Chiefs' elite interior line is built for a breakout rushing attack

Maybe the most consistent unit on the Chiefs’ roster over the last 2-3 years, the Chiefs' interior offensive line has been elite. They have arguably the best unit in the NFL, and this year the Chiefs will return all three of their dominant starters, along with several important depth pieces on the line. With the addition of Kenneth Walker in free agency, a running back who loves to run between the tackles, the Chiefs will lean on their three incredible linemen to help lift the offense to new heights.

Kansas City wants to lean on its run game more this season, and with the best center in football and two of the best run blockers in the NFL next to him, there is a lot to be excited about. So what can Chiefs fans expect from the three incredible starters who anchor their offensive line, as well as the depth behind them, for the 2026 season?

Creed Humphrey

Humphrey is hands down the best center in the NFL, and the entire league knows it. From the moment Kansas City called his name in the second round of the draft, Humphrey has been one of the league's most dominant players, not just among centers, but across the league as a whole. There is little to no doubt that Humphrey will be the Chiefs' starting center for the next half-decade, and if his career keeps pace, he will go down as one of the best to ever wear red and gold.

Trey Smith

As if having the NFL's best center was not enough, right next to him on the right side is one of the NFL's most dominant run blockers. Trey Smith is one of the Chiefs’ all-time draft success stories. After being picked in the sixth round, Smith has had an incredible career in Kansas City. There are few better words to describe the way Smith plays than just saying he is a mauler. He is one of the most powerful players in the league, and his ability to make clear-out run blocks is spectacular. He and Humphrey will be the anchors of the Chiefs’ offensive line for many years to come.

Kingsley Suamataia

Once a second-round pick in the 2024 draft, Suamataia was originally viewed as a tackle prospect for Kansas City. But after struggling at tackle as a rookie, Suamataia moved to guard, where he took a massive step forward in 2025. He had big shoes to fill after the departure of Joe Thuney in the offseason, but he filled them seamlessly. As the final starter on the interior of the Chiefs’ offensive line, Suamataia has played exceptionally well and rounds out one of the best units in the league.

Hunter Nourzad

While the starting unit is not in question, there will be an all-out battle for the depth spots on the inside of the Chiefs' offensive line. Nourzad is one of the most experienced players competing for depth spots and is the favorite to land the backup center spot in 2026. While he is seen primarily as a center, Nourzad played guard at Penn State and right tackle at Cornell. While he is likely limited to playing on the interior, Nourzad's versatility at center and guard will be valuable.

CJ Hanson

Following the 2024 draft, Hanson was one of my highest-graded UDFA options coming out of Holy Cross when the Chiefs picked him up. While he did not make the team out of camp, Hanson has held a spot on the Kansas City practice squad and has been promoted to the active roster several times. Hanson is my favorite to be the Chiefs' backup guard in 2026, but he will face significant competition throughout camp. Not having live experience at center could hurt Hanson's chances, but he has taken reps there and (in my humble opinion) is the best guard beyond Suamataia and Smith on the roster, which should be enough for him to crack the Week 1 53-man roster.

Mike Caliendo

Caliendo is the most veteran contender for a backup interior offensive line spot, having been with the Chiefs for five years now. Similar to Hanson, Caliendo is primarily a guard with limited experience at tackle, but his experience in the system could give him an edge in camp. Over the years, Caliendo has rotated in at left and right guard and even started for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, while also providing depth for Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII. He may be the most likely man for the job, but he will have to earn it.

Pete Nygra

One of the first UDFA signings the Chiefs made this offseason was Nygra, a center prospect out of Louisville. At 6-4, 300 lbs., Nygra's size profile is a weird fit in the NFL. He is a bit tall to be a center and a bit thin to play guard. But despite the size concerns, Nygra held his own at Louisville against some of the nation's best defensive linemen in the ACC. He is likely competing for a practice squad spot in 2026.

Josh Thompson

Thompson is the final guard-only prospect who will compete with Caliendo and Hanson for a spot on the opening-day roster. Thompson weighs in at 6-5, 315 lbs., and that size will play in the NFL. On film, I was disappointed with Thompson’s ability to generate power, but he was a consistent and reliable pass protector. If the Chiefs are looking for a younger, cheaper alternative to Caliendo, a good camp from Thompson could throw a wrench into the Chiefs’ roster plans.

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