Early 53-man roster predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2024 NFL Draft
By Matt Conner
OFFENSIVE LINE
Players: Wanya Morris, Jawaan Taylor, Joe Thuney, Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, Kingsley Suamataia, Lucas Niang, Hunter Nourzad, Mike Caliendo
Yes, the Chiefs drafted three new players up front but every single one of them could be called a project and so we're leading with the safest starting five we can conjure.
Morris will be our starting left tackle for now, playing across from Taylor as the team's Week 1 bookends. The All-NFL interior leads the offensive charge here with Humphrey, Thuney, and Smith all likely candidates for Pro Bowl mentions. Smith in particular is headed for a contract season and it's about time for him to break out on a bigger level.
Behind those guys, Suamataia is a swing tackle candidate waiting on his chance to start—something he could definitely earn in the preseason. Then things get interesting because Niang has shown next to nothing in the last two years with less than 70 total reps on offense in that span. Coming into his final year, the Chiefs might be more inclined to give his roster spot to someone who's ready to stick around for some time.
After losing Allegretti, the fight will come down to Nourzad, Caliendo, and seventh-round pick C.J. Hanson, but we'll put Hanson on the PS here.