The Kansas City Chiefs are at a pivotal moment following a disappointing conclusion to their season, particularly highlighted by their struggles with offensive line performance during Super Bowl LIX. With Patrick Mahomes taking six sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles, it is abundantly clear that major adjustments are necessary, primarily concerning the left tackle position. This article delves into the team’s past decisions and prospects as they gear up for the upcoming scouting combine.
The Chiefs’ left tackle situation has been anything but stable since the release of Eric Fisher in 2020. The franchise initially found a temporary solution in Orlando Brown Jr., who manned the position for two years before departing for the Cincinnati Bengals. This transition left Kansas City scrambling to fill the void, leading them to previously uninspiring options. Donovan Smith, while filling the role in the 2023 season, had been out of the NFL the previous year, raising immediate concerns about his efficacy as the backbone of the offensive line.
Recent attempts to solve the left tackle conundrum revolved around younger players, specifically Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris. However, the underwhelming performances of both players resulted in their benches being warmed rather than the field. Even veteran D.J. Humphries failed to solidify the position, prompting an unconventional switch where guard Joe Thuney was repositioned temporarily to left tackle. While Thuney’s versatility is commendable, his classification as a stopgap solution signals a clear understanding that long-term stability is yet to be achieved.
To compound the offensive line’s uncertainty, it is unlikely that the long-term answer lies within the current roster. Suamataia found himself transitioning back to guard late in the season, while Morris’s future hangs in the balance. With the Chiefs poised to hold the No. 31 pick in the upcoming draft, expectations may not align with the reality of finding a capable left tackle in what is shaping up to be a underwhelming draft class at that position.
General Manager Brett Veach has indicated limited activity in free agency, suggesting that the team may only focus on retaining their own free agents, including guard Trey Smith and wide receiver Hollywood Brown. This reluctance to engage in the market might be reflective of the franchise’s need to cultivate young talent instead of relying on high-price veterans. The decision to protect their draft picks, particularly in the first three rounds, speaks to a longer-term strategy where rookie contributions might be the key to revitalizing the roster.
The Chiefs possess significant resources heading into this draft, with four selections in the initial rounds, including a valuable extra third-round pick obtained from the Tennessee Titans. These picks could prove critical in not only addressing the left tackle issue but also in fortifying other areas of need.
While the spotlight often shines on the offensive front, defensive improvements are equally crucial. The Chiefs are set to return familiar faces like Chris Jones and Mike Danna, along with promising first-rounders George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah. However, the potential loss of Charles Omenihu and Tershawn Wharton in free agency could create further gaps that need addressing.
Another area of focus for the Chiefs will be the cornerback position, which suffered from inconsistency, especially in nickel coverage. Injuries, particularly to Jaylen Watson, exposed the secondary, highlighting the urgent need for reliable depth and versatility in that unit. The search for dependable targets on both sides of the ball must encompass a wide receiver who can bolster the ranks, especially with Rashee Rice returning from injury and the uncertainty surrounding Brown’s contract situation.
Anticipating Changes at Tight End
Regardless of Travis Kelce’s future, the tight end position is another area needing attention. As he approaches his 36th birthday, Kelce’s performance has started to dip, evident from his career low yardage and touchdowns last season. The Chiefs must prepare for a future without him or strategize effectively to complement his skill set while he remains with the team.
The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in a critical transformation phase. With a focus on both the offensive and defensive fronts, the upcoming draft and offseason decisions will be vital in determining the trajectory of the franchise. Failure to address these concerns could leave the team struggling to compete at the highest level and ultimately hinder their chances of reclaiming a prominent position in the league. The stakes have never been higher.