Chiefs Training Camp Spotlight: Suamataia as Starting Left Tackle?
The Kansas City Chiefs scored a potential windfall when upgrading their offense via the NFL Draft.
In addition to adding speedster Xavier Worthy at No. 28 overall in the first round, the Chiefs may have also landed the steal of the second round in BYU left tackle Kingsley Suamataia, who the team drafted at No. 63 overall.
Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brigham Young offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (OL65) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brigham Young offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (OL65) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn't reveal whether Morris or Suamataia holds a lead in the competition at minicamp,” wrote Yardbarker’s Clark Dalton. “Regardless, K.C. needs one of them to emerge, as protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes' blindside is paramount.
The Chiefs have not only obtained a protector for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but also have potentially secured the services of a left-side anchor along their offensive line for the foreseeable future.
Could that future be closer on the horizon than originally thought?
With free agent Donovan Smith [who spent 2023 with Kansas City after eight seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers] remaining unsigned, Suamataia was considered likely to begin the season behind expected starting left tackle Wanya Morris. However, Suamataia may be in line to starting left tackle to begin the season — and that may not be a bad thing for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Despite beginning his college career at Oregon in 2021, Suamataia transferred to BYU prior to the 2022 season. During his first year with the Cougars, the Utah native played in 12 games starting in all of them, and he did not allow a sack on the season. He was also named to the Freshman All-America Second Team by the Athletic and by College Sports News, additionally he was named All-Independent First Team Offense by College Football Network.
Suamataia is not only one of the most underrated offensive tackle prospects in this year’s class, but he was also undervalued on several draft-pundit big boards. At 6-5, 326 pounds, the BYU product demonstrates outstanding speed and athleticism for an edge blocker of his size.
As the Cougars' starting left tackle, Suamataia was reliable in pass protection while also showing toughness and tenacity as a run blocker. Suamataia is particularly adept on quick pulls and screens, which should allow him to quickly assimilate into Andy Reid’s offense. Though his hand placement and lower-body strength are areas in need of development, the Chiefs appear to have gained first-round talent while filling a large hole along the offensive line.
Should Suamataia develop sooner than expected, the Chiefs’ rookie tackle will help strengthen their line, as well as keep them atop the mountain of the NFL’s elite teams.