Checking In on the Chiefs’ Investments at Offensive Tackle

During the offseason, offensive tackles were a massive discussion point for the Kansas City Chiefs. Both of their starting tackles in Super Bowl LVII were free agents, and decisions had to be made on their future. Instead of keeping one or both, Kansas City brought three new offensive tackles into the fold. Through 11 games of the ensuing season, the results have been uninspiring. What's remaining of the year will be important in determining the approach moving forward at tackle.

The significant addition was Jawaan Taylor from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor was coming off his best season as a pro and was elite in pass protection during the 2022 season, appearing as an improving young player and an outstanding athlete. His Chiefs career could not have gotten off to a more frustrating start. It wasn't because he played poorly, but instead due to a commentator deciding to pick on him for something that had become common with offensive tackles across the league. This led to many penalties in the second week of the season, which has continued to be a trend throughout the year.

Taylor leads the NFL in penalties and is the only player in the league in the double digits. It has soured Chiefs fans' perspective on him. He has been constantly getting called for penalties, and it seemed to have potentially been in his head during the middle portion of the season. Things have settled down for Taylor in the last couple of weeks, and he is playing similarly to how he started the season. While he's not at the level he was in the 2022 season, his pass protection has been some of the best in the league.

Flipping over to the left side, the Chiefs signed Donovan Smith after the draft to "compete" for a starting spot on the roster. However, it never seemed to be a competition as Smith was getting the starting reps since the beginning and was never rotated out. Coming off a down year, there was an expectation that he would bounce back by getting fully healthy and into a new situation. That hasn't panned out. Currently, the left tackle has given up the second most pressures in the league with 41 according to Pro Football Focus. Ironically enough, the only player who has given up more is former Kansas City left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.

In context, the Chiefs basically made a lateral move on the field for a way cheaper player. That's a win for the front office. However, the standard should be different from getting by with a below-average tackle to protect the greatest player in the sport. Smith looks especially poor when he loses, and it's highly detrimental to the play. Sometimes, you'll even see him just standing watching in the middle of the play. This isn't to bag on the player because he's brought toughness and attitude to the Chiefs' offensive line, but his play hasn't warranted an investment past this season.

The player who may have an argument for getting some playing time is third-round rookie Wanya Morris. With the addition of Smith, it seemed like Morris would have a "redshirt" rookie season. However, after Prince Tega-Wanogho went down with an injury, Morris has become Kansas City's swing tackle. We even saw him play some snaps at left tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. He looked good in his limited snaps, especially in the run game. He brought a powerful presence that the offensive line could use in short-yardage situations.

It'll be interesting to see how Kansas City handles the tackle situation for the rest of the season. Do they allow Morris to start, as he could be part of the long-term plan? Most fans might welcome it, as Smith has played at a replaceable level. Either way, the Chiefs will probably look to add another tackle through the draft, either to compete as a starter at left tackle or as depth.