Why are the Chiefs letting a rookie OT protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side?

The Chiefs expect rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia to guard Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. Athleticism may help the BYU product succeed.

Per Jesse Newell of The Kansas City Star, BYU director of sports science and innovation Skyler Mayne stated the 6-foot-4, 326-pounder clocked 21 mph during a 35-yard sprint in 2022. Mayne’s fastest O-lineman often hit 19 mph.

Mayne believes Suamataia might also share his playbook with Andy Reid.

“They may throw him the ball. Like his ball skills. “Good footwork,” Mayne complimented Newell. “Knowing Andy and those people, I don’t know what they’ll come up with, but whatever, put him in a fullback position, have him lead block on goal line. He could fulfil your needs.”

In a Sunday news conference, Reid said he has faith in the 21-year-old following a good preseason. Per Pro Football Focus, he posted a solid 82.8 pass-blocking grade on 22-pass blocking snaps.

The Chiefs’ season opener against the Ravens on Thursday will be Suamataia’s first test. Baltimore ranks top in the league in sacks (60) last season. He doesn’t look threatened.

“[The Ravens] are a physical team,” Suamataia stated Sunday, per Aaron Ladd of KSHB-TV in Kansas City. “They like playing the bully ball. But you’ve got to just play bully back…be the larger bully to them.”

The Chiefs have battled to stabilise left tackle in recent years. According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, Suamataia will be the fourth left tackle to start for K.C. on opening day since 2018. (The others were Eric Fisher, Orlando Brown Jr. and Donovan Smith.)

Perhaps the second-round pick will become the staple the Chiefs desperately need.

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