The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to have a stronger offensive line in 2025, with the addition of a new left tackle and a new left guard. Last year, Kingsley Suamataia was the starting left tackle on opening day, but he only played a few games before being replaced. Now he has changed positions, and there is optimism that he can succeed.
As a highly regarded draft pick, BYU left tackle Kingsley Suamataia was viewed as a steal in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. From the beginning of OTAs and training camp, the Chiefs were very confident in assigning Suamataia the starting left tackle spot.
That faith didn’t help the rookie manage the job. He was constantly under pressure, and his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, was scrambling for his life. Even during training camp, it was apparent he struggled with footwork and handling speed rushers.
Still, he got his chance, and now the organization is giving him another one, not at left tackle but at left guard.
Their belief after he started the 2024 season finale against the Denver Broncos is that he was better suited to play guard. In reviewing that game, he did a solid job. He showed good leverage, better balance on his feet, and he was more comfortable not being on an island.
Suamataia will compete with Mike Caliendo for the starting left guard spot. Caliendo entered the starting lineup after Joe Thuney switched to left tackle late in the season.
In my opinion, Suamataia is the better player because I have concerns about Caliendo being the full-time starter this season. Playing alongside Joe Thuney, who served as his mentor on the offensive line, will likely be replaced by either free agent signee Jaylon Moore or 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons.
Regardless of who starts at left tackle or left guard, Creed Humphrey remains at center, and he can help improve some of the early struggles of Suamataia or Caliendo at the position.
To make this work, the responsibility falls on Offensive Line Coach Andy Heck, who lost his coach on the field when Thuney was traded to the Chicago Bears at the start of free agency.
Heck also had the task of developing Suamataia and Wayna Morris into capable left tackles. However, he was unable to complete this task. Now, he faces the challenge of having one of these two offensive linemen secure the position convincingly.
I don’t care who wins the job, but I am rooting for the former BYU standout. He’s a better athlete than Caliendo, and I believe he has the skill set to take advantage of this opportunity, unlike he did a year ago.
The left side of the Chiefs’ offensive line will be crucial to KC’s offense, especially if Mahomes can spend more time reading his progressions or searching for escape lanes.
Suppose Suamataia finds his mojo, regardless of who starts at left tackle. In that case, the Chiefs can salvage their 2024 second-round pick and have a chance to become the offensive lineman they envisioned when drafted last year.
