Chiefs' Biggest Training Camp 'Concern' Revealed
The final few weeks of the offseason are winding down, and training camp is just around the corner. For the Kansas City Chiefs, July 21 will not only mark the start of camp but also the end of a productive offseason.
Coming off back-to-back Super Bowls, the Chiefs, led by general manager Brett Veach, have patched many of their glaring roster holes. However, at least one major question looms as the Chiefs head into training camp: left tackle.
In their recent piece detailing all 32 team's "one concern," The Athletic states the Chiefs should be "worried" about their blindside protection of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
"The two players competing for the job are rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year player Wanya Morris. During mandatory minicamp, the Chiefs gave more first-team repetitions to Suamataia to help prepare him for the next few months," Noah Taylor writes. "As a rookie, Morris was solid but showed he needed to improve as a pass protector. The primary concern is that both players struggle to progress throughout training camp and the preseason."
Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney (62) and offensive tackle Wanya Morris (64) at the line of scrimmage against the Buffalo Bills during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Morris, a former third-round pick out of Oklahoma, was the Chiefs' backup to veteran left tackle Donovan Smith last season. However, he did see action, starting in four games due to Smith being out with an injury.
During that brief stint as Mahomes' blindside protector, Morris allowed two sacks, seven quarterback hits, and 15 hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. The advanced analytics site graded the then-rookie's performance at a 55.6 offensive grade, with his pass-blocking being the best part of his game, earning a 63.4.
After deciding not to bring back Smith this offseason, as he remains a free agent, Morris is seemingly the favorite to win the starting job. However, as The Athletic notes, he does face competition from Suamataia.
After spending the first year of his college career at Oregon, Suamataia spent his final two at BYU, where he impressed playing both left and right tackle. In his two seasons as a full-time starter, Suamataia allowed just two career sacks, both of which came this past season, according to PFF.
As for his grades, Suamataia earned an 86.1 pass blocking and 52.9 run blocking from PFF this past season.
At 6-foot-4 and 326 pounds, he certainly possesses the size to play the position. However, it is yet to be seen if his success at the college level will translate over to the NFL.
Considering the importance of the left tackle position and how imperative it is that the Chiefs keep Mahomes upright in the pocket, they will want and need above-average play from whoever starts.