KC Chiefs: Who will likely start the season at right guard?
By Matt Conner
Trey Smith
This is the sexy pick for Chiefs Kingdom, and if we were making odds of what we wanted to see, this would be a column all about Trey Smith and nothing more.
At this point, everyone other than the 31 other NFL general managers have referred to Trey Smith as a steal in a draft in which even the Chiefs overlooked the offensive lineman for five consecutive rounds. Funny how this stuff works, but even the Chiefs seem thrilled with what they’re seeing so far from the former Tennessee star.
Smith’s medicals called his pro prospects into question, but the Chiefs took the leap in the sixth and he’s been heralded as a potential future starter ever since then. Offensive line coach Andy Heck even commented in a recent press conference that Smith has the tools it takes to start. If the Chiefs land their future starter at right guard in the sixth round, then that is definitely a steal.
However, that doesn’t mean that he will be starting the season at right guard just yet. The Chiefs are already flirting with rookies at center and right tackle with Creed Humphrey and Lucas Niang, and the competition is far greater at right guard than other places. Of course, the Chiefs aren’t going to keep the best player from taking over if that’s what Smith proves to be in the preseason, but it’s also hard to see him doing so from day one.
Smith is a good bet for the long-term but if we’re calculating odds to start the season at Week 1, we could see the Chiefs keeping an eye on Smith’s development throughout the season and going with a proven veteran early on. The schedule is toughest on the front end and the Chiefs can’t afford growing pains like rebuilding clubs.
Week 1 Odds: 15%