The offensive tackle who ran 21.5 MPH during a college football game was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2nd round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Kingsley Suamataia, asf stud left tackle out of BYU, became a Kansas City Chief due to a draft-day trade with their most recent Super Bowl opponents.
Often mocked as the Chiefs' first-round selection, Kingsley and the Chiefs are a match made in heaven. His hyper-athletic traits pair perfectly with Andy Reid's outside-zone running scheme and pass-first tendencies. Not only that, but his arm length meets Chiefs general manager Brett Veach's requirements (34").
While Kingsley will not dominate in the run game like former Chiefs tackle Orlando Brown Jr., he will certainly be a more effective pass protector.
Kingsley Suamataia since 2022:
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) April 27, 2024
701 pass-blocking snaps
24 QB pressures allowed
2 sacks allowed
🧱 pic.twitter.com/HeiIwC2jKl
The Chiefs' need for a tackle has been touted as a priority since the departure of former All-Pro tackles Eric Fisher and Mitch Schwartz. However, third-round selections of developmental prospects and 1-year deals on older veterans have been Veach's only moves to shore up the position. That changed on Friday with Suamataia's selection. He is still a developmental prospect, however, his fit with the team and natural ability make him a much better fit than previous attempts to fill the position.
Chiefs fans have to be happy with this selection, not only because left tackle prospects with this much talent don't usually fall this far in the draft, but because with the selection, Kansas City bolsters a position of need with a top-10 tackle prospect. Considering that GM Brett Veach took future superstar wide receiver Xavier Worthy in round 1, and has now selected an incredible talent at the only other position of need, thereby allowing KC to draft the best player available, this pick has to be given the ever-elusive A++ grade.
Instant Grade: A++