As the 2024 NFL draft approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs still have some work to do to solidify a key position on the offensive side of the ball.
Last year's starting left tackle, Donovan Smith, remains a free agent. Right now, it's looking like former 2023 third-round pick, Wanya Morris, will get the first stab at earning the job as Patrick Mahomes' blindside protector.
Morris started four games for the Chiefs from Week 14 through Week 17 in place of Smith last season. Chiefs HC Andy Reid spoke about that experience for Morris on Monday.
"I thought it was a good introduction for him," Reid said. "Coming in and having that experience and (starting) in four games. He has an even better feel now for this offseason and what's going to be expected of him when he gets back and is put in that spot. So, you know, there's got to be an improvement. There's got to be an urgency there, which I know he feels."
Morris was responsible for 2 sacks, 18 other pressures, and a penalty in those four starts. He was a serviceable replacement for Smith while the veteran was injured, but Morris was hardly a surefire answer at the left tackle position that the team has sought. The Chiefs aim for improvement there, and Morris is already hard at work with Phase I of the offseason program underway.
"So, he's back in town here and working," Reid said. "When he wasn't here, he was down in Dallas working out, where a lot of players go. Quite a few offensive linemen are down there doing the same thing. He was able to get in that mix and work with those guys, so it looks like he's in pretty good shape right now."
The Dallas workouts aren't the same ones Patrick Mahomes hosts for pass-catchers. Reid is likely talking about workouts with renowned offensive line coach Duke Manyweather, who also works with Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey. It's that type of work Morris is getting after that could set him apart from a draft pick or even a veteran free agent signing after the 2024 NFL draft. He might have a clear path to the starting job as things currently stand, but there will be competition ahead. If he wants it, he's going to have to earn it.
"I think he understands what it takes to be an every-down guy at that spot," Reid said. "Again, there will be competition and he's got to make sure he takes care of business there."
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