via his five-year Kansas Metropolis profession, Allegretti performed in some large spots — beginning two Tremendous Bowls — and delivered.
Allegretti might play all three inside positions, so the Chiefs want to interchange that versatility. Their prime candidates are rookie Hunter Nourzad and third-year participant Mike Caliendo. In 2023, Nourzad was Penn State’s beginning heart — however may play at each left and proper guard. Whereas Caliendo has the identical skill, his two years of expertise in Kansas Metropolis’s system might give him a bonus.
Two different rookies — C.J. Hanson and McKade Mettaeur — will doubtless make the observe squad.
Determining the tackles
There shouldn’t be a query at proper sort out. Even with some sporadic play in 2023, Jawaan Taylor has three years left on his deal — and with a 2024 cap hit over $24 million, he would be the starter on the precise.
However the left sort out spot is up for grabs. We anticipate an attention-grabbing camp battle between second-year participant Wanya Morris and second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia at one of many sport’s most crucial positions. The winner is predicted to deliver long-term stability to the place for the primary time since Eric Fisher was on the blind facet — and as Mahomes’ main protector, he would additionally earn fairly a little bit of notoriety.
Morris began 4 video games in 2023, exhibiting the highs and lows we anticipate from a rookie defending the quarterback’s blind facet.
At BYU, Suamataia was a stand-out in go safety; the Chiefs acquired him with the 63rd choose of the NFL Draft. It isn’t typically {that a} rookie left sort out taken after the primary spherical turns into a starter — however with the way in which the Chiefs have spoken about Suamataia, they appear very excessive on his potential.
Whichever participant doesn’t win the beginning spot will doubtless find yourself because the swing sort out — and as we’ve got realized in recent times, that is additionally an vital place.
Lucas Niang and Chukwuebuka (Jason) Godrick will likely be vying to make the roster as reserve tackles; Niang might even be a reserve participant on the inside. Offensive line coach Andy Heck has talked about rookie Ethan Driskell just a few occasions this offseason. It seems he’s a candidate to make the observe squad.
Projections
Traditionally, the Chiefs have carried 9-10 offensive linemen on their roster.
Starters: Suamataia, Thuney, Humphrey, Smith and Taylor
Backups: Morris, Caliendo, Nourzad, Niang and Godrick
Apply squad: Hanson, Driskell and Mettauer
Because the catastrophe of Tremendous Bowl LV, the Chiefs have left no stone unturned in constructing and creating their offensive line. In 2024, it might be one of many league’s prime models — and if the Chiefs are going to three-peat, it’s going to have to be.
