KC Chiefs: The six most important training camp battles of 2021
5. Right Guard
Names to Watch: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Trey Smith, Kyle Long
At this point, it is well known that the Chiefs completely revamped their offensive line this offseason. While new additions like Orlando Brown Jr. and Joe Thuney will definitely be on my watch list, there is no camp battle where those guys are concerned. The center position almost made this list (it would be my number seven battle), but I’m convinced that it is Creed Humphrey’s job to lose. Austin Blythe is on a one-year deal, and Humphrey was drafted to be the long term solution, so if he looks ready, he’ll play.
The right guard position is a different story. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has a fantastic story, but he’s been out of football for a year and was coming off his worst season as a starter. Will the year off be a good thing that allowed him to get fully healthy, or could it lead to him getting passed by? Kyle Long looked like he might have a chance to claim the spot, but he couldn’t even it make it out of OTAs without an injury that could linger up to the regular season. If he can come back in time to fight for the job, he shouldn’t be counted out.
The most interesting piece of the puzzle at the position is rookie Trey Smith. Smith has the kind of talent that looks like it could translate to being a good NFL starter, but his health questions caused him to fall all the way to the sixth round. Will those same health concerns make the Chiefs hesitant to throw him in the starting lineup right away? Even if there aren’t any health concerns, will they feel like his technique and understanding of the offense is starting caliber for day one of his rookie year?
The Chiefs don’t need a Pro Bowl caliber player at right guard for this offense to click, they just need someone to step up and be a reliable starter and there are several guys on the roster that may get a shot to do so.
My prediction: I’m guessing the Chiefs will give LDT a chance to prove he can hold down his old spot for one more season. If he looks like he hasn’t lost a step in his year away I think he’s the day one starter. If he looks like he’s struggling and Kyle Long still isn’t ready to go, that could open the door for Trey Smith. The Chiefs also have Andrew Wylie on the roster, but I think we’d all feel better with him coming off the bench.
Next up let’s look at the first defensive battle on this list.