Kansas City Chiefs coaches give Bryan Witzmann a real chance
By Matt Conner
It’s too early to read much into it but Bryan Witzmann is handling first team left guard duties so far in camp while Parker Ehinger is out for the Chiefs.
On paper, the starting left guard job for the Kansas City Chiefs belongs to Parker Ehinger. Last year’s fourth round pick stepped right into the role in training camp and only let go due to injury. Last November, Ehinger tore his ACL in a game against the Indianapolis Colts, and the Chiefs knew for some time now that he wouldn’t be ready for training camp. What’s interesting is who they’ve given the starters reps to in his place: Bryan Witzmann.
Up until a week ago, Bryan Witzmann was a back-up swing tackle with a massive frame and a journeyman’s resume. At 6’7, 320 lbs., Witzmann has garnered attention from several teams and has earned time on the practice squad for the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys and others. But he’s found a longer-term home with the Chiefs, and new general manager Brett Veach even signed Witzmann to an extension this week to keep him in K.C. through 2018.
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Veach isn’t the only one who felt positive about Witzmann, as head coach Andy Reid is going with Witzmann as his starting guard while Ehinger is out. If this sounds like a fairly big deal, it is. It means that Witzmann is beating out guys who have a lot more experience than he does, several with dozens of starts. Veterans like Jah Reid, Zach Fulton, Mike Person and Andrew Tiller are all sitting with the second team at this point while Witzmann grabs the reps while Ehinger’s out—an unforeseen development for most.
If Witzmann can develop, it’s a worthy move for the Chiefs who can enjoy a cheaper, developmental player who might be around for a bit. Fulton will be a free agent after this year. Reid is already pricey and could be a potential cut if the Chiefs wanted a bit of breathing room. Tiller and Person all have experience, but are both league average performers. It makes sense to see if the ceiling is higher with Witzmann heading into the season.