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KC Chiefs: 11 players who have impressed this preseason

By Farzin Vousoughian

Aug 20, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) huddles teammates during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) huddles teammates during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 9, 2021; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Wyatt Miller (72) and offensive guard Trey Smith (65) and center Creed Humphrey (52) during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2021; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Wyatt Miller (72) and offensive guard Trey Smith (65) and center Creed Humphrey (52) during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

C Creed Humphrey

After Kansas City’s disappointing showing in the Super Bowl, the franchise knew it needed to shake up the offensive line. After making several changes, which included second-round draft selection Creed Humphrey, the offensive line was going to get a lot of eyes this preseason. So far, the offensive front has looked good.

Humphrey has been a reliable run-blocker in addition to helping give Patrick Mahomes the time he needs in the pocket. The center position is one of the hardest for a rookie to play, making that transition from college football to the NFL. So far, Humphrey has handled that position well. With the Chiefs facing some good defenses in the first couple of weeks, Humphrey will be tested as he anchors this Chiefs offensive line.

Humphrey had a successful college campaign in Oklahoma. He was named second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2018 while being named to first-team in 2019 and 2020 while winning the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award in 2019 and 2020. The Chiefs hope he can have that same level of success in Kansas City.

RG Trey Smith

With Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Kyle Long returning to the NFL this year, many projected one of these two to be the Chiefs starting right guard. However, both vets have suffered injuries, which opened the door for sixth-round draft pick Trey Smith to take over the position.

So far for Smith, he has looked very good for a sixth-round rookie. Like Humphrey, he has been a viable blocker in the preseason.

Despite adding Humphrey in the second round, signing a veteran guard in Joe Thuney and trading for a Pro Bowl left tackle in Orlando Brown, ESPN’s Louis Riddick said before Friday’s game against Arizona that Smith may be the team’s best offensive lineman. Questionable medical records made him drop in the draft, but the Chiefs might have one of the draft’s biggest steals here.

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