As the Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2024 season with hopes of securing a third consecutive Super Bowl title, one of the key questions surrounding the team was the left tackle position. In 2023, veteran Donovan Smith had served as a stopgap at the spot, but with Smith no longer in the picture, the Chiefs were left with two second-year players, Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia, as their primary options.
Both Morris and Suamataia, drafted in the second round, were seen as projects, each with raw talent but in need of development before stepping into an NFL starting role. Morris, who had gained some starting experience in 2023 filling in for Smith, was widely expected to have the inside track to secure the job. However, an injury sidelined Morris early in training camp, allowing Suamataia to take the first-team reps, which he held throughout the preseason. When the season began, Morris found himself as a backup.
Suamataia’s performance in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens was encouraging. Despite facing a relatively weak pass rush, the rookie showed he could handle the left tackle duties, surprising many considering his rawness coming out of BYU. It raised the question of whether he was ready to contribute sooner than expected.
However, Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals presented a stark contrast. Suamataia struggled mightily against veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who repeatedly beat him off the edge and with interior moves. Suamataia’s struggles made it clear that the Chiefs’ offense couldn’t function effectively with him at left tackle. Recognizing the issue, head coach Andy Reid replaced Suamataia with Morris in the third quarter, and Morris has started every game since.
Morris has shown steady improvement, though he still has work to do in pass protection. His tendency to keep his hips closed and lunge at rushers has occasionally put him in compromising positions. Despite these flaws, Morris has been effective in both run blocking and pass protection, using his long arms and sturdy base to handle power rushers. Overall, he’s held his own and provided stability to the Chiefs’ offensive line.
That said, Morris isn’t without his weaknesses. While he occasionally loses to pass rushers around the edge, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been able to adjust. In contrast, Suamataia struggles with multiple pass-rush techniques, making it harder for Mahomes to operate behind him, especially when pressure can come from all directions.
Morris’ knee injury in Week 10, which limited him to just 13 snaps against the Denver Broncos, raised new concerns. Suamataia returned to action but once again struggled when left alone in pass protection. His lack of progress from earlier in the season became evident, and the Chiefs’ offense faltered as a result. Fortunately, Morris returned to the field later in the game, and despite being less than 100%, the team managed to hold off the Broncos.
With the possibility of further injuries to Morris, the Chiefs face a difficult decision. If Suamataia is called upon to start again, especially in a high-stakes game, can the Chiefs’ offense function effectively? While it’s still early in Suamataia’s career, his performance thus far suggests he may not be ready for significant roles in critical games, particularly in the postseason.
The Chiefs should consider adding a veteran tackle for depth and insurance, especially given the potential for injuries. The return of someone like Donovan Smith could provide the stability and experience the team needs should Morris be sidelined again.
Looking ahead, there’s still hope for Suamataia’s long-term development. Despite his struggles, I believe his potential remains high, and with further coaching, he could evolve into a standout player. However, his current limitations make it clear that relying on him in the postseason could be a risk. As the Chiefs aim to make another Super Bowl run, general manager Brett Veach and the front office must evaluate their options and ensure they have a reliable backup plan at left tackle.