Chiefs draft grades: Rating every pick in the 2024 NFL Draft
Round 2 - Pick 63 - Kingsley Suamataia - OT - BYU - 6'4" - 326 pounds
Value: Kingsley Suamataia was the #43 player on the Consensus Big Board. The Chiefs got him 20 spots later in the draft—a nice value at any point in the draft, but it's especially good for this early. Many people felt that Suamataia could slip into the end of the first round, potentially even to Kansas City. I mocked Suamataia to the Chiefs after the NFL Combine.
Need: You could make a strong argument that a long-term solution at left tackle was the number one thing that the Chiefs were most in need of entering the draft. Suamataia definitely fills that need.
Fit with the Chiefs: The Chiefs have a type when it comes to their offensive tackles. They prefer tackles with 34-inch arms or longer and if those long arms are attached to a large body with good movement skills then you fit their mold. Suamataia checks all of those boxes.
Athletic Profile: Suamataia has a 9.4/10 RAS. His 5.04 forty time put him in the 91st percentile of offensive tackles. He also posted an impressive 31 bench press reps. You often don't see those top bench press numbers from players with the arm length that the Chiefs prefer (because you literally have to press the weight farther). Suamataia has both good lateral movement and straight-line speed for a man his size.
Age: Suamataia is also just 21 years old. The fact that he is one of the youngest players in this draft and has all the physical tools you would look for in a starting left tackle makes him a very promising player to try and develop.
Film: The good news is that all the physical tools that we just discussed come through on tape. He moves incredibly well and he has the power needed when he gets his technique right. The bad news is that his technique and processing still need work. If the Chiefs can coach those parts of his game up, he'll be a very good starting left tackle.
What Do the Numbers and Experts Say?: Despite his questionable technique, Suamataia only allowed 2 total sacks on 742 pass-blocking snaps over the past two seasons because of his natural size and athleticism. The Pro Football Focus Draft Guide gave him really high scores on all the things you can't teach: toughness, power at the point of attack, athleticism, foot speed, and anchor ability. They also gave him poor scores for offensive line IQ and hand technique. That's where the Chiefs have to get him right.
Draft Grade: A
The Chiefs filled a major position of need with a young player valued 20 spots higher on the consensus board than where they took him. He has all the physical tools to be a great starting left tackle. Yes, he needs development, but if he didn't the Chiefs wouldn't have been able to draft him at pick 63. The fact that he is one of the youngest tackles in the draft makes that development all the more likely. It's easy to see why most people are giving this pick a high grade.