In 2023, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ offensive line performed a vital function in successful the staff’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 greatest inside trio in 2023. Heart 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 operating lanes for operating again Isiah Pacheco. In 2024, all three will return — and their performances will once more be a vital issue within the line’s success.
Since each can be taking part in for wealthy new contracts, Humphrey and Smith will seemingly play their greatest 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 an enormous season, he has a good chance to be listed among the many league’s greatest at his place. Whereas the pectoral damage that prevented Thuney from ending the postseason has saved him out by OTAs, the perennial All-Professional is anticipated to be prepared earlier than the season begins.
However one other key inside contributor is not going to return. Reserve inside lineman Nick Allegretti signed with the Washington Commanders in free company. By way of his five-year Kansas Metropolis profession, Allegretti performed in some huge spots — beginning two Tremendous Bowls — and delivered.
Allegretti might play all three inside positions, so the Chiefs want to switch that versatility. Their prime candidates are rookie Hunter Nourzad and third-year participant Mike Caliendo. In 2023, Nourzad was Penn State’s beginning middle — however also can 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 seemingly make the apply 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 appropriate.
However the left sort out spot is up for grabs. We anticipate an fascinating camp battle between second-year participant Wanya Morris and second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia at one of many recreation’s most important positions. The winner is anticipated to deliver long-term stability to the place for the primary time since Eric Fisher was on the blind aspect — and as Mahomes’ major 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 aspect.
At BYU, Suamataia was a stand-out in go safety; the Chiefs acquired him with the 63rd decide 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 best way the Chiefs have spoken about Suamataia, they appear very excessive on his potential.
Whichever participant doesn’t win the beginning spot will seemingly find yourself because the swing sort out — and as we’ve realized lately, that is additionally an vital place.
Lucas Niang and Chukwuebuka (Jason) Godrick can 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 a number of instances this offseason. It seems he’s a candidate to make the apply 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
For the reason that catastrophe of Tremendous Bowl LV, the Chiefs have left no stone unturned in constructing and growing their offensive line. In 2024, it could possibly be one of many league’s prime items — and if the Chiefs are going to three-peat, it should have to be.
