How much will the Kansas City Chiefs draft class make?
By Matt Conner
Kahlil McKenzie (No. 198 overall)
2018 cap hit: $504K
Total contract amount (through 2021): $2.5M (total)
Kahlil McKenzie is making several transitions these days. He’s going from the college to the pros. He’s going from a family filled with Raiders fans to playing for the Chiefs. He’s also making the leap from defensive lineman to offensive front.
The Chiefs just lost Zach Fulton this offseason because they could not afford to keep him despite his value as a versatile back-up along the offensive line. Fulton could step in and play center or guard without much of a drop in play, even at a moment’s notice, and the Houston Texans richly rewarded him with a four year contract worth up to $28 million.
Enter another sixth round choice out of Tennessee who the Chiefs hope will become that sort of inexpensive yet invaluable option. Kahlil McKenzie is already taking reps at both center and guard during rookie minicamp, and it will be interesting to watch how he fares during preseason play when he’s likely to get plenty of reps.
If McKenzie can be ready as a reserve, he becomes Fulton 2.0, which as Chiefs fans know, is a much bigger role than folks outside K.C. might realize.